how to write an mc speech

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How to Be a Good Master of Ceremonies

Last Updated: June 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stefanie Chu-Leong and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA . Stefanie Chu-Leong is the Owner and Senior Event Planner for Stellify Events, an event management business based in the San Francisco Bay Area and California Central Valley. Stefanie has over 15 years of event planning experience and specializes in large-scale events and special occasions. She has a BA in Marketing from San Francisco State University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,530,138 times.

A master of ceremonies (also known as an MC or emcee) is the official host for a staged event, performance, or party. Normally, a good master of ceremonies introduces speakers, makes announcements, and engages with the audience to keep the ceremony agenda flowing as smoothly as possible. While being a master of ceremonies might seem like a daunting task, there are a few ways you can nail your responsibility as MC, and radiate confidence and charisma to keep the ceremony entertaining for all. We’ll show you how to both prepare for and execute your role as the perfect MC.

What does a master of ceremony do?

• Research the event’s purpose and special guests, and plan your schedule and any remarks you’ll deliver well beforehand.
• Dress a little nicer than the indicated dress code, which will help you to stand out and better represent the organization hosting the event.
• Introduce each guest, lead the audience in applause, and transition between speakers by commenting on the prior presentation and interacting with attendees.
• Stay loose and calm by taking deep breaths and speaking slowly, and embrace any hiccups that might occur, rather than acting out in response.

Study the event itinerary and who’s attending.

• If possible, meet with the people organizing the event and go over the planned structure and itinerary of the event in detail.
• Knowing what’s going on at any given moment, what should be talked about and what is coming next is key to being a successful MC.

Confirm your responsibilities with the organizers.

• Making sure the event stays on-schedule.
• Keeping the audience engaged.
• Introducing speakers and making them feel valued.
• Transitioning between speakers and presentations.
• Serving as a central figure and representative of the organization hosting the event.

Do your research on key event guests.

• Find out if there are any special audience members who should be recognized during the event.
• Make sure you review everyone’s name and title so you know how to say it on stage when the time comes to make their announcement.

Stefanie Chu-Leong

Our Expert Agrees: Do your research and learn all of the details about your speakers that will boost your confidence and make you a better MC. Start by learning everyone's names and how to pronounce them.

Write out a rough script and an approximate schedule.

• Take into consideration the time it takes to get on and off the stage, make introductions for guests, and speeches or thank yous from guest members.
• Create small notecards to keep yourself on task, or have an outline projected throughout the event for you to follow.
• It may be helpful to tell the lead organizer of the event that, as MC, you’re only going to answer to one person in charge in the case of complications. This will reduce misunderstandings during the event. [5] X Research source

Tailor your stage presence to the event.

• Remember to smile. Smiling reinforces the fun and lighthearted ambiance of the event, and makes you appear to be an enthusiastic MC.
• Keep in mind that as the MC, you are not the center of the show. You’re there to make others feel like they’re the stars of the show.

Dress a little nicer than you need to.

• Coordinate your outfit colors with the colors of the company of the organization in order to tie your presence more completely to the occasion.
• If possible, find out what color the stage and set dressings are, and choose an outfit that complements rather than clashes with those colors. For example, a red dress will blend in too much with red curtains, but a black dress will help you stand out.

Keep your composure on and off stage.

• Continuing on if you mess up . Roll with the punches and continue on if you make a mistake. If you continue without acknowledging the slip-up, the audience will most likely forget your misstep.
• Finding a spot to look at while talking . Looking at the individual audience members might make you more nervous while speaking. Instead, try looking over the heads of the audience members to reduce intimidating one on one eye contact.
• Slowing down your speech . Talking too quickly can lead to mispronunciations and stuttering, which can affect people understanding you. Take your time, and pause slightly in between sentences, and take a deep breath away from the microphone if you need to.

Welcome the audience and thank them for coming.

• For example, you might say something like, “To all of our Packer fan dairy farmers who traveled all the way from Wisconsin to celebrate this anniversary with us, a warm welcome.”
• “I'm so pleased and humbled at the incredible turnout. It means so much to the company, and to the speakers today, that you all took time out of your day to hear what we have to say.”

Let your audience know who the speakers are.

• To keep the event running on time, discreetly notify a speaker if they are past their assigned time. Give them a note or some kind of visual cue, such as spinning a finger pointing upward to try and communicate to “wrap it up.”
• “Our next guest earned her doctorate in zoology from Columbia, where she made significant strides in advancing the study of primate behavior in the wild. Please join me in welcoming Jane Smith.”

Transition smoothly between speakers.

• If you find yourself in an awkward spot, try asking your audience yes-or-no questions. This keeps your audience engaged and focused, while reinforcing your command as MC.
• If the event is a few hours long, it’s helpful to occasionally give a short summary of the performances and presentations that have occurred during breaks in the action, and hint at or forecast what’s coming up next.

Roll with mistakes and adapt to the unexpected.

• Remember that it’s not your job to reprimand someone, it’s your job to keep things running smoothly in spite of something going wrong. An MC with a negative attitude can derail an event.
• “I’m told our next guest is running a bit late, but will be here momentarily. In the meantime, let’s give a round of applause to the foundation, for organizing this conference…”
• “Pardon my shouting, but the microphone is taking a little break! We’ll skip to the video presentation while we wait for it to get back to work.”

Bid your audience farewell.

• In addition, encourage the audience members to take action by being present for the next gathering, donating money, or continuing to pioneer in a certain field. Whatever it may be, encourage the audience to participate.
• “This evening we had the pleasure of hearing an impressive roster of experts speak on the work they’ve poured years of their lives into. I invite everyone here to support their work with a donation, or get involved yourself by volunteering.”

Community Q&A

• Your audience follows your lead, so stay enthusiastic and happy to be there. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0
• Come prepared, but don't make it sound like you're reading from a script. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 1

Tips from our Readers

• A great way to include everyone or as a filler for awkward silence is to ask questions the audience can respond to. Humor is also a good way to break the silence.
• Practice your routine with someone else to gauge their reaction and if your speech was funny.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://mch.co.uk/top-10-tips-from-a-professional-master-of-ceremonies.shtml
• ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/articles/when-you-are-the-emcee
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanmichelson2/2019/10/27/how-to-be-a-great-public-speakertips-from-emceeing-a-gala/?sh=2deddb535fe3
• ↑ http://www.speakernetnews.com/post/emcee.html
• ↑ https://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/talk_your_way/ch15.html
• ↑ https://www.stylist.co.uk/weddings/female-master-of-ceremonies-tips-what-to-expect-mc-wedding/262698

About This Article

To be a good master of ceremonies, start by welcoming the audience with a simple opening, such as “Welcome to the Northeast Conference of Famers Meeting.” Next, introduce each speaker, and lead the audience in applause before and after they speak. Additionally, try to say something funny or meaningful about the speaker’s performance to keep the audience engaged between segments. Then, close the program by summarizing the event and thanking the attendees and speakers. For advice on how to prepare ahead of time to be a good master of ceremonies, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Make Your MC Script Stand Out

If you’re an experienced emcee, you know that just “winging it” isn’t an option. From corporate conferences to company retreats, having a plan to captivate and engage your audience is essential. If you’re not fully prepared to step on stage, your time in the spotlight is bound to end in awkward and nervous fumbles. One crucial element to that plan? Knowing how to write a script.

