Read(y) to Succeed

The ability to speak in public can be learned by everyone.  Last week I had the opportunity of talking to a young lady who wants to make a living as a speaker.  Towards the end of our conversation, she asked me to recommend a couple of books for her.  

Here is a list books I have read which I have found useful:

Greatest Speeches of Historic Black Leaders edited by Ben Anagwonye
The World's Greatest Speeches edited by Vijaya Kumar
Speeches that Changed the World introduced by Simon Sebag Montefiore
The Art of Public Speaking by Vijaya Kumar
Just Say A Few Words by Bob Monkhouse
How to Write and Give a Speech by Joan Detz
How to Speak in Public by Eugene Ehrlich & Gene R. Hawes
Communicate Clearly by Robert Heller
Speak and Grow Rich by Dottie Walters & Lily Walters
Speak to Win by Brian Tracy
The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie
How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere by Larry King
Words Words Words by David Crystal
How to Make a Speech by Steve Allen
How to be a Brilliant Master of Ceremonies by Rachel Green

Communicate with Confidence! by Dianna Booher

21st Century Dictionary of Quotations edited by The Princeton Language Institute

Most of them are available in good bookstores.  Happy reading!

When in Rome...

 

There are days when I'm convinced the letters MC stand for 'Major Chameleon'.  Let me tell you about one of those days

Last week Tuesday around 2pm, I get a call about a potential job. Master of ceremonies needed for fashion show.  Candidate must engage audience and veer towards standup comedy once in a while.  "No problem".  I tell the client "I’m available.  I can do it."

Fast forward 3 hours later and another call comes through.  Event organiser would like me to be the MC at a commemorative lecture in honour of a VVIP.  Qualities needed: gravitas, poise, calm.  "No worries at all", I assure the organiser, "I can do serious too."

As you may have noticed, an MC must have the ability, just like the chameleon, to take on the characteristics of the environment and blend in harmoniously.  He achieves this by what he says and how he says it.  That's the key to success in the profession.  Would you be happy with an MC who persisted in cracking dry jokes instead of concentrating on hosting a serious event in the appropriate mood? No.  And would you be excited about an MC who speaks with diplomatic formality at a fashion event where the ambience is bright and colourful?  Definitely not.

Remember if you are the Master of Ceremonies, you are also playing the role of the Major Chameleon.  Make sure you fit in.

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.