[Andy Grady]

If you are looking to be an emcee or an announcer at a regional some day, the best advice I can give to you is the following...

1. Start off small and learn the trade. FLL, FTC, and VEX events are the best way to get your feet wet for the job...especially considering that they all utilize one person in a dual role. Many times you can find out which one you like to do better just by working an FLL event.

2. Talk to people about getting spot gigs at offseason events. An offseason is the best way to get your name out there a little bit and understand how the process works on an FRC field. Even though it may look easy, being an emcee or announcer can be a challenging task for various reasons. It is best to run into all the problems when the stakes are a little bit lower rather than on a regional stage.

3. Learn lessons from other emcees or announcers, but don't become other emcees or announcers. What makes you love a particular emcee? Is it the way that person has a great sense of humor? Is it how that person engages a crowd? Is it the particular style that emcee has? If you look at the best emcees and announcers, you find that each one has a relatively unique style. They have embraced who they are and found a way to make that come out in front of a crowd. Remember...we already have a Blair, Dave, Mark, Karthik and Chiniqua...just be you, and you will probably be ok!

4. Teach yourself that FIRST is about the kids, not about you. This is a HUGE golden rule. If you make the show too much about you, we lose the meaning of all that so many people have worked hard to build. A good emcee or announcer enhances an event, not overshadows it. Embrace this rule, and you will learn quickly what YOU are as an emcee or announcer.

5. Watch and listen to yourself on video. Here is a great question to ask yourself...if you were in the crowd watching yourself, would you think you are good or relatively annoying? If you watch/listen to yourself on a video and really take a constructive approach to things, you can improve yourself more and more with each passing event. Take it from me, I have been announcing/emceeing for 14 years...I still find tons of things that make me cringe about my execution and style! This way, if you look at your faults, you can correct them and become more appealing to others.

6. Learn how to clearly and concisely read off of a script. One of the things that you don't always get from working offseason competitions is the ability to read scripts. Reading an awards script properly is extremely important to the event, the people who write the script, and the people who will win the award that you are reading. It is important that each word you say is conveyed with care, so get as much practice doing it as you can.

7. Get to know the teams! This is what I consider the most important element of the job. Emceeing is about way more than going out on the field, saying a number, and pointing. You need to learn stories, stats, and connect with the people you will be looking at through the glass or talking about over the microphone. The best part about this is that you build relationships with some of the best people you will ever know. Emceeing or announcing is an honor and an opportunity...make the most of it.

Hopefully some of you can find this advise useful. Wanting to be an emcee or announcer is great...FIRST events are always looking for someone with the talent to be able to work the mic and the crowd. Remember, though, emceeing or announcing isn't for everyone. It takes a certain amount of talent, hard work, and vocal ability to be able to handle the work load. Don't jump into the fire right away...try it, if you like it and have some talent, who knows where it can take you!

-Andy