Icebreaker speech for a speaking club
Cue cards for your first prepared speech at a public speaking club: a four to six minute personal introduction with an opening hook, three short life chapters, what you hope to gain and a warm close.
Speech9 cardsAbout 15 min to speakIntermediateCommunity
MC script and run sheet for events
Cue cards for the master of ceremonies at a conference, gala, awards night, fundraiser or community event: welcome, housekeeping, introductions, segues, break notices, thanks and the close.
Free to use, edit, print and study. No account needed: your set stays on this device.
The cards
- 1
Run sheet
- [Time] – Welcome and housekeeping
- [Time] – [Speaker or segment 1]
- [Time] – [Segment 2]
- [Time] – Break
- [Time] – [Segment 3 or awards]
- [Time] – Thanks and close
Stage manager: [name, how to signal them]
- 2
Welcome
Good [evening/morning], everyone, and welcome to [event name]. My name is [name], and I am your MC for [today / tonight].
[Optional: acknowledgement of the land, venue or hosts, as is customary where you are.]
We are here to [purpose of the event].
- 3
Housekeeping
- Exits are [location], and in an emergency, follow [staff or instructions].
- Toilets are [location].
- Please switch phones to silent.
- Share on social media with [hashtag], if you wish.
- [Food, drink, Wi-Fi or accessibility notes]
- 4
Introducing a speaker
Our next speaker is [name], [role]. [One interesting fact or achievement that links to the event.]
[Name] will be talking about [topic]. Please welcome [name].
Lead the applause and step aside.
- 5
Thank and segue
Thank you, [name]. [One sentence on a point from their talk.]
That leads nicely into our next [segment], which is [description].
- 6
Break notice
We will now take a [length] break. [Food and drinks are in / available at] [location].
Please be back in your seats by [time], when we will [next item].
- 7
Awards or special segment
And now, the moment many of you have been waiting for: [award or segment name].
To present it, please welcome [presenter].
Winner's name pronunciation: [notes].
- 8
Filling time
If there is a delay:
- Quick audience poll: Show of hands, who [light question]?
- Thank a sponsor or volunteer group: [names]
- Remind people about [upcoming item, raffle, survey]
- 9
Thanks and close
Before we go, a big thank you to [organisers], [sponsors], [volunteers] and [venue staff].
[What happens next: networking, dinner, transport, next year's date.]
Thank you for being here. Have a wonderful [evening/day].
How to use this template
The MC holds an event together: they welcome people, keep things on time, introduce speakers and fill gaps when something runs late. This template starts with a run sheet card that you fill in with the organiser, then follows the event in order. Ready-made wording covers the welcome, housekeeping, speaker introductions, thank-yous and segues, break notices and an awards segment. A 'filling time' card gives you things to say during delays, and the closing card makes sure nobody important is left out of the thanks. It suits conferences, galas, awards nights, fundraisers, school events, cultural festivals and community celebrations. Print one introduction card per speaker so each has its own facts and pronunciation notes.
Tips
- Meet the organiser and stage manager before the event to walk through the run sheet and agree how they will signal you.
- Ask every speaker how they want to be introduced and how to say their name, and write the pronunciation on the card.
- Keep your own speaking short; the MC is the frame, not the picture.
- Carry a pen to update the run sheet as times shift during the event.
- Lead the applause at the end of every introduction and thank-you; audiences follow the MC.
- Have a light, inclusive line ready for technical problems so the room stays relaxed while they are fixed.
Make it fit
- For a wedding reception MC, swap housekeeping for the order of toasts and the first dance, and keep the tone warmer and more personal.
- For an online event, add a card on chat and microphone etiquette and introduce speakers by telling them you are about to hand over.
- For a bilingual event, greet in both languages and agree with the organiser which parts need to be repeated.
- Customs for opening acknowledgements vary by country and community, so ask the organiser what is expected and who should give it.
- For a school assembly or prize day, use simpler language, shorter introductions and a clear instruction on when to clap.
Updated October 28, 2026