Key Takeaways

• S – Storytelling and personal anecdotes
• C – Creativity and authenticity
• R – Relevance
• I – Interaction and humor
• P – Preparation and planning
• T – Tone and delivery

Striking the perfect balance between humor and wisdom takes practice. But if you want to energize and “wow” the audience, you need to know how to make your emcee script stand out. Keep reading, and I’ll share six ways you can make your emcee SCRIPT leave your audience entertained and wanting more!

See Related:  9 Types Of Corporate Events And Why You Need An Emcee For Each Of Them

#1. S torytelling And Personal Anecdotes

One of the hardest things you can do in life is speak in front of a crowd. It’s one of the most common fears there is!

Perhaps you struggle with stage fright like 73% of the population , or you’re up against a particularly difficult audience. Regardless of your unique challenges, being able to take command of your script to engage an audience can be a difficult task.

However, nearly any event won’t be complete without someone to run the show. There needs to be a speaker on stage to ensure everything runs smoothly while keeping the audience entertained and happy.

This person is known as the master of ceremonies , or emcee/MC for short.

What Does An MC Do In An Event?

A master of ceremonies is just that. This speaker is the one who will be the expert on the upcoming event, being able to do everything from making timely announcements to giving a warm welcome to the guests that arrive.

So, what are the true duties of an emcee?

Here are some basic responsibilities that almost all emcees need to know how to handle before stepping on stage. An emcee will

• Kick off the event and establish a welcoming atmosphere
• Introduce special guests and other speakers involved
• Represent the organization hosting the event
• Establish the event agenda and go over house rules
• Make transitions and ensure activities run smoothly

Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. The duties of an emcee often vary from gig to gig, and any speaker needs to approach each and every event in a unique manner.

As a professional corporate emcee , I’ve learned that the best way to make any emcee event a success is by tailoring your to-do list to the event itself.

You can’t walk into any gig and expect it to be a sort of copy-and-paste kind of deal! Approaching each event with a fresh mind and a new set of expectations will help you make the event a success.

The Foundation Of Any Great Emcee Script

If you’re going to be emceeing an event, you’re likely wondering how you can make your script stick .

Though the hardest parts of an emcee’s job happen on stage, you still need to do your due diligence beforehand in crafting the perfect emcee script .

Opening a speech can always feel like the hardest part. You walk on stage, met with the apprehensive faces of your audience members, and you only have the first few minutes to create great first impressions.

So, how can you make your script truly sell?

The key to delivering a great script starts with one of the oldest ways to communicate – storytelling .

Storytelling has been used since the beginning of mankind as a way to share information and stories with those around us.

From the ancient Greek myths and legends of thousands of years ago to the reels you see on your social media today, storytelling has always been an important way for people to connect with those around them. So, use this power to your advantage!

Weaving a compelling narrative that captures your audience’s attention will help you connect with their emotions while keeping them engaged . It’s best to use a tale that will both resonate with your audience and set the premise for the event. Regardless of what route you take, don’t be afraid to share some hilarious or inspirational stories from your own personal life to build rapport and garner trust.

#2. C reativity And Authenticity

The meat and potatoes of your speech largely depend on the event you’re speaking at and the topic you’re speaking on. But there are some things that never change, regardless of the topic of discussion.

Any emcee script you write should always be filled to the brim with creativity and authenticity . Infuse your script with originality and innovation, incorporating unique elements that will help make the event and your script memorable.

It’s important to write a script that is unique to your audience. They won’t be interested in hearing a speech that sounds repetitive, boring, and reused.

#3. R elevance

In the journey to write a unique and memorable speech, don’t forget to maintain relevancy. There’s nothing more off-putting than an emcee script that has practically nothing to do with the event itself!

For example, it wouldn’t make sense to emcee a marketing convention with an opening speech about the history of automobiles. Instead, be sure to tailor your script to the specific event and audience. Your script should successfully address the interests, needs, and expectations of the audience so that your script has maximum impact.

#4. I nteraction And Humor

If your script is boring and lackluster, it’s not going to leave anyone impressed. If your audience feels like they’re just listening to another lifeless speech, they’ll just stare at the clock till your time is up!

Instead, you need to harness the power of audience interaction and humor in order to make your script stand out .

There’s nothing better than laughter and engagement when it comes to igniting a crowd of people!

The Power Of Audience Interaction

If you want your audience to truly buy into what you’re saying, you need to rely on interaction. It’ll ensure your listeners stay engaged and open to what you’re saying.

Encourage audience participation and interaction throughout the event, such as through Q&A sessions, polls, or group activities .

Bonus:  6 Company Outing Ideas You’ll Want To Book With A Corporate Emcee

#5. P reparation And Planning

The bulk of the MC’s role happens on stage. From reacting to unforeseen situations to facilitating group activities, most of the time, you need to think on your feet .

Luckily, a lot that goes into creating the perfect script happens behind the scenes. That means you’ll have plenty of time to hone and craft your speech before you face your unforgiving audience!

However, knowing how to write a script isn’t as easy as it may seem. And unfortunately, plenty of emcees make the mistake of waiting till the last minute to start to get their script together.

No matter what, don’t make that mistake!

Invest time in thoroughly researching and planning your script. You can’t expect it to be fantastic if you don’t take the time to make it so.

All the time you put into writing your script beforehand will help you ensure that you can deliver a well-structured and organized presentation.

It’ll be easy for your audience to notice if your script was haphazardly thrown together, and that won’t look good for you.

The thing to keep in mind here is that a lot goes into writing the perfect script. It takes practice to get good at scriptwriting!

However, there is one thing that will save you every time , regardless of how experienced you are.

And that thing is starting way in advance.

Running out of time is the one thing that will kill your speech before you even step on stage. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to write your script. You never know what might go wrong in this critical phase and lead to you starting all over!

#6. T one And Delivery

Though actually writing your script is incredibly important, even the most well-written scripts won’t land if they aren’t delivered properly.

A big part of being a good emcee is knowing how to successfully deliver a presentation. After all, what is a speaker if they can’t take command of the words they say?

However, this is much easier said than done. It can take a long time for a speaker to be able to truly master the art of tone and delivery.

Keeping Your Audience Engaged From Start To Finish

Your voice itself is a powerful thing. Though the actual words you say are important, how you deliver them is even more crucial.

While you’re speaking, you need to pay attention to things like your tone, voice modulation, and body language. While you might overlook some of these aspects, your audience won’t, and they’ll easily be able to tell if you’re nervously swaying or speaking uncomfortably.

Feel free to use things like humor, enthusiasm, and energy to successfully captivate and engage the audience. That’s something that’s hard to resist!

Wrapping Up

The moment is almost here. You’re about to step on stage and open an event in front of a live crowd!

The only way to make that moment truly shine is if you are able to flawlessly execute and deliver a killer script. And luckily, you spent plenty of time preparing and curating the perfect lines beforehand.

You’re all ready to go!

With these six tips and tricks in mind, there’s no reason why you won’t be able to come armed with the perfect script. Just follow the acronym SCRIPT , and you’ll be golden!

Keep Reading:  8 Fun Virtual Team Activities To Treat Your Employees To This Summer

Adam Christing  has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000 company meetings, special events,  gala celebrations , and more. He is the  author of several books  and founder of  CleanComedians.com .   For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest ,  LinkedIn , and  YouTube .

Recent Blog Posts:

Adam christing, america’s most popular corporate emcee and clean comedian, appears on the wow factor podcast, 7 ways to make your end-of-year staff meeting memorable and meaningful, the importance of force majeure clauses when corporate hosting.

