{"id":8279,"date":"2022-04-28T20:06:25","date_gmt":"2022-04-28T20:06:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/?p=8279"},"modified":"2023-07-27T18:52:48","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T18:52:48","slug":"introduction-the-history-of-emcees-how-to-be-a-great-emcee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/introduction-the-history-of-emcees-how-to-be-a-great-emcee\/","title":{"rendered":"Introduction: The History Of Emcees &#8211; How To Be A Great Emcee"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/38V9iO1vZV0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe\u2019ve got a really big show for you tonight.\u201d <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-Ed Sullivan, Host of \u201cThe Ed Sullivan Show\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What is an Emcee?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several names for this role:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MC is short for the more official \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/what-is-the-role-of-the-master-of-ceremonies\/\">Master of Ceremonies<\/a>.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compere (pronounced \u201cCalm-Pair\u201d) is the British term for the person who introduces performers in a variety show or on a TV program.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meeting Host is sometimes used in the event industry. The word \u201chost\u201d suggests the feeling of warmth and hospitality associated with a positive gathering.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term \u201cMistress of Ceremonies\u201d was first used to refer to a female MC back in 1845. Today, that term is considered antiquated by most professionals. Emcee refers to both male and female event hosts.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We will be using terms like Emcee, MC, and Event Host or Meeting Host interchangeably here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My goal in these blogs is to help you understand the work of the on-stage personality who <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">makes a personal connection with an audience and leads them through an event experience by making introductions and providing continuity.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>See Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/what-is-an-emcee\/\">What Is An Emcee?<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>So, what does an MC do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many duties attached to the role of Emcee. These including:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing the agenda and flow of a meeting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Welcoming the audience<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explaining the purpose and theme of the event<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/preview-and-review-how-to-be-a-great-emcee\/\">Previewing<\/a> the program to build excitement\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warming up the audience with humor\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handling speaker and\/or entertainer introductions\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating smooth transitions between program segments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conducting interviews and moderating Q &amp; A sessions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognizing board members and thanking sponsors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making announcements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presenting awards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serving as an auctioneer and\/or facilitating \u201cthe Ask\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/how-to-fundraise-virtually\/\">at a fundraiser<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leading the audience in a social icebreaker<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handling raffles and the presentation of special gifts\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covering program \u201cgaffes\u201d with appropriate off-the-cuff humor\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping the meeting moving (and on time)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engaging the audience and boosting the energy in the room<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wrapping up the event and dismissing attendees\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you can see, this is a long list. And there are many other aspects involved with being a great MC. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I know? My name is Adam Christing. I have hosted more than 1,500 in-person and online events in my 30+ years working as a Master of Ceremonies.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It has been the ride of a lifetime. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You name it, <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/hire-an-mc-for-corporate-events\/\">I have emceed it<\/a>. I have hosted fundraisers, talent shows, award programs, annual dinners, corporate conferences, weddings, funerals, gameshows, training seminars, community concerts, formal galas, business conventions, volunteer appreciation nights, and more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are new to emceeing, it can feel overwhelming when you realize how much your role can impact the success of an event. But here\u2019s what I want to tell you: You can do it and do it well. I will be sharing hundreds of tips, secrets, and lessons with you here. Here\u2019s the first one:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>A Good Emcee Makes It All About Them<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I see myself as a \u201cMission Realization MC.