Frequently Asked Questions

"How does one get to be a great MC?" the young man asked.  And I smiled.  I get this question at least once a week.  My answer is always the same - by emceeing.  Learning the art of emceeing is like learning how to swim or ride or dance.  No matter how many books you read, videos you watch or people you observe, you only make progress if you put all your knowledge into practice by doing.  Another word for it is on-the-job training.  Learning involves making mistakes, finding out what works and what doesn't.  When I gave this advice to the young man, he looked disappointed, almost as if he expected something much deeper than what I told him.  But look at it this way.  If a teacher teaches, a driver drives and a baker bakes, then a presenter presents and a speaker speaks.  You  gain experience by multiplying your opportunities to practise what you want to perfect.

"How do I acquire the experience? Nobody knows me!"  If you are new to the business of emceeing, don't despise small beginnings.  Get in shape for that all-important office event by volunteering to handle family functions like weddings and parties as well as social events like launches and fundraisers.  You'll learn how to introduce guests and create effective links between event segments, tools that can be used to manage corporate functions as well.

"So attending a course to become a better presenter is not necessary?" the young man wanted to know.  Far from it.  Get all the education you can.  Read all the books you can.  And after that, approach your MC duties by taking the advice of the renowned sports company Nike. Just do it.