16th October 2013

Being An Event Host – Tip No. 29 – Leading The Applause

Hosting an event means the buck stops with you when it comes to introducing the speakers.

Don’t get so caught up in your lines and what’s going to happen next that you forget to do one of the most important roles of a Master of Ceremonies or host….and that is to lead the applause. Get this wrong and you may incur the wrath of the oncoming speaker and get awkward looks from members of the audience.

On many occasions the applause will be preceded by you saying something like “Ladies & Gentlemen, can you please give a warm welcome to our next speaker, Mr Joe Soap…this comes after your introduction (which of course you will have learnt by heart)

My personal golden rule for applause is that it must be done with some gusto…but don’t overdo it…it all depends on the location and the topography of the room or hall where your event is taking place.