Engaging Virtual Meetings

14Tips for Emceeing and Hosting

Emceeing and hosting are critical skills for large virtual conferences. Make sure you select someone who has these skills. If you do not have someone available with the skills, consider using a professional emcee (MC). Here's how to apply the ENGAGE method to selecting your virtual MC or host.

Engage and Interact with Every Attendee

One of the most important skills is your MC's ability to engage with every attendee. Make sure your MC is warm, friendly, and inviting. Your MC should make sure they are encouraging the right virtual engagement tool at the right time.

Have your MC work with you and your committee as if you were the attendees.

Pretend you're an attendee who doesn't want to talk.

Make sure your MC knows the right level of engagement for your audience and isn't perceived as too much or not enough.

Never Lead a Meeting Alone

How well does your MC work with your team? Great MCs will ask for the agenda long in advance. MCs should research their speakers and be ready with great introductions. Your MC needs to work well with your producer and speakers to keep engagement up.

Good Looks

Your MC needs to care how they look. From their appearance and professional clothing to their background and microphone, a great MC should set the standard for good looks and be capable of coaching your speakers and attendees.

Air Traffic Control

Have your MC announce the next speaker and watch for smooth transitions.

Have a speaker mute during their ...