Creating memorable occasions

By Zanita Careem

In the vibrant realm of emceeing and anchoring Sharon Mascanenhas, shines as a dynamic and captivating professional, enchanting audience across a broad spetrum of events with her versatility as an emcee She effortlessly tailors her hosting style to resonate with diverse audiences whether it’s a corporate gatherings or government shows. In this interview, Sharon unveils her wealth of experiences, invaluable tips and insights into the ever evolving role an emcee in the digital age. Here she delves into the art of creating memorable event experiences and advogating intricate nuances of engaging with audiences in today’s dynamic event landscape.

Every event is a new experience – your opinion?

Every event brings its own unique energy and challenges. It’s what keeps this profession exciting for me. From the décor to the theme and from the wardrobe to the audience, it is different! The diverse range of events I work with always keeps me excited.

Tell us something about your journey?

My journey as an emcee has been a thrilling one. I started at the age of 17 as a kids’ news reader at Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, and from there, I upgraded to the main news team. I was then invited to host several television programs, such as the entertainment music show and events around the world, and fashion around the world. This paved the way for me to study various subjects and opened opportunities to host corporate and government events.

Gradually, I started expanding my range in terms of events and began making a space for myself in the arena. I found myself winning awards and even getting opportunities to host events overseas, which is something I am eternally grateful for.

What do you think are the drawbacks of being in this profession?

The irregularity of the schedule can be challenging to balance work and life, and there’s constant pressure to deliver memorable performances. As a woman in a culturally conservative country, it’s tough; we are often seen as props, but we get recognised when we deliver – it’s a delicate balance to maintain.

Sharon Mascarenhas

So, sometimes, working late nights and having people understand our role can be somewhat intimidating. Juggling my emceeing with my full-time 9-5 job as a marketeer at BCS can also be a challenge, but I enjoy my work and it helps me stay on edge and continue learning. However, multi tasking is more tiring now than before.

Tell us about the experiential side of being an Emcee?

Being an emcee is about creating memorable experiences for the audience. It’s about connecting with people, making them feel engaged, and leaving a lasting impression. Its always exciting and challenging when you are thrown on the spot with unexpected, spontaneous challenges and you have to rely on your experience to manage them whilst being your authentic self and delivering a good performance.

What are some of your brand collaborations? How well have they worked for you?

I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with several brands, and they have been very exciting endeavours. These partnerships have allowed me to showcase my skills to a wider audience. I’m grateful that some of these clients have been with me for more than ten years now.

What is the scope of making a career in this profession?

The scope is immense, especially as events and entertainment continue to evolve. Emcees are in demand for various occasions, from corporate events to weddings, making it a promising career choice. And Sri Lanka is an exciting place – there is always something around the corner, come rain or shine!

What made you decide to take up emceeing as a part-time career, and how supportive was your family?

My parents were my biggest strength; they have seen me grow, struggle, laugh, and have shared my joys of wins and losses too. I’m grateful to have very understanding and open-minded parents who support me. They wait up until I reach home on most late nights.

People always tell me that I have the ideal voice for events and the confidence to handle any audience. Yet I would add another key ingredient to this mix: my very supportive parents.

To err is only human. Tell us about an on-stage epic fail that still makes you cringe?

One unforgettable moment was when I accidentally mispronounced a guest’s name during a high-profile event. It taught me the importance of thorough preparation and staying composed under pressure. There have been other incidents, like inviting a speaker to open a segment, and having them refuse to show up at the given time. Yet it’s all part of the job – you must have your toolkit of impromptu techniques to handle any situation.

Who has been your inspiration in your career?

There have been many inspiring emcees in the industry, but Steve Harvey’s ability to connect with his audience and make every moment meaningful has always inspired me.