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Module 11: Speaking to Entertain and for Special Occasions

The master of ceremonies, learning objectives.

• Identify effective ways to introduce an event.
• Demonstrate how to emcee an event.

Introducing an Event

When introducing an event, you have four main goals. These goals are the minimum ground you need to cover in your introduction. How you do so, and whether you do more, will depend on the amount of time you have to speak.

• Make the audience feel welcome and appreciated. Your opening should welcome the audience and thank them for being there.
• Express thanks and appreciations.  You should also recognize anyone who deserves thanks for putting together or hosting the event.
• Explain the goals of the event and/or of the hosting organization(s).  Here’s where your introduction will deepen and expand if you have the time for it. You might tell stories or share data about the impact of the organization whose event it is or talk in more detail about what participants can expect from the event to come.
• Create excitement and anticipation for the event.  Your focus should be on the event that you’re kicking off; stay focused on the future, not the past, and on the event, not yourself.

Some events, especially academic events and some non-profit or political events, begin with an Indigenous Land Acknowledgement . A land acknowledgement or territorial acknowledgement is a formal statement, often spoken at the beginning of a public event, that it is taking place on land originally inhabited by or belonging to indigenous people. To learn more about Indigenous Land Acknowledgement, the Native Governance Center has put together an excellent guide .

Master of Ceremonies

Being the master of ceremonies (often abbreviated as an emcee  or MC ) is a task best dealt with by an experienced speaker. But it is possible to host an event as a beginner and live to tell about it!

Being an emcee will use everything you learned about speaking for special occasions and more. The most important thing to remember is this is more of a marathon than a sprint. You need to keep the energy high and the mood positive throughout the event. So start with being excited, and if you are scared, GREAT! Channel that energy into the excitement you need using the preparation tips below.

Speaker and author Kwesi Millington offers the following seven tips for being a great event emcee: [1]

• Know the Agenda.  The more detailed, the better: you should know what should happen at what time and how long each part should take.
• Keep Your Energy High.  Millington suggests self-talk and music to pump yourself up to bring 100% energy to the event.
• Memorize Your Opening.  Some parts of the event will be impromptu or ad-libbed; your opening, though, should be scripted and rehearsed. The opening sets the tone for the whole event, so it’s important to get it right.
• Learn About the Other Speakers.  Millington suggests learning one fact about each person you’re bringing to the microphone, so that you can personalize your introduction.
• Always Be Communicating.  Even if you’re not on stage, you should be mixing with the crowd and keeping the energy up.
• Interact with the Audience.  The best way to keep the energy high and the mood positive throughout the event is to involve the audience, whether by asking questions or getting them to move around.
• Close with Inspiration.  As you close up the event, try to leave the audience with something to think about, something to lift them up.

How to: Kwesi Millington, How to Emcee an Event

You can view the transcript for “How to be the Perfect Emcee at an Event or Wedding” here (opens in new window) .

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X72gsMtUCUs ↵
• Land Acknowledgement definition. Provided by : Wikipedia. Located at : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_acknowledgement . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
• How to be the Perfect Emcee at an Event or Wedding. Authored by : Kwesi Millington. Located at : https://youtu.be/X72gsMtUCUs . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• The Master of Ceremonies. Authored by : Patricia Atkinson with Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution

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If you’re the Wedding MC you might think you have to make a speech.

While this is a common misconception, in some cases this is true – if the bride and groom specifically ask you to make a short tribute followed by a toast.

This may be the case, for example, if you play a dual role, such as the Best Man.

In most cases, however, your MC Speeches will be entirely different.

That’s because as Master of Ceremonies you co-ordinate the reception agenda.

Instead of a traditional speech, you open the reception with a Welcome Speech.

This is a brief introduction during which you tell the guests who you are and what will be happening at the reception.

Your welcome should be upbeat.

As well, it can be humorous.

In almost all cases, its purpose is to get the guests into a party mood and prepare them to celebrate the bride and groom’s marriage.

Included in your introduction will be general comments regarding restroom facilities, smoking areas, parking, the location of the guest book and gift table, and any other announcements that need to be made before the reception gets underway.

Your main role as Master of Ceremonies at the reception is as a co-ordinator.

You will provide entertaining remarks thrown in between (or during) your announcements.

Your Wedding MC Speech, in fact, has little in similarity to a traditional one.

Instead, it becomes a series of announcements and introductions throughout the reception.

You will introduce guests who will be paying tribute to the bride and groom or other guests.

These introductions – which will be determined by the Order of Wedding Speeches and Toasts – will be preceded by a brief preamble – primarily who the guest is and their relationship to the newlyweds.

For example, the speaker might be the Father of the Groom.

Or the speaker might be a dignitary who is a close friend of the bride’s family.

Other announcements will be for grace, meal time, wedding games, entertainment, the bouquet toss, the garter toss, the cake cutting, special events, and the final farewell.

Occasionally, a guest who was asked to give a tribute to the newlyweds will be absent.

In this situation, you may be required to stand in for that guest – in which case you would give a speech.

In some cases, you will be required to give just a toast.

Examples of toasts you may be required to give are the Toast to the Queen and a toast to the Mother of the Bride or an acknowledgement to the person who was responsible for helping plan the wedding – which in many cases is the Mother of the Bride.

When giving just a toast you will usually precede it with a very short introduction.

If you are acknowledging someone’s contribution, for example, your toast would be preceded by telling the guests what the contribution was and how helpful it was in making the day such a success.

In your role as Master of Ceremonies, it’s important that you find out whether you will be required to make a traditional tribute to the bride and groom since giving an MC Speech is often much different from a tribute given by the other guests.

Our Wedding MC Speech Guide provides valuable tips and resources to help you in your Master of Ceremonies duties as well as what to include in a traditional tribute to the newlyweds.

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the Mother of the Bride, the Father of the Groom, the Father of the Bride, the Groom, and the Bride.

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The Ultimate Guide to Write a Wedding Emcee Script

Do remember to contact Just Married Films for your wedding videography and wedding photography needs for your Wedding Day.

If you’re approached by the couple to be their wedding emcee, don’t fret! It might be stressful to be given such responsibilities but with this guide, you’ll be able to ace your role and give the couple and all the guests a memorable evening.

Table of Contents

Wedding Emcee Guide

Understand the couple.

The couple are the main characters for their big day. Their wedding should be centered around them. It’s important to understand what tone and theme they are going for. You should discuss the flow of the wedding to be able to plan your speech more effectively. Get to know who’s going to give a speech and the order of speakers too. 

To make the speech more personalised to the couple, get to understand any personal stories they have. Also check if they have any taboo subjects or topics that they want to avoid. When everyone is on the same page, the wedding will be able to flow more smoothly without hiccups.

Know the important names on your wedding emcee script

Ensure that you recognise important guests. These could be the couple’s parents, grandparents or significant friends. You don’t want to mispronounce the names of their loved ones in front of them and everyone. While some may laugh it off, it can lead to awkward situations. Double check with the couple while planning to prevent such situations!

Plan of the wedding

Different wedding couples may have different programs for their wedding banquet. Make sure you understand the plan and the flow of events that the couple wants. General segments you can expect are speeches by the couple and some of their loved ones, cake cutting and yum seng ceremonies. Some couples may also have games, dances or audience interactions planned. 

While there may be a fixed flow and script, you can also prepare some jokes to add spontaneity and spice up the atmosphere.

