How do you communicate effectively with emcees and co-hosts during an event?

1 Plan ahead

Before the event, you should have a clear understanding of the event's purpose, theme, agenda, and format. You should also know who your co-hosts are, what their roles and responsibilities are, and how they prefer to communicate. You can arrange a meeting or a call with them to discuss the event details, share your ideas, and align your expectations. You can also create a script or a run sheet that outlines the key points, cues, and timings for each segment of the event. This will help you and your co-hosts stay on track and avoid confusion or overlaps.

2 Use backstage channels

During the event, you may need to communicate with your co-hosts or other staff for various reasons, such as checking the schedule, confirming the speakers, adjusting the audio, or handling emergencies. You should use backstage channels that are not visible or audible to the audience, such as earpieces, microphones, or text messages. You should also use clear and concise language, avoid jargon or slang, and confirm the messages with acknowledgments or feedback. You should also be respectful and polite, and avoid interrupting or arguing with your co-hosts or other staff.

3 Support each other

As an emcee, you should also be supportive of your co-hosts and other speakers. You should introduce them with enthusiasm and appreciation, and highlight their expertise or achievements. You should also listen attentively to their speeches or presentations, and provide positive or constructive feedback. You should also avoid stealing their spotlight, contradicting their points, or making jokes at their expense. You should also be flexible and adaptable, and be ready to fill in the gaps, cover the mistakes, or improvise the changes if needed.

4 Engage the audience

One of the main goals of an emcee is to engage the audience and create a lively and interactive atmosphere. You should also involve your co-hosts in this process, and use different techniques to stimulate the audience's interest and participation. For example, you can ask questions, conduct polls, share stories, tell jokes, or play games with the audience and your co-hosts. You can also use body language, eye contact, gestures, or facial expressions to convey your emotions and reactions. You should also balance the tone and pace of your speech, and use pauses, transitions, or summaries to connect the different parts of the event.

5 Follow up

After the event, you should not forget to follow up with your co-hosts and other staff. You should thank them for their collaboration and contribution, and acknowledge their efforts and achievements. You should also ask for their feedback and suggestions, and share your own insights and learnings. You should also maintain a good relationship with them, and keep in touch for future opportunities or referrals. You should also reflect on your own performance, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement as an emcee.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?