MC with MEi

Remember that old Sprite Soda ad where the slogan is “Image is NOT Everything”?  This session flies in the face of that logic. It is a reality of public speaking or any sort of public presentation or exhibition: “To Play the Part, You Must Look The Part”.  The way you carry yourself begins with your appearance; it can be fickle but this is no different than any other type of performing arts.  Bottom line is, for this Session, this is NOT a fashion advice episode!! Not even close. But there is a strategy to play a role and look the part. Not unlike film or stage actors; when you are cast in the role of Master of Ceremonies, what separates you from the "pretenders" is how you "own" each role. This, for many, is the make-or-break factor for whether or not they get re-hired by that group or committee. You have to care. But first you have to know how to play this to win this. You will win with this PodCast Session #10 of MC with MEi!

My credentials? Look me up at www.masterofceremonies.ca and play the videos, browse the photos and watch my short animated video intros for each of the sessions in this series; they are fun and easy to follow. This way you know which sessions are right for you without having to listen to them all if you do not need to.  Click on photos for the stories behind the situations captured. I am always available for hire as a Master of ceremonies for your events, key note on the "Science Behind The Podium", and if you would prefer a more one-on-one or one-on-group approach to this course, I can accommodate most requests for that as well. Just send me a note on my "Contact MEi" link.  Like and follow me on Twitter @MCwithMEi and send notes to me that way either in a conversation or as a direct message.  And don’t forget to Subscribe to MCwithMEi so you have every PodCourse session as well as all the other releases from “MC with MEi”.  This way you can follow along or download anything you want and not take up any data on your wireless device.

Part 2 of the "events of scale" series concludes this week. In Session #8 week we discussed how to make the massive event feel intimate and in this Session #9 we do it in reverse. You have a gathering of 20, 30, 40 or a few more but they want it to have "the feel" that it was a grand scale event. Again, NOT impossible! I get into the mindset, and the vision you need to be prepared. I also arm you with the questions to ask at the consultation and even what you need to be on the lookout for when you get to the event before any guests arrive. All this PLUS I give you my favourite activity that can be used as an ice-breaker, team builder, monetary fundraiser and tactic to just open the scope of the venue itself. This is a BIG episode so maybe be ready to either take notes or play it back a couple of times. This discussion will take you to the "next level".

My credentials? Look me up at www.masterofceremonies.ca and play the videos, browse the photos and watch my short animated video intros for each of the sessions in this series; they are fun and easy to follow. This way you know which sessions are right for you without having to listen to them all if you do not need to.  Click on photos for the stories behind the situations captured. I am always available for hire as a Master of ceremonies for your events, key note on the "Science Behind The Podium", and if you would prefer a more one-on-one or one-on-group approach to this course, I can accommodate most requests for that as well. Just send me a note on my "Contact MEi" link.  Like and follow me on Twitter @MCwithMEi and send notes to me that way either in a conversation or as a direct message.  And don’t forget to Subscribe to MCwithMEi so you have every PodCourse session as well as all the other releases from “MC with MEi”.  This way you can follow along or download anything you want and not take up any data on your wireless device. 

This is a special 2-part session because it deals with the same subject principles but mirror opposite effects.  When looking at scale, we look at size comparison; “events of scale” is the comparison of event size.  In this session of “The PodCourse”, the challenge for Part 1 is holding the attention of a large scale gathering in a way that it feels like a more intimate setting. Is it magic? No, but it is strategy and focus and grace. I outline not only the very rudimentary techniques to achieve this seemingly "mission impossible", but I also delve into the far more technical and specialized points of reference. This is very “high-level” stuff now, but it all fits in its place. I also have a case study that I believe will bring it all to live in vivid colour. This is part 1 of "Scale to Measure" where next week, we make that smaller gathering feel massive.

My credentials? Look me up at www.masterofceremonies.ca and play the videos, browse the photos and watch my short animated video intros for each of the sessions in this series; they are fun and easy to follow. This way you know which sessions are right for you without having to listen to them all if you do not need to.  Click on photos for the stories behind the situations captured. I am always available for hire as a Master of ceremonies for your events, key note on the "Science Behind The Podium", and if you would prefer a more one-on-one or one-on-group approach to this course, I can accommodate most requests for that as well. Just send me a note on my "Contact MEi" link.  Like and follow me on Twitter @MCwithMEi and send notes to me that way either in a conversation or as a direct message.  And don’t forget to Subscribe to MCwithMEi so you have every PodCourse session as well as all the other releases from “MC with MEi”.  This way you can follow along or download anything you want and not take up any data on your wireless device.

This session of "MC with MEi: The PodCourse" we take a knee for inspiration.  Not an inspirational message; you don’t need that from me; no, this is to reflect back on who we have always aspired to be like in our dreams to take the mic, walk a stage and control  an audience’s attention. We all have heroee, those we dream to be just like one day, doing what they do, what we are equally as passionate about. However, when we emulate those we revere, we find it works in reverse and we fall flat. Be inspired but always be yourself; remember who has the mic. I dive into this topic and relate it to my inspirations; who knows, we might even have the same heroes.  You will find out right now on MC with MEi.

