7 Simple Tips on How To Be An MC (for beginners)

Hi there friend, this will be a long post. But I will try to make it not boring provided that today is Sunday.

If you read posts from other blog, they will share their experience by using time-frame.

For me, I prefer to deliver it in a story-like way. Because we learn better through storytelling and simple communication.

It was Saturday, and I am very tired from revising my script yesterday. But hey, work is work no matter how tired you are. Also, I’m not working alone so I really got to give my best.

I arrived at Pullman Hotel pretty much around 10.00 am. Pretty early as I have to take my blazer from dry-cleaning. I made a mistake by sending to the laundry a bit late. I don’t know it takes three days to dry-clean a blazer. So I had to pay extra because I want it early.

Tip #1 : Make sure your clothes are in check 2 days before the event.

I am not late I guess. Seeing my work partner just arrived, we quickly go into the Hall and revise our script. The script has changed. But I am not surprised as it has happened a few times. Just another hurdle I have to go through.

Tip #2 : Be prepared for changes. There are always changes.

The event starts at 8.00 pm, so our day time are filled with practice and rehearsals. We did a few rehearsals at our university, but it is quite different here at the Hall. The environment made me nervous a little bit. A little bit.

Tip #3 : Adapt to the environment.

 During the practice, I actually have a slight pain in my throat. This is due to the practice. I give my best at the wrong moment. It is not wrong to give your best during the practice, but it is much smarter to save your voice and give it all during the events.

And for my throat, I didn’t tell anybody as I was scared they will get worried. Kind of my habit I guess.

Tip #4 : The event need your voice. Do not give it all during your practice, save it.

I reduced my talking and only talks when in practice. The pain is gone in around 1 hour and after that I controlled my voice during the full rehearsal. Talking about full rehearsal, there is a lot of changes. Again and again, changes. But I didn’t mind.

I were allowed to prepare at 6.00 pm. During that time, I didn’t bother to check my script because I know there will be changes and I don’t want to rely heavily on the script. Relying on the script will give you a hard time if changes happen and you already memorized your script.

Tip #5 : Script may help you, but do not rely heavily on it.

At 7.00 pm I was scared. The Vice-Chancellor will come and there will be other VIP. What if I messed up?

I made an announcement by telling the guests to have a seat because the VIP have arrived. Yes, I messed up. I felt my tongue split into half. I lose confidence and all I know is to finish my sentence as early as possible.

My MC partner, Fina, helped ease my nervousness. I took some time to cool down and this time I can say I’m ready.

Tip #6 : Cool down and take some time before you start speaking.

All the practice and rehearsals has made it easy for me in being a MC. I really encourage you to practice a lot as it will make you feel the event felt like you were practicing.

Tip #7 : Practice, practice and practice.

The event went well and everyone thanked me and Fina. There are a lot of praises but it’s hard to take it because I did not do it alone. The committee did most of the work and all I did was talk.

But of course, we are very happy the job is finally done!

There is some slight mistakes, drama and changes during the event but again, I didn’t mind. I expected that to happen.

But, I would like to thank all the people that has helped me. Shu (supervisor) and Fina ( MC partner) in particular. And all other people that allowed me to be a MC.

There you go, my experience as well as some tips for you. For those that never tried this roles, seriously try it! You will gain something and there is nothing to lose.

And to those who are reading this post because they are about to be an MC and doesn't know what to do, Good Luck !