5 Elements of an MC
What should you be looking for in your MC. We asked Tim McCastland from H2H Entertaining to provide us with 5 key elements to look for when interviewing an Master of Ceremonies for your next event.
Professionalism – Tim reminds us that even though it is a party, the MC is still a vendor working for you. It’s best to have an MC that doesn’t drink at events. Not only does it give off a particular image of the MC, the MC should be prepared for whatever unforeseen event rises and not being sober could possibly prevent that.
Reading the crowd – No crowd is ever the same. Tim does his best to get a feel for the crowd playing older music for the older crowd and new hits for the younger crowd. Tim also states that this is a process done throughout the entire night. Knowing the crowd also helps set the tone for the rest of the night. When looking for a MC, talk with them about the type of people attending your event. Are they party animals? Do they not dance at all? Do they need encouragement to get up out of their chairs? Have the MC talk to you about some crowds he has experienced and see if any are similar to yours.
Music Knowledge – This advice relates to reading the crowd. Tim mentions that the right music is the best way to get the most energy out of the crowd. And though the MC is not the DJ, the MC is the first person guest are going to talk to when they have a request, so it is important to know off hand whether they do or do not have the song. When speaking with a MC, ask about songs that get people moving and mingling. If the MC says Polka music, then maybe they’re not the right fit for you.
Improvise – Something can come up and you want the MC to be prepared. MC’s need to be quick on their feet, especially when crazy Uncle Bob wants to give an undesirable toast to the newlyweds and if anything else does not go has planed, the MC needs the skills to smooth it over. Talk with your MC about events they’ve experienced and how they handled situations that weren’t going as desired.
Have fun! – Tim stresses that it is important to find an MC that cares about having a good time. If you get a good vibe from the MC when you first meet, then there will be a great vibe at the event. Tim also advises not asking the MC “what are you going to do?” Every event and every crowd is different. It’s too difficult to know what exactly is going to happen. It’s better to tell the MC what you want to happen and how you want the event to be.
Tim understands that a great MC can create an unforgettable night, and that a bad MC can make it unforgettable too, but for different reasons. When asked how he relates to his clients and how he provides them with the best possible experience he replied, “I have a young spirit. I like to party, so I know what a party needs. I work on the same level as my clients. I’m working for them and working for their needs.”
Interview by Ashley Simmons
Post Published on August 19, 2010.
