Update: Since I wrote this post 8 years ago, I’ve received an avalanche of questions and requests for additional resources. I’m pleased to share that we’ve just launched an online course for those of you who are serious about upping your skills in this area. Find out more about it here: As of, barely a week after launching this, we’ve got over 341 students, This is what some of them have said: Concise yet comprehensive Content is comprehensive and informative. The bite-sized information caters to the needs of people who are keen in picking up this art but don’t have time to commit to a face-to-face course. – Cai Feng 1 days ago. Great content Great content – straight to the point on what is required in performing as an emcee and valuable takeaways!

1. Emceeing A Program

– John Cho, 2 days ago I’ve created a special code for readers of this blog. The UP for this course is US$50.

But for a limited time, I will be offering it at US$10/- instead. Simply drop me a message with on to get the deal. Copy and paste this in the message box, “Hi Gary, I’d like to the $10/- deal for the Online Emcee Course” and I’ll get back to you. (PS: I might be in class, so it might take me a while to come back to you – but I will come back to you). Happy learning! I’ve learnt a great deal during my stints as Emcee over the last couple of months and here are some insights for anyone who wishes to be an effective emcee or are just starting out emceeing themselves.

Role of the Emcee As the Emcee, (or Masters of Ceremonies), you are the bridge between the audience and the “Stars”. These are usually the contest participants (if you’re hosting a contest), or the speaker/trainers (if you’re hosting a seminar, workshop or lecture). You are the star maker, not the star! You are the grease that lubricates the flow of events of the programme.

You are not there to hog the limelight, or steal it from the main characters of the night. The role of the Emcee is to facilitate the event and ensures that programme materializes without a hitch (or minimise those hitches that come up). Responsibilities of the Emcee – Remember T.I.M Time – As Emcee, you are the king of the programme.

You are the one in charge of the time and sequence of events. You are in CONTROL! You are responsible for ensuring that events start and end on time. Introducer – Members of the audience may or may not know the speakers/participants as well as you do. Yet, the success of the entire event is very much dependent on them knowing the credentials of the speaker or background of the participants. This background knowledge is crucial in establishing credibility and rapport between the speakers and participants respectively. Do your job well and the next person who follows will have a much easier time saying their piece.

The event will move on smoothly. Otherwise Mood Setter – As Emcee, you are the participant’s leader.

You have to lead them in applause and appraisal. You are their guide and you’ve to win the crowd over with your enthusiasm!

Your enthusiasm is extremely contagious, and if you work it correctly, the audience will follow your cue at reacting and appraising the speaker/participants. Some things to do as Emcee: 1 A 5Bs Be Enthusiastic – Your Attitude’s Contagious! Infect the crowd with it! Be Proactive – As the Programme Controller, you’re IN CHARGE! You’re the bridge between everyone (audience and speaker, speaker and organiser, organiser and timer etc). Know what has to be done and make sure it gets done. Be Early – Reach the event venue before the first guest arrive so that logistical and technical (ie: microphone tests and the sound system) matters can be ironed out.

Also, meet and discuss your concerns (if any) regarding anything that you think needs to be done. Arriving early will also give you time to settle down and observe and analyse the crowd to help you adapt your style later. Be Professional – Do not eat, drink, or smoke on stage.

As the Emcee, you’re part of the face for the event. The audience will not get a chance to see the backroom staff and technical assistants. As mentioned, you are the glue for the event.

Maintain the decorum and leave a positive image for everyone to carry home. If you’ve got to eat, drink, or smoke, do it where nobody can see you!

Be Prepared – Know the programme and prepare notes if you must. Memorise the sequence of events if you need.

It’s best if you memorised it! You’re allowed to hold some cards or the programme sheet or cue cards in your hand. But do not attempt to read from the script which you’ve prepared the night before! Handling Apologies – Understand that mistakes may (and WILL) occur from time to time. Apologise and move on. Keep your cool and get on the with the programme.

