Send in the Ringmaster

Working with a Professional MC.

Do you remember going to the circus as a kid? Afterwards, you probably reminisced about the jugglers, clowns, daring lion tamers and trapeze artists. But did you remember the ringmaster? Probably not, but could you imagine a circus without one? Chaos as animals and entertainers collide, boring interludes while the wires and equipment are sorted, and worst of all, no warm welcome or witty repartee.

Like the ringmaster, the professional Master of Ceremony (MC) is your insurance against chaos. He or she can energise your event to be exceptional, and must manage the people, functions and protocol, which all contribute to the experience.
Celebrity agent, Max Markson says: “A good MC is vital to the success of the event, they will make or break your day”. So what is a ‘good MC’ and how do you recognise one?

>> Send In The Ringmaster, Meeting Services

Camille Valvo* brings many years of experience to her role as a MC and accredited speaker. Here are a few tips.

1. Pre-Event Planning
Pre-event, you want a totally professional approach which includes the necessary homework and preparation required for your event. To use an old Broadway phrase, “if it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage”. Once briefed, they should understand the objectives, theme and team they will be working with, and be willing to share their expertise to support you.

2. Experience and Expertise
How much will it cost your business if your event is poorly hosted? At a recent awards evening, the MC thought he too should celebrate with a few drinks, and almost fell off the stage. A professional MC has integrity, flexibility and is not a prima donna, and you will find one through relevant industry groups, speaker’s bureaux and the National Speakers Association.
In the hands of a good MC, the audience will be oblivious to hitches even if there’s a riot backstage. When the guest speaker was more than an hour late to a lively Christmas function, I took the microphone out into the audience and conducted on the spot ‘Christmas wish list’ interviews. It was hilarious and filled the spot perfectly but please note that this is not a trick for the inexperienced MC! A professional MC can handle contingencies. They need to have an eye for detail as well as management skills to ensure the program is on time and on track.

3. Engage the Audience
Mentioning the ample cleavage of the upcoming speaker is one (very unprofessional!) way to engage the audience, as happened at a business function recently. The CEO or HR manager may deliver your objectives; but a professional MC can go beyond to creatively inform, entertain and motivate your delegates. Janette Beedell, organises the largest annual event in Australia, for the Financial Planning Association of Australia. She looks for an MC who can effectively open and close, as well as highlight relevant points and outcomes from the speaker’s presentation. Whether it’s 200 or 2,000, engaging the audiences’ attention and relating to them is paramount.

4. Add Value
You can save on your event budget with an MC who offers more than just good introductions. A professional can double as an interviewer, facilitator or debate moderator, or may offer tailored trivia, teambuilding activities and energisers that can add fun and variety for your delegates. Post-event feedback or ‘Conference Keepers’ from your MC, can also be valuable for your future event planning.

5. Success without Stress
As the organiser, you are juggling a lot of balls, and your credibility hinges on the success of the event. When you work with a professional MC, you can relax and concentrate on what you do best. Your event will come to life and your objectives delivered successfully.

Every event deserves to be managed professionally, don’t leave yours in the hands of clowns. Send in a professional MC for a truly unforgettable, stress free event.

*Camille Valvo, MC and accredited speaker was the 2006 President of the National Speakers Association, NSW Chapter. Camille has co-authored a unique MC learning resource, “How to MC almost Anything”, audio CD. See www.emcee.com.au or phone 0418 403 062 for more information.