How to Emcee at competitions

Looking into the many volunteering positions available at regionals, one of the ones that stands out to me is the job of the Emcee, or the Co-Emcee.

Does anyone know how to become an Emcee at a regional? Who to talk to?

This is an option for my college years, and seems like a ton of fun, plus a heck of an experience.

Thanks for everyone's help!

[EricH]

I think you probably want to talk to Mark Leon first, and find out just how crazy energetic you have to be. (Or whoever the MC is at CVR--but why it wouldn't be Mark I don't know.)

Then, AFAIK, you sign up in VIMS same as for any other position, and talk to the Volunteer Coordinator if you can.

Or you could go the route I did, which was inspection and setup/teardown.

Originally Posted by EricH

I think you probably want to talk to Mark Leon first, and find out just how crazy energetic you have to be. (Or whoever the MC is at CVR--but why it wouldn't be Mark I don't know.)

Then, AFAIK, you sign up in VIMS same as for any other position, and talk to the Volunteer Coordinator if you can.

Or you could go the route I did, which was inspection and setup/teardown.

Thanks! Unfortunately, Mark won't be Emceeing CVR. I don't know anyone else in the area who MC's (Sorry SoCal if I don't know any other great Emcees), though it looks like I'll soon find out (3 days!)

As for the energetic part.....Let's just say I am my team's energy. I can be a little overboard for the "older" mentors, but that's the fun part!

[George A.]

Easiest way? Talk to your regionals volunteer coordinator. They will know which events will need help. You'll also have to shadow a seasoned MC for a season or two, and you may have to reside to being a backup while you get more experience.

Also try working an FLL or FTC event. Or even an offseason. You get all the experience with less of the pressure.

Hope this helps.

[Libby K]

Originally Posted by George A.

Easiest way? Talk to your regionals volunteer coordinator. They will know which events will need help. You'll also have to shadow a seasoned MC for a season or two, and you may have to reside to being a backup while you get more experience.

Also try working an FLL or FTC event. Or even an offseason. You get all the experience with less of the pressure.

Hope this helps.

George's advice about FLL/FTC is right. FRC Offseasons and other events should be your first priority. After a few of those, check with the volunteer coordinator at the event you're interested in - try to get them video, if you have it.

Keep in mind that each of the events is a 'show', and you'll be expected to keep the energy up for the whole day. It's not just about acting crazy, it's about being the face of the entire regional, reading the award scripts, doing research on teams, and bringing a whole lot of fun to the event. It's a lot more than just bouncing around with a flag yelling out team numbers.

Something I've noticed - some of the very good MCs are actors in their spare time. They recognize that the field is essentially a stage - no matter what's going on, you've gotta keep your happy face on.

Good luck, and enjoy! Being out there on the field is a whole lot of fun. I've only done it a few times, but I love it.

[Anupam Goli]

I'm starting to get interested in emcee-ing. It does take a lot of energy, but it also takes a lot of excitement for FRC. Mark Leone is one of my favorites, but who can forget the legendary intros of Karthik? I strive to be like those two combined.

FTC and FLL events are the best way to start out, as a Junior and Senior, I volunteered at these events as a DJ and an emcee, and our state FTC coordinator was so impressed at my job at a qualifier, that he offered me the job of being a backup at the FTC state event.

Contact some offseason event coordinators about volunteering there, and list some experience. I'm sure you would be a great emcee

[Joe Ross]

Here's a similar thread about announcing, which turned into a success story. You might recognize the person who asked how to become an announcer. http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=28424.

The following is FIRST's description of the emcee position: http://www.usfirst.org/community/vol...es-%28emcee%29

[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

[bhsrobotics1671]

Originally Posted by SuperNerd256

Thanks! Unfortunately, Mark won't be Emceeing CVR. I don't know anyone else in the area who MC's (Sorry SoCal if I don't know any other great Emcees), though it looks like I'll soon find out (3 days!)

As for the energetic part.....Let's just say I am my team's energy. I can be a little overboard for the "older" mentors, but that's the fun part!

Mark will be at CVR.

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

Here's a similar thread about announcing, which turned into a success story. You might recognize the person who asked how to become an announcer. http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=28424.

The following is FIRST's description of the emcee position: http://www.usfirst.org/community/vol...es-%28emcee%29

I see Joel was in the thread. I miss him. That guy had a great voice.
I remember going to Montreal this year and Karthik and Blair were up there training a brand new MC and announcer. The MC was complaining about how his throat was hurting after one day and they gave him tips on how to take care of himself. Two days of "talking loud" can take quite a toll.

[George A.]

Thanks to Joe for reminding me of that thread, I completely forgot about it.

The one good thing to take away from that thread, as well as all the information that everyone else provided are these things.

1) Start off small and work your way up (have to crawl before you can walk)
2) Connections, connections, connections. The more people you know and impress, the more people you have pulling for you to come work their events.
3) Never give up. Even if it takes you years to work events with any regularity, keep with it.

Katie Stevens is a fantastic example. She was an avid FIRSTer when she was in school, and now she is an avid volunteer. She worked every MAR District, along with NYC and Bostons regionals! She is a terrific up and comer and one that I look forward to working with in the MAR system for a long long time to come.

If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to message or email me.

Thanks everyone for the assistance! Having MC'd 2 FLL events already, and hoping to continue in the future, I'm hoping to be able to approach some contacts (Note to self: Get contacts) about emceeing in some offseason FRC comps. Who knows? Maybe Cal Games, or depending on where I go to college, the Fall Classic.

For everything, especially emceeing, Karthik from 1114 is an inspiration to me. His intros are historic, his enthusiasm achieves the perfect match quality, and his kicks are just plain awesome, though I doubt I'll be kicking near FLL teams anytime soon. I've been studying him, and the great emcees of lore, trying to see what makes them the best.

Thanks everyone for all your help and advice!