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A microphone
2
A timer
3
A script
4
A backup plan
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A feedback form
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A mentor
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Here’s what else to consider
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Emceeing is a skill that requires confidence, charisma, and creativity. You need to engage your audience, introduce speakers, and keep the event flowing smoothly. But you also need some tools to help you prepare, perform, and improve your emceeing. Here are some of the tools we recommend for emceeing.
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- Adam Christing AdamChristing.com | Corporate Emcee | Event MC | Funny Keynote Speaker | Master of Ceremonies | Meeting Host | Clean… 3
- Greg Wood, AS, Keynote Speaker Keynote Presenter, Coach, Trainer, working at the intersection of Presentation, Communication, and influence 1
1 A microphone
A microphone is essential for emceeing, as it allows you to project your voice and be heard clearly by your audience. You should choose a microphone that suits your style, budget, and venue. For example, you might prefer a handheld, lapel, or headset microphone, depending on how much you move around and gesture. You should also test the microphone before the event and adjust the volume, pitch, and feedback settings.
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- Greg Wood, AS, Keynote Speaker Keynote Presenter, Coach, Trainer, working at the intersection of Presentation, Communication, and influence
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I find that an MC should use a handheld microphone only, for several reasons. First; we can get so much more out of a handheld than out of a headset. For example, we can move it away and speak louder, or pull it in close and whisper. This will pull our audience in as well.Second; if we are interviewing someone in the audience without a microphone, we can point the handheld at them.Third; we have an emergency backup if one of the speakers has a technical problem. And lastly, but perhaps most importantly, the handheld microphone is a sign to the audience that we are the ones in charge. We are the ones to listen to. We cannot get that same affect from a headset or lav microphone.
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2 A timer
A timer is another useful tool for emceeing, as it helps you keep track of the time and manage the schedule of the event. You can use a simple stopwatch, a smartphone app, or a specialized timer that shows the remaining time, the elapsed time, and the color-coded signals for the speakers. A timer can help you avoid running over or under the allotted time, and remind you to give cues and transitions to the speakers and the audience.
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- Adam Christing AdamChristing.com | Corporate Emcee | Event MC | Funny Keynote Speaker | Master of Ceremonies | Meeting Host | Clean Comedian | Non-Profit Fundraising Host | Virtual Event Host + Emcee
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A key role for the Emcee is to Keep the Program Running on Time.As host, you need to keep your eyes on two things:1. The Stage.2. The CLOCK. Let's talk about event time management. While a timer can be helpful, what's even better? A LARGE CLOCK you can see! Important: You do Not want to look at your wristwatch or phone on stage. I recommend a large digital clock at the back of the room. Attendees don't see it. You do.Bonus Tip: Whenever possible, have a Countdown CLOCK at the foot of the platform. You want this clock to count down the minutes....even seconds...left for each segment of your program.You see: 1:30, 1:29, 1:28 counting down... You know you have 90 seconds and counting to finish your introduction for the next speaker!
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3 A script
A script is a tool that helps you plan and organize your emceeing. You should write a script that covers the opening, the introduction of each speaker, the transitions, the closing, and any other announcements or segments of the event. You should also include some jokes, anecdotes, or trivia to spice up your emceeing and entertain your audience. However, you should not memorize or read your script word for word, but use it as a guide and improvise when necessary.
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- Greg Wood, AS, Keynote Speaker Keynote Presenter, Coach, Trainer, working at the intersection of Presentation, Communication, and influence
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Yes, we should have a script written out. We need to put the work in and find what we need to say, and what is the best way to say it.. While it is true that we shouldn’t read our script, we SHOULD have it memorized. Having it memorized is what allows us to improvise when necessary and get right back on script.There are some who will say that they don’t want to memorize a script because it is too much work or will sound stilted. The truth is, if we don’t want to work that hard and if we cannot use a memorized script without sound stilted than this is not the job for us.
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4 A backup plan
A backup plan is a tool that helps you cope with unexpected situations and challenges during emceeing. You should prepare a backup plan for scenarios such as technical glitches, speaker cancellations, audience questions, or emergencies. You should also have some backup materials, such as extra batteries, a flash drive, a printed copy of your script, and some filler content. A backup plan can help you stay calm and confident, and handle any issues that arise with grace and professionalism.
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5 A feedback form
A feedback form is a tool that helps you evaluate and improve your emceeing. You should ask for feedback from the organizers, the speakers, and the audience after the event. You should also review your own performance by watching a recording or listening to an audio file of your emceeing. You should use a feedback form that asks specific questions about your strengths and weaknesses, such as your voice, your content, your delivery, and your interaction with the audience.
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6 A mentor
A mentor is a tool that helps you learn and grow as an emcee. You should find a mentor who is an experienced and successful emcee, and who can offer you advice, guidance, and support. You should also observe and study other emcees, both live and online, and learn from their techniques, styles, and mistakes. A mentor can help you develop your skills, expand your network, and achieve your goals as an emcee.
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7 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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