If you’re hosting any sort of large event, you’re probably going to need the services of an emcee (master of ceremonies).
For many people, the term emcee evokes images of a fast-talking over-the-top personality whose purpose is to whip the crowd into a frenzy. But a good emcee is so much more than that! They are the glue that holds your event together, a bridge between you and your audience or guests, and the person who keeps things on schedule.
Choosing the right emcee can mean the difference between a highly successful event and one that’s mediocre at best, so it’s essential that you choose carefully.
To make things easier, we’ve put together this list of tips to help you find the perfect emcee for your event.
Plan Ahead
When it comes to hiring an emcee, starting the search process early is crucial. This will give you more time to find the right person for the job and increase the likelihood of them being available when required.
Set a Budget
One of the most important steps in the process of engaging an emcee is to set a budget so you don’t overspend on their fees. When allocating your budget, there are several things that will have a bearing on the final quote:
- The location of your event – fees are likely to be higher in a large city than a smaller town. If you can find a suitable local emcee, this will save on travel and accommodation costs.
- The length of your event – the longer an emcee needs to be in attendance, the higher the cost is likely to be.
- What you require from an emcee during the event. Do you want them to introduce speakers, lead games or other activities, or keep the crowd entertained?
Once you’ve taken these factors into consideration, you’ll be in a better position to determine how much you’ll need to set aside to cover emcee fees. And of course, you should compare prices before reaching a final decision.
Type of Event
It’s vital that you consider the type of event you’re hosting when searching for an emcee. Hiring someone who specialises in corporate events to run your Bar Mitzvah or wedding, for example, is probably not the best choice. Similarly, if your event is formal, you’ll want to find an emcee who can adopt a professional tone that’s suited to the formality of the occasion.
What to Look for in an Emcee
From personality to dress code, there are a whole host of attributes you should be looking for in a good emcee. The best way to find out whether someone is a good fit for your event is to make a checklist based on the following criteria:
Experience
The success, or otherwise, of your event is largely dependent on the experience of your emcee, so you should be asking how many similar events they’ve hosted and on what scale.
Preparation
Find out how your prospective emcee usually plans for hosting events. A professional emcee should expect to schedule meetings with the organiser and the venue prior to the event and familiarise themselves with the programme. They should also show an interest in the guest list so they can tailor their anecdotes to suit the audience.
Adaptability
As your emcee will be responsible for overseeing the whole event, they must be able to cope with any last-minute changes or hiccoughs; no matter how well organised you are, things can and do go wrong from time to time. But whether it’s an absent speaker or a problem with the microphone, a competent emcee should be able to manage the situation while ensuring the smooth progression of your event. A good emcee should always have a joke or story to hand, or simply get the DJ to play something to fill any gaps. So, ask what they would do / have done when things don’t go according to plan.
Teamwork
It’s essential that your emcee can work well with others and can establish a good rapport with the organisers and other event personnel, such as a DJ or photographer.
Appearance
A professional emcee should be asking you about the dress code for the event. However, it is always a good idea to ask what he or she plans to wear. It may be that you’d like your emcee to wear a specific colour, or dress in a particular style to suit your theme. If so, discuss this with them well beforehand and ensure they have such items readily available.
Personality
Think about the qualities and characteristics that matter to you when choosing an emcee as this will help you to narrow down your options. Some essential traits include:
- Outgoing and energetic
- Engaging and entertaining.
- Having the ability to connect with your audience and make them feel involved.
- Excellent organisational skills.
Judging how good a fit an emcee’s personality is for your particular event is something you will get a better sense of if you are able to meet up with them in person. If this isn’t possible, you should at least try to speak to them on the phone.
Recommendations
Family, friends, or work colleagues can be a great source of information when you are trying to source an emcee as they may well know someone who would be perfect for your event. If you can’t get any personal recommendations, there are numerous websites where you can hire an emcee, plus Facebook and online forums where you can find out how others rate a particular emcee.
Testimonials
Once you’ve found an emcee whom you think will be a great fit your event, ask to see testimonials from previous clients. A great emcee should be able to provide you with at least one reference from a reputable source. And, assuming this supports their claims, it will help to reassure you that you’ve made the right choice.
Contract
Once you’ve decided on an emcee, ensure you get a written contract detailing exactly what services they will provide and the overall cost, including any travelling expenses or overnight accommodation.
We hope you’ve found these tips for hiring an emcee helpful. Finding the right person to oversee your event isn’t the easiest task, but if you start your search early, do your research and ensure you get a written contract, we’re sure you’ll find someone who’s a perfect match for your event at a price that’s within your budget.
That’s a wrap
We hope that you have enjoyed this content. At PartyWizz, we specialise in working with entertainers.We pride ourselves in only working with the best in the business. You can book a master of ceremony directly though the platform.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Our team is always happy to help.
