How Emcees Can Support Speakers in Virtual Events
As an emcee and keynote speaker with a background in events, it's safe to say I've seen and learned alot - and I also understand all sides of an event. How valuable the AV and production team is, why a Run of Show is vital, how to keep sponsors happy, and how to help support my fellow speakers - for the good of the audience, the success of the event and the general good vibes it creates for everyone!
Whether they are keynote speakers, breakout speakers, panelists or company or association leaders who are speaking, I've seen a lot of different reactions and attitudes towards speaking. I mean, public speaking is the #1 fear people have- but lucky for them, that's not mine! ;)
So what can your emcee do for your virtual event or hybrid event to support your speakers?
Here's 3 of my favorite strategies I have tried and love with dozens of clients in the virtual event world.
1. OFFER TO MODERATE THE QUESTIONS
Forget scrunching your nose up at the screen - with an emcee to ask the questions to the speaker, the speaker on screen can focus on delivering value and quality answers to the attendees!
Plus, if time is an issue or you have a more introverted or direct lineup of speakers in your industry or organization, an emcee can add a conversational energy - bringing the voice of the people to the event while also adding banter to help the speaker on screen feel more comfortable. After all, they're talking to a new friend!
2. SUPPORT THE Q+A WITH ACTION
When I listen along, I add questions that may be helpful to lead to more convo or add to the flow of questions. My goal is to always have 2-3 questions for speakers and enter them in the Q+A box! I learn along with folks so I can be curious for them if they’re shy or they have a low turnout. Every speaker is helped!!!
I get how tough it can be to speak and hope there are questions. I let the client know what my name is in the chat and if they don't use the questions, that's OK! Normally it just takes someone to get the Q+A rolling in - and it saves the speaker from having no questions to answers!
3. CHEER THEM ON
Before they go on, hearing GOOD LUCK and YOU ARE GOING TO CRUSH IT can make all the difference - so give the high fives and support in the green room backstage in Zoom (just like in-person!) and then switch your support to the public attendee chat. Some of my favorite phrases can kick off an active chat during a speaker are:
"I'm so excited for SPEAKERNAME! Anyone else?!"
"Iced coffee is refilled - I loved LAST SESSION TITLE and so pumped for this one!"
"Got my notepad ready!"
A little bit of love can go a long way - to help speakers feel more confident on screen, get attendees engaged and support a smooth event no matter what happens in the virtual and hybrid event world!
Interested in having Rachel as your conference emcee and motivational keynote speaker? Check your date and get info today!