A Master of Ceremonies or MC (sometimes spelled emcee), sometimes called a compere, is the host of a staged event or other performance. The MC usually presents/introduces performers, speaks to the audience, and generally keeps the show moving.

Simple steps to being a successful Master of Ceremonies (adapted from Iowa State University, College of Agriculture).

1. Have a single point of contact for the event and any changes - having a single point of contact ensures that the organization and the MC know exactly what is going to happen.  Having different people provide input will cause confusion and could ruin the event.
2. Work with the single point to learn important details -
   • understand the events and activities (and their order of appearance) that will be included in the event.
   • understand who is to be introduced by the MC and obtain a brief introduction.
   • understand the audience - who is there, what will they be expecting.
   • understand the dress requirements (formal, theme meeting)
3. Have an agenda and stick to it - Any meeting or event must have an agenda.  Ask for an agenda,  If there isn't one, ask if you can create one (to ensure proper flow).  It should provide enough detail so that everyone (especially the MC) knows what to expect.  It should be agreed upon, approved, and stuck to.  Last minute changes are okay, but changes can increase the risk of a problem occuring.
4. Create a more detailed script, based upon the agenda - The agenda will only go so far.  A detailed script, based upon the agenda, but with more details will ensure the MC not only knows what is coming up but will help cue the MC on what to say and when.
5. Dress appropriately - If a formal affair, dress formally (be sure that if a Tux is required you have one).  If there is a theme (Hawaiian feast, Roaring Twenties, Wild West, etc.) that you dress accordingly.
6. Know the audience - Depending upon the event, it may be necessary to interview some of the attendees, especially it is a "roast", to help gauge the exepctations.
7. Get off to a strong start - Memorize the opening statement, don't fumble for words.  A weak start can ruin the event.
8. Recognize special guests - Very important but also very risky.  How do you ensure that all of the special guests or VIPs are introduced or recognized.  Leaving someone out can be embarrassing, introducing someone who isn't there can also be embarrassing.  Identify the proper protocol (order of introduction) and have someone help determine who in the audience are to be introduced.  Toastmasters will actually have a protocol list that shows who should be introduced and lets people check off if they are there.  (also, be sure to introduce special guests if they were not there at the beginning, but do so in a way that will not cause embarrassment - "Hey, look who came in late" is a bad way to introduce someone).
9. Conducting the business - If this is a business meeting, use good parliamentary procedure, but keep things moving as simply and quickly as possible. Remember, you may have guests in the audience who won't care about this portion of the meeting. On the other hand, the members will. Work to reach a balance for both groups.
10. Keep things moving forward - nothing is worse than having an MC who prevents the event from moving forward at the right pace (either by being confused on what is happening next (use the agenda) or by telling lengthy and inane or bad jokes.  Keep focused, limit unnecessary comments that do not have anything to do with the event, and move forward.
11. Use proper language - Curse words may be okay for a comedy club or a bar, but not for other events.  Use language that is appropriate for the group.
12. Introducing the guest speaker - Talk with guest speakers before the meeting to let them know how and when you will be introducing them. Gently remind them how long you expect them to talk, and stress the importance of staying on schedule.  Don't make the mistake of thinking the speaker doesn't need an introduction. But don't read the speaker's entire bio. Pick and choose items you think will help the audience understand why this person has been invited to speak.  Rehearse the introduction several times. You may want to mention in the introduction how long the speech will last and whether or not questions will be taken at the end.  If you have a panel of speakers, each introduction must be handled the same way (especially if they are competing for something). Provide appropriate information and treat each panelist equally.
13. Close the meeting crisply - Don't allow the meeting to just taper off, trying to make last minute statements while people's minds have already left, even if their bodies haven't. Praise volunteers who organized the meeting and thank everyone for attending.
14. Make everyone else the "star" - the MC is to make the event fun, make it move forward at the proper pace, but above all don't be the center of attention (unless that is what the "customer" wants).  Keep MC stuff short.
15. Watch the transitions from one speaker/item to another -  provide proper segue between (clean jokes, short comments).

What to do on the day of the event

1. ARRIVE EARLY - If you arrive at the time the event starts you are late!!!  Early arrival (15 minutes absolute minimum, and only if all details have been worked out beforehand) will ensure you are prepared and ready for the start
2. Introduce yourself to the coordinator/main contact - Do a quick review of what is planned.
3. Introduce yourself to the hired entertainment, if any - Talk with the band or DJ or any other entertainers to be sure that all requirements have been worked out and that they are ready to go. 
4. Ensure you have the list of people to introduce and you practice saying their names - Nothing is more embarrassing for someone than to have the MC butcher their name.
5. Have the coordinator give you the okay to start - in case someone is still missing you may not know.
6. Start the event, (ask people to please be seated if they are not already seated), introduce yourself as the MC and providing opening comments - if there is a meal, normally you will have them start eating (after the invocation) and announce when the program will begin.
7. Introduce those involved with the opening ceremonies - there may be opening music, display of flags, banners, pledge, invocation, etc.  The MC may not be responsible for that.
8. Introduce the special guests
9. Introduce presenters, speakers, the entertainment, etc., based upon the agenda/program
10. Upon completion of the agenda/program, provide for any final announcements, thank everyone for coming, and adjourn the event.
11. Meet with the coordinator to be sure everything is wrapped up.  Ask for feedback or provide a form which can be mailed to you later.