The stories of a man and his voice.
One of the most difficult things to do is to speak on the spot. You might say that’s easy. Sure it is, if it doesn’t matter what you say. But what if you are a presenter on stage or at a function or have been thrown a ridiculous question by your boss? People are looking…
If you feel confident in front of a crowd and enjoy interacting with an audience this could be a good gig for you. As with anything creative it is often difficult to get in. in 2004 I met a chap who worked as a spotter at the Narellan Auctions (now closed). I was working in…
Before you roll your eyes thinking it’s not for you have a look at your goals. If you want to learn or improve this is indeed for you. But the key is to select the right group – in big cities there are many groups and if you get the right fit of people you…
One of the greatest lessons I learned was from a friend Mr Duffy. Brian, an astute businessman, told me to always ask, on any job, these magic three words: ‘What’s your Budget?’ Prior to this I would fall for the old pretty face who squirmed for the lowest price because of financial difficulties. So for…
Not many of us would think that the type size and type face is really that important. But I have died a thousand deaths because of this. I have emceed a few events where the organiser or communications manager promises to email the run sheet days before the event. I want the run sheet before…
For years I had emceed this particular event for free. They had little budgets and I was happy to help out. The last time I emceed the event the lighting technician manning the spotlight caused me grief. All went well in rehearsal. In one part, a crucial part, I announced the debutants as they came…
You’re on stage facing the audience you thank the previous act for their wonderful performance and then lead into introducing the next act – a dance troupe. You build them up, as per your script and just as you raise your voice to say them name comes a whisper. Actually not a whisper, more a…
As I stood on the stage in front of a few thousand people at a Thai cultural event in Parramatta, my mind was not right. I was wearing a t-shirt. Not a good look for an emcee. I was told someone would deliver a traditional Thai shirt on the day. That event is my worst…
An audience of senior year students filled the club’s auditorium. My job as emcee was call out the finalists, bring them to the stage and then announce 3rd, 2nd and then the winner. The event was highly charged and exciting as the students came from a performing arts high school. Check Before When I’m on…
I have worked both sides of the microphone. As a writer and a hirer of talent. And as a voice talent wanting opportunities. In my early days I prided myself in giving people an opportunity. But in the end, I gave up and just used talent who I knew could deliver––without much fuss. It’s all…
