How can you write an engaging event script?

Due to Dyslexia and a troubled childhood, I struggled at school and left with no qualifications. I couldn't even write a sentence. In 2018 I had a vision that led me to write a novel. Honestly, I had no clue but carried on using what was in my imagination (The story) to guide me to finish that book. 2023 and I have just finished my 4th novel and am currently working on my 5th. I don't have the funds to hire professionals so It's most fortunate that I have good people in my life who offered their services to edit my books. I am authentic but have learned much in regard to grammar spelling and sentence structure. I am so glad for Grammarly and Office spell check. I have my own flow and draw my stories from life experiences and imagination.

Start with a strong opening that grabs attention and sets the tone. Use descriptive language to paint a visual picture. Vary your writing with different styles; humor, rhetorical questions, inspirational quotes etc. Script conversational transitions between segments. Build in opportunities for audience interaction. Allow for natural pauses and don't over-script every moment. Research proper pronunciation of names/terms. End with a powerful, memorable close. Review for consistent tone, flow and typos. With an artfully crafted script balancing information and entertainment, you'll script an event program as an emcee that truly engages the audience from start to finish.

Whenever I emcee an event or asked to facilitate a meeting, I always do A LOT of research on the participants/audience. In addition, I’ll make it a point to reach out and actually speak to people one-on-one. And if they have any networking events I can attend prior to the conference I’m emceeing, that’s even better. Anything that offers in-person interaction is good!

DON'T start out with a basic introduction. "Good morning and welcome. I am so and so and I'm here to talk about X." Most likely the audience sees your name and title on a screen, so show them who you are instead of telling them. Most likely they already have a rough idea of the agenda and how the day will proceed. Start out with these perfunctory details and 90% of the audience will be checking email. You want their attention, drop the crutch. Instead go right in with an actual idea, a fresh thought, a story, a provocative statement that sets up why the upcoming content is compelling... You can share broad strokes of what's to come toward the end of this introduction.

Weaving in stories into your script is always a nice touch. Makes it more personal. And if you’re able to incorporate humor (if appropriate), that’s always great as it often puts the audience at ease. Whether you’re new at public speaking or seasoned, practicing before the big event is key! It’s important that when you go onstage, you’re in a relaxed state of mind.

Something I often do and I find it helps… is that I make it a point to arrive early and mingle with the people (audience) beforehand. If there’s a cocktail hour prior to the dinner (gala or show), I’ll attend and talk to guests. I find that relaxes me and I’m often able to read the room, to get the pulse of the audience. I may only stay for 30 minutes but that short interaction is good.