Coordinate with wedding vendors

To ensure a wedding goes smoothly through, other wedding vendors also play major roles. It’ll be good to meet with the wedding planner and coordinate some cues to use on the actual day. For instance, while preparing for the cake cutting ceremony, you can use hand signals to get each other’s attention. This allows for the cake to be set up promptly while the emcee hosts. 

Other than the wedding planner, other vendors you should also communicate with include the restaurant or hotel manager, photographer, videographer and performance band if any. Find out if there are any specific moments you should know about.

Wedding Emcee Script

When you have the details, it’s time to start writing your script. It may be easier for you to follow through and keep track of time if you separate your script into different segments. This is a sample that you can refer to and make changes accordingly. 

It will usually be done in both English and their mother tongue language. Some couples may choose to get a host each for each language. If you’re the only emcee, you will usually be required to handle both languages.

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How to Begin a Wedding Speech: Great Opening Lines

Handy one-liners to get your speech off to an amazing start.

If you've read our post on how to make a great wedding speech , you'll know that it's really important to start strong! Well, here we're showing you how to do exactly that, with a list of the best wedding speech opening lines . The beauty of this list is that it works for any kind of wedding speech, whether you're the bride, groom, best man, bridesmaid, father-of-the-bride, or even the flower girl or the groom's granny!

We've made sure to include lots of different options so there's something to suit every style of speech, whether you want to keep it simple, bring the audience to tears, or give them a giggle with a joke . Some of our wedding speech opening lines can be customised, too, to help you make your speech even more personal. So, let's dive in!

Our Favourite Wedding Speech Opening Lines

To help you find what you're looking for, we've split our sample opening lines into three categories; simple and sincere opening lines, funny opening lines and opening lines with quotes from famous people.

Note: (name) can indicate yourself, the bride/groom, the couple as a whole, or another member of the wedding party.  

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Simple and Sincere Opening Lines

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you (name) for the kind introduction."

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As (name's friend/relative), I'm delighted to welcome you all here tonight."

"Thank you so much, (name), for such a wonderful introduction. I only hope I can live up to your kind words!"

"Hello everyone. I hope you're all having a great night so far."

"Hello, I'm (name) and, for those of you who don't already know me, I'm (relation to couple)."

"Hi everybody, I'm (name), and I'm here to talk a little bit about my good friend (name)."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'm going to talk a little bit about (name). When I was writing this speech, I asked myself how I could sum up (X) years of friendship, laughter and adventures in one speech, and I decided that I can't. We'd be here all night."

"Hello everybody and welcome. I think we can all agree that it's been a wonderful day so far. (Couple names), you should be really proud of the amazing day you've put together. We're all very lucky to be a part of it."

"Hello everyone. I hope you're all having a great night so far. My life changed completely on (date, year), when (name) came into my life, and it changes again today, as they embark on their latest adventure with (name)."

"Hi everybody. Thank you for the warm welcome. Mark Twain once said that 'there are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars.' I'm definitely in the former category, so I hope you'll forgive me if I'm a little bit shaky this evening."

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Funny Opening Lines to Make Guests LOL

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and before any of you ask, yes I am single."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'll be your speaker for the next 95 minutes."

"Hi everybody. If you don't know who I am... well, you're probably at the wrong wedding! But stick around, we need extra people for the conga line."

"Hi everyone. You're probably wondering why I gathered you here today. I've got a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity that I know you're going to - sorry, wrong speech!"

"Hello everyone! Thank you all for being here on such an exciting night. Yes, the rumours are true, I will be debuting some new choreography on the dance floor this evening. But in the mean time, I suppose I should talk a little bit about (couple names)."

"Hello, and welcome. You may know me as (name's friend/relative), but tonight, I go by the title, (name), Lord of the Dance."

"Hi everyone. Just in case you don't already know, I'm (name) and I'm the best man. There are some really successful, good-looking, charming men in the room tonight, but now that it's written on the ceremony program in black and white, it's official - I am the best."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from the great Seamus Heaney/Maya Angelou/Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Mother Teresa... but unfortunately I left my speech in my other jacket. So you'll have to make do with me!"

“Hi everyone. If I could just say a few words … I’d be a better public speaker! That gag was actually stolen from Homer Simpson, which should give you an idea of the caliber of speech you can expect from me tonight.”

"Hi everyone, and welcome. Webster's dictionary describes a wedding as, 'The process of removing weeds from one's garden'. That's a Homer Simpson quote, which should give you an idea of the caliber of speech you can expect from me tonight.”

"Hello everyone, I'm (name.) According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right?"

"Hi everyone. When I was preparing this speech, (name) gave me a list of topics that were strictly off-limits, so I'd like to start with those."

"Hi everyone. I'm (name). Anyone who knows me knows that I'm (name)'s biggest fan. So much so, that I was actually quite hurt when I learned that I wasn't going to be involved in the first dance!"

"Hi everyone. I just want to take a few minutes to talk about my good friend (name). I first met (name) when we were 13, and since then, I've always looked up to him. He was, after all, the only 6ft 2' student at (school name)!"

"Good evening everyone. To our English speakers, I'd like to say welcome, we're delighted that you could be with us today to celebrate the marriage of (couple names). To our (other language) speakers, I'd like to say (use Google Translate or ask a native speaker to translate, 'My llama is very handsome. I hope my translation is correct.')"

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Beginning with a Quote

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Dr. James Dobson, who said, 'Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Franz Schubert, who said, 'Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, 'There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Franklin P. Jones, who said, 'Love doesn't make the world go 'round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.' "

"Hi everyone, I'm (name.) I hope you're all having a wonderful day so far. When I got married to my partner (name), somebody told me, 'Don't just be husband and wife, be president of each other's fan clubs,' and I'd like to pass on that same advice to (couple)."

"Hello everyone. I'd like to begin with a quote from Mignon McLaughlin, who said, 'A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.' Over the past (x) years, I've had the pleasure of watching (name) fall in love with (name) over and over again."

Click herefor a handy checklist of people to thank in your wedding speech , plus how to keep the speeches from being too long !

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Wedding MC Speeches How to MC a Wedding

Wedding MC speeches or Master of Ceremonies speeches carry with them a lot of responsibility.

When you are asked to be a wedding emcee, you are being asked to make sure that the celebration stays on target so that the wedding couple does not have to micro-manage the details of their special day.

You make sure that the toasts , speeches and dances happen according to schedule.

Effectively, you are the 'leader' - and signs of a good leader include knowing when to step in and maneuver the proceedings to keep the energy high, and when to fade into the background so that you do not take center stage when it's inappropriate for you to do so.

One of the best guides out there for being the perfect wedding MC is offered by Pete Miller, an experienced Master of Ceremonies.

You Can Be a Wedding MC - Everything You Need to Know is a comprehensive guide and provides lots of resources, including:

• wedding MC speeches
• wedding MC jokes
• all the obligations you as a Master of Ceremonies need to fulfill.

Here's a video of Pete introducing the wedding party.

Not only do you have to make sure that the evening is fun for all, but you need to make sure that everything happens when it's supposed to. You need to coordinate all the speeches, the cake cutting, bouquet tossing, first dance and the myriad of other traditions that take place during a wedding reception!

Because every couple and wedding is different, one cut and dried script for performing wedding MC speeches does not exist. A lot of what your duties will consist of depends on what the bride and groom and their families want.

Take the time to really talk to everyone in the wedding party, so you have a clear understanding of how they want the day to flow and what their expectations are.

As a wedding MC you should have a good arsenal of jokes to use throughout the reception. You'll need to be knowledgeable - not just the wedding couple, but also about the best man , maid of honor , family members and so on.

