Mistakes to Avoid as an Event Anchor (And How to Fix Them) By Anchor Saurav Suryavanshi
Event anchoring is a high-stakes job that requires poise, charisma, and flawless execution. Even seasoned hosts can make mistakes, but the key lies in recognizing them quickly and managing the situation effectively. Here are some common mistakes event anchors make, along with tips on how to fix them and prevent them from affecting the flow of the event:
1. Lack of Preparation
Mistake: Arriving at the event without fully understanding the agenda, the speakers, or the audience can cause confusion, awkward pauses, and poorly executed introductions.
How to Fix It:
Prepare Thoroughly: Review the schedule, speakers, and key moments in advance. Familiarize yourself with the event's purpose, its themes, and any technical details.
Know the Participants: Learn about the key individuals—whether they are speakers, performers, or VIPs—so that you can introduce them confidently and personally.
Have a Backup Plan: In case something goes wrong (e.g., a speaker is late or there’s a technical glitch), always have a few backup anecdotes, jokes, or topics to fill the time smoothly.
2. Overloading with Information
Mistake: Bombarding the audience with too much information or being overly verbose during introductions can cause disengagement.
How to Fix It:
Keep It Concise: When introducing a speaker or segment, focus on the most important points. Keep introductions brief but meaningful. Avoid long-winded explanations unless necessary.
Highlight Key Information: Be sure to emphasize important details, such as a speaker’s major achievements or the event’s main theme, but avoid overwhelming the audience with excessive data or background.
3. Overuse of Humor
Mistake: While humor can help break the ice, overdoing it or telling inappropriate jokes can undermine your professionalism and the tone of the event.
How to Fix It:
Know Your Audience: Tailor your humor to the audience. What works in one setting (like a casual party) may not resonate in a formal corporate or wedding event.
Keep It Light and Relevant: Use humor to connect, not to distract. A small, self-deprecating joke or a light-hearted remark can ease tension, but make sure it doesn't dominate your approach.
4. Neglecting to Read the Room
Mistake: Failing to adjust your tone or energy to match the audience’s vibe can make the event feel disconnected. For example, using high-energy humor at a serious corporate event or being too laid-back at a wedding can feel out of place.
How to Fix It:
Observe Audience Reactions: Continuously gauge how the audience is responding to your energy and tone. Are they smiling, laughing, engaged, or disinterested? Adapt your approach based on this feedback.
Match the Atmosphere: If the audience seems more reserved, adjust your tone to be more serious and respectful. If the event is lively, bring energy and enthusiasm to keep the excitement going.
5. Not Managing Time Effectively
Mistake: Running over time or letting segments drag can disrupt the flow of the event, causing delays or missed opportunities.
How to Fix It:
Stick to the Schedule: Be aware of the event's timeline and manage transitions efficiently. Keep an eye on the clock, and make sure each segment stays within the allotted time.
Keep Segments on Track: If a speaker or segment is running long, politely steer them back to the schedule. You can do this by saying, “Thank you for that insight; we’re now moving on to…”
Anticipate Delays: If there’s a delay, acknowledge it with confidence and introduce a filler segment (like a story or audience engagement) to maintain the energy until the event catches up.
6. Failing to Adjust to Technical Issues
Mistake: Ignoring technical issues or letting them cause a major disruption without addressing them quickly can make you seem unprepared.
How to Fix It:
Stay Calm and Confident: If there’s a technical issue (e.g., microphone malfunction, AV problems), remain calm and acknowledge it without making it a bigger deal than it is. Acknowledge the issue with grace and keep the mood light while the problem is addressed.
Have a Contingency Plan: If you have a microphone issue or audio glitch, be ready to continue the event without it if necessary. Always have backup material, such as engaging stories or audience interaction, to buy time while the problem is resolved.
7. Lack of Audience Engagement
Mistake: Speaking at the audience without engaging them can make the event feel more like a lecture than an interactive experience.
How to Fix It:
Include the Audience: Ask questions, encourage participation, and acknowledge the audience's reactions. This can be as simple as saying, “I’d love to hear your thoughts on this,” or incorporating live polls and Q&A sessions.
Be Conversational: Even in formal settings, try to adopt a conversational tone to make the event feel more personable and less like a one-way monologue.
8. Forgetting to Acknowledge the Organizers
Mistake: Not giving credit to the event organizers, sponsors, or other key contributors can come off as unprofessional or disrespectful.
How to Fix It:
Give Thanks: At the beginning and end of the event, acknowledge the organizers, sponsors, and anyone else who helped bring the event together. Acknowledge their hard work and express gratitude for the opportunity to host.
Highlight Sponsors: If applicable, mention sponsors or partners who have made significant contributions to the event. This not only shows gratitude but also helps maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.
9. Losing Your Place or Forgetting Segments
Mistake: Losing your place in the script or forgetting key segments can cause awkward pauses and make you seem unprepared.
How to Fix It:
Stay Organized: Have a clear script or set of notes in front of you. If you lose track, pause for a moment, and refer back to your notes. Don’t try to wing it if you’re unsure about what comes next—take a moment to compose yourself.
Use Bullet Points: Instead of reading from a full script, use bullet points to keep track of important segments and ensure you don’t miss anything.
Be Comfortable with Flexibility: While preparation is key, also be ready to improvise. If you forget something, don’t panic—find a way to smoothly transition to the next part of the event.
10. Not Connecting with the Speakers or Presenters
Mistake: Not properly introducing or connecting with the speakers or presenters can make the transition feel awkward and disjointed.
How to Fix It:
Engage with the Speaker Beforehand: If possible, have a brief chat with the speaker before their presentation. This helps you introduce them in a personalized way that feels more genuine.
Seamless Transitions: When handing over to a speaker or presenter, ensure your transition is smooth. Acknowledge their expertise, mention their achievements, and set the stage for their segment in a way that builds anticipation.
Conclusion
Event anchoring is a blend of preparation, adaptability, and interpersonal skills. Mistakes are bound to happen, but with the right mindset and quick thinking, they can be easily fixed without disrupting the event. By staying prepared, managing time effectively, engaging with the audience, and handling technical issues calmly, you’ll be able to smooth over any hiccups and ensure the event remains a memorable success. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about how you recover and keep the momentum going!