We’ve all been there. Sitting at one of those corporate events where time seems to warp like a Christopher Nolan movie, and you’ve spent most of the day sneakily eyeing up the emergency exits. The real difference between excruciating events like that and one that actually gets people buzzing is the Master of Ceremonies (MC).
My name is Kalle Ryan. I’m an experienced MC (based in bubblin’ Dublin, Ireland) who has steered comms and events for tech giants Meta & Google, and also performed in multiple award-winning productions. So it’s probably fair to say that I know a few things about engaging an audience while staying on message!
With that in mind, I have tried to put together a list of the 7 qualities that I think make an MC truly great. My hope is that they’re useful for any event planners and gig organisers out there who are trying to identify a great MC for their next event. And perhaps this list is also interesting for working MCs, who are committed to improving their craft. Either way, let me know what you think and if any of it resonates.
The 7 Essential Qualities of an Exceptional Event MC
Finding the right MC isn’t just about nabbing someone who can pronounce everyone’s name correctly (although that’s a brilliant start). It’s about finding that one of those rare creative communicators who can elevate your entire experience and make sure your messages stick. *cough* Such as Kalle Ryan.
1. Adaptability and Quick Thinking
Let’s be honest, events rarely go exactly as planned. Tech goes haywire, speakers warble on too long, or a Q&A session that derails into the tangent ocean. A truly great MC should be able to navigate these kind of choppy waters with the grace and dexterity of an Olympic gold medal swimmer.
That’s because a proper MC is adaptable and can think on their feet. When things go sideways, your MC is basically your human lifejacket. Flexibility is their middle name. (Actually, mine’s Eoin, but never mind that.)
So, an MC who has a background in improv (or even handling press conferences) could be a vital part of your event team, because they can react calmly in a stormy pressure situation and keep things on track (sometimes without the audience even noticing) .
2. Strategic Communication Expertise
The best MCs know their job goes way beyond basic intros and tricky transitions. They need to really understand your strategic objectives and messaging priorities, but not everyone can do that. Certainly not your average MC. It requires someone who is corporate communications savvy, while also being able to transmit the requisite energy and inspiration alongside it.
If you were to drop a very niche search query into the Google machine like “MCs with corporate communication experience Dublin”, there is a good chance it would come up as a Googlewhack and return only one response. *cough* Kalle Ryan. But joking aside, it is a rare thing for an MC to have real comms chops and be able to weave your key messages throughout an event, in ways that feel natural rather than forced, while also building connection in the room.
So, give real consideration to the professional background of your MC when you make the choice. While comms people tend to stay behind the scenes, you can find the occasional rare bird who effortlessly crafts the messages, makes them stick, and fires up the crowd at the same time.
3. Audience Connection and Reading The Room
The ability to read a room and establish a real connection with diverse audiences isn’t just valuable, it’s pure gold. I’d even go so far as to say, it’s the thing that consistently transforms a standard event into something actually memorable.
For any kind of communication (whether it is on the page or on the stage) one of the golden rules is to know your audience. So, when you’re on the hunt for an MC, at the vetting stage keep an ear out if they are inquisitive about the audience (e.g. size, demographics, roles). If that isn’t on their mind, then there is a chance they may not be the MC for you.
4. Storytelling Skills (Because Data Is Boring, Stories Are Everything)
Here’s a tasty stat for you: Research from Stanford (Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die. Heath, C., & Heath, D. (2007). ) found that only 5% of audiences remembered statistics from an event, while 63% remembered the stories told by speakers. In more simple terms, that means that information wrapped in story is 12 times more memorable than dry facts alone!
The best MCs are natural-born storytellers who can spin narratives that link your key messages to something people actually care about. As Ireland’s fifth best performance poet (according to the audience at my Brownbread Mixtape cabaret show, so take that with a pinch of salt), I’ve seen how the right story at the right moment can transform an entire room.
It’s also worth noting that any good MC worth their salt should have a couple of great signature stories that they can rely on with a crowd. This is especially valuable if the event has a hitch and you need them to fill time. This is why you often see stand-up comedians venturing into the world of MCing, because as seasoned storytellers, they can make almost any material compelling. That doesn’t mean that a comedian is necessarily the best choice, but it can be. It really depends on the event. What you’re really looking for is a natural, affable storyteller who can elevate your information and make it land more readily. If there is some humour in there, then happy days, but ultimately the MC isn’t there to be the centre of attention. They are there to help you tell your story onstage.
5. Perfect Timing and Pace Management
Nothing destroys an event’s energy faster than poor timing. Great MCs have an internal rhythm for events and the way they flow. They know when to speed things up, slow them down, or throw in a well-timed bit of playfulness when the energy dips.
A good MC will want to understand how well your event is planned in terms of timings (onstage and off), as it has a material impact on their role, as well as their pacing for the session(s). In return, they should be able to prepare well and leverage their experience and expertise to keep things ticking along (literally).
6. Authentic Human Presence
Audiences can smell bullshit from a mile away. The best MCs always bring their authentic selves to the stage, while still keeping things professional enough that your CEO won’t have a minor conniption. Their personality makes a real difference.
Charisma goes a long way with an MC, but ultimately you need someone authentic (and relatable). It’s deeply unlikely an MC will ever say they are lacking that human sensitivity, but a chemistry call will give you a sense of their personality immediately. Pay close attention in that initial meeting, as it is effectively the MCs first chance to demonstrate their emotional intelligence and presence. It’s also not a bad idea to check with others who have hired the MC previously to gauge character and authenticity.
7. Cultural Intelligence and Sensitivity
Being multilingual (Swedish, English, and German) has given me a front-row seat to how vital cultural connection is. When it comes to events with diverse audiences at international companies, an MC who understands those cultural nuances and can speak more directly to their needs is worth their weight in golden microphones .
This type of cultural understanding is likely to come from an MC who has more than one nationality, or has spent a long time in an international company environment. The MC will have a natural inclination to tailor their delivery (and vocabulary) for non-native speakers, as well anchor ideas in more broadly relevant reference points. I learned this most readily last year when I emceed a series of Town Halls in English and German for Canada Life, with the audience specifically calling out their appreciation for this kind of localised approach. It made a real difference and the audience felt heard and seen, which was reflected back in the high satisfaction scores (8.9/10)
Not every MC is going to be multilingual, but the ability to read a room and adapt their delivery to an international audience is a skill worth seeking out. It benefits everyone.
Investing in the Right MC Could Make All The Difference
For your next event, it’s worth considering how these seven qualities line up with what you’re trying to achieve. If you keep that at the forefront of your mind, it should help you choose an MC who can elevate your event from “Is this over yet?” to “Wow, that was actually brilliant!”
In truth, when you select the right MC for your event, you’re actively investing in your employees by ensuring your key messages actually stick in people’s brainboxes. Ultimately the audience will be more engaged (and learn more) because they’re being guided by someone who can shape the entire experience.
Choose wisely. Hopefully this list helps you make that choice.
If you’re interested in bringing my magical, multilingual MC skills to your next event or offsite, then clickety click the yellow box below to learn more about my live communications services. Still have questions? Book a free 30-minute consultation here or send me an email.
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