There’s no need to freeze or apologise profusely. The audience aren’t there to hear you apologise, they’re there for the programme!. There you have it! Some tips and strategies for effective emceeing! It’s my first post.

But don’t count on it being the last! Happy learning! PS: Join my online community at the to connect and receive more updates, interact with other experts and access even more (usually free) resources. ——————– Have a Question? Follow me and Post Your Thoughts/Questions on now! Hi Jehan, one full-proof way you can use to open the seminar is to talk about the significance of the event and what it can do for the audience. The key of an emcee is to facilitate a programme – that means introducing the seminar, it’s components and the speakers who will be speaking.

Emceeing A Program

Be positive and seek to elevate/heighten each segment by explaining the significance of each segment. Having ample background information helps! That said, remember this: your PRIMARY objective’s to facilitate. Humour is an advanced tool’s that good to have. Let’s work on the fundamentals considering the short time you’ve got to prepare. All the best!

Hello Gary, I am thankful that I have found an informative site. I have some ideas on the basic tips on how to maintain composure infront of the audience.

If you can extend your help, please send me a sample of script of an emcee during formal program during the burning of evidence activity with the presence of judges and law enforcers(How to introduce the guests,the purpose of the activity, thank the guests,etc). The event will be scheduled two days from now. I hope I can count on you.

Looking forward, Gail. Hi gary., im a newbie in the world of emceeing.my friends and i just built a team for events coordination.

We coordinate kiddie parties, debuts, weddings and other events w/c includes hosting services. Last year i have been chosen to be an emcee for friend’s wedding and i got kudos afterwards. But i know there are still a lot of rooms for improvement. I want to be a better emcee a lively and bubbly emcee!esp for wedding receptions. Our first client booked our team to coordinate her wedding and chose our package with me as the emcee this may 24,2009. I hope u can give me tips or a sample script that i can use as a guideline.appreciate it a lot!!!! Thanks so much.

Gary, Thank you so much for sharing this site. Its very helpful. Im one of those people who have stage fright but im force to emcee as it is part of my job. And your site greatly help me.

I hope you can post sample words transition. I often say “now to give us an inspirational message.or.and now for the intermission” i notice the audience get bored with my “nows”. I hope you can email me some of your transition words or perhaps a sample of your script as my guide.

Thank you in advance. Gary, Thank you so much for sharing this site. Its very helpful. Im one of those people who have stage fright but im force to emcee as it is part of my job. And your site greatly help me.

I hope you can post sample words transition. I often say “now to give us an inspirational message.or.and now for the intermission” i notice the audience get bored with my “nows”. I hope you can email me some of your transition words or perhaps a sample of your script as my guide. Thank you in advance. October 4,2009 Good evening Sir Gary! You have a great website. I found it very helpful.

Could you please send me a detailed emcee script for a public speaking contest for school? I ran out of nice and colorful descriptive words on how to start and end the program.The program goes like this: opening prayer,conducting the national anthem,introducing our principal in the welcoming remarks,presenting the contestants/ speakers,introducing the judges,intermission number (dance and song),announcing and awarding of winners and for the closing remarks.l’ll be emceeing this coming Friday.Thank you so much sir! God Bless You and your family! Gary i’ll be emceeing the search for our Mr. Intramural 2012 and this is my first time to hold such event. And basing the comments from this link I had learn many things about emceeing. I really need your help Sir.

Can i ask some of your techniques in terms of hosting? Or some strategy to make the event a successful one or not to have a dead air while emceeing? Download activation key games. Because i found it quiet difficult on how to make the event a very entertaining that will leave a history and so that the audience will still remember about the program or an unforgettable one either. Gary, Thank you so much for sharing this site.

Its very helpful. Im one of those people who have stage fright but im force to emcee as it is part of my job. And your site greatly help me. I hope you can post sample words transition. I often say “now to give us an inspirational message.or.and now for the intermission” i notice the audience get bored with my “nows”. I hope you can email me a sample of your script as my guide for the incoming united nation celebrations.

