How to anchor a function

An anchor is not the star of a function. The anchor is the thread that holds the beads together. When the anchoring is good, the audience hardly notices it; they only feel that the evening flowed. This guide is for the student, teacher, employee or family member who has been handed a microphone and told, "You will host."

What an anchor actually does

• Opens the programme and sets its mood.
• Introduces each speaker and item, briefly and correctly.
• Fills the gaps while the stage is being set.
• Keeps the programme to time.
• Thanks, wraps up and sends people home happy.

A week before: build the running order

Ask the organiser for the full list of items and write a running order: a table with the time, the item, who performs it, how long it takes and what the stage needs. This sheet is your map. Share it with the sound and stage teams so that everyone works from the same page.

Writing your links

A "link" is the short piece the anchor says between two items. A good link has three parts: a line of appreciation for what just finished, a bridge, and an introduction to what comes next. Keep each link to about twenty seconds.

Example: "What a graceful dance. Thank you, class six. From the rhythm of the feet, we move to the rhythm of words. Please welcome Aarav of class nine with his poem."

Write links only after watching the rehearsals, so that your lines fit the real items. Avoid borrowed couplets and heavy lines that every anchor uses; one fresh, simple sentence of your own is better. Our opening and closing lines can start you off.

Names and titles

Nothing spoils an introduction like a wrong name. Collect every name, designation and the order of seniority in writing. Mark how difficult names are said. Practise them aloud. On the day, confirm that the people on your list have actually arrived.

Working with a co-anchor

• Divide the lines clearly and mark them A and B on both copies.
• Look at each other when handing over; it looks natural and avoids both speaking at once.
• Agree on a small sign, such as a tap on the paper, for "skip to the next item".
• Dress in a matching style, and stand a comfortable arm's length apart.

When things go wrong

They will. The music will not play, a performer will be missing, the Chief Guest will be late. The audience takes its mood from the anchor, so stay calm and keep these ready:

• A filler: a short quiz question for the audience, a fact about the occasion, or a round of applause for the backstage team.
• A line for delays: "We will take a short pause while the stage is set for our next item."
• A change of order: ask the coordinator which item can come forward, and announce it as if it were planned.

Never blame anyone from the stage, and never announce a problem in detail. "A technical pause" is enough.

Voice and manner

• Hold the microphone a fist away from your mouth and keep it there when you turn your head.
• Speak slower than in conversation. Halls echo.
• Smile before you speak; it changes the sound of the voice.
• Do not read with your head down. Look up at the end of every sentence.
• Keep jokes clean and kind. Never joke about a person's looks, language, community or marks.

On the day: a short checklist

1. Two printed copies of the script and running order, in large type, with a pen.
2. A sound check for every microphone you will use.
3. Water at the side of the stage.
4. The list of names, confirmed.
5. Phone on silent, and not in your hand.

Ready scripts to adapt: Annual Day, farewell party, family function and more on the anchoring scripts page.