Some thoughts on emceeing

By J. Carl Hancuff
[Editor's note: J. Carl Hancuff is "recognized throughout the Society as the 'Master' Emcee."]

Analyze and understand your particular style

Practice and perfect it.
Avoid your weaknesses.

Find out what is expected of you

Are you to be a large or featured part of the show OR are you to hopefully add a pleasant interlude between performing acts?

Come prepared to do a four-hour show

Never try to use all your material. Save some of your best stuff for the second half.

Check the auditorium before show time

Every hall has its own personality. Be familiar with the audience members' line of sight.
Adjust podium, mic, and spot to your liking.

Meet with show chair and chorus director

If possible, include the stage manager also so all four of you are singing off the same page.

Make friends with your audience

Establish a rapport. Never talk down or try to out shout members of the audience. Let them come to you. Be sincere.

Know and understand how to cope with any emergency

Know where all the exits are located. You must set the calm if a crisis arises.

Keep it clean, keep it moving

Know the Society's facts and goals.
Sell membership into the local chapter. Find out where and when it meets.

Keep introductions fresh

Personalize each intro with a fresh, new approach. Always say performer's name last. Never start with, "The Dandy Diphthongs you are about to hear ...."

Intermission

Most chapter shows go too long. Many chapters abuse the time allocated for intermission. Here is where you can earn your pay by informing the spot operator, soundman and stagehands exactly when the second half will start. Then, get a drink of water and go round up the opening act of the second half. Too many 15-minute intermissions stretch to 30 minutes or more and then everyone wonders why the show went too long.

Announcements

Clear them all with the show chairman (except for emergencies).
Check with the headliners regarding the sale of tapes, CDs, etc.

Encores

These should be left up to the emcee. If it is earned, fine. Otherwise, move on!

Grand finale

Thank your audience. Be sincere. Reintroduce performing acts so applause is continuous.

Evaluation

Before going to sleep, walk yourself through the show.
Remember what you did well and where you could have improved your performance.
Sleep well.
Pay your bills.
Go home.

(J. Carl Hancuff may be reached:
2101 Timberdale Drive
Edmond, OK 73034

405-340-1092
e-mail: hancuffjc@aol.com
Web site: http://swd.org/showArticle.aspx?AID=419)

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