Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen. May we have your attention please. We are about to begin Janine's 18th Birthday Party Celebration so please find your seats or table and make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the rest of the evening. Emcee Script For Annual Party. Comparing Script For School Function Comparing on the stage is not an easy task. Indeed, it all depends on the anchors who. 6 tips to make your seminar or event emcee script sparkle. November 26, 2014. By Andy Saks “Hey, we really need an emcee for our upcoming event. Last year we didn’t have an emcee, and the event was so lifeless and dull. Would you do the honors?” This is the moment many would-be emcees dread.
Over the past few years I have acted as Master of Ceremonies, or Emcee, for TEDx events. Firstly I emcee’d TEDxEAL in Denmark in 2016, where I was also the curator. Later, in 2018 and 2019 I was the emcee for TEDxKlagenfurt in Austria. Where I was trained by the wonderful public speaking and presentation expert Niki Ernst from My School Of Talk.
Also, I currently write large parts of the Emcee’s script for TEDxOdense hosted by Barnabas Wetton from the Design School Kolding and Heather Hansen from the Global Speech Academy. And also the Emcee notes for TEDxOdenseWomen hosted by the wonderful Meg Larrabee Sønderlund.
The person who hosts your event as emcee has a really important job to do, and the choice of a good emcee, with a good script, can make all the difference in your event.
TEDx events are particularly special, because they put so much effort onto the speakers, the TEDx Emcee role is sometimes forgotten. So in this article I will take you behind the scenes and give you all the details on how to be the perfect Master of Ceremonies for a TEDx event.
This article is based on my experience, but feel free to add your own notes and ideas in the comments box at the end of the article. And always pick the Emcee that is right for your event.
How do you choose a TEDx Emcee?
This is a checklist I created, that I like to use when finding the perfect emcee.
Does the Emcee love the TEDx brand and deeply understand it?
If your host is the master of ceremonies at lots of other events, is this just another job for them? Pick an Emcee who is in love with the brand and the event.
Has the Emcee been involved in a TEDx event before?
Some of our best Master of Ceremonies have been people who have previously given a TEDx talk, and know the pressures and the magic of the event. If a person has never seen a TEDx event live, we wont consider them for the role of emcee.
Does the Emcee have a clear voice, that can easily be understood by an international audience?
Teachers, radio presenters, narrators, storytellers, speech therapists, podcasters, can all make great emcees. A clear, calm, easy to understand voice is essential.
Does the Emcee embody the spirit of your event?
Every event has its own spirit and feeling. You need the right Emcee for the job. When TEDxOdense first started, it had a creative, maverick, high-energy feeling to the event. Our host Barnabas Wetton was able to capture and express that creative energy because of his background in working with creative projects.
When we looked for a host for TEDxOdenseWomen we had a smaller event, with a more intimate feeling. Topics such as inclusion and diversity were important. Also, we needed someone who could handle controversial topics with grace and sensitivity. We chose experienced teacher Meg Larrabee Sønderlund, who brought a caring, loving style of hosting to the stage. She used her years of teaching experience to bring the audience together as if it was one wonderful classroom with your favourite teacher, making the room feel safe and under control.
Can your Emcee match the energy of the room?
Matching the energy of a room can be very challenging for an emcee. I have seen so many emcees that present an event in an inappropriate way. I have seen comedic emcees presenting in a funny and humorous way, when the audience really wants something serious and thought provoking. If a TEDx talk has been very emotional or intimate, it’s important that the emcee is comfortable with that energy, and embracing it, rather than trying to get the audience to laugh when they may be feeling reflective.
Is your Emcee fun, flexible, and dedicated backstage?
As an event organiser, you will be spending a lot of time backstage with your emcee. Make sure that they are nice, friendly, and fun to be around.
A good Master of Ceremonies will always have a personal connection with all of the speakers. So they should be genuinely interested in what the speakers have to say. Whenever I am emceeing an event, I always try to spend as much time with the speakers as possible, during rehearsals, during dinner, in the hotel, chatting and getting to know them, so that when I meet them on stage we will have a genuine connection.
Emcee Script For Annual Party Invite
Is your Emcee open to comments, feedback and coaching?