Thank you in advance. My boss assigned me to emcee d 4th quarter regional director’s conference on the 17 of nov. 2009 of our agency. My greatest problem now is – this will be my first time to be doing this thing and i’m kinda nervous about the idea. In short, im nervous because i don’t know what to do? I just don’t have any idea how to do it. I prayed so hard that my search in the e-net wont fail me.

I just found your site. Pls Gary help me? Kindly email me tips and dialogues on how to go about the process of emceeing a conference? Hi Gary, I am asked to emcee the company annual day which is to be held in a week I am baddly in need of your help/sugesstions and comments The cronology of events is given to me and i am left to decied how to take over.The programm include Lighting the lamp as a part of INDIAN Culture,the adress to the stff by CEO & CMD. Followed by cultural events and end with lunch and few games post lunch.

Please help me with a script that help me start with a punch and leave a lasting impression on audience. Hello, I will be the emcee for a robotics competition event called FirstLegoLeague, with participants aged btw 9 to abt 16. Throughout the competition, Im supposed to mingle with the crowd, get them involved and excited about the whole event. The setting would be a very fun and lively one. I would be doing it with a female partner =) Any tips on that? Such as for intro, during the phase of the competition, and perhaps towards the ending where most likely there will be awards ceremony and stuff. =D Would appreciate if you could give some pointers =).

Thank you so much for everything. The tips and sample lines you gave were such a great help when I did my first emceeing job. They might have noticed that I did well even when i was just a beginner because they are now inviting me to do another emceeing for a whole day seminar workshop about The Psychology of Power and Empowerment. If it is not too much to ask, could you please help me how to write or prepare a script? Especially with more useful lines. Thank you and God bless all your endeavors!

Thai medical students are holding International medical student’s meeting. On tomorrow night, there is a party in a pub. I’ll be an emcee during national show then leads them to dance. Could you please send me some script that leads them in applause and appraisal and also some sentences that make them drink ‘n have fun, make them pay attention at me? How to make jokes or comment on the previous country’s show?

Should I make jokes and talk to another MC while we’re on stage? This is my very first time being an MC and it’s very difficult cuz I’m not a native English speaker and i’m a shy girl. Please answer as soon as possible to my email. Hi there gary! Your guide is enriching and useful but my problem is in preparing the script. I will be emceeing for my company in a full day seminar with 4 speakers scheduled to take the stage with 2 tea breaks and a lunch in between. The seminar is on Green Technology.

Would really appreciate if you can help me out with a sample of script or advice particularly in in the welcoming remarks, introducing the speakers, going for tea breaks and lunch as well as for the closing remarks? Am really looking for your help as I do strongly believe you are the expert on this. On June 30, 2010 that is Wednesday, I will be emceeing the inauguration of our town’s re-elected and newly elected local officials. It’s my first time to be the emcee of a formal occasion and find difficulty on what will be the script. Can you give me samples so that I can prepare my script two days before the inauguration? I don’t know what will I say, how will I introduce and what will I say at the start and closing the program.

Please send me sample or draft. I’ll appreciate if you can send me a sample this June 27, 2010. On June 30, 2010 that is Wednesday, I will be emceeing the inauguration of our town’s re-elected and newly elected local officials.

It’s my first time to be the emcee of a formal occasion and find difficulty on what will be the script. Can you give me samples so that I can prepare my script two days before the inauguration? I don’t know what will I say, how will I introduce and what will I say at the start and closing the program. Please send me sample or draft. I’ll appreciate if you can send me a sample this June 27, 2010.

