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Speaking and MCing share similar skillsets. You will find that the people who deliver a one-hour speech on stage or just simply introduce a brief segment, share the same backgrounds, passions and mindset. They have both earned the privilege of the platform by their study and respect for clear, concise communication.  Many speakers have used MCing as a way to sharpen their public speaking skills without the pressure of delivering a deep and meaningful keynote message. Many speakers have graduated to be top MCs because they get to practice and rehearse and refine their speaking stories in small bite size segments and craft special spontaneous fun-filled humorous moments; which then becomes their gold one-liners when they're delivering their main speech. Here is a list of the similarities that MCs and Speakers both have in common. They share:
 And as we know, a funny keynote speaker is a rare species; who gets constantly re-booked at a high fee.
If you are a speaker who wants to introduce humor into your talk, then working as an Event Host MC will give you the space and time to develop your humor skills. The easiest entry is via wedding MC work. The criss-cross of skills make Event Hosting an ideal career for a speaker who wants to work on bring funnier and more entertaining. The worse way to generate humour on stage is to use one-liners from a book and have jokes ready to tell. Most of the ‘gags’ in these books are crass, low-brow and derogatory. Especially the books about marriage. Getting married is something to be honoured, not degraded by a smart-ass speaker or emcee going for cheap laughs. The sarcasm displayed in the books (or for free online) mocks the bride and groom’s courageous decision to publicly commit to each other.  Our advice is:
Silly stupid immature lines like “Getting married is the most expensive way a man can get his laundry done for free” are offensive and archaic. It will anger every woman and the majority of men in the audience. You will come across as sexist and completely out of touch and out of date; which is exactly the opposite of what you want. The most dangerous way to approach this to have a ‘gag bag’ ready and then plan to tell them - no matter what is happening at the time. A wisecrack that reads funny but is inappropriate so no-one laughs or raises a smile, can kill your career stone dead. As the saying goes: the silence is deafening Remember you haven’t been hired as the jokes master or the stand-up comedian.
And leave the pathetic jokes books in the trash can where they belong. To keep your performance alive with spark and spontaneity, look for the funny things happening before your eyes. The key is to switch on 'observant' as one of your key skills Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm guessing you haven't been hired as the stand-up comedian? So don't feel any pressure to be hilarious. There’s no need to turn up with a “bag full of gags.” When it comes to being funny, your goal is to simply create what we call "A Miles of Smiles" rather than a wedding reception full of hysterical belly laughs. You’re the Event Host MC. In charge of the magnificent Reception Rituals. A happy person who creates joy and spreads goodwill with their elegant manner and sophisticated demeanour. But people will expect you to have a sense of humour nonetheless; and it's not as hard as you may think. There are 2 parts to getting testimonials and rave reviews from your clients that make comment on what a ‘Fun MC’ you are The first part is recognising whats called Situational Humour and the second part is referred to as Observational Humour. Situational Humour is what's happening right in front of you and Observational Humour is knowing how to comment on it. The actual event itself will create comic relief; all you need to do is recognise it and spotlight the funny Situations which surround you. They’re everywhere at a wedding. Why do you think there have been so many movie comedies with weddings as their central theme? A wedding reception is ripe for all kinds of fun.  For example, the overdramatised funky entrance from the bridal party who have never danced in public before. Or the excitement of the little children who’ve got no idea what a wedding is all about - but love the occasion, as its great chance to slide across the dance floor in the shiny new expensive suit that mum and dad just bought for them; especially for this grand occasion. The passion of the group dancing together where the out-of-tune sing-a-longs are reminiscent of innocent days gone by. Or the jumping competition between the alpha males to catch the tiny garter. And so on. It's everywhere you look. Observational HumourObservational Humour is recognising the ‘fun’ from the funny situations and then expressing this to the crowd with an appropriate and clever comment; thereby "observing" the moment. Pointing out to the crowd that "... if the wedding cake was any taller, there could call it Trump Tower". That's a one-liner. Very simple. Not hysterically funny but adding to the Mile Of Smiles you’ve created throughout the event. To do this successfully, you must first know what makes you laugh and that's what we are going to learn in the next few blogposts. So bookmark this page. But just know that if you’re having fun, then the audience will as well Look-out for the unusual and unexpected – and learn how to articulate what you’re seeing in a friendly and amusing way.
Recall the situations with exaggerated facial expressions and vocal variety; and watch as the laughs roll in. |
AuthorMC Pete Miller helps you be funnier. Archives
March 2024
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