A good Emcee is never on autopilot. Make sure that your master of ceremonies is open to coaching and feedback during rehearsals. Never let your emcee say “I know what I’m doing” and then treat your event like any other event. Make sure they take feedback well.
Does your Emcee have the right amount of time to prepare?
I typically spend around 20 hours writing all the notes and script for a typical TEDx emcee. Your emcee really needs to know every last detail about your event and your speakers. I would then typically spend around 40 hours looking at every youtube video, reading every article and digging deep into the lives of the speakers so I really get to know them. I would then try to have two separate 30 minute conversations with each speaker to make them comfortable, and plenty of rehearsal time in the days coming up to the event.
If you are tempted to get an emcee who will just turn up on the day and make it up as he goes along, they are not the person for you.
Does your Emcee have the ability to control the audience, especially when things go wrong?
You may see many great presenters on TV who appear very natural and at ease. But on TV mistakes can be edited out, autocues are available, and a whole team of people are there to make things go smooth. In a live event, anything can and will happen.
Make sure your Emcee has the skill and the confidence to keep things going when mistakes happen.
I love to work with teachers as emcees for events, as they are so skilled at dealing with large groups and stop them from spiralling out of control. If your emcee can handle a room full of 30 unruly teenagers, they have the skills to host your TEDx event.
Does your Emcee have the ability to put their ego aside to make the speakers the stars?
This is such a difficult thing, as many professional presenters and emcees are used to being the centre of attention. But at a TEDx event, the speakers are the stars of the show. Can you find an Emcee who is humble enough to deal with this?
Can your Emcee show a wide variety of emotional range?
Finally, we look at the emotional range of our Master of Ceremonies. Some Emcees have close to zero emotional range. Those who emcee weddings are used to following protocol. Those who emcee comedy events keep the laughter flowing. Those who emcee business events are professional. But at a TEDx event, you need a master of ceremonies who can play to a full emotional range. Can they deal with a speaker who is hilariously funny, and then to a speaker who will be talking about something deep and personal? Can they deal with a highly technical speaker right next to a crazy creative speaker? Can they show the right emotions at the right time?
Heather Hansen was great at showing her emotional range, having fun with chaotic and crazy Sam Battle, dealing with the sensitive subject of torture with Niaz Bayati, and then screaming at Simon Høegmark for making her hold a snake blindfolded.
Script for Emcee – Master of Ceremonies TEDx script.
Introduction
High energy hello and welcome.
They are all “TEDsters” now
Set the theme – Curious Minds
7th event. 7 years in a row.
Get the audience to raise their hand if they are here for the first time. Get them to give a big cheer for first timers.
If they are here for their first time, we need some HOUSE RULES before we can get the show started.
House rules
The audience is as important as the speakers. So interact, make new connections, add to the discussion.
You are free to sit anywhere, in any seat you like, and after each break please move around to sit next to someone new. Don’t leave anything on your seat during the break or try to “reserve” a seat. Move around!
Please be respectful to the speakers. We present a LOT of different ideas, and some of them you might not like. Some might offend you, some might challenge you. These controversial topics are intended to spark discussion. You might not like everything, in fact, it’s rare that you will. We want to challenge your beliefs and ideas. Please respect everyone’s ideas.
Give some love to the volunteers. TEDx is not-for-profit and everyone, the speakers, the team behind the stage, even me, all give our time for free, so if you need help from one of our awesome volunteers, just ask. We have 27 team members and 45 volunteers from 10 different nationalities, working hard for the past year to make this happen. If they help you out, give them a hug, or a high five!
If you need to leave, for whatever reason, please do NOT leave in the middle of someone’s talk. It’s very disruptive. If you are desperate to leave, please stay seated until after the talk. When I am on stage, you can quickly wriggle out between speakers. This is very important! YOU WILL BE ON VIDEO
Everybody pull out their phone and take an awesome selfie – Host takes a selfie too. Our Hashtag is #TEDxCityName
Phones on SILENT
NO CAMERA FLASHES
They are welcome to take photos and tweet and everything.
Be friendly to your fellow audience members! Turn around and find someone you don’t know. Shake their hand and say hello. Let’s make friends.