My credentials? Look me up at www.masterofceremonies.ca and play the videos, browse the photos and watch my short animated video intros for each of the sessions in this series; they are fun and easy to follow. This way you know which sessions are right for you without having to listen to them all if you do not need to.  Click on photos for the stories behind the situations captured. I am always available for hire as a Master of ceremonies for your events, key note on the "Science Behind The Podium", and if you would prefer a more one-on-one or one-on-group approach to this course, I can accommodate most requests for that as well. Just send me a note on my "Contact MEi" link.  Like and follow me on Twitter @MCwithMEi and send notes to me that way either in a conversation or as a direct message.  And don’t forget to Subscribe to MCwithMEi so you have every PodCourse session as well as all the other releases from “MC with MEi”.  This way you can follow along or download anything you want and not take up any data on your wireless device.

Pop quiz! If you are the Master of Ceremonies, does that make YOU the star of the function? Answer: NOT EVEN CLOSE! You as the hired Master of Ceremonies are neither the host of the event, nor the reason a ticket was purchased. If this comes as a shock, I explain everything in this session of “MC with MEi: The PodCourse” We've all witnessed this; the wedding emcee, the DJ, the office funny person asked to play this role, and yes, sometimes even the actual "talent" who is in place to facilitate the agenda from the podium; they tend to think that with a mic, it's time for prepared anecdotes, inside jokes, backhanded remarks and stories that go on without any regard for flow, timing, or general over-all audience interest. For YOU in this session, I make it plain; for YOU the event coordinator or Committee Chair; I make it crystal clear what you should be looking for. This session is where we check our egos at the door; now it gets “real” up in here!

My credentials? Look me up at www.masterofceremonies.ca and play the videos, browse the photos and watch my short animated video intros for each of the sessions in this series; they are fun and easy to follow. This way you know which sessions are right for you without having to listen to them all if you do not need to.  Click on photos for the stories behind the situations captured. I am always available for hire as a Master of ceremonies for your events, key note on the "Science Behind The Podium", and if you would prefer a more one-on-one or one-on-group approach to this course, I can accommodate most requests for that as well. Just send me a note on my "Contact MEi" link.  Like and follow me on Twitter @MCwithMEi and send notes to me that way either in a conversation or as a direct message.  And don’t forget to Subscribe to MCwithMEi so you have every PodCourse session as well as all the other releases from “MC with MEi”.  This way you can follow along or download anything you want and not take up any data on your wireless device.

Time Management is an “everyday thing”, but it gets finer tuned when you are not only responsible for your timing but the timing of every moving part in a calculated sequence of events.  The gala ticket features a hefty price tag as well as the name of a star speaker or entertainer. Guests can’t wait to not only see this Main Attraction but then MEET them afterward for an autograph and photo. Your Goal: The reason your event is sold-out needs to start on time in order to deliver a full performance and then make the post-show meet and greet. It’s not a Mission Impossible because in this session of the PodCourse we begin drawing on the techniques of Sessions 2 to 4 to build the strategy for the challenges we will explore in this Session #5. And to make it easy to follow, I relate it to an example from my career that is a fun story as well. Alright now, time is of the essence...let's get to it!

My credentials? Look me up at www.masterofceremonies.ca and play the videos, browse the photos and watch my short animated video intros for each of the sessions in this series; they are fun and easy to follow. This way you know which sessions are right for you without having to listen to them all if you do not need to.  Click on photos for the stories behind the situations captured. I am always available for hire as a Master of ceremonies for your events, key note on the "Science Behind The Podium", and if you would prefer a more one-on-one or one-on-group approach to this course, I can accommodate most requests for that as well. Just send me a note on my "Contact MEi" link.  Like and follow me on Twitter @MCwithMEi and send notes to me that way either in a conversation or as a direct message.  And don’t forget to Subscribe to MCwithMEi so you have every PodCourse session as well as all the other releases from “MC with MEi”.  This way you can follow along or download anything you want and not take up any data on your wireless device.

This PodCourse will start to ramp up in it’s intensity here.  I will start moving deeper into actual technique for when you are in action on the job.  Remember that dinner you attended that started and ended late and you couldn’t hear anything hopping on stage because those around you were chatting all night long? Hell, you would have bid more on that auction item had you known it was closing. Waste of time and money; "I’m never going to THAT event again". We've all said that and we've heard others say it as well. In this scenario EVERYONE loses! In this session, we make sure this never ever happens to you! I have techniques that I have developed over the decades that work all the time but they take practice; lots of patience and practice. But it works.  Crowd control is not what you may think it is so seeing the big picture is power.  

