Posts Tagged ‘public speaking’
Confessions of A Trivia Host: Nobody is a Public Speaking Expert
Monday, June 6th, 2011
As a professional trivia host, I am always on the lookout for opportunities to practice and improve my public speaking skills. While I spend most weeknights producing and hosting live trivia parties and corporate team building activities in New York City, by day I serve as director of adult learning & enrichment programs at the 92nd Street Y, a major cultural and community center in Manhattan. Occasionally, this role allows me the honor of introducing speakers onstage as part of 92Y’s celebrated lecture series, a special perk requiring me to (briefly) address upwards of 900 people – a thrilling, rewarding opportunity indeed!
I was recently asked to introduce a speaker, and was happy to do so. Donning a nice suit, I prepared my opening remarks, and strode out onstage with the confidence of someone who has done more than his share of public speaking. I spoke strongly and clearly, didn’t stumble, and even made a quick joke or two which got laughs before introducing the lecturer. In short, I nailed it- or so I thought.
After the event – still glowing at my expertly-delivered introductory address - a gentleman came up to me in the lobby. “Good job!” he said. “Thank you!” I replied, feeling all the more validated in my public speaking awesomeness. “Can I offer you some free advice?” he continued. That caught me off guard. I looked at him quizzically, and raised my eyebrows. “Don’t cross your right leg behind your left when you speak. Don’t grip the lectern. Look out at the audience more, and don’t drop your eyes to the notes so much.”
I was stunned. Trying to recover from this embarrassing dress down, I said, “Thank you for the feedback. I assume you were sitting up front?” This time, he was the one with the raised eyebrows. “Actually, I was in the last row.” He handed me his card. Would you believe it, the guy was a public speaking coach.
Without realizing it, I had just been evaluated by a professional, and guess what? Years of hosting trivia, emceeing events and providing onstage introductions had NOT left me with flawless speaking skills like I’d thought. Feeling humbled – yet grateful – I realized that even though I had worked long and hard to perfect my proficiency in this area, there are always those “unknown knowns” lurking – the things that others can see, but which you yourself cannot.
This experience was a sharp reminder that when it comes to speaking in public, nobody is an expert; there is always something new to be learned, practiced and developed, and plenty of room for perpetual improvement. Do you strive to be a public speaking “expert?” If so, what steps might you recommend?
5 Ways to Keep a Trivia Audience Engaged
Friday, May 6th, 2011
I’ve been hosting trivia for a while now, and am fortunate enough to have produced over 300 unique events. While hosting may be second nature to me now, I can still vividly recall when I was just starting out, and not sure what to do; there is no certification course to become a “quizmaster,” after all, and very few resources at all for the would-be live trivia host- hence, this blog.
Among the most challenging things I faced when I first started out was how to keep the audience engaged. Sure, they’re there to play trivia, and you’re obviously the guy with the microphone and the questions. However, like any other leadership role, it takes more than just positional authority to get people to pay attention and follow directions- and when the goal is to entertain & challenge a group within a set timeframe like it is with trivia parties, keeping the participants fully engaged is how you get things done.
Here are 5 things every trivia host must do to ensure that an audience stays engaged for the duration of the event:
1) Keep Things Moving – As the host, it’s up to you to ensure that the gig goes efficiently. If a trivia event feels like it’s dragging to you, it’s probably even less fun for the attendees, and you’ll lose their attention.
2) Give Timestamps – Set chronological expectations for the audience by periodically letting them know how much time is left in the game. A good way to do this is to sneak in the number of elapsed rounds, if they are told in advance how many there will be (ie: “Round 3 is…” vs. “The next round is…”). This also works for the number of rounds remaining (“Only 2 more rounds, here we go…”)
3) Use Humor Where Appropriate – You don’t need to be a professional comedian, but good, measured use of humor is the best way for the host to keep an audience happy- and when they’re happy, they want more!
4) Involve The Audience – For new trivia hosts, the inclination is to read the questions, read the answers and move on. Don’t be a lecturer: involve the audience with personal questions, celebrate their funny team names, even let them heckle you a bit. People will be more into the event if they feel that they are contributing to it, even in a small way.
5) Be Enthusiastic – The host is the “face” of the event, and sets the overall tone and tenor for the event. If you’re dynamic, the audience will feel liberated and full of vigor; if you’re lethargic, they will be staring at their watches. Be aware of how you are feeling when you approach the microphone, and make sure you are projecting positive energy.
It’s not easy maintaining the vitality of a room full of people for 2 hours, and great trivia questions alone won’t cut it. What are some other ways to ensure that an audience stays fully engaged at live trivia parties?
Less is More When Hosting a Trivia Event
Monday, May 2nd, 2011
When people find out I host trivia events professionally, often they ask me, “what is it you do differently from other hosts?” One of the things they assume is that I talk a lot, in order to keep the event flowing nicely and to ensure a positive atmosphere. This assumption is actually correct- to a point.
