The conductor, or master of ceremonies, is the narrator of an event. He is the person who connects each artist or speaker, placing them in the context of the event, without being too much in the spotlight to take the stage away from the participants. Anyone with a leadership attitude and good self-esteem can be a good conductor, even better if with adequate preparation, practice and timing.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Knowing the Event
Step 1. Meet with the event organizer in order to assimilate any information useful for conducting
In some cases, the organizer is at the same time the conductor (or host) of the event.
Step 2. Talk personally to each artist or person who will participate
Ask if they have any special needs regarding each person's presentation. If necessary, check the pronunciation of their full name with the person concerned, so that it will be easier for you to announce it to the public.
Step 3. Deepen your knowledge of the people or artists you will introduce
Visit the websites, listen to songs or excerpts you find online, read something on the blogs or ask for more detailed information about everyone's career, so that you can make some references or additional jokes even if not in the program.
Step 4. Find out if there are any topics that are best left out of the event, or that are sensitive to attendees or audiences
If you know the deeper aspects of the event, you can more easily stay on topic and conduct it professionally.
Step 5. Establish the theme of the event
A theme can act as a guideline through various exhibitions, increasing cohesion and uniting even different styles and people.
Step 6. Write the introductions for each participant
Don't just improvise, otherwise you risk getting the references or timing of your speeches wrong. Here are some good rules for when writing introductions:
- Don't make humor that is difficult to understand. If it's not clear to the entire audience, a joke can spoil the mood of the event.
- Don't use abusive language and stay away from stereotypes. If you can't make a joke without offending someone, you'd better refrain from humor and stay honest.
- Avoid glorifications when introducing someone. Don't say: "He's the best person in the world", but stick to reality: "He won the award for civil commitment for the past three years in a row." Let the facts speak for the person as much as possible.
- Don't go long.
- Give each person the same time and care in introducing them.
Method 2 of 4: Preparing for the Day of the Event
Step 1. Go to the venue a few hours in advance
You will need time to get comfortable, empathize with the spaces available, and to do some tests. You are the focal point of the event, and therefore you will have to feel at home, demonstrating your safety to everyone.
Step 2. Do a microphone test, including lighting and any other devices that will be used during the event, at least an hour before the audience arrives
Try to establish a good relationship with the technicians, and to have at least one trusted person who can easily solve any hitch that may arise in the technical field.
Step 3. Introduce yourself to all workers participating in the organization and the event itself, including those who are there for the specific event and those who work for the facility where it is being hosted
Any of these people could be of great help in case of need.
Step 4. Learn about safety procedures
You will be the host of the event, and in an emergency you should at least know how to point people in the right direction.
Step 5. Review in advance and again on the same day the order of appearance of the various characters
If someone doesn't show up, you need to be able to move on to the next person. Inform the various participants when they are expected to attend.
Step 6. Dress carefully
This old advice is of utmost importance to the conductor, because you have to present yourself in a professional and well-groomed way. Decide in advance whether to dress formally or more casually, based on the tone of the event.
Method 3 of 4: Event Inauguration
Step 1. Bring the audience to order
If you are in a noisy environment, this is your best chance to get everyone's attention. You can proceed with a controlled and rehearsed scream beforehand, with a high pitched noise like the tinkling of a glass, or with some exclamations like: "Raise your thumb if you hear me."
Step 2. Thank the audience and greet them with a friendly and sincere welcome
Try to answer the question, "Why are we all gathered here today?"
Step 3. Introduce yourself
Start with a short and fun anecdote to improve the overall mood.
Step 4. Introduce the organizers of the event
Spend a few moments on each person involved in the organization, and on those who have previously been reported to you as important and to be thanked (such as the sponsors of the event, for example).
Step 5. Smile
From the beginning of your first speech until the end of the event, you will need to keep a cheerful tone and smile continuously.
Method 4 of 4: Conducting and Concluding the Event
Step 1. Stay close to the stage or center stage during all performances or extras
To control the event, you need to be close to the action. If you need a break or have any urgency, plan your removal in advance and delegate time control to someone you trust.
Step 2. Keep an eye on the clock
You are responsible for meeting the established deadlines. If things go on for a long time, decide in time if you can cut something or tighten the time in another phase of the event.
Have a story ready to tell in case you need to gain a few minutes, perhaps because the next person you need to introduce isn't ready yet
Step 3. Move on to the finale with great enthusiasm
People who sit for some time are very influenced by your mood, and will react in line with how you present yourself.
Step 4. Thank all participants and the audience
Special thanks to the organizers, artists or speakers and all those who contributed to making the event real.
Step 5. Promote the next event
In case there is a follow-up, or a future opportunity to refer to, don't forget to mention it and give information to everyone on how to participate.
