Unlearning The Spotlight 11: Unlearning That Virtual and Live Events Require the Same Skills

The last few years have shown us that events are no longer confined to a stage, a room, or even a single time zone. Virtual and hybrid formats are here to stay. And while many assumed the role of the Emcee could simply be lifted from live to virtual, the truth is that the two environments call for very different and nuanced approaches.

When you host a live event, you feed off the energy of the room. You can see faces, hear laughter, sense restlessness, and adjust your pace or tone on the spot. Virtual events, however, strip away that feedback loop. Instead of a thousand faces, you may be staring into a tiny camera light, expected to hold attention across continents while competing with email notifications, family interruptions, and countless other distractions.

That is why unlearning the assumption that live and virtual require the same skills is critical for any Emcee who wants to remain relevant and effective.

The Emcee’s Role in Virtual and Hybrid Engagement

In a virtual setting, presence takes on a new dimension. It is not enough to be polished and energetic. You must learn to create intimacy through a screen, speaking as if to one person while knowing hundreds may be watching. A focus on timing, varied tone, and clarity matter even more because online audiences drift quickly when they sense monotony.

Just as important is your professional set-up. A clean, distraction-free background, high-quality microphone, and strong lighting can be the difference between looking amateur and commanding trust.

Investing in the right tools is not vanity; it is part of delivering an experience that feels credible and seamless. In the same way you wouldn’t walk on stage in crumpled clothing, you shouldn’t show up online with poor, echoey sound or a cluttered backdrop.

Hybrid events bring their own complexity. Here the Emcee becomes a bridge, ensuring both the people in the room and the people online feel equally included. If you only play to the live audience, the online attendees feel like spectators. If you only address the camera, the live room loses interest. Balancing these dual realities is an art that requires practice, focus, and a constant awareness of who you are catering to in each moment.

The Event Organiser’s Perspective

From an organiser’s point of view, the challenge is often logistical. Technology hiccups, connectivity issues, and scheduling across time zones can all derail the flow. An Emcee who understands virtual engagement not only keeps the programme moving but also acts as a calm, confident anchor when things go wrong.

Equally important is the ability to set expectations for both audiences. A professional, experienced host knows how to onboard participants, explain how interaction will work, and make sure that regardless of whether people are in the room or on their couches, they feel part of a shared experience. This is not about replicating a live event online. It is about crafting something that respects the medium and maximises its strengths.

The Mindset Shift

To succeed, Emcees need to reframe their thinking. Hosting virtually is not a watered-down version of being live. It is its own discipline. The camera becomes your stage, the chat box your applause, and silence is no longer awkward but expected. The skill is in leaning into these differences instead of fighting them.

When we unlearn the idea that live and virtual are interchangeable, we begin to move towards facilitating two distinct and entertaining formats that make for an engaged, interested audience. We stop trying to replicate one environment inside another, and instead design for connection wherever people are.

Homework for Emcees

Before your next virtual or hybrid event, take time to build a set-up that truly works for you. This might include using dual screens so you can see both your notes and your audience, printing a physical copy of the agenda in case of tech glitches, or establishing a back-channel with the organiser for quick updates and instructions. Think of your set-up as part of your toolkit, designed not just to make you comfortable, but to give your client confidence that you are prepared for every scenario.

Final Thoughts

Virtual and hybrid formats are not a passing trend. They are a confirmed part of the event landscape. The Emcees who will thrive are those who embrace the unique challenges and opportunities these formats bring. It is not about copy-pasting old skills into new spaces - it is about expanding your toolkit, deepening your presence, and finding new ways to connect. It’s about being high-touch.

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If you are planning an event and want to create an experience that engages both in-person and online audiences with equal impact, I would love to help. Arrange a 20-minute video call with me to explore how I can support your event goals.

And if you would like to continue following this journey, subscribe to my blog on my website. At the end of the series, you will receive all 17 chapters in a free PDF mini-book called “Unlearning the Spotlight.”

Together, let’s unlearn the old habits and embrace the future of authentic, high-touch facilitation.