Advanced Microphone Technique 1 & 2

L-R: Randy Bartlett and me with my winter beard. ;)

Yesterday I joined 12 colleagues and spectators from as far as Massachusetts, and as near is Syracuse, for a continuing education workshop for Masters of Ceremonies.

Advanced Microphone Technique, Levels 1 and 2, are workshops offered by Randy Bartlett, one of the nations top trainers and mentors in the field.




The workshop was wedding specific, with a focus on one of the most important portions of the evening. This is the first 10 minutes of the reception, after cocktail hour. The entire tone of the evening is set during this very first segment, so it's important that the MC can not only command the room's attention, but can do it warmly, sincerely (not scripted), and of course serve as a well-spoken 'spokesperson' for the bride and groom. This important segment includes- Welcoming guests, thanking them for coming and letting them know what to expect of the evening, introducing the wedding party, introducing the bride and groom, introducing the first dance, and transitioning into toasts.

All too often, DJs tend to use a cheesy approach they picked up from another DJ, making themselves the center of attention, and missing the entire point of the evening along the way.

I've continued education and training under Mark Ferrell, and reaped a wealth of information through materials from Peter Merry, Todd Mitchum, Bill Herman, Mitch Taylor, Mike Walters and more. These are some of the most respected names in the industry worldwide. A workshop though, is somewhat like a trip to the gym, in that it helps an MC get exercise during the off season. A big thanks to Randy for making the trip to freezing cold Central New York in January. :)

Left to Right:

Owen Draughn - DJ By Design, Toby Varner - DJ Toby, Letitia English - The Great Music Company, Randy Bartlett, Kirk Rothrum - Select Receptions, James - The Great Music Company, CJ - Visa Versa Entertainment, Vince Liotta - Events by Cool Cat, Brian Fowler - New England DJs, Jonathan Paduano - Paduano Studios, Eric Catalano - Events by Cool Cat, Barry - Ormond Entertainment, Jimmie Malone - Exceptional Receptions, Carl Naples - DJ by Design, Ryan DeLap - Engaged Entertainment, Cindy Ormond - Ormond Entertainment