People love to hear the sound of their own voices, and we quizmasters are no different; however, moderation when hosting trivia events goes a long way, just like everything else. In order to deliver high-value, high-impact trivia team building activities, corporate entertainment or branding events, the host should make a point to limit his or her “on air” time, so as not to outshine the event participants- after all, the event is for their benefit, not the emcee’s.
Below are some things to keep in mind when hosting a trivia event, to ensure that you are not inadvertently “taking over” and that the action is focused squarely on the attendees:
- Use Humor Sparingly – This may sound counter-intuitive, as humor is perhaps the single most important item in the quizmaster’s arsenal. While it’s okay to be funny, don’t overdo it; a 2-hour trivia event is typically comprised of 40-50 questions, with 40-50 corresponding answers. A skilled & witty host can likely find something funny to say for each, but do you think people really want to sit through that? Probably not. Pick a few funny things to say each round, but no more- the humor will go over better if it’s not interminable.
- Keep Announcements Brief – Besides reading questions, answers and standings, the host typically provides introductory remarks, a format orientation, wrap-up and awards ceremony, among other special announcements. Keep these brief; folks have a limited amount of time to socialize at these events, and if the host is talking, they have to focus their attention on you.
- Share the Stage – At least once during the event, let someone else have the microphone. This gives the organizer, boss, sponsor, host etc. an opportunity to shine and feel valued, and also breaks things up a bit so that it doesn’t feel like it’s all you all the time.
- Don’t Talk About Yourself – It’s easy to slip into this mode when you have a microphone in your hand and are on a roll. Chances are, however, that nobody in the room knows you; not to sound blunt, but if you’re talking about yourself, why would they care? Unless it’s a quick, appropriate plug, or a personal tie-in which is directly relevant to the group, cause or venue, keep personal anecdotes to yourself when hosting trivia parties.
Being brought in to host a trivia event is not a license to take over the room. Keep your “on air” messages fun and flowing, but don’t overdo it- the audience will appreciate it in the end.
Did you find this post useful? Are there things which you may suggest doing differently? If so, what?
7 Helpful Tips for Being an Event Emcee
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
I’ve been asked to emcee a variety of large-scale events over the years based on my unique experience hosting trivia, and am more than happy to do so. Not only does it provide me with additional exposure and the opportunity to practice public speaking in a new way, but it is also a healthy diversification of my skillset into other related areas. Among my most enjoyable experiences, I have served as the main stage announcer at the 92nd Street Y’s annual fall street festival for 5 years, and recently served as event host/quizmaster for a “Michigan State Fair” event- a 3-hour “state pride” festival at The Bell House, a major performance venue in Brooklyn.
Here are some tips I’ve picked up which I find helpful when serving as the emcee of a large, sustained event:
- Do Your Homework – Learn as much as you can about the event in advance, including the cause, key participants and important facts. You don’t want to wait until someone hands you a microphone to find out what exactly this event is all about.
- Meet Everyone Involved – Before you hit the stage, take some time to walk around and introduce yourself to the event organizers, performers, booth attendants, venue manager, service staff and anyone else who is critically important to the event’s success. It helps to be “friends” with everyone in case you require additional information or assistance, and you also want to know who to give shout-outs to once you’re onstage.
- Keep to the Schedule – Always have a copy of the event schedule in your back pocket, and track your performance vigilantly. Everyone will be looking to you to find out what’s happening next, as well as to keep the event moving efficiently.
- Look Sharp – As the “face” of the event, you are not just representing yourself, but the entire program – organizers, sponsors, partners, venue and all. As such, make sure you look the part, and dress appropriately. You’ll be glad you did.
- Line Up Your Messaging – Jot down and review the key 5-10 message points you want to announce, and keep repeating them. This will likely include thanking sponsors, welcoming key groups/individuals, highlighting event attractions, mentioning special offers and more. You don’t have to say all of the points each time you’re at the mic, but mix it up- just make sure you provide a natural flow, and hit each point multiple times throughout the event.
- Keep Your “On Air” Time Brief – It’s exciting for public speakers to be onstage with mic in-hand, especially when it’s a casual, ad-libed format such as festivals. However, attendees really aren’t there to see you- they’re there to see performances, network, eat and learn. Don’t be a microphone hog; take the stage, get your message across, and step down. Repeat.
- Stay Upbeat – Attitude is important, and as the emcee your actions, words and presence really do set the overall tone of the event. Make a conscious effort to be jovial, positive and enthusiastic when you are making your announcements. And smile- you’ll likely have a photo or two snapped, so make it count.
I hope you find this helpful. What are some other important things to keep in mind when serving as event emcee?
TrivWorks founder David Jacobson blogs daily on a wide range of topics relevant to corporate event entertainment, team building and live trivia. 
