8 Things to Consider When Becoming An Emcee

There are four questions I get asked almost daily: How does one become an emcee, public speaker, influencer and TV talent? What's funny is that I have become an expert in these areas that I never even set out to pursue. (I graduated as Dr. in Veterinary Medicine for Christ's sake). However, as the universe would have it, I was meant to be a communicator of sorts. For the past 9 years I have hosted and/or moderated local and international events ranging from conferences, seminars, festivals and product launches to awards galas, weddings and forums. Let me tackle becoming an emcee. Most aspiring emcees focus a lot on booking gigs and running through a programme but I think a lot more thought has to go into truly honing and owning the craft. Let's count the ways shall we?

1. Understanding The Role

Emcee = MC = Master Of Ceremonies. Before you consider becoming one, you need to understand the importance of your role. Don't get it twisted, you aren't just running through an agenda (which is what most people believe); as a host you are logistics, the eyes, ears and mouthpiece of a company/organization. You become their brand ambassador for the contracted hours. You are an improv actor, certified ad-libber and damage controller. You must understand protocol, company culture, be able to offer sound advice and speak the language of the Board of Directors yet having the ability to engage with line staff. Essentially, you must understand that other soft skills add to the dimension of the role.

2. What Niche Will You Serve?

Be intentional about the community or niche that you want to serve, i.e. do you want to be a wedding, corporate, live show MC? Think about it because alignment is key! The events you serve as emcee represent your body of work, they are essentially your resumé. They help to paint a picture of your professional brand. I mostly overlap in corporate, educational, empowerment, foundation-based and family-friendly events because those are the best aligned with my brand values and image. Existing and potential clients book emcees based on the "fit", therefore if you are associated with events that are not in keeping with a certain community/niche or its values, chances are you will never be considered for that role. So, take my foolish advice and be as selective about the events you choose to emcee, as you would be when it comes to choosing friends and partners.

3. Dress Code

How you show up is paramount! After all, how you look as you carry out your duties is another extension of your professional brand. Be known as the host who pays attention to details, who adheres to the dress code and sets the precedence. (Remember, I said that you represent that company for those contracted hours). This means that you need to know the difference between casual, business attire, lounge suit, cocktails and gala. Not to mention the modernized dress codes like "business chic" and "elegant-chic". If you aren't certain about a dress code, ask the company representative, get references, google images from the event in the past, it is your responsibility to look the part.

4. Read and Research on the Client's Company and Industry

Professionals will tell you that good ol' Murphy will show up and sit front row at your event LOL. That means technical glitches, unwanted lulls or even absentee presenters may require you to fill in those voids. Being able to speak as an authority, adding to conversations, provoking thought and offering insights help to add value to the clients and attendees. Understanding the type of audience that will be in attendance also helps to determine just how much you boost your knowledge. I am always reading about the world around me because somehow the knowledge gained always helps to enrichen the experience. Of note, make use of the access you have to new knowledge. Being in a room with powerful speakers, experts etc. helps you to stretch your mind even more- a platform I don't tale for granted.

6. Be Early, Not On Time!

Respect for time is absolutely non-negotiable. It doesn't matter if it's only you and the production crew! I always telling budding emcees, if the event starts at a certain time, get there at least 30 minutes prior. Programmes update, protocol lists change, there are a plethora of things that go wrong in the space of 24 hours. When you arrive early, you give the client the time to brief you and for you to settle before the event starts. When I have events that take me out of the parish, I leave even earlier to factor in possible delays. A client and its attendees must never be waiting on the host to arrive. NEVER!

7. Be Relatable

Relatabilty is probably one of the biggest attributes an emcee should have. The ability to engage and relate to an audience is truly where the magic happens. This means that the manner in which you carry out your duties are important. When to tell a story that will convey a more meaningful message or share a joke that ties perfectly into the moment become defining moments. Resonating and making a connection with the audience increase the likelihood that they will remember how you made them feel.

8. Practice, Practice, Practice

Being an emcee is an art that can be learnt and practised. stage presence, confidence, taking cues, reading body language, knowing when to let a moment rest in silence and when to energise a crowd, comes with practice. Each time, you complete a job, take the time to reflect. Get feedback, assess performance, mistakes, highs and even lows because that retrospection allows you to improve for the next gig.

I hope this helps you to understand that the scope of work as an emcee isn't as simple as it may look. Whatever industry or market you decide to take in, just remember to carry your personality, be professional but have fun!

Cheers,

Terri-Karelle

Twitter @terrikarelle | Instagram @terrikarelle