As an emcee, you want to deliver a memorable and engaging script that connects with your audience and enhances the event. But how do you know if your script and performance are effective and impactful? Here are some of the best ways to evaluate your emcee script and performance before, during, and after the event.
Before you go on stage, review your script carefully and make sure it aligns with the event's purpose, theme, and tone. Check for clarity, accuracy, and appropriateness of your language, jokes, and references. Avoid jargon, clichés, and filler words. Read your script aloud and time yourself to ensure you stay within the allotted time. Ask for feedback from a trusted colleague or friend and make any necessary revisions.
Actually you should use the jargon and references of the client to u let the audience know that u understand them and are not just giving a canned performance. Also I would avoid telling the client your jokes ahead of time. You are hired as a professional comedian so your standard material will be appropriate. And if you’ve done your research, the jokes about them will be appropriate. Professionals know what they are doing. Be wary of using an emcee with little experience or one who hasn’t done this before. Finally, get at least a draft of the script 1 week in advance. They will make small changes but you need a sense of the program so you can give input from the emcee perspective.
DON'T STEP ON THE LAUGHTER: Something that many emcees forget is to allow time in your script for audience reactions like laughter. Your job as emcee is to keep everything moving on time, so remember, the larger the audience, the more time it takes for the laughter to reach the back of the room. Let it swell and grow, and avoid stepping on the laughs. LEAD THE APPLAUSE: Also in keeping with reviewing the script and observing time allotments, write directions in CAPS and in BRACKETS. If you want to audience to applaud, you lead them. Allowing time for these interactions in your script will maximize your ability to stay on time.
During the event, record your performance using a video camera, a smartphone, or a voice recorder. This will help you capture how you sound, look, and interact with the audience and the speakers. You can also ask someone to take notes on your performance and give you constructive criticism. Recording your performance will allow you to review it later and identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
After the event, watch or listen to your recording and assess your delivery. Pay attention to your voice, body language, eye contact, and facial expressions. Are you speaking clearly, confidently, and enthusiastically? Are you using pauses, intonation, and emphasis effectively? Are you moving naturally, gesturing appropriately, and facing the audience? Are you smiling, nodding, and showing interest? Evaluate how well you convey your message and personality through your delivery.
Another aspect of evaluating your performance is analyzing your content. Review your script and compare it to your actual performance. Did you follow your script or did you deviate from it? Did you add or omit anything? Did you make any mistakes or corrections? Did you adapt to the situation or the audience's response? How did your content relate to the event's objectives and expectations? Analyze how well you crafted and communicated your content.
One of the best ways to evaluate your performance is to gather feedback from different sources. You can ask the event organizer, the speakers, and the audience for their opinions and suggestions. You can also use surveys, polls, or social media to collect feedback. Be open-minded and respectful of the feedback and use it to improve your skills and confidence. Feedback will help you understand how others perceive your performance and what impact you made.
The final step of evaluating your performance is setting goals for your future events. Based on your self-assessment and feedback, identify what you did well and what you need to work on. Write down specific, measurable, and realistic goals that will help you enhance your script and performance. For example, you may want to work on your humor, your transitions, or your audience engagement. Setting goals will help you track your progress and motivate you to grow as an emcee.