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What Does it Take to be a Good Master of Ceremonies at a PF Banquet?

[caption id="attachment_7910" align="alignright" width="387" caption="There are more than 600 Pheasants Forever chapter banquets held each year and nearly that many different banquet emcees."][/caption] On Thursday evening, I will serve as emcee for the Scott County Chapter of Pheasants Forever’s 26th Annual Banquet.  I’ve functioned as the Master of Ceremonies for roughly twenty Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever banquets over the last few years, but what’s ironic is I don’t remember how I became an emcee candidate in the first place.  Honestly, I think the fact that I co-host a radio show on Saturday mornings was all I needed to establish “mic cred.” In an effort to “polish” my new found craft, I spent a little time Googling “How to be a Good Emcee” this afternoon.  As you probably could predict; the guidance I found was obvious and basic; be funny, smile all the time, know the audience, etc. That’s when I had an idea. The readers of my blog are exactly the audience I’m trying to entertain: Pheasants Forever Chapter Members who attend Banquets. So here’s the drill, I need your input and I need it by Thursday afternoon.  In the comments section below, give me your advice on “How to be a Good Emcee at a Pheasants Forever Banquet.”  Jokes are acceptable, but please keep them clean. The Pointer is written by Bob St.Pierre, Pheasants Forever's Vice President of Marketing.  Follow Bob on Twitter @BobStPierre.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 and is filed under Conservation, Habitat, Pheasants, Pheasants Forever. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

5 Responses to “What Does it Take to be a Good Master of Ceremonies at a PF Banquet?”

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  1. Matt Martin says:
    February 23, 2012 at 9:48 am

    Speak clear and concise. Good rate, tone and volume. Every once in a while have someone else announce a card raffle just to let them get a break of your voice.

  2. Melissa Sandquist says:
    February 23, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    Be yourself! I have had the pleasure of seeing you in action and it seems to come naturally for you. The audience is always well informed as to the events that are happening that evening and when, which is very important in my opinion. I feel that taking the time to mingle and draw attention to special raffles and or items is very important as well. When I am at an event I like to know where the emcee is when they are speaking. When you aren’t on the stage you make it a point to let people know where you are at so they aren’t turning in all directions trying to find you. I would say you don’t have to make many changes if any, you do a great job and the audience responds very well to you…even if you aren’t the next Chris Rock! Hehe!

  3. Bob St.Pierre says:
    February 24, 2012 at 8:16 am

    @Melissa Sandquist Thanks so much for the kind words. You are too kind, but I still wish I could tell jokes like Chris Rock! :)

  4. Dallas Strube says:
    February 24, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    As someone who emcees about 10 banquets a year for 25 years, the most important things are to have a strong voice(and a good mike) and stay in tune with your audience. Keep things moving – everyone hates “dead air”. Have the banquet chairman give you a schedule and stay as close to it as possible. Have someone assigned to you personally to do all the running ( to get raffle drums, etc) and help answer your questions. Have fun yourself and interact with your audience. Good Luck.

  5. Melissa Sandquist says:
    February 24, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    You and me both, I am usually the only one who laughs at my jokes!

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