The Master of Ceremonies Role

a.      Before the Event :

·         A successful Master of Ceremonies is thoroughly prepared. Meet with organizers well in advance of the event to confirm the purpose of the event and the planned agenda in detail.

·         If possible contact all speakers or others who will have a role in the  program and confirm their responsibilities, time allotted to them and anything they might require at the event. In preparation for introducing key speakers contact them to find out the title/topic of their presentation and some background information on them. Use this information to prepare your introduction of the speaker.

·      Find out if there will be any special guests in attendance who should be acknowledged at the event.

b.      At the Event

"Preside with sincerity , energy and decisiveness. Take your audience on a pleasant journey and make them feel that all is going well".

Toastmasters International, When You Are the Toastmaster :

1.      Arrive early in order to finish any last minute details. Check with speakers and other meeting participants to make sure all their requirements are in place (if not take steps to address any problems if you can) and in case there are any last minute changes.

2.      Confirm whether expected special guests are indeed in attendance.

3.      Have an agenda and plan to stick to it. If there is not a formal agenda consider preparing a detailed script for yourself outlining everything you have to do, a timetable, including breaks, so that you will know what is supposed to happen when and so you won't forget something important.

4.      Start on time and plan to end on time.

5.      Be prepared.
While you can plan well, things can run amuck. Be aware that this can happen and have a possible strategy to address problems that might occur. The ideal MC is resourceful, creative, flexible and able to respond to problems "on the fly".

Opening Comments

1.      Welcome all present.

If there are any special guests, officials, politicians or others of note they should be acknowledged in the welcome.

For example, "Good evening, Your Worship, Mayor Brown, Ladies and Gentlemen..."

2.      Introduce yourself, even if you think everyone should know who you are.

3.      Remind the audience of why they have come -- the reason for the event and what you hope to achieve or accomplish at the event. Is the goal entertainment, to celebrate someone's accomplishments, or to conduct official business?

4.      Outline the upcoming program briefly.

c.       During the Program

·         As the Master of Ceremonies you are responsible for introducing every speaker and others who are playing a role in the program at the event. A proper introduction is important to the success of a speaker's presentation so have a good introduction prepared prior to the event for all key speakers. The more important the role played by the individual, the more extensive your introduction should be.

·         Once you have completed your introduction of a speaker, lead the applause for the speaker and continue applauding until they reach the lectern/podium.  

·         The MC serves as the informal "timekeeper" for the speaker. If a speaker is exceeding their allotted time, you. can slip them a note asking them to please finish quickly.

·         When the speaker has finished this/her presentation lead the applause until the speaker is seated.

·         Before you proceed on to the next portion of the program it is appropriate to thank the speaker for their presentation.  If possible make reference to some aspect of the talk which you found particularly important or moving (this shows that you were listening and also confirms the value of the speaker's presentation).

d.      After the Event

Following an event it is appropriate to send a note of thanks to all who contributed to the success of the event in a major way.  In particular speakers should be thanked for their contribution.  This correspondence should be sent within two weeks of the event. If you do not carry out this task someone key in the organization that sponsored the event should perform this very important courtesy.

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