Suppose your supervisor tells you, “You know we have our company banquet scheduled for next month. Before she moved to another state, Evelyn did a good job as emcee for five years. Of course, we need a master of ceremonies.” of replacement ceremonies now, and I have chosen you.” Would that task intimidate you? Not if she followed these six vital tips.
Highlight others, not yourself
Yes, there will be many times during the night when all eyes and ears are on you. However, it is your job to shift the attention elsewhere. Your task is to introduce other attendees: guests from outside the company, award winners, board members, subscription sponsors, and the planning committee, for example. Using a showbiz comparison, you’re a supporting actor, not the star.
Realizing that your role is supportive relieves much of the pressure you felt when your boss chose you for this position. Instead of having to perform flawlessly every minute, he will focus on helping others look good.
Be mindful of the clock
You will win the affection of the audience by keeping to the schedule. First, start on time. Think about how upset you feel as a guest when an emcee says, “We’re going to start a few minutes late, because some of our guests haven’t arrived yet.” You ask yourself, “Why wait? I was on time, and so were a lot of other people. By delaying the opening, you’re not honoring our punctuality.” So from the appointed time you will please the crowd that has already gathered. In addition, it will indicate that it has taken over the program and will maintain control.
In addition to starting on time, keep the program on time. If the servers seem slow in delivering the food, check with the catering officer. As the question-and-answer period approaches, politely note that “our speaker will be happy to answer any further questions at the reception following our formal program.”
Tracking the program space will ensure completion on time. Not only will you look like a veteran emcee, but you’ll garner strong approval from those who have to drive a long way, get home to their kids, or rest for an early date the next day.
Stay fully alert
Novice emcees can make the mistake of assuming, “A couple of drinks will relax me. I’m feeling a lot of tension right now, so I’ll stop by the bar on my way to the head table.” You are right that alcoholic beverages can relax you. However, you are wrong if you think that this is entirely for your benefit.
On the one hand, maintaining a high level of tension can be beneficial. You’ll feel the added energy, which will help to excite your audience as you lead. It’s very important to keep in mind that one or two “adult drinks” can weaken your memory, prompt you to slur your words, and even provoke unpleasant comments you wouldn’t otherwise make. So play safe. Stick with water or soft drinks. You can celebrate later when you’re home by remembering your uninterrupted poise and fluidity.
beware of humor
Some humor is necessary and useful. You would bore your audience if all your comments were kept bland and serious. Who knows, you might get bored yourself. However, you will want to use your best judgment in your effort to be funny.
Please note several precautions. Don’t tell jokes, because many audience members will have already heard or read them online. Also, your timing has to be perfect for a prank to work. Also keep in mind that most jokes have someone as a scapegoat and someone could be assisting. Stay away from sarcasm, because you could come across as vindictive. Instead of using jokes or sarcasm, use short jokes, even ones that occur to you during the event. Possibly the safest pranks of all will be self-deprecating humor, where you humorously make fun of yourself.
Check the technical equipment beforehand
Spending just a few minutes checking out technical equipment will increase your comfort level by minimizing the chance of momentum-killing failures that embarrass you and unsettle the group. If you’re using a PowerPoint program, make sure your computer and projector are well synced. Click through the entire program to determine if adjustments are needed. Put fresh batteries in your remote. Have the sound technician test the volume level of your voice with a microphone check.
Use your natural conversational voice
Keep in mind that your audience wants to think of you as a close friend. Close friends talk to each other without pompous tones. Give up the temptation to sound like a professional broadcaster. If your organization wanted that sound, you would have hired a radio or television personality. Pompous oratory went out of fashion decades ago.
Remember that the technical equipment that you checked about an hour before the event will give you all the amplification you need. Just sit back and speak to three hundred people with the same volume and pronunciation you would with three people.
Bottom line: His employer honored him by asking him to emcee the annual event. He can make his first effort successful and enjoyable. Put others in the spotlight, watch the clock, refrain from intoxicating drinks, use humor carefully and tastefully, make sure technical equipment is working, and speak conversationally. When the evening is over, he’ll begin to look forward to his next opportunity to emcee an event.
