How To Not Have A Crappy Company Party - Part 4 - Your Host & Emcee

I’ve been involved with several company party planning committees when I had a “real” job and since then when I’ve helped companies with their banquet/party planning challenges. I’ve noticed that getting volunteers to help plan the party, decorate and choose the menu is usually a fairly easy task. The Martha Stewarts of the world LOVE to do this stuff.

But when it comes to enlisting someone to host the affair and keep the festivities moving, finding a willing warm body is like pulling teeth. Your own teeth. Without anesthetic. In the snow. Uphill both ways. Why? I suppose one reason is that a lot of people are afraid to speak in front of crowds even if that crowd is made up of people they see individually at work every day. Another reason; the MC has to work! That’s right. When everyone else is having fun and maybe imbibing a little too much, the Master of Ceremonies has to be the sober, on-top-of-things party host.

If you do find a volunteer who has the public speaking skills and wants to MC and host the event, you’re lucky! I’ve found that usually this person is the CEO or (if you can find one willing to give up alcohol for the evening) the sales manager. Both are used to getting up in front of people and taking charge, and I’ve seen them do a very good job.

If you have such a gem of a person at your company, email me for a copy of my ebook, Be The Emcee for tips on how to successfully host your party.

But what if you can’t find such a person? A lot of Disc Jockeys to a great job of hosting the party. Heck, they’re there anyway, they’re not drinking, so slip them some extra scratch and most will be happy to host the affair.

Another idea that may not have crossed your mind? How about hiring a clean, professional stand-up comedian to emcee? Sure, you’ve probably considered a comedian as headline entertainment, but did you know that most professional comedians got their first paid gig as emcees at comedy clubs? Yep, even Jay Leno and David Letterman started that way. Call your local comedy club and book a great MC for your party. Stand up comics are witty, most can roll with the punches, and foremost, they’ve been trained as professional hosts through the school of hard knocks. A couple of tips for hiring a good one; 1. Ask to see a demo video. 2. Ask if they own a business suit. If so, they’ll probably do a professional and businesslike job.

Like a game show or late night talk show on television, the host can make or break the event. Choose carefully and make sure they’re up for the responsibility. You’ll be well on your way to a great banquet!

April Fan Of The Month - Joe M. Of Taos, New Mexico

Here’s a picture of Joe M. and Rusty Z in Taos, NM. Thanks, Joe, for being Zing Productions’ Fan Of The Month!