This is why sitting down and talking with the happy couple is so important. It could be embarrassing to throw out a joke that touches on a delicate subject for the bride and groom or any member of the wedding party.

You, as the wedding MC will need to know inside and out in which order all the events of the reception should take place. So you'll want to closely coordinate things with the DJ, the caterers, and whoever else is involved, to ensure that everything takes place at the right time and in the right sequence.

Being an MC at someone's wedding is a huge responsibility and one that should not be undertaken lightly. You'll have the power to make the event a success or a complete flop.

You need to remember that it is equally as important to give a good performance as it is to be organized and ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.

If you've never been asked to give wedding MC speeches before, the enormity of the task before you can be intimidating. You'll need various aids to help you avoid any mistakes and to make sure you don't leave anything out.

Book Recommendations for wedding MC speeches

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How To Be A FUN Wedding MC

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MC Speeches

Every MC at a wedding wants to know what to say in the MC Speeches .

This is frequently not the case though. In most speeches, the speaker – who could be a father of the bride or mother of the bride or best man, for example, gives a tribute to the bride and groom. (The exception, of course, could be when the best man is also the MC.)

In most cases the Master of Ceremonies plays a different role at the reception because he or she assumes the role of facilitator and co-ordinator.

And because of that role, MC speeches are entirely different.

Usually, they are not one short speech and toast.

Instead, they consist of announcements, introductions of guests, and transitions of events.

The First MC Speech At The Reception

The Master of Ceremonies opens the reception with a Welcome speech.

If you’re the Master of Ceremonies, this is the time when you introduce yourself, outline the events that will take place during the agenda, make any announcements – including where facilities, guest book, and gift table are located – and get the guests prepped for a celebration of the marriage they have just witnessed.

Your Welcome to the guests is the ice breaker – for them to warm up to you and get to know you. After all, you’ll be addressing them throughout the reception.

Your Welcome should be upbeat and humorous if it suits your personality.

The Welcome speech isn’t the only time the MC will address the guests.

The wedding speeches and toasts event is where the Master of Ceremonies will introduce the speakers to the guests.

These introductions are determined by the Order of Wedding Speeches and Toasts.

Each speaker is introduced with a short preamble before he or she begins his or her own tribute.

Creative and fun MC’s don’t just say “The next speaker is…”

Instead, they have done their homework.

They have a concise biography of each speaker so they can make the introduction fun, interesting, and entertaining.

MC Speeches carry over to announcements. The Master of Ceremonies is the “guide” throughout the reception and announces important events including grace, meal time, entertainment, wedding games, the bouquet toss, the garter toss, cake cutting, special events during or after the reception, and the final farewell.

Wedding Speeches Table of Contents MC A Wedding | Order of Wedding Speeches and Toasts

Exceptions To Traditional Speeches

Two exceptions where the Master of Ceremonies would give the traditional wedding speech and toast are the absence of a speaker or by special request from the bride and groom.

Sometimes a speaker is unable to attend the reception in which case the newlyweds will ask the MC to stand in and make either a speech or a toast.

Occasionally, both the bride and groom don’t wish to make a formal speech. In this case, they will ask the MC to thank the guests on their behalf.

Standalone Toasts

As well, there may be occasions when you will be asked to make a stand alone toast instead of the traditional tribute.

The toast to absent friends and family is one you may be asked to give.

Usually this is to honor those who are deceased but were close to either the bride or groom or both of them.

Other toasts could include one to acknowledge someone who has made a major contribution to the planning of the wedding – such as the Mother of the Bride – or a toast to the Queen.

In most cases, your toast begins with a brief preamble that leads straight into the toast.

As you can see, your preparation for MC Speeches is entirely different from preparing a traditional tribute to the newlyweds.

Your focus is on introducing speakers and events. This will require preparing background information on speakers and dignitaries as well as knowing the sequence of events from the agenda.

Your MC Speeches should enhance the reception and make it fun.

In effect, your speeches are transitions – from one speaker to the next or from one event to the next.

When you do the transitions well the reception events flow smoothly.

Conversely, poor transitions interrupt the flow of events and activities and slow down the rhythm and tempo of the reception.

The success or failure of a reception often hinges on the Master of Ceremonies.

And when the bride and groom – or their families – have spent thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours preparing for this special event, it’s essential that the Master of Ceremonies be chosen with care.

Qualities of a Wedding MC

Most receptions that have an MC have someone who is known to the bride and groom rather than a professional Master of Ceremonies.

In some cases this is a budget consideration. In other cases, the bride and groom don’t feel it’s necessary – which generally is true if your MC has the right guidance.

However, it should be remembered that the success or failure of the newlywed’s special day rests primarily with how well the MC organizes the reception and its events.

That’s why it’s important to pick the right person for the job.

Here are several qualities that a Master of Ceremonies should have:

1. Outgoing personality 2. Good organizer 3. Confident 4. Cool under pressure – someone who doesn’t get flustered easily

Factors To Consider When Choosing An MC For A Wedding

1. The size and complexity of the reception

A short, afternoon reception with few events is unlikely to need a separate Master of Ceremonies. In this case, the best man might also play the dual role of MC.

A longer reception with entertainment, games, and traditional events, on the other hand, requires a Master of Ceremonies to ensure things run smoothly. The MC in this case may or may not be the best man.

2. The Length of the Reception

Shorter receptions – or those that are more intimate with fewer guests – won’t require a Master of Ceremonies.

Large receptions with hundreds of guests and that span a number of hours will require an MC.

3. The size of the Bridal Party and the number of Speakers

A wedding with a large bridal party and several speakers will usually require an MC – someone to make introductions and help transition speakers and events.

The Master of Ceremonies will not only help with introducing speakers but can also help in ensuring events move along steadily and take place on time.

4. Whether you want a Master of Ceremonies to introduce your speakers

If you have dignitaries or a large number of speakers – usually more than three – then it’s generally a good idea to have an MC to do the introductions.

Are You A Novice Wedding MC And Don’t Know How To MC A Wedding?

Being asked to MC a wedding reception is a HUGE honor.

But with that honor comes a lot of responsibility.

And if you’ve never been an MC at a wedding before, then you probably don’t know what is involved in preparing for the event.

For example:

1. How to create an agenda and timeline.

2. What to say in your MC Scripts.

3. What types of activities and entertainment to have at the reception.

4. What types of contingencies to plan for in case things go wrong.

5. How to make fun introductions at the Wedding Speeches and Toasts event.

And that’s just the beginning. There’s a lot more you need to know about your duties and responsibilities.

Fortunately, there’s a complete Guide to being a Wedding MC…

Find Out More: Click The Following Link For How To Be A FUN Wedding MC

Click Here To Create A FUN and Memorable Reception For The Bride and Groom Even If You’re A Novice MC!

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How To Write A Professional Emcee Opening Script In 10 Minutes: The WAVE Framework

Emceeing  .  9 Min. Read . By: Devon Brown

S taring at a blank page, with the clock ticking and your event just around the corner, can feel like standing on the edge of a high dive — terrifying.

This is especially true when you're grappling with how to write an emcee opening script , a task that can seem daunting even to the most experienced speakers.

You know you need to make a splash with your opening words, but the fear of falling flat feels heavy. Welcome to the all-too-familiar world of what I call 'The Opening Script Limbo,' where your best intentions for a powerful speech opener are trapped in feelings of doubt and anxiety.