Hi Tina, you mention that you don’t like speaking in front of a large crowd. How about small crowds then? Just imagine the audience as being represented by a few groups of people and speak to them like you would normally to new people. Also, like speaking to any other groups of people, the basic thing is that they’re just there to hear what you have to say (it’s not about you – but your content)! So, for starters, here’s what I recommend that you can do: Introductions 1) Welcome Them 2) Tell them what they are there for 3) Simply share why is it important for them to be there/listen/participate etc 4) Introduce the next speaker/item and; 5) Between each item, commend the previous item/speaker and repeat step (4) Conclusions 1) At the end of the entire event, do a quick summary of important highlights 2) Appreciate the Audience 3) Wish them well and bid them farewell. All the Best for Event!

Regards Gary. Hi Jing, For starters, do some research on the background of the programme and items that you’ll be introducing. Be positive – where possible, just share to emphasis the positive aspects of the item you’re introducing. Be careful not to hog the limelight because the emcees are not the stars of the show! Don’t worry about boring the audience – just look out for ways to have fun yourself. The audience get their cues from the emcee – the leader on stage – and they can’t have fun if you are not!

All the best! Hello I need your help for saturdays event. I will be the emcee of the ringhop and hooding ceremony. Here’s the program// 1. Grand entrance of parents, teachers, dean and graduates 2. Invocation,phil.naitonal anthem 3.

Welcome address 4. Inspirational talk Ring hop ceremony 6. Dance Number 7. Processional of candidates for graduation 8. Hooding ceremony 9.

Tribute to mentors 10. Tribute to parents 11. Response from parents 12. Acknowledgement of Special awards class song closing remarks. Please help me. I came across your website while looking for helpful tips on how to be an affective MC.

In two weeks time, I’ll be emceeing a big event on my school where i”m currently working. It’s an open house with various audience to show off what our school is capable of and actually it’s prime purpose is marketing so I wouldn’t want to make a big mistake on it or else I’ll be in trouble! Basically, it’s a day program with lot’s of contest from sports competitions to cooking, also drawing, coloring and other stuff. Also, there will be bazaars and we’ve got to be moving around the area. It’s some kind of a fiesta.

This will be one of the biggest events I’d be hosting and I don’t really have that much experience with hosting. Really, when in front of a lot of people, I still feel like I’m shaking and I’m not confident enough. I don’t know why my boss picked me to be the MC for such big event and it’s just been a while that I’ve worked here. I know by preparing, it can lessen my worries. I hope u could help me with this.

Looking forward to receiving a reply from u. Thanks a lot! Gary good day!Can you help me?please.i’m appointed to be the emcee for the upcoming Dancesports competition for the charter day of or province,this is my first time to face in front of a large crowd.I really dont know what to do,I’m getting insaneI dont have any idea about it.can i ask some adviced how to become an effective emcee.?i dont what the audience to get bored and i don’t want to disappoint my boss.Can you give me some tips about it? Thanks so much. God bless you -Fheb-=D. I accidently fell into becoming an emcee at my own productions after having to let a less than savory (thought-he-was) go.

A good emcee is the balancing act between good and great and anything other than that is BAD and unacceptable. The Shy Speakers Guide lends some very real foot notes to successful emceeing and there is no single person that is to polished to learn from your concepts. Thanks for helping me hone my own. Have a happy day, Chipa Know your subject and know your place, Chipa Wolfe (Cultural events producer). My boss proposed my name to the secretariat to be the emcee.

The event will be next week on 21st sept 2012 and will be attend by some participants from japan, thailand, korea etc.At first, i was taken a back with my boss proposal as I’ve never be an emcee in English.Iit always in bahasa. Im scared that my pronunciation will sound weird. I can’t say no to the secretariat as im carrying my boss image as well. By the way, i will take this challenge to move my self forward in this emceeing job.

Wish me luck yar. On June 12, 2015 that is Friday, I will be emceeing the 117th Philippine independence day. It’s my first time to be the emcee of a formal occasion and find difficulty on what will be the script. Can you give me samples so that I can prepare my script two days before the said celebration?

I don’t know what will I say, how will I introduce and what will I say at the start and closing the program. Please send me sample or draft.

I’ll appreciate if you can send me a sample this June 6, 2015. Here is my email thanks a lot.