In 2020, the talented and famously deadpan actor Adam Scott tried his luck as a game show host.
The show is called “Don’t” and since it was produced by Ryan Reynolds, it was an over-the-top, self-aware parody. As a host, Adam Scott was a perfect fit, but he discovered something…
Being a live event host is hard.
He admitted this during a pandemic-era interview on “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” And I agree. It ain’t easy creating an authentic connection with your audience and producing an experience that people want to tune into every week.
Yours truly had the opportunity to be the audience warm-up host for “Don’t.” This was a gig that challenged my live event hosting skills because out of roughly 12 games they needed to film for the show, only about 5 had been rehearsed ahead of time.
The unprepared production crew was left to work out logistics for cameras, lighting, and staging in the middle of those long days of filming. And when I say “long,” we’re talking 13, sometimes 15- and 19-hour days. We were filming past midnight and once until 4 a.m.
It was Gwen Stefani…that means bananas…B-A-N-A…you get it. And it was my job to keep that live (and very bored) audience engaged.
However, because I authentically connected with the audience, I kept them aligned with what we were doing. In this case, the connection became literally one on one. During our long breaks, I went and talked with many of the individuals in that audience.
I wasn’t being a character. I wasn’t being anything that I wasn’t. It was just me and Felicia in row 3.
Therefore, when we got to the wee hours of the morning, that audience stayed with me. They knew why they were there. They supported me in it. The longer the day went, the more they shouted, “Come on, Smalls! Let’s go, A-a-ron! We got this!”
Additionally, they were in it because an authentic connection was created with them. The audience wanted to support the project. They belonged to the show we were creating.
The basics of live event hosting
Over the past few months, I’ve been exploring the five elements you need to be successful at live event hosting. We’re almost to the last one!
So far we’ve covered…
4. Listen and speak with your whole body
2. Authentically connect ← we’re here!
And the last element?
1. It ain’t about you
As Adam Scott (and more so, some of the “Don’t” production team) discovered, a lot of intentional work and rehearsal goes into making a live event just right.
So let’s talk about element No. 2.
Preparation for Connection
The connection doesn’t begin the moment you jump on stage. Creating an authentic connection begins before any seats are filled.
When I’m hosting a live event, I start by connecting with the planner or the production company that’s organizing the event. If you don’t connect with the people behind the cameras and the curtains, that disruption is going to be felt by the audience and through the entire experience.
So I do my research. I want to know if I’ve worked with this company. Moreover, I make sure I understand their expectations and their vision. That’s my homework before I get to the set.
The brand connection
Beyond the experiential agencies, the creative directors, and producers planning the event is the brand itself. When you’re live event hosting, you become an extension of that brand.
You have to be able to connect to what the brand is all about. If you hate sports, hosting a city watch party for the local football team is probably not a great fit for you. It’s going to be difficult to create an authentic connection with your audience, who have a history and an emotional connection to the team.
However, if you find a brand that aligns with your values and if you connect with their mission and goals, that’s going to make your job a lot easier.
For example, Copper Dog Whiskey was looking for a host who would match their brand for a live event. They needed someone who was whimsical, rascally, and energetic.
Those are all descriptors for me. I didn’t have to create a new character to connect to that brand. They were an easy fit for my personality and brand. All I had to do was bring the spice and energy to the stage.
Ball’s in your court
The next step is connecting the ideas you’re communicating to the audience. And for that, you need their attention.
There’s an improv game where a person with a tennis ball walks through a group of people meandering around the room. The group’s goal is to keep catching the ball every time it’s thrown to a random person.
The key to the game is to look at the person you want to throw to. You have to connect with them and make sure they see your intention before you throw the tennis ball.
It’s the same with an audience. You’re sending them information. You have to look them in the eyes to make sure they’re prepared to receive it before you “throw” it.
If people are distracted, if they’re deep in a text message or engaged in another conversation, you can send all the tennis balls of information their way, but it won’t matter. They won’t fully receive it.
You have to grab the attention of your audience.
‘Cause we belong together
[Did you sing it?]
The live audience for “Don’t” stayed with me through the long hours of filming because they believed they were a vital component to the success of the show.
A key aspect of my role as an audience warm-up host is to convince them of this fact. A sense of belonging creates a strong connection to the action on stage. People want to feel like they are part of something important. You’re giving them that opportunity.
An authentic connection with the audience is about making them feel seen, heard, and included.
Think about the difference between talking AT someone versus talking WITH someone. When someone talks AT you, you immediately feel like your thoughts and opinions on the topic won’t change what’s being said. Lectures and demands are one-way conversations.
“We have another guest coming out. Clap right now for Mr. Hawk Antooah!”
However, when you are having a two-way conversation, you include the person in the exchange of information.
“Wow, folks, this next speaker is absolutely incredible. Their message has had such an impact on so many people. I’m sure it will have a similar impact on your life. You’re not going to want to miss this!”
Ask the audience for their input. Give the audience a responsibility that they can own. Show them their importance.
Use open, positive energy to authentically connect
All respect to Adam Scott and comedians like Bill Burr who can use deadpan delivery and self-deprecating sarcasm to make an audience laugh.
Personally, I’ve always found it easier to connect using positive relational energy. Either way, keep in mind the type of energy that you’re exchanging with your audience.
Most importantly, you want to be open and ready for anything and everything to happen. The audience will resist you if you try to control them rather than meeting them where they are. You won’t gain their trust to connect and invest in the journey.
In closing, keep it real. Be open to the energy of the crowd, what they have to say, and their level of connection from moment to moment.
What has been the best way for you to create an authentic connection with your audience? Share your tips with the community in the comments!
