A. Motivation: Benefits of Using These Guidelines

    1. The mood and pace of the whole evening (luncheon, retreat, church, etc.) can be set by the
        emcee.

    2. You will eliminate the common mistakes that have been committed in the past.

    3. You can use these guidelines in any situation in which Rusty is speaking.


B. Directions: Guidelines for Introducing Rusty

    1. The emcee needs to be an informed, easy-going person, someone with whom the audience
        can easily identify.

    2. Usually the emcee should be a student or volunteer.

    3. The emcee needs to arrive early to meet with Rusty.

    4. The emcee needs to dress casually, yet tastefully.

    5. The emcee should be careful about telling jokes.

    6. The emcee needs to practice the introduction (see below) to the point where s/he can
        introduce Rusty in a relaxed, candid manner.

    7. The emcee should recognize key dignitaries who are present by saying, "We're very honored
        to have the president of the university, Dr. (name)

    8. A back-up emcee should be available.

    9. The following pages contain introductions for your use. Cut these out and give to those who
        will be introducing Rusty in lectures, churches, retreats,  luncheons, etc.


The Introduction

Good evening! My name is _______________ , and I'm a sophomore here at (campus). I want to welcome you to the first of a three-night University Classic Series sponsored by (organization). Our speaker for these three nights is Rusty Wright. Rusty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Duke University and a Master of Theology degree from Oxford University. A syndicated columnist, he is a member of two national honor societies in the US and is the award-winning author of four books, including Dynamic Sex, The Other Side of Life, and Secrets of Successful Humor. He has spoken to thousands of university students, professors, executives, diplomats and professional athletes on six continents. He has appeared on television talk shows across the US and around the world. Tonight Rusty will be speaking on (topic). Let's give Rusty a warm welcome to (campus/city). (Lead applause.)



The Introduction

Good evening! My name is _____________ , and I'm a sophomore here at (campus). I want to welcome you to the first of a three-night University Classic Series sponsored by (organization). Our speaker for these three nights is Rusty Wright. Rusty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Duke University and a Master of Theology degree from Oxford University. A syndicated columnist, he is a member of two national honor societies in the US and is the award-winning author of four books, including Dynamic Sex, The Other Side of Life, and Secrets of Successful Humor. He has spoken to thousands of university students, professors, executives, diplomats and professional athletes on six continents. He has appeared on television talk shows across the US and around the world. Tonight Rusty will be speaking on (topic). Let's give Rusty a warm welcome to (campus/city). (Lead applause.)



The Introduction

Good evening! My name is _____________ , and I'm a sophomore here at (campus). I want to welcome you to the first of a three-night University Classic Series sponsored by (organization). Our speaker for these three nights is Rusty Wright. Rusty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Duke University and a Master of Theology degree from Oxford University. A syndicated columnist, he is a member of two national honor societies in the US and is the award-winning author of four books, including Dynamic Sex, The Other Side of Life, and Secrets of Successful Humor. He has spoken to thousands of university students, professors, executives, diplomats and professional athletes on six continents. He has appeared on television talk shows across the US and around the world. Tonight Rusty will be speaking on (topic). Let's give Rusty a warm welcome to (campus/city). (Lead applause.)

 

Organizational Chart and Lines of Communication

C. Directions: Coordinating the Program

    1. In some cases it may be appropriate to have a talented singer come on before Rusty
        (especially before the Dynamic Sex of Dating game talks). The emcee should consider this
        possibility with the Physical Arrangements and Special Services Coordinator and the Lecture
        Series Coordinator. The  meeting length as it relates to the length of Rusty’s talk is an
        important consideration. Schedule a singer only if sufficient time exists. If the decision is  made
        to have a singer, the emcee is responsible for coordinating this into the program.

    2. Because these lectures tend to attract unbelievers who would not normally attend Christian
        meetings, special care needs to be taken to make sure we are sensitive to the people we
        attract. Experience has shown us the necessity of observing the following guidelines. (Please
        realize that behind these constraints is a loving attitude and a desire to see Christ glorified. We
        do not want to put you in a box. We just want to do the best job possible for the Lord.)

    3. Here are some guidelines regarding a singer:

        a. The person should be sharp and capable.

        b. They should sing one song.

        c. The song should not be a Christian song (or have Christian or church related words or
            themes) and should last about three minutes.

        d. A popular romantic-type song works best for the Dynamic Sex or Dating Game lectures.

        e. The singer should not spend a lot of time introducing the song and should not say anything
            that even hints of Christianity. Ideally, the publicity has mentioned the sponsoring group and
            attendees will know it is a Christian sponsor. Rusty is very clear about his Christian
            perspective in his presentations, but prefers to introduce that himself. Sometimes when well-
            meaning entertainers have mentioned Christian themes before Rusty has spoken, skeptical
            audience members have feared they have encountered what may become a “hard-sell”
            Christian meeting and have left. This negative reaction can happen even if the singer is quite
            tactful in mentioning Christianity.

        f. The emcee should audition the singer's song well before the night of the lecture. S/he should
            also brief the singer on all the above details. Have the singer go through with you everything
            he or she will say and sing.

        g. If you do not have a sharp singer, omit the song.

        h. If you use a singer, the emcee should introduce the singer first and then introduce Rusty after
            the singer is done.

    4. Here are some general do's and don'ts for the program:

        a. Do encourage Christians to spread out in the crowd, to meet people and share Christ with
            them afterward.

        b. Do pray lots for a fruitful harvest.

        c. Don't have Christian-oriented entertainment or group singing.

        d. Don't have testimonies for most talks. Consult Rusty in advance for advice on using
            testimonies with any lectures.

    5. Time

        a. For classics (or “College Life”), allow 60 minutes for the lecture.

        b. For open-air free speech situations, allow 30-35 minutes for the lecture.


Master Of Ceremonies

Checklist

(Work with the Physical Arrangements and Special Services Coordinator to plan out “target dates” for each responsibility. Then check them off as you complete them.)

 

Lecture Series Job Report and Evaluation Form

(Please complete this and give to your supervisor soon after the Lecture Series is over. Your input can be very valuable to your fellow believers and your local ministry.)


Your Name                                                                                                         Job Title

Today's Date                                                                                                         Campus


Description of Your Job

1. Briefly describe your responsibilities.




Evaluation

2. What things went well with your job?




3. What things did not go well?




Recommendations

4. Any suggestions for improvement?