BEING THE MC (Master of Ceremonies) / INTRODUCING THE SPEAKER

 

(the words “speaker” and “presenter” are interchangeable)

Introductions are often not done well so it is important that if you are the presenter to ensure that the MC introduces you as you want to be introduced.  Write out your introduction for the MC.  Conversely as an MC you should ask the presenter how they want to be introduced and suggest that they write it out themselves.

Why have an introduction – even if the speaker is known to the audience 

To make it clear what is happening and to explain that one of the group is about to lead the thinking. 

To announce the speaker’s objective or reason for speaking so as the audience can understand the relevance in the big picture and turn their mind towards the subject.

To advise the audience of the speaker’s authority and special knowledge ie credibility.

To provide a transition from one segment / presentation to another.

Set the stage and tone of what is to be presented.

A good introduction should always be brief and will always include:

The speaker’s name (verify pronunciation before).

Speech title, if appropriate.

Objectives and timing, if appropriate eg in a speaking club or training environment.

Some comment after the speech (“thank you” is sufficient but whatever you say avoid evaluating it, leave that to the audience as the MC must remain neutral).

Never: 

 Leave the lectern unattended.  There should always be someone in control.

Upstage the speaker.  Generally, the MC should be like a sports umpire.  They are important but they aren’t the star.  They should only be the star when the presenters are boring and the room needs energy.

Reveal too much of the content.

Surprise the speaker or the audience.

Measure the level of the speaker’s ability before or after the presentation.  Credibility can be given without saying for example that “this guy is a great speaker”.  Stick to the facts, eg: “our next speaker is an experienced speaker having given key note presentations to large multi national corporations such as Ford and Coca Cola in the past year.  At Coca Cola he spoke in front of 2,000 executives from all parts of the USA.”  This is stating the facts and making it obvious what his credentials are without saying he is a great speaker and building up excessive expectation levels in the audience or placing undue pressure on the speaker.  You could be witty and go on to say that “they thought he was the real thing” or “it” or whatever is the Coca Cola catch phrase of the moment.

Use cliches (I would like to, without further ado).  For example “our next speaker is Leo Bateman” is better than “I would like to introduce our next speaker Leo Bateman” or “without further ado let me introduce our next speaker”.  Short and sharp phrases, without excessive words, adds punch to the overall session and is uplifting and will help create an ambiance where the presenters are more likely to be memorable.  Keep things moving swiftly and in a polished manner.  Better too quick than too slow.  It can be inspiring. 

Make the introduction longer than the presentation.  It should never be longer than a minute and generally 30 seconds would be adequate.

Always try to:

Let the audience know what is happening and if there are particular objectives that a speaker has.  At the start of the seminar the audience should be made aware of the program.

Be neutral, keep everyone happy ie don’t give opinions, don’t agree or disagree.  Say things like “I’m sure we can all relate with that” or “thanks for a thoroughly prepared speech” or “this is a subject that is very relevant given what is happening in Victoria at the moment”.

Further to the previous point, “I enjoy listening to Ed Biggs” is better than saying “our next speaker – Ed Biggs  - is a fantastic speaker”.  Let the audience decide the level of his competence.

Set the scene eg “and now something very different from the previous speaker” or “and now on a much more serious note”.

The introduction should be brief but long enough to say enough to make the speaker feel welcome.

Write down the key elements of the introduction.

Ask the speaker in advance if they need the lectern, whiteboard etc so you can move quickly from one segment to another in a polished manner.

You are in control – be decisive, start the applause, be ready to return to the lectern at a moment’s notice if the speaker has an abrupt ending to the speech.

Don’t leave the lectern vacant and establish a protocol for when the speaker arrives at the lectern Eg a handshake etc.

Time the introduction to end after the speaker arrives and not before.  If the speaker is remaining seated 50 metres away and not moving while you are introducing him/her, you can invite the speaker to start making their way forward.

If you are introducing several speakers in one session don’t say the same thing over and over.  You can say “please make welcome Ed Biggs” or “let’s put our hands together for Ed Biggs” or “ladies and gentlemen Ed Biggs” or “as Ed Biggs makes his way to the lectern let’s welcome him in the appropriate manner” or “it’s a pleasure to introduce Ed Biggs” or simply “our next speech is titled “my greatest sporting moment” – Ed Biggs”.

When you are the Speaker 

When making a presentation, particularly where you aren’t known, prepare a written introduction to be given to the MC.  This removes the risk that the introducer gets it wrong and gives you an appropriate introduction providing the audience with your credibility.  

Remember self praise is no recommendation and so get the MC to convey your credentials to the audience.   

Your credentials should be only what are relevant to the presentation.

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