The master of ceremony, also known as a master of ceremonies, MC, or emcee, is a person who acts as the event’s facilitator and host. In general, he or she will perform a variety of tasks, some of which will involve interacting with guests and others that will involve working behind the scenes. An effective emcee, in general, has a warm and inviting personality, is articulate, and can relate to and work well with others.
In many ways, a wedding master of ceremony is similar to a wedding planner. This person frequently works behind the scenes to line up the wedding party and officiating officers, coordinate the music, and ensure that the actual ceremony runs smoothly. He or she may also coordinate traditions such as the bride’s dance with her father, the newlywed couple’s first dance, the formation of the reception line, and even introduce any entertainment offered at the event at the reception.
This person is frequently called upon to give a speech at weddings, banquets, and awards shows. The speech could be about the purpose of the gathering or it could be about sharing important information about the honoree who is the center of attention. In general, speeches are focused, to-the-point, and kept brief. This keeps the event moving forward and reduces the likelihood that the audience or participants will become bored with the proceedings.
Not everyone has what it takes to be a good master of ceremonies. Because much of the work entails communicating with others, this person must be articulate in both word choice and pronunciation. A successful emcee will also have a friendly and approachable demeanor, making it easier to connect with everyone in the audience. He or she must also have excellent organizational skills and a clear sense of timing, as these qualities have a significant impact on how much the attendees enjoy the event.