You're not alone in this. 

The struggle to script an engaging, timely, and effective opening is a common struggle for thousands of emcees and public speakers. 

The weight of creating that perfect start can be overwhelming. 

Get it wrong, and you risk not just a momentary hiccup but a ripple effect that could dampen the entire event — and your confidence as a speaker.

But what if you could turn that apprehension into anticipation?

What if you could transform those nerves into a confident, commanding presence the moment you step up to the microphone? 

Well, that's exactly what my WAVE framework is designed to do. 

It's your lifeline out of 'The Opening Script Limbo.'

With this 4-step framework, you're about to discover a straightforward path to crafting an opening script that not only engages your audience but also makes sure you’re the event emcee everyone remembers!

Better yet, you can use it to write your script in less than 10 minutes!

Here are the 4-steps to writing your next opening script fast.

Step 1: Welcome… The Gateway To Your Introduction

The first step of the W AVE framework is the W elcome. 

Now, let me be clear, this is more than just a greeting; it's your golden opportunity to create a connection with every single person in the room.

Imagine walking into two different events. 

At the first event, you're met with a generic, monotone 'Good evening, everyone' from the emcee. It's bland and forgettable, and you blend into the crowd, feeling more like a ticket number than a valued attendee.

Now, picture the second event.

As you enter, the emcee glows, saying something like, ' Welcome, friends! Whether it’s your first time joining us, or you’re a familiar face in our community, we’re thrilled to have each of you here. Together, we're about to embark on a remarkable journey where you’’ discover…. ’

This time, you feel seen, acknowledged, and part of something special.

That’s the power of a well-scripted welcome.

When you script the welcome for your next event, do:

1. Be Inclusive:  Recognize the diversity of your audience. Whether they are seasoned attendees or first-timers, local guests, or international delegates, make sure each person feels specifically addressed and welcomed.

2. Show Genuine Enthusiasm: Your energy sets the event's energy. A warm, enthusiastic welcome can energize the audience and build anticipation for what's to come. Let your tone convey your excitement about the event and its value to attendees.

3. Create a Sense of Belonging: Use your welcome to foster a community feeling. Phrases like "We're thrilled to have you here," or "We're in this together" can go a long way in making your audience feel like they're part of something special.

Step 2: Appreciation… Show Heart By Acknowledging Those Behind The Event

After your warm welcome, it's time for the 'Show A ppreciation' step of the W A VE framework. This is where you acknowledge those unsung heroes who've worked tirelessly to bring the event to life.

This not only creates a positive atmosphere but also demonstrates your leadership and gratitude, qualities that resonate strongly with both your audience and your event team, right?

When you script the appreciation, do:

Be Specific and Personal: Mention individuals or teams by name, if possible. For example, "A big thank you to our event planner, Jane, and the entire catering team for their exceptional work."

Highlight Their Efforts: Briefly describe what they've done. This helps the audience understand the magnitude of their contributions. "For the past seven months, these incredible people have been planning, organizing, and ensuring everything you see tonight comes together seamlessly."

Encourage Audience Participation : Invite the audience to show their appreciation. A round of applause or a moment of acknowledgment can create a strong sense of community.

Step 3: Visualization… Clarify the Theme/Purpose of The Event and Set the Stage

Now, let's focus on V isualization, the third vital step in the WA V E framework. This is where you bring the event's purpose to the forefront, showing your audience the journey they're about to go on.

More than anything, you’re showing them “ what’s in it for them ”.

No one attends an event just for the sake of it; they come with specific goals in mind, like boosting their revenue or scaling their tech business. 

Your job is to vividly paint a picture of how this event will help them achieve those goals and ignite their enthusiasm for the journey ahead.

When you script the theme discussion, do:

• Be Clear and Concise: Tailor the theme into a straightforward, compelling message. For instance, "Today, we're diving into Strategies to 10x Your Tech Business in 2024' – giving you a roadmap for unprecedented growth and success."
• Relate to the Audience: Connect the theme to your audience's aspirations and business objectives. "You, as tech entrepreneurs and innovators, are here to discover and implement strategies that will catapult your businesses into new heights and successes."
• Build Anticipation: Highlight what they can look forward to throughout the event. "Prepare to learn from industry giants who will unveil their little known secrets you need to instantly drive more leads, customers, and profits into your business, 24/7, like clockwork!”

Step 4: Exit… Transition From Your Opening Speech with Passion and Purpose

The final part of your opening speech is the ' E xit,' a pivotal step in the WAV E framework. This is where you transition from your introduction to introducing your first speaker, with enthusiasm, energy and passion. 

When crafting your exit, do:

• Build the Excitement: Use your closing words to build the audience's anticipation. Imagine ending with a burst of energy, "So, are you pumped up!? Are you ready to discover how to add hundreds more customers to your business in the next 30 days, without spending an extra dollar on advertising?! Give me a “HELL YES!” if you’re ready for that!"
• Introduce with Impact: Seamlessly introduce the next speaker in a way that maintains the momentum. Picture yourself saying, "Because our very first speaker is a true game-changer in the tech industry, and now, they're about to reveal strategies that will skyrocket your business revenue in 2024! Get ready to have your mind blown and your bank account swollen with strategies never revealed before on stage – please welcome…"

This Exit strategy isn't just a mere transition.

It's your job to make sure the audience is on the edge of their seats!

In summary, the WAVE opening speech framework looks like this:

• A ppreciate  
• E xit 

This is the fastest, easiest, and most stress-free way for you to write an opening speech that captivates your audience from the get-go and sets you up as the unforgettable emcee they'll be talking about for years.

And better yet, with WAVE, you can write an opening speech in minutes. 

No more staring at a blank page for hours, no more doubts about hitting the right note; with WAVE you can script a powerful opening speech fast.

But don’t just take my word for it…

Let me show you, with a sample opening speech, using WAVE.

Sample Opening Speech Using The WAVE Framework

Scenario: Imagine you're about to open a tech conference. The auditorium is packed with eager entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts. Now you need an opening script to set the stage.

Let’s try that with the WAVE framework:

{W} "Good evening, visionaries, innovators, and trailblazers of the tech world! Welcome to the 2024 Tech Titan Summit, where the brightest minds converge to redefine the future! Whether it's your first time here or you're a seasoned attendee, know that your presence is what transforms this event from ordinary to extraordinary.

{A} I want to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to those who've made this event possible – the tireless team, our dedicated sponsors, and every one of you here today. Your passion and commitment bring this vision to life. Let's give them all a thunderous round of applause!

{V} Now, let’s dive into why we're all here. This isn't just another tech conference; it's a launchpad for exponential growth. The theme for this summit, '10x Your Tech,' is not just a catchy phrase – it's a commitment, a challenge to each of us to push beyond the boundaries, to not just grow, but to multiply our impact, our reach, our revenue! Today, we're not just sharing ideas but sparking a revolution in the tech industry.

{E} So, are you ready to be part of this extraordinary journey? Let's set this stage on fire with our first speaker, a true maverick in tech innovation, someone who’s reshaped the industry as we know it. Get ready to learn exactly how our first speaker has taken her start-up from a humble home office to a global tech empire, growing their revenue from $1 million to $50 million, without any external funding... and how you can do the same… Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage…"

Is this script perfect? 

No, of course not – but it's highly effective, incredibly engaging, and it took less than 8 minutes to put together. 

This is the power of the WAVE framework. 

It’s designed to help you quickly craft an opening that resonates with your audience's aspirations and sets the tone for a successful event.

