A great emcee is key to a great program. Yet, like many roles in life, a great MC is subtle and usually remembered as the star of the event.

However, a few missteps can cause you to be remembered for something that you might not want to be.

Here are some tips to consider as you MC your next meeting…

KNOW YOUR ROLE

Your role as an MC is a tour guide. You will greet the audience, help them navigate the program

elements with clarity and timeliness, and lead them to the final destination.

A WARM BUT STRONG WELCOME

This is a time you HAVE to be assertive. You have to muster up a commanding voice and welcome

the room with confidence. No one wants to go on the tour with a person who is not in command of

the tour. Smile and be kind as well. A good welcome can feature a few elements:

● Gather attention and Welcome

● Give a clear explanation of the Organization or event Purpose

● Preview the Night

● Highlight a Key Feature of the Event

TRANSITION WELL

When transitioning it’s often good to start by summarizing what the people just saw. Donʼt does it for

every detail of the program but it is good for the bigger elements. It is often good to thank a speaker

too. Then explain with vision why the next segment matters. Lastly, introduce the next element or

speaker.

SUMMARIZE AND CLOSE

Give any announcements that need to be given.

You can give a recap of the highlights of the night but donʼt overdo it.

You could share how you were impacted, what you learned, or what you were challenged by.

Summarize the purpose of the event again.

CLOSING STATEMENT: Thanks people for coming.

OTHER TIPS

Smile, smile, smile some more. Smiles cue the audience to have a more positive time.

Use a commanding voice.

Donʼt be funny BUT be clear. Unless you know you are funny, then be funny in spots. But be clear.

Prepare: Write down a script on a notecard on the notes app on your phone.

Introduce yourself to the speaker ahead of time and make sure you know how to introduce them.

When you MC your next event, remember your job as the “Tour Guide” for the event. Keep a few of these other tips in mind and then smile and go for it!