Unlearning The Spotlight 5: Unlearning Routine Patter

Every Emcee I know has, at some point, leaned on routine patter. You’re familiar with it: the pre-rehearsed jokes, the scripted transitions, the predictable lines that can be dusted off and delivered no matter the event. They feel safe, they usually get a polite laugh or a knowing nod, and they help fill the gaps.

But while routine patter may keep an event moving, it rarely creates authentic connection. In fact, it has the potential to pull the audience out of the moment. Instead of feeling present and valued, guests may feel like they are watching a performance that reminds them of every other event they’ve ever attended.

Why Stock Lines Fall Flat

Audiences today are sharp. They can tell when words are genuine and when they are recycled. A line that might have landed perfectly at an awards gala last month may feel completely tone-deaf at a leadership summit this week.

I have seen it happen. An Emcee delivers a tried-and-tested joke that once had a room in stitches, only to be met with silence because the context didn’t fit. Or they throw in a “crowd warm-up” line that sounds more like a comedy club than a corporate conference. It’s tone deaf. What is missing here is relevance, nuance, and a sense of being fully present with this particular audience.

The Event Organiser’s Perspective

From an organiser’s point of view, routine patter may waste precious time, and it may also clash with the tone of the event. Imagine a serious strategy session where the Emcee uses the same recycled clips they always use. The mismatch can undermine the organiser’s goals, distract from the message, and leave the wrong impression. An attempt to engage a disinterested crowd with an energetic request for interaction may end up leaving the Emcee looking isolated and on the outside looking awkward.

Organisers are looking for an event host who can read the room, understand the purpose, and align every word with the vision of the event and the audience’s energy. Stock lines simply cannot achieve that. What creates lasting impact is an Emcee who responds in real time with authenticity and empathy.

What Authentic Connection Looks Like

Authenticity is not about being funny on command or clever for the sake of it. It is about being fully present. It means noticing the moment, acknowledging what is happening in the room, and responding in a way that feels both natural and meaningful.

Sometimes it is as simple as drawing attention to the collective mood: “You can feel the excitement building in here” or “I’m so glad that coffee station was running at full capacity this morning.” Other times it might be honouring the achievement of a speaker or audience member with sincerity rather than with a rehearsed line. These moments may not be scripted, but they are felt. And because they are genuine, they build trust and connection.

The Mindset Shift

Unlearning routine patter is not about abandoning preparation. It is about shifting from “What lines will I use?” to “How can I connect with this audience, right now?” Preparation is still essential, but it is the preparation of presence, not patter.

For me, this is where the craft of the Emcee explores its highest form. The words may change from event to event, but the effect is the same: the audience feels seen, the speakers feel supported, and the organiser’s vision is amplified.

Homework for Emcees

At your next event, challenge yourself to cut out at least one piece of stock patter you would normally use. Replace it with a moment of genuine observation. Look around the room, notice something specific that is happening in real time, and bring it into your remarks. Pay attention to how the audience responds. You may be surprised at how much more connection you create when you leave the script behind.

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Unlearning routine patter is a step toward building authentic presence. When we stop reaching for the stock lines and start responding to the moment, we not only elevate the energy in the room, we also create a more meaningful and memorable experience.

If you are planning an event and want your message and your people to take centre stage, I would love to help. Arrange a 20-minute video call with me and let’s explore how I can support your event goals.