Was approached to take up the emcee role for an annual TEDx event. I took it up readily as it has always been one of the things I'd like to try out.
My first corporate emceeing experience was at a relatively small scale event; the number of audience was less than 80 and the auditorium was cosy and the stage lights were not glaring or daunting. The setup was relaxed and graced by a D I was comfortable with. Nonetheless, first impressions count and I made sure I put in time and effort to rehearse :)
Happy that it went well, I didn't sound nervous and didn't do funny gestures. Though I realised I tended to stand on one leg on a few occasions, this is one of the areas I need to avoid in future!
Tips for Emceeing:
- Speak slowly. It will make you sound very coherent and your words will not come out minced and slurred
- Maintain a smile
- Upright posture. Shoulders pulled back, chest out, both feet shoulder width apart and firmly on the ground.
- Use plenty of eye contact with the audience. The best is if you can find a couple of faces in the audience who give you positive feedback (e.g. warm smile, head nodding), positive body language translates that you are doing a great job and they are engaged in your delivery
- Your script should only be used as reference for your talking points. When you refer, refrain from reading and speaking at the same time. Here's what you should do - Look down at your script only after you have finished your sentence. Take a quick glance of the para, raise your head, then speak again.
- Always turn up 45 mins before the event starts. This will allow you sufficient time to test the PA, get yourself comfortable with the physical environment, acquaint yourself with the guest speakers etc.
- When introducing anyone, give eye contact to the same person
- Be mentally prepared for last minute changes to the programme (e.g. guest needs to leave midway, tea refreshment is delayed etc)
- Very useful to have a wide range of adjectives that may come in useful
- Practise, practise and practise!!!
My first corporate emceeing experience was at a relatively small scale event; the number of audience was less than 80 and the auditorium was cosy and the stage lights were not glaring or daunting. The setup was relaxed and graced by a D I was comfortable with. Nonetheless, first impressions count and I made sure I put in time and effort to rehearse :)
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| 19 Aug 2018 |
Tips for Emceeing:
- Speak slowly. It will make you sound very coherent and your words will not come out minced and slurred
- Maintain a smile
- Upright posture. Shoulders pulled back, chest out, both feet shoulder width apart and firmly on the ground.
- Use plenty of eye contact with the audience. The best is if you can find a couple of faces in the audience who give you positive feedback (e.g. warm smile, head nodding), positive body language translates that you are doing a great job and they are engaged in your delivery
- Your script should only be used as reference for your talking points. When you refer, refrain from reading and speaking at the same time. Here's what you should do - Look down at your script only after you have finished your sentence. Take a quick glance of the para, raise your head, then speak again.
- Always turn up 45 mins before the event starts. This will allow you sufficient time to test the PA, get yourself comfortable with the physical environment, acquaint yourself with the guest speakers etc.
- When introducing anyone, give eye contact to the same person
- Be mentally prepared for last minute changes to the programme (e.g. guest needs to leave midway, tea refreshment is delayed etc)
- Very useful to have a wide range of adjectives that may come in useful
- Practise, practise and practise!!!
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