How to Emcee at competitions

[Chris_Elston]

Ask Samir Shaikh how he MC'd at BMR 2012 this year...

I think he was in the right place at the right time to backup Dan Green. Also Samir has had some practice at CAGE Match in Indy. Not only does CAGE Match birth some fierce Indiana Rookie Teams, it's also the proving grounds for Indiana MCees.... Samir looks to Karthik Kanagasabapathy for inspiration. Karthik is like a walking encyclopedia of teams and statistical data...

[DCA Fan]

I'll be the game announcer at CVR, and I also emcee FLL/FTC/VEX/off-season events. I'd be happy to talk to you, come find me on the field.

Basically, start at smaller events, practice at off-seasons and FLL/FTC events. Shadow emcees at regionals where you can. The best advice I can give is that you should be yourself - don't try to be a clone of Mark or a clone of Karthik. Learn to be comfortable on a stage, and especially with public speaking.

Remember that being an emcee is more than being crazy. It's being energetic and fun, but also professional and in control.

[Pjohn1959]

Blair Hundertmark has created some good information with training slides and match example videos on the FIRST website here.

If you can watch any video from Einstein, listen to how Dave Verbrugge does his team introductions. It is really neat how he incorporates each team's history in his introduction.

[Horsegirrl]

As many know, this year was my first year emceeing. In order to emcee, i got in contact with our local emcee, a lady by the name of Chiniqua, to see if i could shadow her. Before i did any districts/regionals i did some offseasons and had to go through a training. I definitely would suggest doing some FLL/FTC events if you can, i know i am going too!

Being an emcee is extremely rewarding, i love seeing the glimmer in a rookie teams eye their first time behind the glass. But you do have to remember it is a public speaking role, and you need to have a lot of self confidence to speak in front of hundreds of people. And as Libby said, you do have to keep up the energy the entire day/weekend and it's not about 'crazy' energy, it's the passion of seeing these kids succeed that pushes you along all weekend!

best of luck!
'Cowgirl' Katie