How to Be an Effective Emcee

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How to Be an Effective Emcee

• Glenn Walker

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Agenda

• The Role of Emcee
• Introductions 101
• Weddings
• Summary

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Questions?

• The only dumb question
• is the one you dont ask.

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E EMCEE2

• The Anatomy of an Emcee

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Emcee

• Main Entry 1emcee Pronunciation
  "em-'sEFunction nounEtymology MC MASTER OF
  CEREMONIES

Source Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
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Master of Ceremonies

• Main Entry master of ceremonies1 a person who
  determines the forms to be observed on a public
  occasion2 a person who acts as host at a
  formal event3 a person who acts as host for a
  program of entertainment (as on television)

Source Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
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Emcee Responsibilities

• Planner
• Coach
• Host

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Planner

• Work with event sponsors to determine the
  program for the event.
• Identify participants and their roles.

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Coach

• Help the event sponsors with details.
• Help the participants to prepare for their role
  in the program

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Host

• Be positive.
• Be friendly.
• Be prepared!

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Types of Events

• Weddings
• Dinners
• Banquets
• Shows

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The Basics

• Plan an agenda appropriate to the event.
• Work with the event sponsor to incorporate their
  requirements.
• Work with identified participants.

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Honoring Heads of State

• Loyal Toast
• Ladies and Gentlemen, Her Majesty the Queen
  lteveryone rises and raises glassesgt
• The Queen
• Americans Present
• To the office of the President of the United
  States of America.

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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

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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

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Material You Need

• Program
• Introductions of Participants in Program
• Filler / Bridging Material

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Introductions 101

• Glenn Walker, DTM

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Overview

• A Good Introduction
• Things to Avoid
• Speakers Responsibility

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A Good Introduction

• Makes a Transition
• Sets The Tone
• Gives Authority

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Answer the Questions

• Why this speaker?
• Why this topic?
• Why this timing?

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Keep It Brief

• Length should be proportional to the length of
  the presentation.
• Try the 80-20 rule.

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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.

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Elements Of An Introduction

• Generally
• Speakers Name
• Topic
• Credentials / Lead In Material

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Things To Avoid

• Never
• Upstage
• Reveal Contents
• Surprise
• Praise
• Use Clichés
• Wait to name the speaker

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Speakers Responsibility

• Provide information to your introducer.
• Your
• Topic
• Background / Credentials
• Additional Information
• Write your own introduction.

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Points To Remember

• Answer the Questions.
• Keep It Brief.
• Smooth Transitions
• Avoid the common pitfalls.

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Bridging
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Its 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.

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Humor
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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.

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Be Careful!

• Avoid embarrassing people.
• Off color humor may offend people.
• Overused jokes could draw a groan rather than a
  laugh.

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Weddings
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Wedding

• A special day for two people,
• their families and friends.

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Wedding Reception Elements

• Entry of the Wedding Party
• Introduction of Head Table
• A Blessing
• A Meal
• Introduction of Special Guests
• 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

• Telegrams / Letters
• Entertainment
• Special Presentations
• Bride / Groom Thank You
• Stories told by family / friends
• Dance
• Cutting the Cake
• Tossing the Bouquet
• Send Off
• Fun and Games

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Preparation

• Planning Your Part
• Introductions
• Pronouncing names.
• Introducing participants.
• Jokes / Stories
• Remember, family show!
• Fun and Games
• Kissing

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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.

• Dont
• Steal the show.
• Use inappropriate humor.
• Incorporate elements into the program without the
  consent of the couple.

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Special Touches

• Telling a personal story.
• Special entertainment.
• Fun Games

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Summary

• Many types of events.
• Dinners
• Banquets
• Shows
• Weddings
• Preparation and Planning is key.