Chris Anderson video
The TED conference started in 1984 in California, and has now spread to communities all over the world. Today we start proceedings with a special video message from
TED Curator Chris Anderson. Let’s take a look at the video
Stay on stage while video plays 1 min 30 seconds
Introduce session 1
SESSION 1
[SESSION 1 TITLE NAME HERE]
This session looks at:
[THEME DESCRIPTION HERE]
[SPEAKER 1] [How speaker 1’s talk links to the theme]
[SPEAKER 2] [How speaker 2’s talk links to the theme]
[SPEAKER 3] [How speaker 3’s talk links to the theme]
[SPEAKER 4] [How speaker 4’s talk links to the theme]
Introduce speaker 1
[SPEAKERS NAME] / [SPEAKERS TITLE] / [SPEAKERS COUNTRY] / [SPEAKERS PHONETIC SPELLING]
In this introduction, do not give away what the speaker will talk about, but ask the audince questions about some of the topics the speaker may raise.
Please welcome [SPEAKERS TITLE] from [SPEAKERS COUNTRY]: [SPEAKERS PHONETIC SPELLING]
Speaker 1’s talk
Question 1 for Speaker 1….
Question 2 for Speaker 1….
Shake hands and say THANKYOU as a cue for speaker 1 to leave the stage.
You would then repeat this for each speaker in your session.
Here is how an Emcee may thank a partner/sponsors:
As you know, today wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of our partners:
[Partners name] / [Partners phonetic name]
One short line about how the partner is related to the theme of the event.
[Partners name] / [Partners phonetic name]
One short line about how the partner is related to the theme of the event.
[Partners name] / [Partners phonetic name]
One short line about how the partner is related to the theme of the event.
And if you believe in ideas worth spreading, and you would like to become a partner for a future event please contact the team via [Email or other contact info here]
Many TEDx events like to show videos from the TED.com website alongside their speakers. Here is how your Emcee might introduce a video:
Introduce a video
In the spirit of Ideas Worth Spreading, todays TEDxCityName event is connected with many hundreds of different independently organised events around the world as part of a global community that share ideas, and today, YOU are part of that global community.
Right now, today, on [EVENT DATE] there are TEDx communities just like this one, gathering to share ideas worth spreading in China, Kenya, Taiwan, Italy, Nigeria, Switzerland, Mexico and of course here in Austria.
Tomorrow, there will be TEDx event in Israel, India, and the UK.
[You can find a list of all TEDx events happing on any particular day on the TED.com website]
All the talks you see today will be filmed and shared to millions of people on the TED website. And in turn, we share with you different video talks from around the world.
The first of those videos is from California, from 2008. Seen over 10 Millions times around the world, in this video Benjamin Zander describes the transformative power of classical music.
We hope that you feel inspired to try something for the first time here today, and maybe after watching this short talk you might feel in tune to your classical senses.
From TED 2008 in California, please enjoy BENJAMIN ZANDER. LETS TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO.
During your event, you may have several different breaks. Here is how the Emcee should introduce the breaks:
Introduce a break
Summarise the session.
Thank the speakers from the previous session.
Give a short tease as to what to expect from the next session.
Tell the audience what they can do during the break (Some events have break activities, games, networking events, mini-discussions, or partner driven activities)
Tell the audience about food options. (What food is available, how do they claim their food, is there specific instructions for vegetarians etc, how should they recycle their waste, is food allowed back in the main auditorium etc).
Tell them how long the break is.
End with “And be back in your seats at [Next session start time]…as we [final theme teaser]…”
At the end, some events like to invite the curator, organising team, license holders, or other volunteers on to the stage for a final applause and photo. This can be very complicated, so make sure that this is arranged in advance and that it is well rehearsed.
Ending the event
Thank the audience. Hope they have had a lovely time.
GIVE A WRAP UP of the entire event.
INVITE [Lead organiser] TO THE STAGE
[Lead organiser] Thanks PARTNERS, then AUDIENCE.
[Lead organiser] thanks SPEAKERS and invites them on to the stage.
[Lead organiser] thanks VOLUNTEER TEAM and invites them on to the stage.
Pose for photo with all on stage.
[Lead Organiser] thanks EMCEE.
[TEAM LEAVES STAGE]
But the fun doesn’t end just yet, you can continue the fun at the After Party at [LOCATION], [TIME] where you can meet the speakers and the team, and party the night away.
We know that you believe in ideas worth spreading. And now, you are all official TEDsters.
