Here are the things to look out for during speeches and toasting, for the host and emcee, because we have to work closely together.

For speeches:
1) The emcee should always check with the host on the content of their speeches so it doesn’t overlap with theirs, so that no jokes and messages are repeated. The emcees shouldn’t steal their thunder.

2) The emcee should check with the host if translation is required, so that the message can be delivered to all.

For toasting:
1) The host and the emcee should communicate and agree on the desired style for toasting, depending on the respective culture of the family and country. For example, proposing a toast in Australia can be a tad different from Malaysia. It’s ‘Cheers’ versus ‘Yumseng’.

2) The host and the emcee should communicate on special requests and requirements beforehand. (For example: Particular words of well wishes and blessings.)

3) The host and the emcee should identify the family members and friends who would love to propose a toast or shout on behalf.

At the end of the day, what is really important is that we share each other’s expectations & thoughts before the event and find that right balance!

A professional emcee could set the right tone and create the perfect ambience. We understand the dynamics and protocol of an event, keep things moving with poise and charisma, while keeping the audience energized and engaged.

A professional emcee is also your insurance policy. What happens if there is a technical glitch?

Or a hiccup? We know how to handle unforeseen variables with grace, ease, and improvisation, and we are all equipped with a keen ability to read the room and adjust our approach accordingly to best fit your crowd.

And here are other compelling reasons:

1) Time-keeping
– The emcee will have the ultimate control of the event proceedings. While there may be a stage manager to help manage the schedule, but by being on stage, a professional emcee will ensure that everything is kept on time.

2) Addressing the VVIPs
– A professional emcee will know the protocol and right way to address the presence of your guest-of-honour and other VVIPs, royalties, ministers, captain of industry and so on.

3) Smooth Transition
– A professional emcee will always ensure a seamless transition between different segments of the program. It is paramount that there is no “dead air” on stage during the program. Dead air is bad air on stage.

4) Ice-breaking and Humour
– A true talent in a professional emcee lies in his capacity to make the person sitting in the last row as connected and involved as the guy in the front row. Obviously you want your guests to feel important and it is the emcee’s job to do this, complemented by the right dose of wit and humour too.

5) A good opening & closing
– A professional emcee can deliver a good opening to set the right tone and wrap up the event with a heartfelt message. Your guests will always remember an impactful opening and closing.

You’ve spent a fortune on the venue, decoration, AV, entertainers, photographer, videographer etc. Why leave all that potential teetering on the edge without a professional, experienced emcee to hold it all together?

In summary, a professional emcee can benefit you and your event in ways unimaginable. They will ensure the continuity of the proceedings, keep your audience attentive and entertained, even incorporate their own exciting abilities like comedy and magic, and lend professional opinions about any and all aspects of the event.

Well, to each its own, but the rule of thumb is simple, it should flow naturally and seamlessly from one item to the next, it should help all parties achieve their best, and create the most desirable impact.

Let me elaborate, by all parties, I mean everyone involved, including the host, the planners, the decorators, the banquet, the entertainers, the technical team and so on. It requires a thorough understanding of how they work best and plan the program to help them achieve just that, to be more efficient and effective, because everyone contributes to the success of the event.

For example, we should allocate sufficient time for banquet to fire-up the dishes and to serve them on every table. Now, proper timing will help ensure that the quality of the food is not compromised.

This would also help with the arrangements for speeches and performances, because the best time that would garner the most attention on stage, is normally between the serving time, and after the guests had some time to feast and indulge.

This is the time when movements and interruptions are minimized, thereby allowing the speakers and performers on stage to shine their best.

With that carved in stone, here are a few important factors to consider:

1) Set-up
– Always communicate well with all vendors, and allocate sufficient time for the set-up
of decoration and AV & light system. It may range from a few hours to a full day
before the event.

2) Sound-check & Rehearsal
– To ensure a smooth flow of events, and to minimize any possible technical glitches,
sound-check and rehearsal are an integral part of the program too.

3) Transition of AV Materials
– There are bound to be music, slides and videos that will be played throughout the
event. Some more than the other. Making sure that they are handled smoothly and
transit to another seamlessly, will facilitate a pleasant experience.

4) Attention Span
– The average attention span of an adult is 5 minutes or less. Audiences will find it
difficult to focus when inundated with events and information on stage. Taking a
short break in between events will allow them to take a breather, before we draw
their attention on stage again.

5) Buffer
– Identify a realistic amount of buffer time for each segment, so that a delay in one
doesn’t affect the rest too much.

In short, good program flow should be smooth and engaging, while ensuring that the audiences’
attention is intact.