What are the best ways to start and end your event as an emcee?

Let’s talk energy! You might feel like you're coming in a little too strong at first, but stick with it — you’re setting the pace. One thing that helps me? A little vulnerability. It not only sets the pace but the tone, too. Decide how you want the event to go before you even start, and the rest will follow!

As the emcee you set the tone of the event and the audience follows. It is important to get have them engaged from the very beginning and then bring them down the hero's journey.

The first few minutes are very crucial, this few minutes will decide the result of your show.. give your best in the initial hours , so that even if you are not up to the mark in between , people wont feel left... Energy , make sure you energies the crowd , tell what they prefer, do what they enjoy, if you don't have any idea , go to the crowd and ask some humor question

As the emcee, I serve as the voice of the organization, delivering their message in a way that resonates with the audience and prompts action. Whether it’s inspiring guests to donate, building excitement for the next speaker, or encouraging note-taking, my role is to keep the energy high and the message clear. Before the event, I meet with key stakeholders to understand their objectives, ensuring my introductions and transitions align perfectly with the event's goals.

When it comes to agendas, sponsors, and speakers — practice, practice, practice! Nail those name pronunciations, use the right pronouns, and don’t forget any fancy titles. Plan out the flow: Are you shaking hands with everyone as they come up? Do people even want to shake hands in a post-COVID world? Sponsors are the ones footing the bill, so make sure you get their details right. Keep all this in mind, and you’ll probably be getting booked again in no time!

A great way to find examples of engaging speakers? Watch some popular TED Talks. Notice how the best speakers use humor and get the audience involved. Are they doing hand-raise polls? Polls by applause? Maybe they’re getting people to introduce themselves to a neighbor or asking questions and letting folks answer (pro tip: don’t actually hand them the mic if you go that route). Figure out which style works best for you, and you’ll be golden!

Following up after an event is essential to solidify connections and ensure lasting impact. After an event, I always take time to send personalized thank-you messages to organizers and key contacts made at the event (e.g. stage manager, sponsors you met, etc.), acknowledging their contributions. It’s also helpful to share event highlights - like photos, videos, or meaningful moments - through social media to keep the energy alive. If appropriate, I’ll gather feedback to understand what worked and where I can make improvements. This follow-through builds strong relationships and positions you as someone who truly cares about the experience. Thoughtful follow-ups not only close the loop but also open doors for future collaborations.