\u201d What does that mean? It means that I endeavor to help the event sponsor realize the mission for the meeting and help the audience experience it in a positive way. Let me simplify this for you. No matter what type of event I am emceeing, my three aims are always the same: I want to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">engage, entertain, and empower<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the audience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with \u201crunning the show\u201d, the following phrase can become your purpose statement as a Master of Ceremonies. My job is to: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make the organization look good and make the audience feel good! <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do this and you will do well as an Emcee.<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These chapters will help you learn the ins and outs of every aspect of emceeing. Before we jump into this Ultimate A to Z Guide, I want to give you a some backdrop on this field.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have been enjoying the work of emcees on stage and screen your whole life. Before we dive into the main chapters of this work\u2014about how you can become a fine master of ceremonies&#8211;let\u2019s look at\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>A Brief History of Hosting<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Ancient Announcers\u00a0<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Master of Ceremonies in ancient times was a highly esteemed role. It carried tremendous status and responsibility. In antiquity, being an MC involved presenting important leaders, leading sacred rituals, and following the cultural customs associated with group and tribal meetings.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a display at the Assyrian gallery museum in Baghdad, Iraq. It shows a man, separate from other dignitaries. He is the Master of Ceremonies leading a procession of Assyrian officials forward into a solemn gathering. (710 BCE)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emcees are \u201cpresenters\u201d of people, ideas, and special ceremonies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There have been mystical MCs. Siddhartha Gautama, aka the \u201cBuddha\u201d gathered followers and introduced his spiritual principles to various groups in India (Late 6th century BCE).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Socrates presented his ideas by hosting provocative philosophical Q &amp; A sessions in Athens, Greece. (Approximately 420 BCE)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">John the Baptist was a prophet in Israel. He introduced Jesus of Nazareth to his followers by saying, \u201cLook! This is the lamb of God.\u201d\u00a0 (27 CE)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Holy Hosts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Christian church history, the role of Master of Ceremonies may go back to the time of the Emperor Constantine who proclaimed Christianity the religion of the Roman empire. Later, this \u201cMinister of Ceremonies\u201d ensured that sacred rituals and liturgies were properly orchestrated for the Pope and other church dignitaries. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This important role continued throughout the Medieval period, through the Renaissance of the 16<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> century, and all the way up until the modern era of 1970\u2019s up until Vatican II.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, Diego Govanni Raffelli serves as the Papal Master of Ceremonies for the Roman Catholic Church. Eight additional Masters of Ceremonies serve to assist him! These MCs assist the Pope and cardinals by presiding over important religious ceremonies.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Vaudeville Hosts\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frank Fay was likely the first ever stand-up comedian. He also pioneered the style of the modern comedic MC. Fay was confident, unflappable, and skilled at off-the-cuff humor. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In his heyday, during the 1920\u2019s at The Palace in New York City, Fay would warm up an audience, intro\/outro other entertainers, and keep the show rolling. Fay influenced dozens of comedians of this era.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many would go on to become well known hosts of their own radio and TV shows including Milton Berle, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frank Fay was charming but also arrogant. Comedian Fred Allen once remarked, \u201c\u201cThe last time I saw Frank Fay he was walking down lover\u2019s lane holding his own hand.\u201d Sadly, Fay was also anti-Semitic. Before he died, he was detested in show business circles because of his bigotry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will Rogers personality was the opposite of Fay\u2019s. Rogers was famous for saying, \u201cI never met a man I didn\u2019t like.\u201d He became America\u2019s funny and folksy downhome philosopher. After he rose to stardom via his rope-twirling comedy act, Rogers became a radio host and a tireless master of ceremonies for various charities. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rogers emceed the Academy Awards in 1934. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photoplay Magazine <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stated, \u201cWill\u2019s wit changed the affair from the customary ceremony of long-winded speeches into a joyous riot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Bonus:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/how-to-be-an-mc-for-an-event\/\">How To Be An MC For An Event<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><b>Late Night TV Hosts\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The vaudeville format of a comedic host who presents other talented performers spilled over into the world of TV talk shows with hosts like Steve Allen, Dick Cavett, Joan Rivers, David Letterman, Arsenio Hall, Jay Leno, Conan O\u2019Brien, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon, and many others. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Johnny Carson was considered the king of this genre of late-night TV when he hosted <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Tonight Show<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (1962-1992). Carson would warm the studio audience up with his comedy monologue and then interview and ad-lib with his guests during the show.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Topical and Political Hosts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hosts who could present often controversial guests\/topics and interact with audience members have included: Larry King, Phil Donahue, Dr. Phil McGraw, Morton Downey Jr., Jerry Springer, Bill Maher, and radio\/podcast giants Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, and Joe Rogan. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oprah Winfrey is probably the most successful talk show host in television history in terms of audience size (40 million weekly viewers) and commercial revenues during her run from 1986 to 2011.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Gameshow Hosts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Popular TV game shows have been attached to well-known hosts including: \u201cYou Bet Your Life\u201d with Groucho Marx, \u201cLet\u2019s Make a Deal\u201d with Monty Hall, \u201cFamily Feud\u201d with Richard Dawson, and later Steve Harvey, \u201cJeopardy\u201d with Alex Trebek (1984-2020), \u201cThe Newlywed Game\u201d with Bob Eubanks, \u201cThe Price is Right\u201d with Drew Carey, and before him long-time host Bob Barker (1972-2007). <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWheel of Fortune\u201d with host Pat Sajak, and Vanna White, may become the longest running and most popular gameshow in television history (1981 until present).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Talent &amp; Variety Show Hosts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While vaudeville may have ended around 1930. Talking Pictures (movies) and later television programs would continue the tradition of the variety\/talent show. Few were as successful as \u201cThe Carol Burnett Show\u201d hosted by Carol Burnett. She was the first woman to host a show of this kind. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The program opened with Burnett chatting with the studio audience and featured comedy sketches, song and dance numbers, and many <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/improv-rules\/\">improvisational moments<\/a> with comic-actors like Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many other popular TV shows have been comedy-variety programs. These have been hosted by personality plus emcees. Some of these include: \u201cYour Show of Shows\u201d hosted by Sid Caesar, \u201cThe Flip Wilson Show\u201d hosted by Flip Wilson, and of course \u201cSaturday Night Live\u201d which showcases guest hosts in the emcee role including comedians George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Steve Martin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arguably the <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/hire-an-mc-for-corporate-events\/\">most impactful emcee<\/a> in the history of American television was Ed Sullivan who was not known for being humorous but for being a presenter of other talented people. While hosting \u201cThe Ed Sullivan Show\u201d from 1948-1971, Sullivan brought comedians, variety acts, dancers, actors, circus performers, magicians, singers, and pop superstars like Elvis and The Beatles into American homes every Sunday night from 8 to 9 pm Eastern Time<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV talent shows have been quite popular around the world. In the United States most of these have featured hosts including: \u201cThe Gong Show\u201d in the 1970\u2019s with Chuck Barry, \u201cThat\u2019s Incredible!\u201d co-hosted by Fran Tarkenton, John Davidson, and Cathy Lee Crosby. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More recent talent shows like \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d, and \u201cThe Voice\u201d feature a host(s) and celebrity judges\/panelists. \u201cAmerica\u2019s Got Talent\u201d features judges <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel (2022).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Magician Hosts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a long tradition of magical emcees who combine wit and wizardry. Some of these names include Hollywood Magic Castle legends like Billy McComb, Terry Seabrooke, and Nick Lewin. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These affable emcees would host the magic acts in the club\u2019s \u201cPalace of Mystery.\u201d On television, Penn Jillette and Teller host the popular show \u201cPenn &amp; Teller: Fool Us\u201d where magicians attempt to baffle the famous comedy-magic duo. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Actor Dean Cain hosts \u201cMaster of Illusion\u201d, a long-running magical variety show featuring illusionists, comic-magicians, escape artists, and close-up wonder workers. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps the most popular magical master of ceremonies was the late Paul Daniels in Great Britain. He hosted \u201cThe Paul Daniels Magic Show\u201d on the BBC from 1979 to 1994 and was known for his catchphrase: \u201cYou\u2019ll like this\u2026not a lot, but you\u2019ll like it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Hip-Hop Hosts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the world of music clubs and block parties, the term MC became associated with rap music and hip-hop culture. The letters MC took on new meaning: \u201cmicrophone controller\u201d and \u201cmove the crowd\u201d for example. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The top MCs in the world of rap were known for generating crowd excitement surrounding the DJ. Several prominent hip-hop artists merged their names with the term MC, including Young MC, MC Lyte, and perhaps most famously, MC Hammer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Other Types of Emcees<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The list of groups that utilize a formal or informal emcee is practically endless. Here are just a few examples:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private parties are sometimes emceed by a DJ (disc jockey) who is also hired to play music and encourage dancing at an event.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wedding ceremonies are usually conducted by officiants, i.e., ordained pastors, priests, or rabbis tend to preside at wedding ceremonies. Wedding receptions are often hosted by a professional Emcee, or a DJ.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some celebrations the MC is called the \u201cToastmaster\u201d because he\/she is the one to offer a <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/funny-toasts\/\">welcome and a toast<\/a> for the special occasion.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Board meetings are usually emceed by the Chairperson of that board.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Association gatherings are often hosted by the volunteer president or secretary of the group. These positions are often changed every year or so.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Club meetings (Elks, Rotary, Lions Club, etc.) are emceed by elected presidents or officers of each club<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At almost every meeting, someone is asked: \u201cWill you serve as the MC?\u201d <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even recovery groups utilize meeting hosts. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935. AA and other 12-step groups select an unpaid volunteer as chairperson to emcee their meetings. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This person welcomes newcomers, invites members to read and share, and monitors the conversations, so that everyone may participate. Like all good emcees, this man or woman also makes sure the meeting ends on time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Professional Event Emcees<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nearly every type of program can benefit from using a professional meeting host or master of ceremonies. Many times, the person in charge of a meeting will ask someone within the group to emcee the program. \u201cHey, Johnny in our sales department is a lot of fun. Let\u2019s ask him to MC our annual dinner!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can work at times but can also lead to disappointment or even disaster. A good event emcee, though almost always humorous, is much more than a jokester. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the October 2015 <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toastmaster <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magazine, Gilda Bonnano says it well:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are the master of ceremonies\u2026your role is crucial to the success of <\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the program, whether it\u2019s for your company, a professional association, or a <\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonprofit organization. A bad emcee can ruin an event while an excellent one <\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">creates a seamless and engaging experience in which speakers feel comfortable <\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and the audience feels included from start to finish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, we are ready to move past the definitions and history to cover the nitty gritty of what an emcee does and how you can become a great one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Welcome to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Be a Great Emcee<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ultimate A to Z Guide for the Master of Ceremonies.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I am honored to have you here as my reader.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you ready for a wonderful time?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good! Let\u2019s begin . . .\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Keep Reading:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/how-to-be-a-great-emcee-agenda\/\">Agenda &#8211; How To Be A Great Emcee<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014<\/p>\n<p><em>This is an excerpt from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/\">Adam Christing<\/a>\u2018s forthcoming book, \u201cHow To Be A Great Emcee: The A to Z Guide to Hosting Events\u201d by America\u2019s #1 Master of Ceremonies. Follow along as new chapters gets posted to this blog category each week.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve got a really big show for you tonight.\u201d -Ed Sullivan, Host of \u201cThe Ed Sullivan Show\u201d What is an Emcee? There are several names for this role:\u00a0 MC is short for the more official&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8282,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[45,75,131,92,100],"class_list":{"0":"post-8279","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-how-to-be-a-great-emcee","8":"tag-corporate-mc","9":"tag-event-host","10":"tag-history-of-emcees","11":"tag-how-to-be-a-great-emcee","12":"tag-upcoming-book"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Introduction: The History Of Emcees - How To Be A Great Emcee | Adam Christing<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/introduction-the-history-of-emcees-how-to-be-a-great-emcee\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Introduction: The History Of Emcees - How To Be A Great Emcee | Adam Christing\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u201cWe\u2019ve got a really big show for you tonight.\u201d -Ed Sullivan, Host of \u201cThe Ed Sullivan Show\u201d What is an Emcee? 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