If you have hosted enough events, you have met this speaker.
They are introduced with great enthusiasm.
They walk confidently to the lectern.
They begin well.
And then… they settle in.
They were given ten minutes.
At minute twelve, they are “just getting to the main point.”
At minute fifteen, they say, “Let me quickly add…”
At minute twenty, you start negotiating with your ancestors.
Meanwhile, the programme is quietly falling apart.
Other speakers are watching the clock.
The audience is shifting in their seats.
And you the MC are wondering how to regain control without causing an international incident.
This is where emceeing stops being about talking and starts being about leadership.
Here is how to handle it.
1. Move closer
Distance is deceptive.
If you are seated comfortably at the high table while the speaker is enjoying themselves on stage, you have effectively handed over control.
Moving closer changes everything.
Stand up.
Walk toward the stage.
Position yourself where the speaker can see you clearly.
You don’t need to say a word.
That simple movement sends a message:
“My friend, we are approaching the runway.”
Experienced speakers will pick it up immediately and begin to land their point.
If they don’t… well, you are now in position for the next step.
2. Signal clearly
At this point, subtlety is still your friend but vagueness is not.
A casual wave from across the room will not work. It will be interpreted as encouragement.
You need signals that are clear and unmistakable:
- A “1 minute” card
- A gentle but firm hand gesture
- Direct eye contact with a “wrap it up” expression
Ideally, these signals should have been agreed upon before the event.
That way, when you use them, the speaker recognises them and doesn’t assume you are simply enjoying the speech.
Clarity prevents confusion. And confusion extends speeches.
3. Interrupt with control
Now we come to the moment many MCs fear.
The speaker has ignored proximity.
They have ignored signals.
They are now preparing to share “just one final point” which you know has at least three sub-points.
This is where you step in.
Not aggressively. Not apologetically.
But professionally.
Something like:
“Thank you very much for those insights. We’ll have to pause here so we can stay on schedule.”
Or:
“Let’s hold that thought there. We’ll come back to it later.”
Notice what is happening here:
- You acknowledge the speaker
- You protect their dignity
- You take back control
No drama. No tension. Just leadership.
And here’s the secret: the audience is usually on your side.
By that point, they are silently begging you to intervene.
Final thought
Time is the one resource you cannot negotiate with at an event.
When one speaker takes more than their share, everyone else pays for it including the audience.
As an MC, your role is not just to keep the programme moving.
It is to protect the experience.
That means stepping in when necessary.
Managing moments with tact.
And occasionally saving a speaker from themselves.
Done well, no one remembers the interruption.
They only remember that the event flowed.
And that is the goal.
If your organisation hosts events and you want your team to handle moments like this with confidence and just the right amount of diplomacy…
Send “MC.”
Stay on cue.
Kafui Dey is an award-winning broadcaster, professional MC, media trainer and public speaking coach. He is the host of Kafui Dey Interviews on YouTube.
Phone/WhatsApp +2332402991
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