Never Get Stuck In “Opening Script Limbo” Again

Say goodbye to the dread of scripting your event's opening. 

No more second-guessing what to say, worrying if it’s good enough, or wondering how to keep your audience captivated.

Not when you have the WAVE framework in your toolkit:

• Welcome: Create a genuine connection right from the start.
• Appreciate : Acknowledge the team and audience, fostering a sense of community.
• Visualize: Set the stage for the event's theme, aligning it with audience goals and aspirations.
• Exit : Seamlessly transition with energy and purpose, leaving the audience desperate for more.

With WAVE, you’ll not only be able to write an opening speech script in minutes, but you’ll write one that has your audience engaged from the first word, and your event organizers begging you to be their host again!

Take Your Public Speaking to the Next Level

Just mastered the art of the WAVE Framework and you’re confident with writing an emcee opening script like a pro? 

Now, step up your entire public speaking game with the world’s #1 course on public speaking

"Be Awesome On Stage: The Masterclass "  

This course is your golden ticket to becoming a public speaking pro, boosting your confidence, and engaging any audience with ease.  It contains everything I’ve learned in becoming the world’s #1 emcee .

And it’s guaranteed to help you overcome any stage fright   and absolutely crush it the next time you have to speak or present in public.

Read Next:   12 Benefits of Public Speaking for Professional & Personal Life

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Devon Brown  (“Duh-Von” not “Dev-in”) is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, former hip-hop dancer, and World's #1 Event Emcee. Once described as a sort-of ‘MC Hammer meets Tony Robbins’; his style is 50% education, 50% entertainment, and 100% must-experience. Be sure to connect with Devon on social media.

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Script for your Emcee. Master of Ceremonies notes for a TEDx event.

Published by admin on july 18, 2019 july 18, 2019.

Over the past few years I have acted as Master of Ceremonies , or Emcee, for TEDx events. Firstly I emcee’d TEDxEAL in Denmark in 2016, where I was also the curator. Later, in 2018 and 2019 I was the emcee for TEDxKlagenfurt in Austria. Where I was trained by the wonderful public speaking and presentation expert Niki Ernst from My School Of Talk . Also, I currently write large parts of the Emcee’s script for TEDxOdense hosted by Barnabas Wetton from the Design School Kolding and Heather Hansen from the Global Speech Academy . And also the Emcee notes for TEDxOdenseWomen hosted by the wonderful Meg Larrabee Sønderlund .

The person who hosts your event as emcee has a really important job to do, and the choice of a good emcee , with a good script, can make all the difference in your event.

TEDx events are particularly special, because they put so much effort onto the speakers, the TEDx Emcee role is sometimes forgotten. So in this article I will take you behind the scenes and give you all the details on how to be the perfect Master of Ceremonies for a TEDx event.

This article is based on my experience, but feel free to add your own notes and ideas in the comments box at the end of the article. And always pick the Emcee that is right for your event.

How do you choose a TEDx Emcee?

This is a checklist I created, that I like to use when finding the perfect emcee.

Does the Emcee love the TEDx brand and deeply understand it? If your host is the master of ceremonies at lots of other events, is this just another job for them? Pick an Emcee who is in love with the brand and the event.

Has the Emcee been involved in a TEDx event before? Some of our best Master of Ceremonies have been people who have previously given a TEDx talk, and know the pressures and the magic of the event. If a person has never seen a TEDx event live, we wont consider them for the role of emcee.

Does the Emcee have a clear voice, that can easily be understood by an international audience ? Teachers, radio presenters, narrators, storytellers, speech therapists, podcasters, can all make great emcees. A clear, calm, easy to understand voice is essential.

Does the Emcee embody the spirit of your event? Every event has its own spirit and feeling. You need the right Emcee for the job. When TEDxOdense first started, it had a creative, maverick, high-energy feeling to the event. Our host Barnabas Wetton was able to capture and express that creative energy because of his background in working with creative projects.

When we looked for a host for TEDxOdenseWomen we had a smaller event, with a more intimate feeling. Topics such as inclusion and diversity were important. Also, we needed someone who could handle controversial topics with grace and sensitivity. We chose experienced teacher Meg Larrabee Sønderlund, who brought a caring, loving style of hosting to the stage. She used her years of teaching experience to bring the audience together as if it was one wonderful classroom with your favourite teacher, making the room feel safe and under control.

Can your Emcee match the energy of the room? Matching the energy of a room can be very challenging for an emcee. I have seen so many emcees that present an event in an inappropriate way. I have seen comedic emcees presenting in a funny and humorous way, when the audience really wants something serious and thought provoking. If a TEDx talk has been very emotional or intimate, it’s important that the emcee is comfortable with that energy, and embracing it, rather than trying to get the audience to laugh when they may be feeling reflective.

Is your Emcee fun, flexible, and dedicated backstage? As an event organiser, you will be spending a lot of time backstage with your emcee. Make sure that they are nice, friendly, and fun to be around.

A good Master of Ceremonies will always have a personal connection with all of the speakers. So they should be genuinely interested in what the speakers have to say. Whenever I am emceeing an event, I always try to spend as much time with the speakers as possible, during rehearsals, during dinner, in the hotel, chatting and getting to know them, so that when I meet them on stage we will have a genuine connection.

Is your Emcee open to comments, feedback and coaching ? A good Emcee is never on autopilot . Make sure that your master of ceremonies is open to coaching and feedback during rehearsals. Never let your emcee say “I know what I’m doing” and then treat your event like any other event. Make sure they take feedback well.

Does your Emcee have the right amount of time to prepare? I typically spend around 20 hours writing all the notes and script for a typical TEDx emcee. Your emcee really needs to know every last detail about your event and your speakers. I would then typically spend around 40 hours looking at every youtube video, reading every article and digging deep into the lives of the speakers so I really get to know them. I would then try to have two separate 30 minute conversations with each speaker to make them comfortable, and plenty of rehearsal time in the days coming up to the event.

If you are tempted to get an emcee who will just turn up on the day and make it up as he goes along, they are not the person for you.

Does your Emcee have the ability to control the audience, especially when things go wrong? You may see many great presenters on TV who appear very natural and at ease. But on TV mistakes can be edited out, autocues are available, and a whole team of people are there to make things go smooth. In a live event, anything can and will happen.

Make sure your Emcee has the skill and the confidence to keep things going when mistakes happen.

I love to work with teachers as emcees for events, as they are so skilled at dealing with large groups and stop them from spiralling out of control. If your emcee can handle a room full of 30 unruly teenagers, they have the skills to host your TEDx event.

Does your Emcee have the ability to put their ego aside to make the speakers the stars? This is such a difficult thing, as many professional presenters and emcees are used to being the centre of attention. But at a TEDx event, the speakers are the stars of the show. Can you find an Emcee who is humble enough to deal with this?

Can your Emcee show a wide variety of emotional range? Finally, we look at the emotional range of our Master of Ceremonies. Some Emcees have close to zero emotional range. Those who emcee weddings are used to following protocol. Those who emcee comedy events keep the laughter flowing. Those who emcee business events are professional. But at a TEDx event, you need a master of ceremonies who can play to a full emotional range. Can they deal with a speaker who is hilariously funny, and then to a speaker who will be talking about something deep and personal? Can they deal with a highly technical speaker right next to a crazy creative speaker? Can they show the right emotions at the right time?

