Two hundred Boston University students gathered in the George Sherman Union’s Metcalf Hall Saturday night to watch 12 of their peers demonstrate their kissing prowess, with the instruction of self-proclaimed kissing expert Michael Christian.

“You are going to have a lifelong advantage over every kissing partner,” Christian yelled to an eager audience.

“The Art of Kissing” event, named after Christian’s book of the same name, was made to teach students 30 different kissing techniques.

Christian enthusiastically described different imaginary scenes where people might feel the urge to kiss, including the dentist’s office, a barber shop, a shower or even a moving car. Instruction was given on butterfly kissing, French kissing and upside down kissing. Students on stage made out vigorously upon Christian’s command, and in return, the audience hooted and cheered.

“People always ask me how I got interested in kissing,” Christian said, “and I always answer, ‘I’m just like you. I was born with a mouth.'”

During the show, Christian offered facts about kissing, including gender-specific erogenous zones. According to Christian, girls’ favorite spot to be kissed is on the neck, and boys love to be bitten. The show ended with two boys facing each other with red pillowcases over their heads, representing tongues in a French kiss. Christian crouched in the “mouth” to guide the tongues through the proper movements.

“This is an award-winning presentation,” Student Activities Office event co-coordinator and School of Education graduate student Todd Weissman said.

Part of the allure of the event for SAO was its unusual subject matter.

“We’re always looking for new events,” SAO volunteer and College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Hannah Gathman said, “and I think this event is important because it’s something a little off the beaten track.”

Although some students left while the show was in progress, many were cheered loudly throughout. The onstage student volunteers were enthusiastic about the show as well and showed it by their kissing in front of the crowd.

“We’re insane,” kissing volunteer and College of Arts and Sciences junior Marina Barcelo said about her and her onstage partner and friend College of Engineering junior Joe Gregory. “It was never awkward at all, and we would definitely do it again.”

After the show, Christian said he was ecstatic with how the performance went.

“BU’s response was absolutely top-of-the-line,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for a more generous and loving audience.”

He said he was so happy with the performance, he offered to answer any kissing questions from BU students for free at [email protected].