How to Be an Effective Emcee

How to Be an Effective Emcee Glenn Walker Agenda    The Role of Emcee Introductions 101 Weddings  Summary Questions? The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask. E= 2 EMCEE The Anatomy of an Emcee Emcee  Main Entry: 1em·cee Pronunciation: "em-'sE Function: noun Etymology: MC : MASTER OF CEREMONIES Source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary Master of Ceremonies  Main Entry: master of ceremonies 1 : a person who determines the forms to be observed on a public occasion 2 : a person who acts as host at a formal event 3 : a person who acts as host for a program of entertainment (as on television) Source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary Emcee Responsibilities  Planner Coach Host   Planner  Work with event sponsors to determine the program for the event. Identify participants and their roles.  Coach  Help the event sponsors with details.  Help the participants to prepare for their role in the program Host  Be positive. Be friendly. Be prepared!   Types of Events    Weddings Dinners Banquets  Shows The Basics  Plan an agenda appropriate to the event. Work with the event sponsor to incorporate their requirements. Work with identified participants.   Honoring Heads of State  Loyal Toast  Ladies and Gentlemen, Her Majesty the Queen  The Queen  Americans Present  To the office of the President of the United States of America. Example Dinner Meeting           Call Meeting To Order Oh Canada Grace Dinner Loyal Toast (after desert, before cigars) Introduction of guests. Introduction of Guest Speaker Guest Speaker Thank Guest Speaker Adjournment Example Banquet            Call To Order Oh Canada Grace Dinner Loyal Toast Introduction of Head Table Guests Messages of Greeting (M.P., M.L.A., Mayor) Guest Speaker(s) Special Announcements Presentations Adjournment Material You Need  Program Introductions of Participants in Program Filler / Bridging Material   Introductions 101 Glenn Walker, DTM Overview A Good Introduction  Things to Avoid  Speakers’ Responsibility  A Good Introduction  Makes a Transition Sets The Tone Gives Authority   Answer the Questions  Why this speaker? Why this topic? Why this timing?   Keep It Brief   Length should be proportional to the length of the presentation. Try the 80-20 rule. Smooth Transitions  Smoothly transition the speaker to the lectern. After the presentation, it is appropriate to say a few brief words to transition from the speaker to the next item on the program.  Elements Of An Introduction  Generally  Speaker’s  Topic  Credentials Name / Lead In Material Things To Avoid Never …  Upstage  Reveal Contents  Surprise  Praise  Use Clichés  Wait to name the speaker Speaker’s Responsibility  Provide information to your introducer.  Your    … Topic Background / Credentials Additional Information  Write your own introduction. Points To Remember  Answer the Questions. Keep It Brief. Smooth Transitions Avoid the common pitfalls.    Bridging It’s About Smooth Transitions  Prepare material that can help smooth transitions from one part of the program to the next. Listen to participants and use references to their presentation to build your bridge.  Humor Humor Is A Tool   Humorous material is all around us. Humor can add to the enjoyment of the event.   Avoid questionable material. If you can, use humorous events you experienced as part of the event. Be Careful!  Avoid embarrassing people. Off color humor may offend people. Overused jokes could draw a groan rather than a laugh.   Weddings Wedding A special day for two people, their families and friends. Wedding Reception Elements      Entry of the Wedding Party Introduction of Head Table A Blessing A Meal Introduction of Special Guests      Telegrams / Letters Entertainment Special Presentations   Bride / Groom Thank You Stories told by family / friends Family Members Distant Travelers    Toasts to Bride / Groom     Toast given by a family member or friend  Reply for Toast to Bride comes from groom.  Reply for Toast to Groom comes from bride Dance Cutting the Cake Tossing the Bouquet Send Off Fun and Games Planning  Programming  Find out what elements to include.  Find out who will be assigned to various roles.  Figure out timing of various elements.  Create a rough draft.  May require several iterations to get it right. Preparation  Contacting Participants  Couple should make initial contact.  Follow up and ensure participant understands their role and timing.  Agree on a time to follow up.  Remember that participants will be family and friends. Many of whom are not professional speakers. They may need help. Participation  Be involved!  Go to the rehearsal.  Go to the ceremony.  Go to other events prior to the day.  Set the tone.  Be positive.  Be prepared. Preparation  Planning Your Part  Introductions Pronouncing names.  Introducing participants.   Jokes  / Stories Remember, family show!  Fun  and Games Kissing Emcee Tips Do        Attend the ceremony (and any other events that help you to prepare). Double check head table seating arrangements. Acquaint yourself with the sound system. Acquaint yourself with the hotel staff. Use appropriate humor. Have printed copy of the agenda. Set a friendly tone. Don’t  Steal the show.  Use inappropriate humor.  Incorporate elements into the program without the consent of the couple. Special Touches  Telling a personal story. Special entertainment. Fun & Games   Summary  Many types of events.  Dinners  Banquets  Shows  Weddings  Preparation and Planning is key.