Handmaiden Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Our homeschool support group is having an "Open House" with and I'm the emcee of the program. I'm not really comfortable with a mike and wondered if any of you have ideas on some clean jokes or ice breakers. Also, what would you say if a kid, say Jimmy Bob, does poorly on his recitation? Is there a gracious way to recover from that? Any experienced emcee tips would be great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Handmaiden Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 :lurk5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ConnieB Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 As for the mike....my pet peeve is when speakers hold it so close to their mouth that they are distorted. Problem is that the speaker seldom realizes this because the speakers aren't situated so that THEY can hear themselves. So the best thing is to ask someone for assistance (preferably when the hall is empty) and you should speak into the mike holding it in different places and have that person walk around the room. You're looking for feedback on sounds from letters like "P" and "S", so I usually just keep saying Salt and Pepper, lol. You'll have to find the "zone" for the mike with your speaking style....I know for me, I have a booming speaking voice without a mike, so I need to have it at least 8-10" away from my mouth, but my sister who speaks rather softly needs to almsot be eating it....problem is if it's too close to your mouth those P's pop and the S's hiss, so she actually has more trouble than I do with those. Maybe instead of jokes, you could write up a few paragraphs about several accomplishments or highlights of the year (either as a group or individuals) and use those as ancedotes while you're waiting for speakers to take their place. Kinda a history review lesson all in one. As for Jimmy Bob..... He knows he blew it, so rather than focus on that, how about complimenting and encouraging his effort....just like you would with your own child. "Jimmy Bob, thanks for that lovely recitation". "Jimmy Bob, good job" or if you're trying to get the audience to clap when instead they're sitting there stunned at his complete failure...."Let's give it up for Jimmy Bob" and then start clapping like mad next to the microphone. As someone who has to speak publicly a LOT more than I like, I can tell you that the nerves are working overtime when you're done, so it's not likely he'll hear you anyway, though he will hear the clapping.......but his family will be relieved and grateful for your putting a happy spin on their child's efforts. Another thing you want to be prepared for....is the kid who gets up there and either can't get started because of nerves, or who starts, blows it and stops and isn't sure what to do. If it were me, I'd not use the mircophone, but I'd stage-whisper to him, "anytime you're ready" or "take your time" and the blown one, just like I'd say to my child "It's ok....take a deep breath and keep going/try again" For the cryer....you might want to be prepared to escort them off....my experience is that crying is almost impossible to stop in front of a crowd. Just my suggestions.....good luck and have fun ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Hm. Well, I don't do ice breakers or jokes. :-) I just start in by welcoming everyone. One hint: When it's time for the next thing on the program, don't say, "At this time..." Just do it. If Orkie does a really bad job on his presentation, praise him anyway, even if you can only say something general like "Let's hear it for Orkie!" ::applause, applause:: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfarm Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Some general things that came to mind... Instead of jokes, if you will be having grandparents or other visitors in attendance, you might mention where the restrooms and waterfountains are located, if you have a rule about flash photography, etc. Try to get an offstage assistant to keep the children lined up. It is usually best to have one on stage performing, the next one ready to take the stage, and the next one standing by, making last minute preparations. That way, you aren't stuck on stage trying to make small talk while Susie has to get her instrument out of its case, arrange the strap and make a few practice sounds. For someone who bombs, "Good effort, Sammie. Thank you for trying so hard!" For those who get lost, I usually allow two restarts. After that, they and any criers or nonstarters get a second chance to try again at the end. Parents will appreciate the second chance and everyone else will appreciate not having to wait interminably and having the hour long program stretch later and later--many may have plans for afterward and it is hard to sit still while a child who is either not prepared or just not emotionally able to perform at this time struggle repeatedly. I have my assistant ask them as the end draws near whether they would like to try again. And I stick to the two restart plan then also. If they can't do it after four tries, then it is unlikely that the fifth will be any better. Prepare a strong finish. "Okay folks, I guess that's it.", doesn't really put a feel-good cap on the evening. You know, something about thank you so much for coming, this has been a wonderful opportunity to share what these children have learned and a great public speaking lesson in itself. We're so glad you were able to be here to share it with us. Everyone, please feel free to join us for refreshments in the Fellowship Hall which is out the door along this wall and down the hall. I hope that you all have a pleasant rest of the evening. Then either put the mic down and/or step well back from it and turn away. That will signal to the crowd that it is over. The main job of the emcee is to make the audience comfortable and to keep things moving along. The best ways to do this are to explain to people what they need to know and to explain the rules to the performers and be sure they know when to get ready, when to go on, and where to go when they are done. No one wants to commit some social gaffe, so make it easy for them by explaining areas that are off limits or what the rules are. Then everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Handmaiden Posted May 14, 2009 Author Share Posted May 14, 2009 Thank you, these are great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 "Let's hear it for Orkie!" ::applause, applause:: Orkie???:001_huh: :lol: don't forget to remind everyone to turn their cell phones to OFF or vibrate. we have a great dad that is a terrific emcee. he's hilarious at welcoming and joking w/ each kid as they come on/off stage. it helps them relax a bit. and yeah -an assistant is a HUGE help. i like the idea about sharing things the group has done throughout the year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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