Have you ever heard a painfully bad cover of a great song? It doesn’t matter whether it is the pure genius of Bohemian Rhapsody or the haunting notes of My Heart Will Go On, a ’vocally challenged’ singer will mercilessly butcher a song regardless of how good it is.
The same goes for emcees. They might walk on stage in a posh suit, armed with quick wit and a meticulously prepared script, but if they deliver in a flat, monotone voice that drones on endlessly, even the chairs will start snoring.
Voice and tone will hit the audience the instant an emcee says the first word and continue throughout your event until the last person leaves. Whether it is a wedding, conference, roadshow, or casual festival, they can make or break your event’s success.
So why do voice and tone make such a significant impact? Let’s look into that further.
Sets The Mood
The moment the emcee speaks the first word, the room is at attention. It isn’t just what he or she is saying, is how he or she is saying it. A warm, friendly tone instantly puts the guests at ease, and a crisp, formal one lends an aura of professionalism.
When hosting more casual events, a playful, melodic delivery can kick off the event with high energy, leaving the crowd anticipating more.
Good emcees have several profiles in their arsenal and know how to match their vocals and tone according to the type of event. For example, a confident, polished delivery for gala dinners and awards ceremonies or fun, cheerful tones for family days or staff D&Ds.
Creating Sincere Connection
There are exceptions, of course, but emcees are genuinely extroverted people who love connecting with people and enjoy interaction. They are people-pleasers who find it easy to engage the crowd and gain their trust.
A warm, friendly tone of voice is crucial to this, and most of us know how hypnotic a good voice can be. A flat, boring voice not only can lose the audience’s attention but can also showcase the emcee in a negative light, which is not necessarily accurate.
A forced or overly rehearsed tone can come off as robotic, while a relaxed, likable delivery feels approachable and real. It isn’t just about speaking clearly, it is about being clued in to the audience’s emotions and inserting subtle cues like a well-timed laugh, or a sympathetic pause.
Commanding Attention
As much as emcees want to be friends with their audience, they are not. They are hosts, and effective hosts should be adept at commanding attention and making people listen when they have something to say.
A clear, rich voice can get and hold the audience’s attention way more effectively than one that is thin and unremarkable.
Humour and Personality
Many call center professionals are trained to smile when they speak on the phone, as although the person on the other line cannot see them, they can feel a smile and a healthy dose of positive energy.
The same goes for emcees. An emcee who is amused and entertained can easily convey how much he or she is enjoying the event, affecting the crowd with infectious enthusiasm. A cheery, laughing voice does wonders to lift spirits and energy!
Conveying the Brand’s Message
Emcees aren’t just your hosts or facilitators, they are the face and voice of your brand, especially in corporate events like product launches, award dinners, or conferences. Your choice of emcee should be a direct reflection of the brand image and philosophies you want to convey.
For example, a luxury brand requires a well-groomed, smooth emcee while a sports brand might want a gung-ho go-getter with infinite energy. Besides, emcees perform at their best when they deeply connect with their audience, and identifying with them over common interests makes things easy.
Voice and tone lay the foundation for any successful emcee. It isn’t just what you’re saying, it is how you say it. For any effective emcee, vocal mastery isn’t an option, but it is non-negotiable and an immutable law.
The good news is that voice and tone can be trained, and raw talent can only get you so far. Hard work and extensive preparation also play a significant role in an emcee’s success. Remember, practice makes perfect!
If you’re looking for a trained emcee, give us a shout. Our emcees are looking forward to meeting you!