Heather Hansen was great at showing her emotional range, having fun with chaotic and crazy Sam Battle , dealing with the sensitive subject of torture with Niaz Bayati , and then screaming at Simon Høegmark for making her hold a snake blindfolded.

Script for Emcee – Master of Ceremonies TEDx script.

Introduction

High energy hello and welcome. They are all “TEDsters” now Set the theme – Curious Minds 7th event. 7 years in a row. Get the audience to raise their hand if they are here for the first time. Get them to give a big cheer for first timers. If they are here for their first time, we need some HOUSE RULES before we can get the show started.

House rules

The audience is as important as the speakers. So interact, make new connections, add to the discussion. You are free to sit anywhere , in any seat you like, and after each break please move around to sit next to someone new. Don’t leave anything on your seat during the break or try to “reserve” a seat. Move around! Please be respectful to the speakers. We present a LOT of different ideas, and some of them you might not like. Some might offend you, some might challenge you. These controversial topics are intended to spark discussion. You might not like everything, in fact, it’s rare that you will. We want to challenge your beliefs and ideas. Please respect everyone’s ideas. Give some love to the volunteers. TEDx is not-for-profit and everyone, the speakers, the team behind the stage, even me, all give our time for free, so if you need help from one of our awesome volunteers, just ask. We have 27 team members and 45 volunteers from 10 different nationalities, working hard for the past year to make this happen. If they help you out, give them a hug, or a high five! If you need to leave, for whatever reason , please do NOT leave in the middle of someone’s talk. It’s very disruptive. If you are desperate to leave, please stay seated until after the talk. When I am on stage, you can quickly wriggle out between speakers. This is very important! YOU WILL BE ON VIDEO

Social media

Everybody pull out their phone and take an awesome selfie – Host takes a selfie too. Our Hashtag is #TEDxCityName Phones on SILENT NO CAMERA FLASHES They are welcome to take photos and tweet and everything. Be friendly to your fellow audience members! Turn around and find someone you don’t know. Shake their hand and say hello. Let’s make friends.

Chris Anderson video

The TED conference started in 1984 in California, and has now spread to communities all over the world. Today we start proceedings with a special video message from TED Curator Chris Anderson. Let’s take a look at the video

Stay on stage while video plays 1 min 30 seconds

Introduce session 1

[SESSION 1 TITLE NAME HERE] This session looks at: [THEME DESCRIPTION HERE] [SPEAKER 1] [How speaker 1’s talk links to the theme] [SPEAKER 2] [How speaker 2’s talk links to the theme] [SPEAKER 3] [How speaker 3’s talk links to the theme] [SPEAKER 4] [How speaker 4’s talk links to the theme]

Introduce speaker 1

[SPEAKERS NAME] / [SPEAKERS TITLE] / [SPEAKERS COUNTRY] / [SPEAKERS PHONETIC SPELLING] In this introduction, do not give away what the speaker will talk about, but ask the audince questions about some of the topics the speaker may raise. Please welcome [SPEAKERS TITLE] from [SPEAKERS COUNTRY]: [SPEAKERS PHONETIC SPELLING]

Speaker 1’s talk

Question 1 for Speaker 1…. Question 2 for Speaker 1…. Shake hands and say THANKYOU as a cue for speaker 1 to leave the stage.

You would then repeat this for each speaker in your session.

Here is how an Emcee may thank a partner/sponsors:

As you know, today wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of our partners: [Partners name] / [Partners phonetic name] One short line about how the partner is related to the theme of the event. [Partners name] / [Partners phonetic name] One short line about how the partner is related to the theme of the event. [Partners name] / [Partners phonetic name] One short line about how the partner is related to the theme of the event. And if you believe in ideas worth spreading, and you would like to become a partner for a future event please contact the team via [Email or other contact info here]

Many TEDx events like to show videos from the TED.com website alongside their speakers. Here is how your Emcee might introduce a video:

Introduce a video

In the spirit of Ideas Worth Spreading, todays TEDxCityName event is connected with many hundreds of different independently organised events around the world as part of a global community that share ideas, and today, YOU are part of that global community. Right now, today, on [EVENT DATE] there are TEDx communities just like this one, gathering to share ideas worth spreading in China, Kenya, Taiwan, Italy, Nigeria, Switzerland, Mexico and of course here in Austria. Tomorrow, there will be TEDx event in Israel, India, and the UK. [You can find a list of all TEDx events happing on any particular day on the TED.com website] All the talks you see today will be filmed and shared to millions of people on the TED website. And in turn, we share with you different video talks from around the world. The first of those videos is from California, from 2008. Seen over 10 Millions times around the world, in this video Benjamin Zander describes the transformative power of classical music. We hope that you feel inspired to try something for the first time here today, and maybe after watching this short talk you might feel in tune to your classical senses. From TED 2008  in California, please enjoy BENJAMIN ZANDER . LETS TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO .

During your event, you may have several different breaks. Here is how the Emcee should introduce the breaks:

Introduce a break

Summarise the session. Thank the speakers from the previous session. Give a short tease as to what to expect from the next session. Tell the audience what they can do during the break (Some events have break activities, games, networking events, mini-discussions, or partner driven activities) Tell the audience about food options. (What food is available, how do they claim their food, is there specific instructions for vegetarians etc, how should they recycle their waste, is food allowed back in the main auditorium etc). Tell them how long the break is. End with “And be back in your seats at [Next session start time]…as we [final theme teaser]…”

At the end, some events like to invite the curator, organising team, license holders, or other volunteers on to the stage for a final applause and photo. This can be very complicated, so make sure that this is arranged in advance and that it is well rehearsed.

Ending the event

Thank the audience. Hope they have had a lovely time. GIVE A WRAP UP of the entire event. INVITE [Lead organiser] TO THE STAGE [Lead organiser] Thanks PARTNERS, then AUDIENCE. [Lead organiser] thanks SPEAKERS and invites them on to the stage. [Lead organiser] thanks VOLUNTEER TEAM and invites them on to the stage. Pose for photo with all on stage. [Lead Organiser] thanks EMCEE. [TEAM LEAVES STAGE] But the fun doesn’t end just yet, you can continue the fun at the After Party at [LOCATION], [TIME] where you can meet the speakers and the team, and party the night away. We know that you believe in ideas worth spreading. And now, you are all official TEDsters. So we hope that you will join us for: [NEXT YEARS EVENT THEME] [NEXT YEARS EVENT DATE] We really hope we will see you, and your friends there. Thank you for enjoying a day of ideas worth spreading. Goodnight!

You are welcome to use these notes, and change them in any way that works for your event. Please do leave a comment below if you find this helpful.

Joel Schaubel · November 13, 2019 at 1:21 pm

I have been selected at emcee for a TedX event in Hamilton, ON. Your post is very helpful to give me some guidance on how to put the script together for and prepare for the event. I appreciate you sharing your lessons learned being an emcee for a TedX event. Thanks

Andrew Hayford · November 20, 2019 at 12:06 pm

I am from Ghana, a student event emcee or Master of Ceremony. I have being chosen for Student Talk similar to TedX. Having a glance of your piece has enlightened me a lot. I am grateful going through these lessons. Thank you very much.

Jacob Zhang · November 6, 2020 at 2:42 am

I am organizing my very first TEDx event as a high schooler in New Jersey. This post was very helpful in helping me decide what my emcee needs to cover and really great for first timers like me. Thank you for sharing this.

Jesyl E. Demigaya · March 30, 2021 at 1:58 pm

If you maintain eye contact with your audience while speaking, you can observe the cues and adapt your message.

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