The Art of Compering
What is Compering?
- Compering means hosting a show. The compere is like the main person who introduces the program and the people in it. Other names for a compere are MC (Master of Ceremonies), anchor, announcer, or microphone controller.
- The compere’s job is to guide the event, tell the audience what’s happening, and keep things running smoothly.
- Comperes are needed for all kinds of events, from serious ones like conferences to fun ones like parties and weddings.
What Does a Compere Do?
- A compere gets the audience excited and tells them what will happen in the show.
- They praise the performers and make the audience clap and cheer.
- Comperes make sure each part of the show changes smoothly to the next.
- Even if something goes wrong, the compere keeps the show going.
- When a person is compere, they should be natural, real, and energetic.
Tips for Compering
- Practice a lot: It’s good to practice in front of a mirror.
- Be prepared: Know your words well, so you can add things confidently on stage.
- Have a script: Write down what you will say.
- Dress nicely: Wear clothes that are right for the event.
- Introduce yourself: But remember, you are not the main star.
- Breathe: Take steady, deep breaths.
- Smile and talk to the audience: Look at them and change your voice to keep it interesting.
- Keep the show moving: Don’t let it drag.
- Apologize if needed: If there’s a big mistake, say sorry.
What You Need to be a Good Compere
- You need to speak well, have clear thoughts, and be confident.
- It’s important to understand what kind of event it is.
- Speak in a simple but respectful way, and be sincere.
- Be able to work with the people running the event, like the technicians and organizers.
Fillers
- Fillers are short, fun things to keep the audience interested, like little performances or jokes.
- They can also be used to make people laugh between parts of the show.
- Fillers are helpful if the show is running late.
- There are many kinds of fillers, like mimicry, riddles, short stories, jokes, or recitations.
- The compere should prepare fillers, just like they prepare their script.
- Fillers are important to keep the show connected and flowing.
Example of a Compere’s Script
- The chapter provides an example of a script a compere might use for a cultural event showcasing Indian dances.
The script includes:
- Introduction and welcome
- Lighting of the lamp
- Information about the event
- Introducing the dance performances with details about each dance
- Closing remarks
- Vote of thanks to the organizers, guests, and audience.
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