Master of Ceremonies

The Master of Ceremonies may be the presenter in different kinds of events. For example, he may be a Master of Ceremonies in a comedy show. He would be the host of the evening. The MC role in comedy shows differs depending on the venue and style of the event. In a comedy set-up, the Master of Ceremonies would also be a comedian. He or she may be required to greatly improvise, factoring in contingencies and performing to no fixed script.

Origins of the MC

Master of Ceremonies or MCs as they are commonly known has a background in the Catholic Church. Even today, in Rome, the Papal Court has an official Master of Ceremonies whose main function is to ensure proper and smooth conduct of all the ceremonies which involves the Pope and the church ritual. He would normally see to it that all protocol is strictly adhered to.

Master of Ceremonies in The Present

In a secular context, the Master of Ceremonies serves as a pleasant host. He or she also has a powerful position in that he uses his voice to control the crowd. An MC may introduce participants in an event and act as a stop-gap during an event, whenever required. These stop-gaps arise when some equipment breaks down on stage, or a performer is not yet ready to enter the stage.

Master of Ceremonies and Music

In the 1970s, the term MC came to be associated with hip hop music. And this is the reason that most rappers seem to have the name MC prefixed to their names. As the hip hop style of music became very famous, the term MC became associated with many other phrases like ‘microphone controller’, ‘microphone checker,’ and ‘music commentator’.

An MC uses his voice in a variety of ways, using voice speed, its intonation, inflection and cadence to effectively communicate with the crowd. He can deliver a political statement or convey an important message although he may camouflage it lightly through means of laughter, comedy, expression and music.

Many MCs perform alone where as others blend with DJs and instrumentalists who support the MC in his work. The work of “MCeeing” is an art and many believe that one is born with it. For starters, you need to be an extrovert and enjoy crowds as well as attention – both giving and receiving it. You need to have a great sense of timing – know exactly when to pause, exactly when to laugh. There is absolutely no room for shyness in this profession.

Requirements of an MC

A Master of Ceremonies will need to know how to keep the mood alive at an event. A hip hop MC will need to put together lyrics and come out a winner all the time. An MC at a comedy event must have his wits about him. An MC at a fashion show must know what is to be done in case of an emergency, for example, during a ‘wardrobe malfunction,’ the MC must discreetly take away the attention from the embarrassed model with his wit and charm. At a wedding, the MC needs to be a little restrained as to not take away attention from the bride and the groom.

Quick thinking, rapid reaction and highly oriented to current events – these are some of the other qualities required in a Master of Ceremonies.

An MC should do his homework thoroughly before an event, cannot afford to be late at an event, be ready for sudden change of sequences in the event, and know the art of ‘bridging’ between segments in the show.