Chapter 1 The Roles of A Master of Ceremonies Flashcards
History of Master of Ceremonies
The first official use of the term Master of Ceremonies was
around 6th century at the Papal Court. The Master of
Ceremonies was responsible for the proper conduct of the
elaborate rituals and sacred liturgy.
Sometimes the role is referred to as the Protocol Officer of the Court. In the early days, many monarchies had a Master of Ceremonies in their courts to perform the specific duties of events.
Today the Master of Ceremonies, (aka Emcee, MC or Compere) acts as a performer, speaker, or event organizer. Their functions are to keep the event flowing seamlessly and to entertain the audience continuously. This is a key factor in success.
What is a Master of Ceremonies?
A Master of ceremonies is a person who performs the role of a host at an event. This person can be a professional Master of
Ceremonies or a volunteer. Whether the person is paid or not, their duties are the same. The Master of Ceremonies is sometimes called the Emcee, MC, Compere, Host, Toastmaster of the Evening (Day) or just Mr. Toastmaster or Mr Emcee.
What is the role of a Master of Ceremonies?
The role varies according to the function or event. Generally, an Emcee performs more than one role at any event.
The roles of a Master of Ceremonies or Emcee:
Deliver welcome address (optional). Give a memorable closing (optional). Introduce speakers. Explain and execute the programme. Act as an intermediary between organiser and audience. Act as a friendly host. Understand the event and programme thoroughly. Understand stage management. Be familiar with event protocol. Build up the energy and momentum. Other ad hoc duties.
Deliver a welcome address
Generally, the welcome address is reserved for a leading member of the organising committee. The chairman or vice chairman might be an appropriate person to do the honour. In the event that no one from the organising committee takes up the challenge, the responsibility falls on the Emcee.
The welcome speech is the critical segment which kicks off the entire programme. Therefore, it’s highly advisable to plan and prepare this speech prior to the event.
Deliver a closing address
This segment of the programme should be handled by the next important person of the organising committee. The closing address is just as important as the welcome address because it includes a summary of the whole event. Sometimes, it also includes a “thank you” part where the speaker would openly acknowledge members of the organising committee.
Introduce speakers
This is an important responsibility of an Emcee. The Emcee must
know how to introduce speakers effectively. There are techniques and methods which the Emcee must master to deliver the introduction effectively. Surprisingly, many professional and freelancing Emcees are unable to do it well. For instance, we know that reading from a script is not as effective as speaking extemporaneously but many still read from a script.
Explain and Execute Programme
The Emcee must explain the programme to the audience so they know what’s in store for them. Once an audience is excited about an event, they will accept last-minute changes only if they are necessary.
The Emcee is also the Commander-in-Chief of the event. He/she
directs the event from the stage and calls the shots.
Act as an intermediary between the organizer and
the audience
An Emcee is an intermediary between the organiser and the
audience. The organising committee needs someone to execute the programme. This role falls to the Emcee who directs the event from the stage. The organiser plans the programme, and the Emcee executes it.
Act as a friendly host
Every event needs a host. Often this role goes to the Master of Ceremonies. The Emcee shoulders the important responsibility of showcasing the event to the guests. The Emcee must possess the skills to charm the audience and warm up to the guests.
Understand the event and programme thoroughly
The host must understand the event and its related programme.
He/she must play the part of entertaining, enthralling and/or
enriching the audience. Understanding the event and its related
programme will help the Emcee to plan what to do and say. The
Emcee must lead and ensure the success of the event.
Understand stage management
Invariably, in many events, such as a wedding or awards ceremony stage management is part and parcel of a larger event. An Emcee must know how to complement this part of the ceremony on the stage. The Emcee’s ability to run the stage management smoothly and to capture the audience’s attention on stage will enhance the success of the event.
Be familiar with event protocol
The bigger the event, the more complex the protocol is likely to be. Protocol is the social etiquette of an event. It is the Emcee’s duty to acknowledge the VIPs among the audience, understand the social etiquette, and set the tone for the success of the event. The need for proper protocol is even more important in our context as a multicultural and multiracial society.
Build Up the Energy and Momentum
An Emcee must have the versatility and resources to bring energy to the event. At times the setting, the ambience and the mood of the event must be changed to enliven the spirit of the audience. This is the moment of truth for the Emcee where they prove they can transform the mood and energise the audience with humour, music and games.
