3 Things To Look For in an Event Emcee

When you’re looking to host a large event, you want to ensure that your audience members are guided by an event host who brings fun and structure to your event’s itinerary. But what makes a good event host? Yes, they’ve got to be someone with a great personality, but hosting is more than just welcoming guests. It requires a knack for communication, crowds, and a whole lot of charisma. Here are some of the top traits to look out for when you’re looking to book the ultimate host for your event:

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A Positive Attitude

Hosts set the tone for any event that they’re a part of. They act as a first impression to your guests, making them feel comfortable, and getting them ready to have a good time. Depending on the needs of the event, emcees also work to warm up audiences: for instance, before talk shows or large conferences, it’s not uncommon for an emcee to do crowd work beforehand to get the audience ready for the folks they’re coming to see. Your event host is your opening act, and you want someone who can make guests feel at home and excited for the event that’s to come. Look for an emcee who has a shining personality that’s infectious: when they enter a room, they’re so joyful, it’s impossible for those around them not to have fun too.

Varied Talents

A good event host is a jack of all trades, and knows how to entertain crowds in a variety of ways. For instance, an event host who has experience with DJing is always a plus, as you can have them score the event with some sweet tunes before it begins, during transitions, and as things wind down. Another great event host skill is dancing: an emcee who puts together their own dance routines can entertain guests with their moves in addition to fun monologues that guide audience members throughout the event. And of course, comedy is key: an event host who knows how to keep things light and balance smart comedic timing is sure to keep guests laughing and enjoying the event at hand.

Live Audience and Stage Experience

You’ll want to hire an emcee who has experience hosting a variety of events. There a number of different events that hosts are needed for:

Keynote Conferences: Often when a business is hosting a conference for their employees, they’ll hire a keynote speaker to address them. Before the keynote speaker comes out, there are usually a number of other speeches from company leaders. In order to introduce both the keynote speaker, and the other guests presenting, the business may hire an event host. In events like these, the event host introduces each guest and helps to provide structure to the evening, so attendees can sit back and enjoy.
On-Camera Audiences: Many morning and late-night talk shows and game shows have live on-camera audiences. In order for the audience to be in their best, most excited shape, shows will bring in an emcee to get the crowd going with some good jokes, dancing, and interactive call-and-response games.
God Mic Hosting: In the cast of hosting via God Mic, the event host is heard but never seen. Using a mic from a remote location, the host will emcee the evening by watching a live feed of the event and giving announcements of new speakers or upcoming parts of the presentation. While not seen by the audience, this host must be able to command a room charismatically only using their voice, which is no easy feat!

Unafraid of Audience Interaction

While an event host who knows how to perform a funny comedic monologue and introduce guests is good, you also want to know that they’re a pro at audience interaction. Keeping audiences engaged is a big, if not the biggest, part of being a good event host. Through call-and-response questions and games, the event host can keep guests’ attention, enhance the collective mood, and create a sense of shared confidence in the room. By interacting with the audience, the event host helps to bring all the attendees of the event together, making sure it’s a shared experience they won’t soon forget.

When you’re looking for an event emcee, you’ll want to search for someone who knows how to balance raw charisma with entertaining skill. It’s important to find someone who has experience in hosting a variety of events, so they’ll be prepared for any audience that you’re planning to have at your event. It’s also great when a host has extra skills like DJing or dancing that can keep audiences engaged in a number of ways, and invite them to interact and get to know others attending the event. With these qualities in mind, what do you think makes a great event emcee?

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Scott Baber: Senior Managing editor

Manages incoming enquiries and advertising. Based in London and very sporty. Worked news and sports desks in local paper after graduating.

Email Scott@MarkMeets.com