2007

Posted by Gary in Effective Emceeing (Tips!), Events & Experiences, Public Speaing,
T!e S!y Speaers" Guide, T!oug!ts and #eflections$
tracbac
Ive learnt a great deal during my stints as Emcee over the last couple of months and
here are some insights for anyone who wishes to be an effective emcee or are just starting
out emceeing themselves.
Role of the Emcee
As the Emcee, (or Masters of Ceremonies, you are the bridge between the audience and
the !"tars#. $hese are usually the contest participants (if youre hosting a contest, or the
spea%er&trainers (if youre hosting a seminar, wor%shop or lecture.
'ou are the star ma%er, not the star( 'ou are the grease that lubricates the flow of events
of the programme. 'ou are not there to hog the limelight, or steal it from the main
characters of the night.
$he role of the Emcee is to facilitate the event and ensures that programme materiali)es
without a hitch (or minimise those hitches that come up.
Responsibilities of the Emcee Remember T.I.M
Time * As Emcee, you are the %ing of the programme. 'ou are the one in charge of the
time and se+uence of events. 'ou are in ,-.$/-0( 'ou are responsible for ensuring
that events start and end on time.
Introducer * 1embers of the audience may or may not %now the spea%ers&participants as
well as you do. 'et, the success of the entire event is very much dependent on them
%nowing the credentials of the spea%er or bac%ground of the participants. $his
bac%ground %nowledge is crucial in establishing credibility and rapport between the
spea%ers and participants respectively.
2o your job well and the ne3t person who follows will have a much easier time saying
their piece. $he event will move on smoothly. -therwise
Mood "etter * As Emcee, you are the participants leader. 'ou have to lead them in
applause and appraisal. 'ou are their guide and youve to win the crowd over with your
enthusiasm( 'our enthusiasm is e3tremely contagious, and if you wor% it correctly, the
audience will follow your cue at reacting and appraising the spea%er&participants.
Some things to do as Emcee: 1 A 5s
e Enthusiastic * 'our Attitudes ,ontagious( Infect the crowd with it(
e 4roactive * As the 4rogramme ,ontroller, youre I. ,5A/6E( 'oure the bridge
between everyone (audience and spea%er, spea%er and organiser, organiser and timer etc.
7now what has to be done and ma%e sure it gets done.
e Early * /each the event venue before the first guest arrive so that logistical and
technical (ie8 microphone tests and the sound system matters can be ironed out. Also,
meet and discuss your concerns (if any regarding anything that you thin% needs to be
done. Arriving early will also give you time to settle down and observe and analyse the
crowd to help you adapt your style later.
e 4rofessional * 2o not eat, drin%, or smo%e on stage. As the Emcee, youre part of the
face for the event. $he audience will not get a chance to see the bac%room staff and
technical assistants. As mentioned, you are the glue for the event. 1aintain the decorum
and leave a positive image for everyone to carry home. If youve got to eat, drin%, or
smo%e, do it where nobody can see you(
e 4repared * 7now the programme and prepare notes if you must. 1emorise the
se+uence of events if you need. .o. Its best if you memorised it( 'oure allowed to hold
some cards or the programme sheet or cue cards in your hand. 9ut do not attempt to read
from the script which youve prepared the night before(
5andling Apologies * :nderstand that mista%es may (and ;I00 occur from time to
time. Apologise and move on. 7eep your cool and get on the with the programme.
$heres no need to free)e or apologise profusely. $he audience arent there to hear you
apologise, theyre there for the programme(
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$here you have it(
"ome tips and strategies for effective emceeing(