How to Be a Great MC

Alex Mair, author of the recent book How to Speak in Public, has now come out with a guide to mastering ceremonies, How to Be a Great MC. Mair takes the Gage Canadian Dictionary definition of an MC as “a person in charge of a ceremony or entertainment who announces the successive events and makes sure that they take place in the proper order.” In a light, informal tone, Mair goes through the process in a step-by-step fashion, including potential problems and the surprises which every MC desperately wishes to avoid.

This common-sense guide stresses planning the event and the anticipation of difficulties and delays. Outlining the responsibilities of the MC, communication with the organizers, the co-ordination of people, programs and equipment, and the questions of protocol, Mair takes into consideration speakers, photographers, musicians, and all of their needs (introductions, photo sessions, equipment, and instruments) using his “Three Ts” test: timing, taste, and tact. Each chapter ends with a checklist of the preparations and the book includes convenient pages with which to jot down names, numbers, and other items.

How to Be a Great MC provides reassurance to the novice and suggestions to the experienced MC. However, whether its boast of creating a great MC is valid — at least in the case of this reviewer — only time will tell.