Hi Sidekicks!
How’s your events planning coming along?
Today I’m going to share with you one of the key links to a successful event!
Like any event, having an MC (Master of Ceremony) or an Announcer is as important as having the cold drinks cold and the hot drinks hot! (Get what I mean? It’s important!)
If you haven’t already realized it yet, the MC is the face of the event! No use having the nicest décor or the best food (although this can greatly help cover things up) but at the same time having an MC that is not prepared or up to standard.
Why?
Simple. It is because the guests will judge the event by how your MC performs. Yes. Believe it or not, this is the brutal honest truth. They don’t care whether you are the most highly sought after events planner in the world but if your MC is not doing a good job, the event will be seen as a failure in their eyes.
Simply said, the host/emcee is more important than the events planner!
So invest your time and resources into getting a good MC! And if you follow the points below you might just get yourself one and also save some money!
Here are some pointers when choosing an MC or Announcer:
1. Experience – This is important although not the main deciding factor. There are other great up and coming potential MCs out there who just need a platform to shine. The key is to be the first few to identify their talent and capabilities and you will be rewarded with cost saving! I’m sure in the long run when he/she is fully experienced you’d definitely receive loyalty discount when his fees increases.
2. Charisma – This is straightforward. Your MC needs to have charisma! He needs to be able to connect with the guest and speak their language. This job is not suitable for someone who is shy. Only thick-skinned personalities may apply. :] And he has to be funny!!! And if it’s for a formal even he needs to be witty!!! Coz you know why? Guest wants to feel good. They already make their time coming and all they want is to feel good be it even for a rigid formal event. (e.g. a convocation)
3. Knowledgeable – And of course your MC needs to be knowledgeable. I like to liken this to being street smart. He needs to know what’s happening around the world or at least what’s happening in the local context. This trait of an MC would be useful as it can help him to connect all the dots! (e.g. what people say, do, react)
4. Reactive – And finally he needs to be on-the-ball, quick-on-his-feets, eager-beaver, steady-believer and go-getter. The type that thinks it’s always never enough and everything can be improved. In short, highly motivated!
So now you must be asking me, “How am I going about identifying these traits?”
One way I do it is by having a chat. Plan out what you are going to ask and talk about and lean those questions to things you want to find out bout him. Mainly the 4 traits mentioned above.
Confuse?
Here’s a quick example.
Experience – Ask how long have he been an emcee, his biggest event done and his strength. Also do mention to him that it is ok if he doesn’t have enough experience.
Charisma – This can be determined when you are talking to him.
Knowledgeable – Ask things like what is the latest movie he has watched or discuss some interesting current issue and ask his opinion. Or maybe talk about the new shopping center that has just opened. And see whether he is familiar with those places.
Reactive – Have a scenario planned. Tell him that you are going to give him a scenario and he has to react to it immediately. Example, what will he do if somebody accidentally slip and fall while walking. How is he going to not make the victim feels embarrass, what will he say, etcetera.
Got some idea? Great!
Regards,
Mudd
P.S. One other trick that I use is to look at my own circle of friends. I’m sure you have one of those quirky, wacky, noisy, fun friends around. They make good MCs! Trust me, I know. :]
