Jaimie: Well, today we're hitting the stage with the spotlight squarely on a roll that often flies under the radar, but it really is crucial to the success of any event. And that is the master of ceremonies or the MC. Now, being an MC is certainly so much more than just standing there holding a mic. It's about holding the crowd, the atmosphere, and the seamless flow of an event in the palm of your hand. And if you're pondering how to turn this skill into a paying gig, you are in the right place, my friend.
I have been MCing events since I was 16. I might have even been a little bit younger, I used to go around Australia. As part of like, we'll call the young stars Talent Team in Newcastle. We would travel everywhere. Though, well around New South Wales. before my time, they went over to the Disneyland night sort of stuff. It was formerly the Johnny young talent school and then it became a different different sort of showbiz talent, school, all different names, and I would MC these concerts that we would run and I think I first started doing it in the shopping centre, and then I got good at it. I'd love doing it. And I'd be kind of became the token MC from there that led to doing what they call comparing, you know, those people that stand out in front of shops and they say right now shoppers, we're offering 20% of everything in our store come in right now. You don't see them very much anymore, but I used to do that. And I was 18 and it was great money. I mean, this was like the 2000 and I was getting $33 an hour. It was so much money at the time. And I think I might have even been in year 12 Actually, anyway, I digress. But I have been MCing for a very long time and I probably have MCd I have lost count but I if you said to me, it's over 500. Easily. Charity events, political debates, corporate events, awards, night strategic planning, meetings, ATMs, you name it. I've MC’d it.
But first off, let's paint the picture up, shall we? So you know, a well dressed individual steps up to the podium. There's a ripple of anticipation in the crowd. Then with a mix of charisma and confidence, they begin to speak and then the event transforms from a mere gathering to an unforgettable occasion. That is the power of a great MC. Now you might be thinking, sure, I can talk in front of people, but how do I turn that into a career? Well, you see, it's a symphony of skills and steps.
So let's dive into the crescendo of becoming a paid and see step one is fine tune your instrument. That instrument is you your voice your presence, your ability to engage, like any musician you need to practise, and there's public speaking courses drama classes, improvisations workshops. These are your scales. So record yourself, listen, improve and repeat.
Step two is compose your brand. In today's digital age, your online presence is your portfolio and social media is your stage before the stage. So create craft a professional website showcase your events, highlight testimonials, and don't be afraid to show a little bit of your personality and that's what people connect with.
Step three: Know the business like a maestro knows as school. What are the events out there? weddings, corporate functions, birthday bashes each has its own rhythm and pace. Learn them. Stay current with event trends. Be that MC who can bring something fresh and exciting to the table.
Step four is Rehearse. Rehearse, rehearse, offer your services as an MC to maybe your friends to local events or charities. And what you want to do is gather footage and take photos, and then get testimonials because these are the building blocks of your reputation. Now, let's go behind the scenes so let's get into the behind the scenes. The part where your passion becomes a livelihood.
So step five is the Encore- the Marketing and Promotion This is where you take a bow and you sell your performance, develop a marketing materials network and use the power of social media to amplify your voice. Create different service packages, like you know I'm talking about a menu of your dazzling array of talents.
Step six is conducting the client symphony. You see each client meeting is really your chance to tailor your pitch and customisation is key. And remember, in the world of events professionalism is as important as performance. Now as you grow, remember to expand your repertoire. So could you perhaps bundle your MC services if you are,I know a lot of wedding celebrants will also bundle their packages with being an MC. Or maybe you could also team up with a DJ or an event planner. diversification can be your own call that keeps the audience wanting more, but it's not all about standing ovations.
There's the business side and that when you are an MC is managing the finances, understanding taxes, and yes, getting insured. This is the part of the show that happens offstage, but what it makes us so but it makes it's what makes a sustainable career in the limelight possible.
So let's wrap this up. Have a nice short episode today. But I am going to be talking the next couple of weeks all about MC because it is so different to being a keynote speaker and it can be quite lucrative, but it's a different set of skills and talents. So if there's one thing I want you to take away from today's podcast episode, it's this being a paid MC is about creating moments that people remember. It's about setting the tone for experiences and more importantly, it's probably about passion. You have to love the energy of an event, you have to thrive in the spotlight and enjoy the thrill of a crowd hanging on to your every word. And if you do well, the stage is yours for the taking. So practise your craft, build your brand and orchestrate your business. Your career as a paid MC awaits.
This has been Pitch Perfect. I'm Jamie Abbott, and I'm hoping that you felt inspired to grab the mic and take control of the stage in your own life. Until next time, keep your pitches high, your spirits higher, and your events nothing short of spectacular.
