Last updated: November 25, 2024
Taking the mic as a Master of Ceremonies isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to create moments that connect, inspire, and change perspectives.
I’ve been hired a few times to be a Master of Ceremonies, sometimes called an MC or emcee. In this article I’ll tell you everything I’ve learned, tips and tricks, plus questions you should ask if you’re hiring one for a conference.
Conference Video
When I was hosting Digital Wildcatter’s Empower Conference as their MC, I filmed some things that I learned. You can watch that here on YouTube: How to Hire a Conference Emcee / MC / Master of Ceremonies for Events.
Master of Ceremonies Tips
These are some tips and tricks that I learned from James Robilotta. He’s an incredible speaker and event host.
- Work the front tables. This is the splash zone. You want to get their buy-in so they will laugh. Meeting and engaging with people in the front rows before the event starts can help create a positive energy that spreads through the room later.
- More concierge, Less superstar. You are front and center as the MC, but that doesn’t mean you’re the star of the show. Your job is to help make the experience great for attendees. Think of yourself as the event’s concierge, smoothly facilitating the experience.
- Do not ram excitement down their throats. Be mindful of the audience’s energy and match it, rather than trying to force a high level of excitement throughout. Except at the very beginning and at the very end in order to raise the energy levels.
- Don’t steal the show. You’re there to support. Your role is to highlight the speakers and content, not to overshadow them with your own performance.
- Remember: the audience is your teammate. Work with them, not against them. Treat the audience as collaborators in creating a great event experience.
- Do not: “Good morning… I can’t hear you!!” Avoid condescending or teacher-like behavior when trying to engage the audience. Instead, bring energy and authenticity to your interactions.
- Be more relatable, less credible. Help the audience to feel seen. Don’t brag too much about your own accomplishments. Share stories where you’re not the hero to connect with the audience on a personal level.
- Listen. The best MCs are great listeners. Pay attention to the audience’s reactions and energy levels. Then adjust your approach accordingly.
- Bring the smooth. As an MC, your job is to make everything flow seamlessly. Be the smooth operator that keeps the event running without hiccups.
- Uplift previous speakers. Highlight key points from previous speakers to reinforce their messages and create continuity throughout the event. Do this in the in-between time between talks.
- Have a toolbox of engagement techniques. Prepare various ways to engage the audience, such as clapping exercises, stretches, or networking activities, to use when needed. You should especially use these when the energy needs a bump.
- Use self-deprecating humor carefully. Light self-deprecation can be relatable, but don’t take it too far or put yourself down excessively.
- Acknowledge the humanity in the room. Respond to audience reactions, even small things like sneezes, to create a sense of connection and care.
- Be inclusive in physical activities. When asking the audience to stand or move, always include a phrase like “if you are able” to be mindful of all attendees.
- Create networking opportunities. Use your role to facilitate connections between attendees, as networking is often a highly valued aspect of conferences.
- Prepare for unexpected gaps. Have strategies ready to fill time if a speaker runs short or there’s a technical delay.
Questions to Ask a Master of Ceremonies
Choosing the right Master of Ceremonies can make or break an event.
These are the four questions that you might want to consider when hiring someone:
(1) What would you do if there are A/V issues?
If the mics and video go out mid-keynote, how would the MC handle it?
MCs should be ready with backup plans, like keeping the audience engaged with impromptu activities or humor to keep up the energy and focus until the technical issues are fixed.
(2) What would you do if the Keynote Speaker ends their speech 10 minutes early?
You suddenly have an extra 10 minutes to fill. What’s your plan?
A skilled MC should be ready to seamlessly add relevant content, smoothly transition to the next agenda item, or engage the audience effectively to keep the momentum and interest high.
(3) Say exactly what you would say for the first 30 seconds of the day.
Imagine you’re kicking off the conference. What would you say into the mic?
This shows how well the MC can grab the audience’s attention, share important details clearly, and build excitement and engagement right from the start.
(4) How would you handle the panel that is going over?
If the panel keeps going off track, missing cues, and messing up the schedule, what would you do as the MC to handle that situation?
Managing a panel effectively means making sure all speakers get their chance to speak while sticking to the time limit. The MC should step in tactfully if discussions veer off- topic or run over time, ensuring the panel stays informative and engaging for everyone.
Testimonials for My Work
I’ve worked conferences for Codie Sanchez, Andrew Wilkinson, Rob Abasolo, My First Million podcast, ran a SXSW panel for Noah Kagan, and hosted the aforementioned event for an oil & gas company.
Jake Corley, co-founder of Digital Wildcatters said:
“You’ve made my life so much easier. I’ve been MCing all our events for the last 7 years and it’s hard for me to go and shake hands, and kiss babies and stuff.
Honestly, Nick’s much better than me so you’re going to do everything from now on whether you like it or not.”
His workload lightened with me handling the mic, allowing him to focus on meeting customers and driving sales without getting bogged down in logistical details.
Other members of his team had good reviews, too:
“This is the first year that we’ve officially hired an MC. We know Nick through our founders who have attended his cocktail parties and they had nothing but lovely things to say. So we reached out for his help with networking which spun into a full MC gig and it was the BEST THING, BEST DECISION we could have made. Thank you so much!”
Sydney Archer
“It’s been great man! Even better with you MCing it. Today, you absolutely crushed it so thank you!” Collin McLelland
Collin McLelland
Photos
Here is a photo of me from the oil & gas event that I hosted in March 2024.
More Conference Experience
Aside form Empower, here are few other conferences I’ve worked with:
- HostCon by Rob Abasolo (see new video here!)
- EO Keynote Speaker on Networking
- Codie Sanchez’ Main Street Over Wall Street
- Noah Kagan’s AppSumo SXSW Panel
- My First Million Live Podcast with Sam Parr, Shaan Puri, and Andrew Wilkinson
- GoBundance’s Austin Entrepreneurial Summit
- Closing Keynote Speaker at Supernode 2023
- IP2 by Andrew Wilkinson
Contact Me
I’d love to brainstorm ways I can help with your next event, conference, or business meeting.
Shoot me an email at [email protected] or text/call me at +1-917-635-9967. Yep, that’s my real number!