So we hope that you will join us for:
[NEXT YEARS EVENT THEME] [NEXT YEARS EVENT DATE]
We really hope we will see you, and your friends there.
Thank you for enjoying a day of ideas worth spreading.
Goodnight!
You are welcome to use these notes, and change them in any way that works for your event. Please do leave a comment below if you find this helpful.
MC Script – Benefit Dinner
TIME 6:10pm
Welcome Remarks
Ben : Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Kimochi SM 3rd Annual Benefit Dinner. My name is Ben N., Kimochi Board Member since 1971 when the organization was first established over 40 years ago. As you can imagine, being with Kimochi since its inception and seeing firsthand the success it has achieved in helping thousands of people over the years, it is with profound honor to be here tonight and host this event with an esteemed Bay Area community member. You may recognize her from TV, having anchored and reported the news in the Bay Area for 30 years – Wendy T.
Motions for Wendy*
Wendy : Thank you, Ben.
Wendy : Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I would like to also welcome everyone to the benefit dinner and express my gratitude to Kimochi for inviting me to co-host tonight’s event. It is an honor to contribute to an extraordinary cause such as this one. My history with Kimochi began over 30 years ago when I hosted their Sansei Live event to raise money for their programs and services in San Francisco, so it is with great pleasure to continue to support Kimochi as they expand their services to help more seniors and their caregivers in the Bay Area.
Wendy : First, we would like to extend our thanks to SM Buddhist Temple Taiko for their wonderful performance. Taiko drumming has a long history in Japan, providing rhythm for sacred rituals and festivals. Their opening for the program really sets the tone for a great celebration tonight.
Wendy : We would also like to acknowledge Michael C., President of the College of San Mateo, for donating the use of this beautiful venue for the benefit dinner. He is a great supporter of Kimochi’s mission and has been pivotal in the organization’s introduction to the San Mateo community.
Wendy : At this time, please welcome Paul Chen, long-time supporter and Kimochi Chairperson, to the stage for a few words.
Paul Chen makes welcome remarks.
Emcee Script Sample
KSM Background and Announcement
Wendy : Thank you, Paul. Please everyone, for those who haven’t started, help yourselves to the salads and bread, while we continue with the program.
Introduce special guests depending on when/if they arrive. Anna/Jessica will give names as they arrive.
Ben : Kimochi began as a simple commitment to the first generation Japanese American- Issei back in 1971, and has since evolved into a nationally recognized community service organization committed to helping seniors live with dignity and independence. Over the years as Kimochi San Francisco continued to grow, we began to recognize the increasing need for support in the Peninsula. In response to that need, Kimochi purchased a building in San Mateo in 2012 and established the SM Capital Campaign, an undertaking to raise money for the building renovation and equipment. It has been a 3-year battle, but we are thrilled to confirm that Kimochi SM will be opening its doors in December 2015!
Ben : For their tireless work and dedication, we would like to acknowledge the SM Capital Campaign Committee: Honorary Co-Chair Steve O. and Co-Chairs Sandy M. and John N.
Ask for Steve, Sandy and John to stand up.
Wendy : Without their invaluable insight, commitment, and leadership the immense progress we have made in the campaign thus far would not be possible. We extend our deepest gratitude to the committee members. Clap* Throughout the night we will be speaking to you more about the SM Capital Campaign and the progress of the renovation of Kimochi SM.
Ben : An important part of our Capital Campaign is our Founder’s Wall of Giving. Please turn your attention to the monitors – there you will find further information about Kimochi SM, in addition to the recognition of our generous donors who have given $2500 or more to the capital campaign. These donors are also being recognized on the Founders Wall of Giving, a display that will be prominently featured in the new building after renovations are completed. We thank our donors tonight for their unwavering support. It is with the coming-together of hundreds of members in the community that has led to the achievement of our new senior care facility, Kimochi San Mateo. There is no role, no donation too big or small in this campaign, because it is only with the collaboration of everyone that we can achieve this goal together.
Support Opportunities : Raffle & Auction
Wendy : The capital campaign is not over yet. We have raised $1.8 of a $2.5 million goal and the mission of tonight’s event is to further diminish that gap. There will be many opportunities tonight to contribute to the campaign. Our volunteers are here selling raffle tickets. The grand prize is a Vizio 48” flat screen tv, generously donated by All Natural Stone. In addition, there will be other exciting raffle prizes. Please raise your hands up high if you would like to purchase a ticket!
