Continue reading »]]> While most people tune in weekly to American Idol to watch the great singers (and spectacular failures), I tune in to learn from Ryan Seacrest, the show’s host. He is truly an amazing Master of Ceremonies. Seacrest exudes confidence as he introduces each singer, presents each video clip, and recognizes each judge. His performance is done live; there are no second takes if there is a mistake–but Seacrest rarely makes mistakes in front of the camera and live studio audience. Why?

Because he rehearses.

Long before the cameras roll each week, Ryan rehearses his presentation. He reviews his notes, practices the names of the contestants and the song titles that the contestants will perform, and rehearses the overall script for the production. The result: a very smooth, polished presentation, every week, in front of millions of viewers.

Watch this clip.

• Notice how Ryan speaks very clearly, effortlessly, without any “ummms” and “ahhs” that many people would say when speaking to a large audience.
• Notice how he inserts slight pauses here and there for the audience to respond and applaud, but it sounds so natural that you don’t even notice it until I pointed it out to you.
• Notice how his prop (the Spongebob doll) gets thrown at him by an off-camera assistant at the right moment for maximum impact.

In short, it’s a very polished, very smooth presentation…mainly because he had rehearsed this moment long before the cameras rolled.

Your wedding won’t be watched by millions of viewers…but it will be watched several of the most important people to YOU. Your master of ceremonies will introduce many speakers (Best Man, Maid of Honor, whoever is doing the blessing, you, etc.) and many events. Do you want the presentation to feel very smooth and polished, like an episode of American Idol? Or do you want it to come across as very amateurish, awkward, and disjointed, like in this clip: