Clowns or Announcers?

[Andy Grady]

Ya know, years ago we only had 1 or 2 emcees because there was only one or two regionals a weekend. Now we are getting to the point where there is about a dozen regionals in one week. Planning committees have to reach for people that have experience of any sort to take that role. Despite what it may seem, emceeing an event is not an easy task. An emcee needs to convey a message clearly, be the face of FIRST, and occasionally provide entertainment during downtime. You cannot just take the average person, give them a microphone, and say GO...BE AN EMCEE! Most people would lock up in that situation. As a result, committees reach for people who have some sort of outgoing personality and no fear of a microphone. The number of people who meet that criteria and are willing to take a try are rising. They are getting opportunities because of the large demand for talent with the growing number of regionals. We are now in an age where emcees or announcers are gaining "FIRST Fame" and as a result everyone has their shtick in order to try to get a piece of it. Fact of the matter is that everyone likes a different thing. Personally, I enjoy the humor and entertainment that Blair brings, or the storytelling capability of Karthik or Dave Vebrugge. However, I can guarantee you that there is someone out there who can't stand them either. Fact of the matter is that students and mentors have different tastes.

I recommend that if you have an emcee or an announcer that you really are annoyed by, just talk to a member of your regional committee. If enough people complain, I'm sure they will do something about it. As hard as it can be for those committees to find talent, they certainly do not want to drive you away either. Just be patient...its not easy finding people to fill those roles.

[BrendanB]

Originally Posted by Andy Grady

Ya know, years ago we only had 1 or 2 emcees because there was only one or two regionals a weekend. Now we are getting to the point where there is about a dozen regionals in one week. Planning committees have to reach for people that have experience of any sort to take that role. Despite what it may seem, emceeing an event is not an easy task. An emcee needs to convey a message clearly, be the face of FIRST, and occasionally provide entertainment during downtime. You cannot just take the average person, give them a microphone, and say GO...BE AN EMCEE! Most people would lock up in that situation. As a result, committees reach for people who have some sort of outgoing personality and no fear of a microphone. The number of people who meet that criteria and are willing to take a try are rising. They are getting opportunities because of the large demand for talent with the growing number of regionals. We are now in an age where emcees or announcers are gaining "FIRST Fame" and as a result everyone has their shtick in order to try to get a piece of it. Fact of the matter is that everyone likes a different thing. Personally, I enjoy the humor and entertainment that Blair brings, or the storytelling capability of Karthik or Dave Vebrugge. However, I can guarantee you that there is someone out there who can't stand them either. Fact of the matter is that students and mentors have different tastes.

I recommend that if you have an emcee or an announcer that you really are annoyed by, just talk to a member of your regional committee. If enough people complain, I'm sure they will do something about it. As hard as it can be for those committees to find talent, they certainly do not want to drive you away either. Just be patient...its not easy finding people to fill those roles.

Speaking of being behind the microphone *cough, where were you at BAE? I heard you in at least one of our matches and really liked it! My family and grandfather noticed it too about how you were much better than some other people and we (GSR in the stands) really miss you out there with the microphone! No one does play by play better in New England IMHO!

Don't know if that is a bit off topic from the costumes, but Andy Grady has a balance of professionality, humor, and team history much like Karthik and Paul Copioli.