An event emcee is more than a corporate event host, ceremony or special occasion moderator. The event emcee is responsible for the entire emotional flow of the event—the program and the engagement of the guests. Being one entails a great responsibility, and while many take upon the event emcee role, a mere few successfully stand up to the challenge successfully.

I was asked to share a few tips to help someone be an engaging event emcee for a corporate event, however these quick thoughts would also be beneficial for a master of ceremonies or event emcee for most situations.

Understand your ROLE
Why were you hired? Were invited to an event to simply hold the microphone, deliver a speech and facilitate the program? Or, are there for a greater purpose? (Entertainment, Engagement, Inspiration, Timing, Pacing, Energy, Flow control etc.) THIS purpose must be known and kept the center of your scripting (if applicable) and engagement plan from the start. Based on this purpose/goal, what are the ways you can make your audience feel welcomed, appreciated and involved in this goal?

OWN the Time!

The event emcee certainly has a primary role in keeping the event on track. Know the schedule of the program, guests and activities and be very particular with this time. Don’t follow a time schedule; YOU need to LEAD the time schedule. This process takes place before the special event even begins with your communication with other presenters, DJ’s, video timings or content segments.

Balance the ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM:

Energy + unpredictability will keep the audience excited. Radiate enthusiasm may connect you to your crowd, but not if it’s not authentic.

All events have high and low points in terms of energy and enthusiasm. A charity fundraiser that misses this concept will result in lower engagement and emotional attachment of the audience. The end result is typically lower net returns of donation. When you plan the flow of the event, always design a WOW moment of IMPACT prior to the emotional pitch. You have to capture the attention of the audience to engage them prior to making the emotional video or pitch, otherwise time and money are lost. Is this tough? You betcha! Do you have half your attendees at the bar and talking during the emotional pitch? Then you failed to engage them previously.  Next time, close the stinking bar during this part of the program (yeah – I did say that!)

Being an event emcee can be daunting and way more work than most people think.  BUT, it is one of the most greatest jobs you could ever have. You meet a lot of celebs (at least shake their hands anyway) and give the audience the opportunity to truly engage into the reason they are there and feel connected to the cause.

Go be the best event emcee you can be!