An emcee, or Master of Ceremonies, fills in the gaps in an event and provides continuity for the audience. The emcee also keeps the event rolling in case of a backstage disaster and makes everything look planned. Perhaps most importantly, the emcee wraps up the event for the audience, hastening the end while making the audience feel good about its attendance.
Keep up the pace as the event winds down. Everyone gets tired toward the end of a program, including the audience, but the emcee should keep a pace close to the high energy opening. Look and sound bright and you will boost the mood of the audience.
Review the emotional highlights of the event. Here, you should touch on the high points, the mishaps, the shared reminiscences. Remind the audience that it has had a good time and its money has been well spent. This action is like a salesman pointing out the good qualities of something the customer owns, to reinforce the idea that the customer has good taste. You can work this section chronologically, which works in most situations, or by theme.
Leave them wanting more. An old stage adage reminds the emcee to get off the stage while the audience still feels entertained. More than anything, the emcee prevents dead air--a radio term for that awkward silence when no one has anything to say. Keep a list of closing reminders for the end, such as to watch your step and drive home carefully, finishing with a good joke or zinger. Audiences always like to hear good night and thank you, so use those words, too.