Episode #91: How To Command Unruly, Alchohol Fueled Crowds

Why do audiences often ignore the MC or speaker at the start?

People are usually busy talking, greeting each other, or focused on drinks and networking. They do not notice that the program has started until something clearly interrupts their conversation.

If you do nothing, the “room noise” wins and your speech loses.
Mini-summary: The default is chaos. You must actively break the noise pattern.

What should I set up before I even touch the microphone?

• Ask the organiser to turn off background music a few minutes before you start.

• Arrange for someone else to introduce you and quiet the room first, if possible.

• Test the microphone so you know the right distance and volume.

Mini-summary: Prepare the sound and support in advance so you are not fighting music, equipment, or the room alone.

How can my physical presence help me control the room?

• Do not hide behind a high podium; people need to see your face and upper body.

• If you are short or the podium is tall, ask for a small platform behind it.

• If you use a laptop, turn it to the side so you can face the audience, not the screen.

Mini-summary: Your face, eyes, and body language are tools of control. The podium and laptop must support you, not block you.

How should I use the microphone and my voice?

• Hold the microphone about one hand’s distance from your mouth and speak across the top, not directly into it.

• Avoid holding it too close (distortion) or too far (no volume).

• Hit your first words with strong, clear energy. For example:

  • “Ladieees and Gentlemen…” (stretch the first word a little, then pause)

  • “May I have your attention, please?” (strong and firm)

Repeat once or twice if needed and do not start the content until the room is quiet.

Mini-summary: Good mic distance plus a strong opening line signals “now we begin” and makes people stop talking.

You can use simple, clear signals:

• Glass chime: Gently tap a glass or cutlery to create a clear chime.

  • Do not speak while tapping.

  • When the room goes quiet, pause, then start speaking.

• Short music burst: Play a short piece of strong music.

  • When it stops, pause, let people look at you, then begin.

• Use silence and pauses during your talk to keep focus. Silence makes people look up and pay attention.

Mini-summary: Use sound (chime, music) to reset the room, then use silence and pauses to hold attention.

What is the first job of an effective communicator?

Your first job is not to speak, but to win the right to be heard. That means:

• Quiet the room.

• Make sure people can see you.

• Make sure people can hear you clearly.

• Start with confidence and control, not with apologies or weak energy.

Mini-summary: If you cannot get silence and attention, your message will never land, no matter how good your content is.

• Turn off background music early and test microphones before you start.

• Make sure your face and body are visible; do not let the podium or laptop hide you.

• Open with a strong, clear line and use the microphone at the correct distance.

• Use chimes, short music, and deliberate pauses to quiet the room and hold attention.

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