What I have learned as a business emcee or moderator for a workshop?

I was asked to be an emcee for a workshop.   I have not done this before, so I was really nervous.  There is always the first time, I did some research and here are some tips that I have prepared for myself.

The objectives of a good emcee are:
- be a bridge between speakers and audience
- set the tone of the event
- keep the program going on time
- control the flow of the function

1.  Be a good host by warming the audience.  Your introduction as an emcee should be short, sweet and succint.  Do not draw attention to yourself, because the event is about the speakers, not about the emcee.

2.  Do not wing it.  Be prepared with what you have to say by having an emcee script on hand.

3.  Energize the audience with simple little exercise.  I asked the audience to each approach someone they have never met before, introduce themselves and do an elbow bump.  (instead of shaking hands due to the H1N1 virus)

4.  Understand the topics that are to be presented.  Always have a few questions in your pocket.  If necessary, “plant” or “seed” some questions as a way of being prepared.

5.  If the sessions are long, and audience are getting tired, energize them with a chance to stand up and stretch.

6.  Make sure there is adequate break time for coffee and bathroom breaks.

7.  Ask some questions about the speakers before hand, so that you have some ready information that you can use.  Be sure to thank the speakers after their speech and provide a short positive comment.

8.  Do not make any politically incorrect jokes, e.g. dumb blonde, ethnic, sexual innuendos….   Older gentlemen seem to be weak in this area.

9.  If there is a buffet included, make sure you have a plan on which table should go first.  Calculate the time required and have an activity to keep those who are waiting entertained.

10.  Schedule door prizes at the end to make sure your audience stay until the end of the program.

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