The style of language used by MC’s at seminars, meetings, presentations, etc.
The role of the MC is to open and close any event; introduce the topic and speakers; and ensure that
the event runs smoothly and according to the planned time schedule. There are few strictly formal
terms except in reference to the rank and title of important guests. Language is more or less formal
according to the nature of the event. For instance, the role of an MC at a seminar or wedding is
fundamentally similar but, of course, the style of language used and format of these two events will
vary substantially. It is a matter of applying common sense.
At a formal seminar, etc. the MC’s first duty is to great the audience. If there are important guests,
they are greeted according to the rank. For example:
“His Highness, the Sultan of Yogyakarta, The Director of the World Bank, Mr William Frawley,
The Vice President of Texaco, Mr Michael McDonald, Professor Smith, Mr Jones, Mrs Bryan,
distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen….”
It is the duty of the MC or a member of the organizing committee to ensure they are aware of
the ranking and correct titles of important guests.
If there are no high-ranking guests present, then the greeting need only be “Distinguished guests,
ladies and gentlemen…….”.
Next the MC introduces the topic of the seminar/debate/etc. For instance, “Tonight’s seminar will
discuss the role of the World Bank and business interests in the future development of Yogyakarta”.
She/he then introduces the speakers, including a resume of their qualifications.
The MC then calls upon the speakers in turn. For example:
“I now call upon Professor Smith to commence today’s discussion/debate/seminar”. “It is my
pleasure to introduce Professor Smith as today’s first speaker”, or words to that effect.
As each speaker finishes, the MC thanks him/her and announces the next speaker.
The MC then asks for questions from the audience and advises them of time limitations, and of
keeping questions brief and specific to the topic.
Questions are formally addressed to the speakers through the MC. Generally the MC does not
repeat the questions, just ensures that it has been heard by the speaker. (this is always obvious.) if
the question’s meaning is unclear the MC clarifies it before putting it to the speaker. There are no
formal terms for this process; normal, polite English usage is adequate.
If the audience contains experts in the field the MC should take some questions from them.
However, it is important that the MC also takes questions from a broad cross-section of the
audience, i.e. women/men, young people/older people, students, the general public, different ethnic,
political or religious groups. This ensures a range of questions from numerous points of view.
At the conclusion, the MC thanks the audience for their attendance and participation. He/she again
thanks the speakers and any other person/groups involved. For example: the organizers, possibly a
sponsor, and other important behind-the-scenes contributors.
To confidently conduct a seminar, etc. it is important that MC’s acquaint themselves with the
venue, the seating plan, and every detail connected to the smooth flow of the event.
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DELIVERING SPEECH
INTRODUCTION
It is great pleasure for me to be given the opportunity to deliver a speech on the subject of……
I’m greatly honored and grateful for the opportunity given to me in addressing a speech on……
May I tell you, first of all, how pleased I am to have an opportunity to stand here and deliver my
speech about….
Thank you very much for this great opportunity given to me that I ca n be here delivering my
speech. Now I’m going to talk about……
MAIN SPEECH
I have divided my speech into four sections….
I’d like firstly to talk about….
My second part will concern on ……
Let me begin by noting that…..
Let me now turn to…….
Moving now to the question of……..
CLOSING
In conclusion, I would like to express……..
I would like to conclude my speech by…….
At the end of my speech, I would like to conclude that…….
Finally, I conclude that……….
THANKING
Thank you for your attention
Thank you very much
FOR THE MODERATOR
by. Dra. Nury S, M.A
1. OPENING THE SEMINAR WITH GREETINGS AND OPENING WORDS
- good morning/good afternoon ladies and gentlemen
- it is an honour for me to be the moderator of our seminar today
- it is my greatest pleasure to be in this seminar today
- I’m honoured to be the moderator of this seminar
2. GIVING THE AUDIENCE SOME INFORMATION ON THE SEMINAR
This seminar today is on (the topic)---------------------------
This topic will be presented by (the presenter)--------------------------
I believe that (the name of the presenter)----------- must have something on the topic
which might interest us. And the title of his/her paper is (title of the
paper------------------
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3 . TELLING THE AUDIENCE THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE SEMINAR
Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to read you the arrangement of our seminar today.
- opening prayer
- CV reading
- Paper presentation
- Comments from the reviewer
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- Closing prayer
1. LEADING THE OPENING PRAYER
Ladies and gentlemen, let us start our seminar with a prayer.
Thank you.
2. SELF INTRODUCTION OF THE MODERATOR
3. READING THE PRESENTER’S CV
Our presenter today is Mr./Ms.--------------------. He/She was born on---------in-----------. He/She
had his education in------------
4. INTRODUCING THE REVIEWER AND THE NOTE TAKER
The reviewer today is Mr./Ms.--------------of------------
And the note taker today is------------------
5. INVITING THE PRESENTER TO TAKE THE FLOOR
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome-------------
Ladies and gentlemen, we proudly present-------------------
6. THANKING THE PRESENTERS FOR THE PRESENTATION
Thank you Mr./Ms.--------------for the interesting presentation.
7. INVITING THE REVIEWER
Now ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to invite the reviewer to give comments on the whole
presentation. Mr./Ms.------------, the floor is yours.
8. THANKING THE REVIEWER
Thank you for the comments, Mr./Ms.-------------------
9. INVITING THE PRESENTER TO GIVE RESPONSES ON THE REVIEWER’S
COMMENTS.
Ladies and gentlemen, we would give the floor back to the presenter for giving responses to the
reviewer’s comments.
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10. INVITING THE AUDIENCE TO GIVE COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS OR ASK
QUESTIONS
Ladies and gentlemen, now I’d like to invite the audience to give comments, suggestions or ask
questions to the presenter. Please raise your hand and tell me your name and where you are from
before you ask your questions. For the first term, I’d like to invite three questions, comments or
suggestions from the audience.
Yes, Mr./Ms.----------------could you please ask your question briefly and clearly.
11. INVITING THE PRESENTER TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS
Mr./Ms. Presenter, could you please now take the floor again to give responses and answer
questions?
12. CONCLUDING THE RESULT OF THE PRESENTATION IN THE SEMINAR
13. CLOSING THE SEMINAR
Ladies and gentlemen, let us give an applause to the presenter.
Ladies and gentlemen, shall we show our appreciation to the presenter with a big applause.
And thank you to the audience for your participation
14. LEADING THE CLOSING PRAYER AND SAYING GOODBYE
Now, let us pray to end our seminar.
Thank you
Have a nice day/evening and goodbye