7 Helpful Tips for Being an Event Emcee

I’ve been asked to emcee a variety of large-scale events over the years based on my unique experience hosting trivia, and am more than happy to do so. Not only does it provide me with additional exposure and the opportunity to practice public speaking in a new way, but it is also a healthy diversification of my skillset into other related areas. Among my most enjoyable experiences, I have served as the main stage announcer at the 92nd Street Y’s annual fall street festival for 5 years, and recently served as event host/quizmaster for a “Michigan State Fair” event- a 3-hour “state pride” festival at The Bell House, a major performance venue in Brooklyn.

Here are some tips I’ve picked up which I find helpful when serving as the emcee of a large, sustained event:

• Do Your Homework – Learn as much as you can about the event in advance, including the cause, key participants and important facts. You don’t want to wait until someone hands you a microphone to find out what exactly this event is all about.
• Meet Everyone Involved – Before you hit the stage, take some time to walk around and introduce yourself to the event organizers, performers, booth attendants, venue manager, service staff and anyone else who is critically important to the event’s success. It helps to be “friends” with everyone in case you require additional information or assistance, and you also want to know who to give shout-outs to once you’re onstage.
• Keep to the Schedule – Always have a copy of the event schedule in your back pocket, and track your performance vigilantly. Everyone will be looking to you to find out what’s happening next, as well as to keep the event moving efficiently.
• Look Sharp – As the “face” of the event, you are not just representing yourself, but the entire program – organizers, sponsors, partners, venue and all. As such, make sure you look the part, and dress appropriately. You’ll be glad you did.
• Line Up Your Messaging – Jot down and review the key 5-10 message points you want to announce, and keep repeating them. This will likely include thanking sponsors, welcoming key groups/individuals, highlighting event attractions, mentioning special offers and more. You don’t have to say all of the points each time you’re at the mic, but mix it up- just make sure you provide a natural flow, and hit each point multiple times throughout the event.
• Keep Your “On Air” Time Brief – It’s exciting for public speakers to be onstage with mic in-hand, especially when it’s a casual, ad-libed format such as festivals. However, attendees really aren’t there to see you- they’re there to see performances, network, eat and learn. Don’t be a microphone hog; take the stage, get your message across, and step down. Repeat.
• Stay Upbeat – Attitude is important, and as the emcee your actions, words and presence really do set the overall tone of the event. Make a conscious effort to be jovial, positive and enthusiastic when you are making your announcements. And smile- you’ll likely have a photo or two snapped, so make it count.

I hope you find this helpful. What are some other important things to keep in mind when serving as event emcee?

All photos by Tod Seelie of Metromix New York