My credentials? Look me up at www.masterofceremonies.ca and play the videos, browse the photos and watch my short animated video intros for each of the sessions in this series; they are fun and easy to follow. This way you know which sessions are right for you without having to listen to them all if you do not need to.  Click on photos for the stories behind the situations captured. I am always available for hire as a Master of ceremonies for your events, key note on the "Science Behind The Podium", and if you would prefer a more one-on-one or one-on-group approach to this course, I can accommodate most requests for that as well. Just send me a note on my "Contact MEi" link.  Like and follow me on Twitter @MCwithMEi and send notes to me that way either in a conversation or as a direct message.  And don’t forget to Subscribe to MCwithMEi so you have every PodCourse session as well as all the other releases from “MC with MEi”.  This way you can follow along or download anything you want and not take up any data on your wireless device.  

First of all, I explain what that term means and where it originated; it's actually rather hilarious.

There is a massive difference between someone who is engaged in the event that they are speaking on behalf of and someone who is going through the motions. People who "go through the motions", do so because they have either volunteered their time, been told they are doing it by an employer, been thrown in as part of a "package" or have been volunteered for.

In this session, I make it very clear to future Masters of Ceremonies and event coordinators and committees, the critical difference between someone who can be financially held accountable and one who risks nothing because there is nothing tangible on the line. I have actually had this said to me on many occasions when being sought out so I find it necessary to share this with you.  Organizers realize this reality and then look for a professional. Look at it this way, not anyone can just drop in and do your full time job, why are we assuming any different of such a specialized and critical position? Sadly, this happens ALL THE TIME because so many organizers and committees think they're doing their cause or company a service by saving money. But this is the polar opposite as we have seen. I will also Illustrate how to be that respected and accountable MC; follow these steps and tasks and you will will be sought after over time.

My credentials? Look me up at www.masterofceremonies.ca and play the videos, browse the photos and watch my short animated video intros for each of the sessions in this series; they are fun and easy to follow. This way you know which sessions are right for you without having to listen to them all if you do not need to.  Click on photos for the stories behind the situations captured. I am always available for hire as a Master of ceremonies for your events, key note on the "Science Behind The Podium", and if you would prefer a more one-on-one or one-on-group approach to this course, I can accommodate most requests for that as well. Just send me a note on my "Contact MEi" link.  Like and follow me on Twitter @MCwithMEi and send notes to me that way either in a conversation or as a direct message.  And don’t forget to Subscribe to MCwithMEi so you have every PodCourse session as well as all the other releases from “MC with MEi”.  This way you can follow along or download anything you want and not take up any data on your wireless device.  

This week we get down to it! I share what I did to get hired. Then, more importantly, I make it clear what is necessary to stay hired and get noticed. I speak to future Masters of Ceremonies, but I also spend a lot of time speaking directly to event coordinators, committee chairs and event centres to make it pretty obvious the difference between what we do vs. just getting anyone to lead the sequence of events that has cost a lot of time and money to plan. I have made my mistakes and I continue to learn, but I have also witnessed way too many unnecessary mishaps at events that were supposed to either raise money, raise awareness or just be a celebration and it all goes sour because it simply does NOT have someone at the podium with experience. This is a critical episode; you really need this one for the rest to make sense. I will not be able to say that of many episodes; but this is definitely the one.

My credentials? Look me up at www.masterofceremonies.ca and play the videos, browse the photos and watch my short animated video intros for each of the sessions in this series; they are fun and easy to follow. This way you know which sessions are right for you without having to listen to them all if you do not need to.  Click on photos for the stories behind the situations captured. I am always available for hire as a Master of ceremonies for your events, key note on the "Science Behind The Podium", and if you would prefer a more one-on-one or one-on-group approach to this course, I can accommodate most requests for that as well. Just send me a note on my "Contact MEi" link.  Like and follow me on Twitter @MCwithMEi and send notes to me that way either in a conversation or as a direct message.  And don’t forget to Subscribe to MCwithMEi so you have every PodCourse session as well as all the other releases from “MC with MEi”.  This way you can follow along or download anything you want and not take up any data on your wireless device.

Welcome to MC with MEi! I have been a professional Master of Ceremonies since 1996. I have grown my business and developed my craft with every event I have been hired for close to 25 years so far. I have grown to also specialize in Hosting events and also guest speaking at functions as well. If you do not see the difference in your approach immediately, you will with this PodCourse 20-session series. This is Session 1, where I introduce myself to you and lay out the expectations.

My credentials? Look me up at www.masterofceremonies.ca and play the videos, browse the photos and watch my short animated video intros for each of the sessions in this series; they are fun and easy to follow. This way you know which sessions are right for you without having to listen to them all if you do not need to. Click on photos for the stories behind the situations captured. I am always available for hire as a Master of ceremonies for your events, key note on the "Science Behind The Podium", and if you would prefer a more one-on-one or one-on-group approach to this course, I can accommodate most requests for that as well. Just send me a note on my "Contact MEi" link

NEXT SESSION - Session 2: "How To Get Started". Next session gets into the voice; effective speaking as well as effective listening. I have taught courses at 2 Ontario Colleges here in the Greater Toronto Area of Canada. I also delve lightly into how to get a crowd under your control. Spooky huh? It's not what it sounds like :) . LOL .