What are the best practices for crafting a memorable event opening and closing?

1 Know your audience

Before you write or deliver your opening and closing, you need to know who you are talking to. What are their expectations, goals, challenges, and interests? How can you relate to them and make them feel welcome and valued? Research your audience's demographics, preferences, and feedback, and tailor your message accordingly. Use language, humor, and references that resonate with them, and avoid jargon, clichés, and assumptions that might alienate them.

2 Set the stage

Your opening and closing should not only introduce and summarize the event, but also create a sense of anticipation and excitement. In your opening, you want to capture the audience's attention, establish your credibility, and preview the main points or highlights of the event. In your closing, you want to reinforce the key takeaways, thank the speakers and sponsors, and call the audience to action. Use stories, anecdotes, quotes, statistics, or questions to hook your listeners and make them curious and eager to learn more.

3 Be clear and concise

One of the most common mistakes emcees make is to ramble on and on, wasting precious time and losing the audience's interest. Your opening and closing should be clear and concise, delivering your message in a succinct and coherent way. Avoid unnecessary details, repetitions, filler words, and tangents that might confuse or bore your listeners. Instead, focus on the main points, use transitions and signposts, and structure your remarks logically and smoothly.

4 Be authentic and enthusiastic

Your opening and closing should not only inform, but also inspire. You want to convey your passion and personality, and connect with your audience on an emotional level. Don't be afraid to be yourself, and show your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the event and the topic. Use your voice, body language, and facial expressions to express your emotions and attitudes, and to create rapport and trust with your listeners. Don't be too formal or stiff, but rather be friendly, warm, and lively.

5 Practice and prepare

Your opening and closing should not be improvised or left to chance. You want to practice and prepare your remarks well in advance, and rehearse them until you feel confident and comfortable. Practice in front of a mirror, a camera, or a friend, and get feedback on your content, delivery, and timing. Adjust your script and style as needed, and memorize your main points and key phrases. Prepare for any possible scenarios, such as technical issues, interruptions, or changes in the agenda, and have a backup plan ready.

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?