Wendy : If you haven’t already, please take a look at the silent auction table. We have some great items and gift baskets up for bid. Bids will be accepted only until 7:15, so hurry over when you get the chance! Later in the evening at 8:00, we will be also be holding a live auction – please refer to your program booklet for descriptions of the items and the bidding rules and procedures. Keep in mind, you can bid on an item together with friends, so prepare in advance! We encourage everyone to participate in tonight’s activities! All proceeds will go towards the capital campaign and will bring us closer to completing the SM senior care facility.
Ben : We also want to take the time to humbly thank our major sponsors tonight: Pacific Gas and Electric Company, American Reality & Construction Inc., Shig & Sumi H. and Sneider, Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home. Thank you to these wonderful sponsors for their commitment to the community and its seniors!
Please everyone enjoy your dinner! We will be back!
TIME 6:30pm
Main Course is served.
Announcement- BY STAFF
Hello everyone! We interrupt your dinner to announce that the silent auction will be closing in 15 minutes. Please place or check your final bids before it ends. Thank you so much!
TIME 7:15pm
Silent Auction
Emcee Script Banquet
Wendy : Ladies and gentlemen, the silent auction is now closed. The winners will be listed on sheets that will be distributed to each table. Please check the sheets for your name and head over to the silent auction tables to make your payment and pick up your prize at the end of the night. A big thank you to Co-Chairs Diana O. and Marcella Y. for doing a fabulous job in organizing the silent auction and creating the beautiful gift baskets!
KSM Presentation
Ben : Everyone, please welcome Steve I. to the stage for an update on the progress of the SM facility. He is Kimochi’s Associate Director and Lead Staff of the Kimochi SM Project. He has been the driving force these three years in the construction and renovation of the SM building, working tirelessly in preparation of our opening.
Steve makes presentation.
Wendy, Benh & Steve to remain on stage after presentation.
TIME 7:30pm
Kagami Biraki – Cast Breaking Ceremony
Wendy : Thank you, Steve for the very informative presentation. At this time, please welcome Steve O., Sandy, John, Paul and Steve N. to the stage for the kagami-biraki, or otherwise known as the sake barrel breaking ceremony.
While the Group puts on the happi coats say the following:
Ben : The kagami-biraki is a Japanese tradition that dates back over a thousand years to celebrate momentous occasions such as tonight. The breaking of the sake barrel symbolizes the start of a new journey, bringing with it the blessings of happiness, health and prosperity. And we are indeed starting a new journey, as Kimochi SM is set to open its doors by the end of this year.
The Steve Nakajo & Sandy to break open the top of the cask, Benh to say 1,2,3 and photos are taken
Emcee Script For Seminar
Wendy to make small talk while sake is being served to guests and then make the toast and say Kampai!*
Sandy and John makes announcement on Founder’s Wall.
TIME 8:00pm
Live Auction
Ben : Ladies and gentlemen, we will now be starting the live auction and request for Paul to join us on stage as an auctioneer. Going over the rules outlined in the program: To enter a bid, please hold up the uchiwa until we, or one of the spotters, see you. You can find the fans on each of your tables. Please hold up your uchiwa high, so we can spot you. Okay everyone, let’s begin!
After Live Auction, Closing Remarks
Wendy : Thank you to everyone who participated! Now wasn’t that fun! Now we would like to introduce Steve N., Executive Director of Kimochi, Inc.
Words of appreciation from Steve N.
Ben : Once again, we express our deepest gratitude for the generosity we witnessed tonight. It is simply astounding what a group of people can do to enact positive changes in a community to support those who need it the most, our seniors and their families.
Wendy : It has been an honor to be here tonight to host a joyous occasion for a great cause. Thank you for being here and thank you for helping to celebrate a new beginning for our organization!
Emcee Script For Annual Party Ideas
Announcement
Event Emcee Script Sample
Ben : Just a reminder for auction winners to collect and pay for your items before leaving! If you haven’t please check the silent auction winner sheet for your name. Thank you everyone for coming!
Holiday Party Emcee Script
EVENT ENDS