mic test..1..2..

learly the regularity of these did not go as I had set out. But hey, such is life right? We can plan and plot so much, only to eventually learn to go with a flow and take things as they come.

Anyhow, the point of this edition, is not that. I did think it best to address the elephant in the room though for those that do follow #ThatSabLife (read: to cover my own guilt for not writing as often as I intended to)?

It is officially that time of the year. No, I don’t mean summer. Although I am sure very many are happy to see the sunshine.

I am on about the end of another academic year aka awards season at any students’ unions ??

So, of course, I had to write about it.?

I hosted one more awards night a couple of weeks ago, and this one was rather special. Not just because I had landed off a plane two days before the event, but, because it was one of the last of my formal duties in my role as Student Opportunities and Engagement Executive.

With 26 days left (not that I am counting…) it is inevitable but to reminisce, especially following an awards night.

I have always loved a good awards season. They may or may not be my highlight of the academic year for me, and in the last two years that I’ve hosted, it really has felt like a metamorphosis of sorts.

Not too many moons ago, I was the student attending my first awards night in my first year of university. We won most improved society that year (2015!). The next few years that followed saw more awards, but also brought alive the performer in me. Dancing at the awards night with the society I led became an annual highlight. However, it wasn’t until I became an executive officer that I found a new side of me, that I have grown to LOVE. Hosting.

Being on stage, in front of people, (fortunately) comes naturally to me. But, that is when I am dancing or acting, disguised in a character. Hosting on the other hand was something I had never formally done before. The risk taker in me though and the person who believes in taking every opportunity, when I was asked if I would host, I immediately said yes!

Having done radio and given multiple speeches, I thought to myself: how hard can this be, right?

Wrong. I don’t think any amount of being on a debate team, or a dance instructor had prepped me, to take centre stage in this way.

The first event I hosted was a sports night (I KNOW)! That too, the first one in person, post covid. It was a strange year in general, and despite it being included in my job description and having grown up with family members who played various sports nationally. to me, sports was an area of discomfort overall. (I was the girl who always made excuses to miss the sports classes in high school). But, risk taker Aashni, despite the fear, rose to the occasion.

Was I the best host? No.

Did I potentially lose a few people? Maybe.

Did I learn and have fun though? 100%

(I didn’t get called back to host this year. But I blame that more on my poor choice of neon trainers to fit in for the event and not my hosting skills).

Last year, right off of the bat of the sports awards, I hosted the society awards, and – if I may say so myself, having learnt more from the first one, I was better. More Confident. Livelier. More me.

This year, I wrote my script an hour before the start time.

My point is, In the two years, there have many times I have had pinch me moments. Hosting, comes very close to the top.

There are a few things I learnt along the way as always, and this, is what this edition is all about (I really did waffle. If you’ve stayed with me this far though, thank you).

Aashni’s top 7 tips to Emcee like a “pro”?

1.??????Know your crowd

Hosting a sports awards night was so different to hosting one with societies (God help you if you have a bit of both at the same event). How you host on radio is so different to how you’d host at a wedding. So, whether you’re in higher education or a different sector- this remains universal. It is crucial to understand the potential guests at the event so you can prep on what they would like to hear, and how.?

2. ?????Plan. Re-plan. Plan some more, and then prep

I am all for improve (Infact, for the second time I hosted, I had a co-host who lived by improv and refused to follow the script) Sometimes, the event requires it. Planning is key still. Set up ahead of time. Test your microphones. Go see the venue beforehand if you can. See how the lighting hits your face. How does the script feel between your hands if you’re analogue like me and prefer paper to a phone screen. Can you read off the prompter? (if you’re lucky enough to have one). Are you keeping to time? What award is next and do you sync with the presentation? PLAN IT ALL!! Then, have a plan B!?

3.??????Be YOU.

It is the most authentic impression you will leave. Coming out strong and confident will make the transition into the event easy. First Impressions, I believe, are everything. The first few minutes of your speech, set the intention. You can not fool your audience. Your script needs to be powerful, it needs to be confident, and then you amplify it. An awkward joke, a fumble in, fidgeting with the mic, it sets an uncomfortable tone and no one wants that (some may apply here: fake it till you make it)?

4. ????Introduce yourself

I personally sometimes can borderline between vanity and self-love. I am happiest talking about myself because I know no one else will do it better. But there have been many a times when I’ve been to events where the host will not say who they are. I strongly believe though, even the most famous of all, needs an introduction. Let your audience know who you are. Let them know what you do. If nothing, it will add more credibility to why it is you on stage and not someone else.?

5.??????Introduce the event

Yes, people know why they are somewhere (One hopes! It may be different if you are a plus one, or someone filling in) but the reason behind attendance can vary. So, take centre stage, bring to attention the event and why it is important. If it’s a wedding, talk about the bride and groom. If it is a charity event, highlight why the cause is important. In my instance it was evident that no academic year comes without its challenges. Yet, we overcome adversities by cultivating an inclusive environment and fostered a space that highlighted our student leaders who continually remain academically talented but socially driving change too, and it was important to reiterate that- on stage.

6.??????Make it fun

Whether it is taking a dig at yourself, or including an interactive game (my favourite) I really truly believe audience interactions help break barriers and lead to more fun atmosphere; elevating the event experience.

7. ?End with a BANG

Like a movie, the start and end of an event is what stays with a person for the most part. Sometimes what you say in the end can stay for a lifetime with someone- so, make it personal. Thank who you need to- but, end it with a little bit of you and a whole lot of heart

As an added extra….?

8. Dress well

This does not necessarily mean formal.

Dress how you want to feel and more importantly how you want others to feel. Happy, Powerful, Confident…

Wear that lucky bracelet or those killer heels. But remember to not wear 100 layers of clothes and jewellery. They will get in the way. Especially, the jingling in the mic when flipping the script pages.

It is hard enough to have blinding lights, camera flashes and 99 odd pairs of eyes on you. Worrying about your wardrobe is the last thing you need.

So- wear what you love ?? (event appropriate, of course)!?

I am now adding hosting to my cv in the hope to get more centre stage opportunities. But, I am also hoping this has been an interesting read.

As I now go back to job hunting, because- 26 days left (okay, maybe I am counting) If you've enjoyed this read, share it, like it, even better... tell me your thoughts. Have you ever hosted? Who hosted your favorite event? Why was it good (or bad)?

* ...Since I am on the job market- totally unrelated to this post, if you do know of someone looking for risk taker who will wear trainers to an awards night, but also someone who has some fantastic communication and marketing skills with experience of working in higher education (now)... let your girl know!

I don't just host. I take equal interest in events, governance, administration, sustainability, EDI and HR.

Or merely just manifest a job for me and send me some good vibes...

Until then... for not too long now ...

My name is Aashni Piyush Sawjani. Pronouns she/her.?

I am the Student Opportunities and Engagement Executive Officer for De Montfort Students' Union.?