My first emceeing assignment was disastrous, to say the least.  When everyone was “tuned in” to what I was announcing with nary a sound to be heard, I mistook that for inattentiveness and blundered my way through by stopping and asking the audience in a nervous tone, “is there something wrong?”  Little did I realize that I got the audience’s interest that’s why they were quiet and so intent in listening to what was being announced.  This little incident at MiriamCollege (formerly Maryknoll) in a free seminar conducted by PAS for future office professionals prompted me to research more on what is emceeing and hosting all about.  I did not want to commit the same mistake.

EMCEE (MC) means Master of Ceremonies.  The emcee presides at a formal event or program and makes the proceedings move by formally introducing the speakers, performers, and other features in the program.

On the other hand a HOST is one who receives and entertains guests socially, as a social obligation, profession or business. From its “social hosting” origin, hosting has evolved into “carrying on a show”. Hosting, therefore, is more than just emceeing.  In a sense, the host also entertains.

If you will observe in gatherings and talk shows, the words “emceeing” and “hosting”, are more often interchangeably used and it seems nobody really minds the difference as long as there’s somebody who makes the program or show going. Inevitably, in some instances, the emcee shifts to a hosting role when the situation demands for it.

TRAITS OF AN IDEAL EMCEE OR HOST

To keep the show going, there are traits we should remember so as not to bore the audience.  Aside from avoiding at all costs the phrase “without much further ado …” please remember to be guided by some pointers which I am sure would prove helpful in your emceeing prowess.