CHAPTER 4 RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN EMCEE Flashcards
These are the responsibilities of an Emcee
- Understand the programme.
- Ensure the smooth running of the whole event.
- Take care of the audience.
- Introduce speakers properly.
- Captivate the audience through personality.
Understand the programme
The Emcee will not be able to manage the programme
effectively if he/she does not understand it. If possible, co-opt
the Emcee into the organising committee. This will ensure the
Emcee understands the programme and has a part in organising the
related event.
Ensure the smooth running of the whole event
The Emcee is the Commander-in-Chief of the event. The Emcee
takes charge from the stage and works tirelessly on executing every
aspect of the event. He/she must know how to plan towards the
smooth running of the event. An Emcee must prepare a few stories
and jokes just in case he/she needs to use them to fill in the gaps
during unexpected intermissions.
Take care of the audience
The audience is crucial to the event as it is planned for them. Their
time and effort to support the event must be rewarded. The Emcee
must know how to take care of them by making the event meaningful
and cheerful, and by enthusing and entertaining the audience.
Know how to introduce speakers
An Emcee must prepare their script beforehand. Ask speakers to
send their introduction to you directly. Tell them exactly what you
want them to do. If you want to give each of them a one-minute
introduction, then tell the speaker to send you an introduction of
about 140 words. If you want to give two minutes, then ask for 280
words of introduction, and so on.
Captivate the audience through personality
This is about the charm of the Emcee. An Emcee must be active and
be able to articulate. His/her action on the stage can make or break
the event. This is about the personality - a vibrant personality can
enhance the environment. You do not have to be an extrovert to be
an Emcee, you just need to have a pleasant personality. Put on a
pleasant face and smile.
What not to do or say
- Remember you are not the star.
- Keep your comments short and sweet.
- Don’t read from a sheet of paper.
- Don’t try to sell or appraise the event.
- Don’t eat, drink or smoke on the stage.
- Don’t give a lengthy introduction.
- Don’t play favouritism.
- Avoid clichés.
- Know exactly what to say and what not to say.
Remember you are not the star
You are the star maker. As an Emcee you enhance the value of the
speaker/performer that you introduce. The way you introduce the
speaker/performer, the way you get the audience to respond to your
introduction and your action on the stage can collectively create an
impact on the speaker/performer you have mentioned.
Keep your comments short and sweet
Remember you are not there to compete with other speakers. Your
role is to ensure the smooth running of the event. Do not make
startled comments, do not create fear in the audience. Remember
the word KISS–Keep it short and sweet.
Don’t read from a sheet of paper
If you need to read, print the script or note on a card. If the paper is
thin and soft and if you are nervous holding it, funny noises might
come from your hand shaking the paper. If possible, memorise the
script. Use the notes sparingly.
Don’t try to sell or appraise the event
The event is already sold and ongoing. You do not need to sell it
further. The audience will appraise the event not you. You can add
value and bring glory to the event by conducting yourself
professionally.
Don’t eat, drink or smoke on stage
Remember all eyes are on you. The audience judge you, appraise
you and watch you. Every movement, every word and every noise
you make can create a difference in your performance.
Don’t give lengthy introductions
Lengthy introductions bore the audience. Lengthy introductions give
the impression that you, as the Emcee did not plan and prepare in
advance. You have to read through the introductory script and
paraphrase it.
Don’t play favouritism
Regardless of whether you have liked or disliked certain speakers,
treat everyone with respect. The audience can judge the tone of your
introduction. They know your favourites and they know whether you
have been fair in all introductions.
Know exactly what to say and what not to say
Words that come out of your mouth cannot be retracted. So, be
careful what you say or do.
It’s better to say nice and pleasant things rather than nasty and
offensive things.
It’s better to praise than to criticise.
It’s better to conciliate than to confront.
This is more of a personality trait. A kind and sincere person is
inclined to avoid clashes with others. Ask yourself why fight and
argue for nothing?
