How to Be an Excellent Event Emcee
If you’re wondering how to be a great event emcee, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent the last 10 years working as a professional emcee in New York and London, hosting everything from large-scale conferences and fundraising dinners to intimate fireside chats, awards ceremonies, pitch days, webinars, and even live TV shows.
Aspiring speakers and event organizers often ask me: What makes a great event emcee? After a decade of experience across continents and event formats, I’ve learned that being an outstanding emcee is about more than just holding a microphone-it’s about building relationships, being prepared, and representing your brand with excellence.
Below, I’m sharing my top tips on how to be a great event emcee, drawn from real-world experience and industry best practices.
1. Be a Team Player
There’s no ‘I’ in ‘emcee’. The best event emcees know that success comes from collaboration. From the first planning call to the final applause, you should be an integral part of the event team. This means:
Joining technical rehearsals
Briefing speakers
Participating in prep calls with organizers to understand the event’s audience, goals, and outcomes (AGO)
I always charge an all-inclusive rate because I want my clients to see me as a partner, not just a performer. A great emcee shares in the event’s goals and is invested in its success from start to finish.
2. Be Flexible and Reliable
Reliability is non-negotiable if you want to be a great event emcee. I make it a rule to arrive at least an hour early for every event. This gives me time to get grounded, check the venue, and reassure the event planners that everything is under control.
Flexibility is equally important. Live events are unpredictable-timings change, speakers run over, tech glitches happen. A great emcee adapts quickly, stays calm under pressure, and keeps the event on track no matter what.
3. Be Personable and Engaging
The most memorable event emcees go above and beyond what’s expected. I always make an effort to:
Mingle with the audience before the event
Connect with attendees and speakers on social media
Chat with speakers backstage
Take photos and share moments from the event
These small touchpoints help build rapport and make you stand out. I also weave personal comments and observations into my emcee work, making the experience more authentic and engaging for everyone involved.
4. Focus on the Event Flow
If you want to know how to be a great event emcee, mastering event flow is essential. This means:
Keeping the program on schedule
Reminding keynote speakers of their timings
Managing panels to allow for audience questions
Handling housekeeping announcements efficiently
A great emcee ensures the event runs smoothly so organizers can relax and enjoy the results of their hard work. Sticking to the plan meets audience expectations and delivers a polished, professional experience.
Final Thoughts: How to Be a Great Event Emcee
Ultimately, being a great event emcee is about preparation, professionalism, and genuine connection. You are your own brand, and every event is an opportunity to build your reputation. Remember: you’re only as good as your last gig.
If you’re looking to hire an emcee or want to know more about how to be a great event emcee, I’d love to connect! Reach out to me at angelica@angelicamalin.com.
