Normally a phrase reserved for sports. The "pace of play" dictates the offence in soccer, football, hockey and basketball...and id controlled by the defence in baseball. They who control or dictate the pace of play are normally victorious. In public speaking it is exactly the same way; if you as the Master of ceremonies have control over the pace of the flow that the evening follows then every event should start on time, end on time and the overall guest satisfaction should be as high as possible. Lets dedicate a few minutes to the comparison between the "pace of play" as a speaker with that of a professional footballer.