Choosing the right MC

An MC can make or break an event. Having produced numerous conferences, product launches, and social gatherings, I've seen firsthand how the right MC can elevate an experience from good to exceptional.

Why Does the MC Matter?

A skilled MC plays a crucial role in:

• Engagement: Captivating the audience and keeping their attention throughout the event.
• Influence: Shaping key takeaways, reinforcing messages, and fostering networking.
• Emphasis: Ensuring central themes are highlighted and remembered.
• Memorability: Creating lasting impressions for attendees.

How to Choose the Right MC

Let’s explore the different MC options and their pros and cons:

An Employee

Pros:
✔ Familiar with your business and audience.
✔ May already have rapport with attendees.

Cons:
✘ Might not prepare thoroughly or take direction well.
✘ Could lack stage presence and improvisation skills.
✘ Unpredictable impact on the event.

A Personality (e.g., TV Host, Influencer)

Pros:
✔ Can boost pre-event marketing and attendance.
✔ Recognizable, adding prestige to the event.

Cons:
✘ Often limited in preparation and research.
✘ May lack knowledge about your business and audience.
✘ Can be expensive and difficult to work with.
✘ Not always adept at improvisation.

A Professional MC

Pros:
✔ Conducts thorough research to understand your audience and business.
✔ Brings years of experience and proven engagement techniques.
✔ Skilled in improvisation and seamless event management.
✔ Can assist in planning and drive specific outcomes.

Cons:
✘ Higher cost.
✘ Requires time investment for proper briefing.

Conclusion

While employees and personalities may work as MCs, their effectiveness is uncertain until the event unfolds. For guaranteed results, consider hiring a professional MC and provide them with a thorough briefing to ensure a seamless and engaging experience.

Tips for Briefing an MC

To ensure your MC delivers maximum impact, provide them with the following:

1. Comprehensive Background Information

• Details about your company, event objectives, and audience demographics.
• Key messages and themes to be emphasized.

2. Event Schedule

• A detailed agenda with segment timings.
• Special segments or activities requiring their attention.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

• Define their role, including specific tasks and transitions.
• Discuss how they should introduce and interact with speakers.

4. Speaker Information

• Bios and key points about other speakers or presenters.
• Any important connections between the MC and speakers.

5. Audience Engagement Strategies

• Suggestions for Q&A sessions, interactive activities, and engagement techniques.
• Specific audience engagement goals.

6. Technical Details

• Familiarity with microphones, lighting, and multimedia elements.
• Potential technical challenges and contingency plans.

7. Rehearsal

• A run-through of the event to refine the MC’s delivery.
• An opportunity to address any concerns or adjustments.