In the time of hybrid and virtual events, organizations face new challenges in keeping audiences engaged throughout the whole program. This time, they are not just working to keep live audiences invested. There is the added work of sustaining virtual audiences’ attention despite them watching from a computer screen.
Emcees perform the vital task of keeping events engaging, especially to a remote audience. This line of work is potentially lucrative, but only if you have the necessary skills to juggle in-person and remote events paired with great marketing capabilities to spread the word about yourself.
What does it take to make a host or emcee for today’s events? Here are the best tips we know.
Secrets to Successful Emceeing Today
Emceeing requires more tech savvy-ness today than it ever has. Since you will do a lot of multitasking and navigating while hosting your virtual and hybrid events, make sure you have these five key factors down for your emceeing duties.
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Look the part and play it well
How you present, yourself is a large part of the battle when it comes to proving your hosting expertise. Most events require emcees to appear in front of the audience and on camera for the majority of the event, so it is an expectation that you look presentable throughout the gig.
Remember that virtual hosting responsibilities do not require you to wear a mask. This means you must dress well by keeping with the dress code and theme of the event. You must also make sure your hair and makeup enhance your appearance without distracting the audience from the event.
Do screen tests on your web conferencing app to see how your look translates virtually. If necessary, consider getting dentures or implants for your teeth to maintain a polished appearance.
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Build your portfolio online
In the digital age, the best way to get the word out about your hosting experience and specialties is to curate them online. Build a website that showcases the events you have emceed for and what kind of shows they are. Highlight emceeing duties for big brands, too, to add more credibility to your name.
Supplement the rundown of your hosting experience with a few photos of you in action as it helps potential clients visualize you hosting their event. If you have received awards relevant to your emceeing, make these visible on your page, too.
You may also curate your hosting gigs on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram. These pages allow you to tag clients, which can help boost awareness of your page and, as a result, your services. It also gives you an opportunity to create shareable content, which can drive more clicks to your page and gain you new clients.
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Emphasize safety for your physical hosting duties
Since your client is outsourcing your emceeing services, they expect you to practice strict safety protocols to keep yourself and other participants protected throughout the whole hybrid event.
Assure them how seriously you take health and safety by naming the guidelines you practice. These can include showing proof of your vaccination, taking a swab test before the event, and wearing a mask any time you are off-stage. Be sensitive to client protocols, too, and follow their instructions to prioritize safety.
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Make connections within your existing circles
The easiest way to grow your network is to approach the people you already know and make sure they are aware that you are open for business. Sometimes, friends can even offer you the first gigs to put you on the map for more clients to find.
Do not underestimate simple recommendations made by friends, too. The likes and shares they give your page introduce you to people in their circles, broadening your network and thus your emceeing opportunities.
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Figure out the best remote setup for you
In-person and hybrid events often leave the lighting, cameras, and microphone responsibilities to the event organizer’s tech partner. Purely virtual events, however, leave these tasks to you.
Research and experience help you figure out the best setup for virtual events, from where to place your webcam and microphone to how to read the script while interacting with your virtual audience. Calibrate lighting by sitting in a well-lit room and using a ring light if necessary. Use a virtual background or have a clean and plain one to eliminate distractions.
Emcees who deftly handle virtual events have a significant advantage when it comes to events of the future. When you find a setup that works, stick to it, but always be on the lookout for more efficient ways to accomplish your hosting duties.
