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How to Elevate Your Post-Speech Compliments as the Wedding MC?
As wedding MCs, our role is not just to keep the event running smoothly but also to make those small moments and transitions pop for the audience and the newlyweds whenever we speak on the microphone.
One way I’ve noticed you can really polish a transition is by complimenting someone after they finish their speech.
It’s not just about filling the air with something to avoid awkward silence; it’s about revealing to everyone the extra touch a seasoned professional speaker can bring to a wedding.
Going Beyond Generic Praise
Have you noticed how common it is for people to use generic phrases like “Great speech!” or “Thank you for that awesome performance; you were great!” Although these sound positive, they can be “meh” as they fail to get at what truly sets the speaker apart. Even if the speaker didn’t think they did a fabulous job of it, you can still make an impact on them.
As a professional MC, you have the chance to go one step deeper. How do we do that? By complementing their character.
The Power of Complimenting Character
Complimenting someone’s core traits—like their loyalty, creativity, or empathy—not only feels more genuine but also creates a stronger connection between the speaker, the audience, and the moment.
Here are some examples of character based compliments:
- Loyalty:
– Generic: “Thanks, Dave, that was a great speech.”
– Elevated: “Wow, it’s easy for most of us to see Dave’s loyalty today—Dave strikes me as the kind of friend who’s always there, no matter what.”
- Creativity:
– Generic: “Thanks Sarah, you really know how to get a laugh!”
– Elevated: “It’s obvious that Sarah’s creativeness and sense of humour spilled onto the page to add a unique touch to her speech.”
- Leadership:
– Generic: “Thanks, John, you covered a lot of topics there.”
– Elevated: “It’s easy to see John’s passion shines so brightly whenever he speaks about his family —I can see why his wife Stacey was smiling throughout that speech.”
Why It Matters
Putting that little bit extra focus on how you complement someone can make a significant impact. It means you’ve got to pay more attention to the deeper qualities that make the speaker. I believe that by doing this, you’re not only enhancing the moment but also leaving a lasting impression on the entire event, little by little. This is the kind of detail that separates a good MC from a great one.
Final Tip
Remember, every word you say as an MC carries weight. By focusing on the speaker’s character rather than just their actions, you elevate your role from simply managing the event to truly enhancing it. This is where you make your mark as a professional.
