Last weekend, I stepped into a new role in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) world: emceeing! Having been a participant for years, I thought I knew the ins and outs of FTC. But this experience gave me a whole new perspective, from the early-morning preparations to the final round of matches. It was a whirlwind of excitement, learning, and, above all, fun!
My Emcee Experience
The day began bright and early on a Sunday morning. I started by watching the official game video to refresh my memory of all the terminology. (No one wants an emcee calling a game element by the wrong name!) When I arrived at the venue, I met the other emcee, and we kicked off the event with a high-energy opening that set the tone for the day.
One of the highlights of the experience was connecting with volunteers, including judges and referees who had previously evaluated my team at competitions. Talking to them gave me a fresh perspective on the game this year, and I learned so much about how the behind-the-scenes judging process works. It was fascinating to see the level of effort and coordination that goes into making these tournaments run smoothly.
Lessons Learned
Throughout the day, I had so much fun hyping up teams, keeping the audience engaged, and learning on the fly. I made a couple of mistakes—like accidentally mixing up team names—but the key was to recover quickly and keep the energy high.
Here are some tips for anyone looking to step into the emcee role:
Stay Hydrated: I rarely lose my voice, but by the end of the day, my vocal cords were feeling the strain. Bring water and take small sips whenever you can.
Keep the Energy Up: Especially in the second half of the qualifying matches, the crowd can get tired. It’s your job to energize them and keep the event lively. Whether it’s commenting that it’s almost lunch or hyping up a high-scoring match, make it fun for everyone.
Think Big Picture: Many audience members are parents who may not fully understand the game’s intricacies. Highlight point values and celebrate teamwork, strategy, and perseverance rather than getting bogged down in technical details.
Eat the Mic: Ok, not literally– but keep the microphone really close to your mouth! I learned this the hard way after shouting into the mic all day. Proper mic technique will save your voice and make your announcements clearer.
Know Your Teams: Double-check team numbers and alliances before announcing. It can be confusing for teams and the audience if you mix things up. Using the team names during the match also helps the audience keep track of the teams they are rooting for!
Have Fun: Your enthusiasm is contagious. If you’re having fun, everyone else will too. Celebrate every match, every robot, and every team’s effort—it’s what makes FTC events so special.
Final Thoughts
Emceeing was an incredible experience that gave me a new appreciation for everyone who contributes to making FTC tournaments memorable. If you ever get the chance to emcee, go for it! It’s a fantastic way to connect with the community, learn more about the game, and support the teams in a unique and impactful way.
I’d love to hear from others– what are your tips and experiences for emceeing or hosting outreach events? Drop them in the comments below!
Comments