Advice 1: Don’t cup the Mic
Why: First of all it adds unnecessary bass to your voice. Second, you do not look cool, nor do you sound cool. Third, it can create those horrible squealing sounds, otherwise known as feedback. It is best to hold the middle of the microphone, not at the bottom where the aerial is (if it’s wireless) or where the plug is (if it’s a cable microphone), because it puts unnecessary stress on the connections.
Advice 2: Remember it’s a microphone, not a miracle. So speak up and speak clearly. You don’t need to shout, just be confident, after all you are the MC. Microphones will only re-produce what you give them, so don’t whisper or hold the microphone too far from your mouth, as a rule hold it not more than 5cm directly from your mouth, or hold it just off your bottom lip and in a relaxed manner speak across the top.
Advice 3: Remember to organise your time, have a clear schedule, a bullet point guide is quick and easy to make and fast to follow on the day/night. You could start with, greeting guests, informing them of house keeping like where the toilets are, rubbish bins, fire exits, gift table, bar, etc. If you’re having sound crew or a DJ or band look after the sound system, organise clear signals with them, so they know when to do their parts, like play a certain song or have a microphone ready for speeches etc. Communication is key for your MC duties to go as smoothly as possible and will help you look more pro because a part of being an MC is the image.
Advice 4: Before and during your duties as an MC don’t get drunk. Alcohol changes people, you don’t want to become a drunk person with a microphone, it’s disrespectful to the bride and groom. I’m not saying don’t drink at all, just don’t get drunk, make the drink or two you have last, in other words pace yourself until the end of your duties.
Don’t forget to have fun!