WHY THE TITLE "MASTER OF CEREMONIES" IS A LAME NAME AND SHOULD BE UPDATED

When I wanted to learn How To MC, there was zero information available. Literally, nothing at all. This was pre-internet. I checked the libraries; everywhere. Y'see I'd been suddenly asked to MC a charity function and the event was in 4 days time.

It seemed that making Introductions on stage was this 'black ninja art' known only to a few lucky performers. I did eventually get a hold of a guy called Rick Chisholm and he set me straight.

I managed to get through the charity event - and I wanted more MC work so I keep researching. But I discovered that there was a serious ID problem caused by the confusing assortment of names and titles used to describe what an MC does.

There's the specific titles Corporate MC and Wedding MC. Most people seem to understand these two titles - but there’s a lot of folks who still look at me strange when I say "I MC weddings".

In the USA, they have spelled out the letters MC to say emcee. That's clever. I like this single word and use it often. But unfortunately this same term is confused with rough tough street rappers. 

Europe, UK, and Australia use the term Compere. Particularly with live outdoor events and TV shows. And the word Anchor is used in India.

So we have Corporate MC, Wedding MC, Emcee, Compere and Anchor - all pretty much describing the same job!

But the biggest problem is the old-fashioned title "Master of Ceremonies" that's still used in some parts of the world. It’s lame because its sounds so medieval. Because it is medieval. The term Master of Ceremony dates way back to the Roman Catholic Church in the 1600s. 

This title's use-by date has expired. It is so far out of touch that it has no relationship to what we do at all, and is more suited to marriage celebrants - as they really are the official masters of the ceremony.

So to tidy up this messy situation and get the MC title sorted out once and for all, I recommend you use the term EVENT HOST MC as it accurately describes what we do, is easily recognized by our clients, and has a higher perception of value. 

Performers from the Philippines have never used the term "Master of Ceremonies" and have always referred to themselves as Event Hosts.

This new modern title has become popular because it's not gender specific. I mean, the ladies are not out there calling themselves a "Mistress of Ceremonies" are they. And I know they don't like using the term 'Master'.

And the title Event Host doesn't get confused with an MC who is a Rap Artist.

An Event Host MC is a contemporary term that immediately signals to your prospective clients that you are not old-fashioned - and instead approach the MC job in a progressive way, such as being hygienically aware when using the microphone.

Re-branding yourself as an Event Host MC is a smart strategic marketing move; especially now since protocols around organising live events post-pandemic have changed and the responsibilities of those in charge have increased. But getting people together is now more popular than ever before.

Plus the word “host” generates a nice feeling of warm hospitality. When a host is in charge, it gives the impression that the gathering will be positive and well organised.

And online seminar leaders using Zoom are now also referred to as the Event Host.

Lastly, and it saddens me to say this, but the term Master of Ceremonies has some negative connotations associated with it - because in the past, the role hasn't always been done properly and professionally.

So I believe it's time to move on and rebrand your MC service.

​Yes there will be people who will resist this change because it will disrupt their marketing - so I expect to receive some negative comments - but I say "Step Up And Embrace The New Era. Long Live Event Host MC."