I Am Mrs. Tee: Emceeing An Event

Our organization of former employees at the same organization will hold its annual get-together party in November this year. Everyone of us was excited and everyone was given a task to do. In my case, I was assigned the emceeing task. I am not a master of this task as I have not done any similar jobs before but I am willing to do it. So, I researched tips from great speakers like Jeff Civillico, and authors, like Dr. Steve Adubato, author of "Speak from the Heart" and gathered the following tips:

Do not do most of the talking but keep things moving. Put the attention on those the event is recognizing; keep introductions brief (1 minute or less).
Actually know something who is being honored or recognized; read about their backgrounds before you show up and understand why that honoree is being recognized.
Be clear on the overall objective of the event.
Create a relaxed informal mood; show your genuine enthusiasm and talk about why everyone has gathered in that event.
Dress the part; if it is a casual event, dress accordingly.
Don't be a jerk; be nice to everyone.
Avoid joke telling, you are not there to be a comedian.
Force yourself to play the part - you're the glue holding the event together.
Review the emotional highlights of the event.
Know when to "wrap it up" when someone is going too long with the microphone.
Know how to pick up the pace and energy level in the room when a speaker or presenter is flat or dull.
Do not leave the stage before the next guest or act comes on.
Keep your eyes on the audience and observe how they are responding to things happening in the event.
As the emcee, keep a pace close to the high energy opening. Look and sound bright and you will boost the mood of the audience.
Leave them wanting more. Get off the stage while the audience still feels entertained.
Wrap things up at the end of the event and once again congratulate everyone who were given recognition. Thank everyone for coming and keeping things on a high note.

The above tips and etiquette are important in order to become a successful emcee. You need to do your homework to effectively do your job, or else ruin the event.

Emceeing job is really a big deal.