INTRODUCTION
Being a Master of Ceremonies (M.C.) or
giving a speech can be fun if a person
understands what is expected of him and has
the knowledge of what to say, as well as how
to say it. According to the World Book
Encyclopedia Dictionary, an M.C. is a person
in charge of a ceremony or entertainment
who makes sure that all parts of the program
take place in proper order. At a club dance
the speaker may make the announcements for
the evening and introduce special guests. At
meetings a person may want to speak on
subjects that are brought up before the
assembly. At festivals or big affairs, the
M.C. may have the job of introducing many
callers and special guests, some of whom the
M.C. may not know. By following a few
rules and practice, the part of an M.C. can be
fun.
SELECTING AN M.C.
The selection of an M.C. is a very important
job. Not everyone makes a good M.C.
Remember when selecting the M.C. that the
objective is to keep the program moving in
accordance with the established program plan
and schedule.
RESEARCH AND
COMMUNICATION
If you have been selected to be an M.C.,
communicate with the leaders of the activity
so you will know what is expected of you,
then do your homework. If you must
introduce people you don't know, find out all
you can about them. Prepare your cards or
notes. Research all announcing details and
prepare all information to be communicated.
When you have prepared your plan, check
again with the leaders for last minute
changes.
VOICE
The prime tool of an M.C. is the voice and
the method of presentation. An excellent
way to practice is to use a cassette recorder
and tape yourself in front of a full-length
mirror. After you tape yourself several times
you'll soon become accustomed to how you
sound and obviously how you sound and
look to others. Proper breathing will help
you to relax and gain confidence. Speak
clearly and as briefly as you can. Monotone
is a danger to guard against. Make you
presentations dynamic, sincere and pleasing
to the listeners.
MICROPHONE TECHNIQUES
A microphone is an expensive instrument and
is a necessary tool for the caller. When a
person is asked to make announcements, ask
your caller to show you where to hold the
mike and how far to hold it from your mouth.
A caller is knowledgeable about this own
equipment and can quickly demonstrate how
to use it. Check to see if the mike is on, one
of the easiest ways is to ask someone ahead
of time to let you know if he can hear you.
Banging or even tapping on the head of a
mike may damage it, and even snapping one's
fingers in front of it can be disconcerting.
The purpose of a mike is to amplify the
voice, so there's never a need to shout into it.
At the conclusion of your talk, hand the mike
back to the caller or lay it down very gently,
preferably on a protective padding or in its
case.
RESPONSIBILITIES
It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to
perform as an M.C. at any function. The first
responsibility as an M.C. is to the audience.
The M.C. should never perform in any
manner that might discredit them. An M.C.
needs to be prepared. One secret of public
speaking is for the announcer to sound as if
he is talking "off the cuff" while knowing
exactly what he intends to say. The M.C.
may not be responsible for the sound but he
should monitor the floor for first hand
knowledge of sound problems and if
necessary aid in the adjustment of speakers,
etc.
An M.C. sets the stage and pace of the
program, welding it together so the audience
has the feeling of attending a well-planned
presentation.