How Do You Master the Ceremonies? Lessons From an Emcee and Speaker Coach
What Does a Master of Ceremonies Do?
On November 12, I’ll serve as Master of Ceremonies for the C-Sweet Summit, a conference of executive women at Sony Pictures Studios. Learn more and join us here.
An emcee is the bridge between the speakers and the audience. My happy job is to:
• Keep the program moving and hold firm on time and rambling
• Introduce each speaker in a way that sets them up to be their best
• Build energy in the room so the audience arrives at every talk excited and ready to listen
What Makes a Memorable Emcee Experience?
This isn’t my first time. My most memorable emcee role was at a thousand-person conference headlined by Maya Angelou. Pictured above is us that day, backstage.
I’ve been a professional speaker for many years and a speaker coach since 2015, so I know what it takes to connect with an audience. As emcee, I get to help every speaker make that connection.
What Does “Mastery” Really Mean?
A master is someone with authority, high skill, or command over something. Mastery means complete skill, deep knowledge, or full command of a subject, activity, or situation.
We all have an inner drive to keep getting better at the things that matter to us. As Daniel Pink describes in Drive, mastery grows from “just-right” challenges. These are tasks that aren’t so hard they cause anxiety or so easy they cause boredom. They sit right at the edge of what we can do today.
What’s Your Just-Right Challenge?
Maybe it’s your first keynote. Maybe it’s emceeing an event, speaking on a panel, or finally sounding as confident on stage as you are in the boardroom. Whatever it is, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Book Your Free 30-Minute Speaker Strategy Call
In 30 minutes, we’ll pinpoint the one speaking skill that will make the biggest difference for you right now, and you’ll leave with a clear next step you can use right away. There’s no cost and no obligation, just focused coaching from someone who has spent more than a decade helping leaders own the room.
Spots fill up quickly ahead of conference season, so grab yours today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an emcee and a keynote speaker? A keynote speaker delivers one main talk. An emcee hosts the whole event. The emcee introduces speakers, manages time, and keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
What makes a great emcee? A great emcee is warm, well prepared, and in command of the clock. We make every speaker look good and keep the energy up between sessions.
How do I get better at public speaking? Choose “just-right” challenges that stretch you without overwhelming you. Then get feedback from an experienced coach so you improve faster.
Mimi was a superstar in the speaking business, keynoting for audiences of thousands. Her combination of sophisticated humor and solid content made her one of America’s most popular funny females.
Mimi has created speeches and “found the funny” for TEDx Talkers, executives, celebrities, and entrepreneurs. Before starting her speaking and coaching business, she was a Human Resources Specialist with Walt Disney, Northrop Aircraft, and Rockwell International.