THE ART OF COMPERING
Std. XII HSC English – Maharashtra State Board
Writing Skill – Complete Notes, Format, Rules & Examples
1. What is Compering?
Compering is the art of conducting and coordinating a programme from beginning to end.
A compere is the person who hosts, anchors or conducts a programme. The compere introduces the programme, welcomes the guests and audience, announces each event, introduces speakers or performers, maintains continuity between events and finally brings the programme to a proper conclusion.
Compering means connecting all the events of a programme through effective announcements, introductions and transitions.
A good compere should be confident, alert, polite, enthusiastic and capable of keeping the audience interested.
2. Role of a Compere
The compere acts as a link between the different parts of a programme.
- Welcomes the audience and guests.
- Introduces the programme.
- Introduces chief guests and dignitaries.
- Announces each event in the proper sequence.
- Introduces speakers, performers and participants.
- Provides necessary information about an event.
- Uses suitable transition sentences between events.
- Keeps the programme moving smoothly.
- Maintains the interest and attention of the audience.
- Concludes the programme gracefully.
3. Compering in HSC English
Compering is included in the Writing Skills section of Std. XII Maharashtra HSC English.
Q.4 (C) – Writing Skills
Speech / Compering / Expansion of Ideas
4. Marking Scheme – 4 Marks
| Assessment Criterion | Marks | What is Expected? |
|---|---|---|
| Connecting Events | 2 | All the events should be connected logically and announced in the correct sequence using suitable transition sentences. |
| Impressive Introduction | 1 | The programme should begin with an appropriate, attractive and engaging introduction. |
| Summing Up | 1 | The programme should end with a suitable conclusion, appreciation and/or announcement of the next step. |
| Total | 4 | Complete and effective compering script |
5. Easy Formula for Compering
The actual sequence will change according to the events mentioned in the question.
6. Common Events in a Compering Script
| Event | What the Compere Does |
|---|---|
| Welcome | Welcomes the chief guest, dignitaries, teachers, students and audience. |
| Lighting of the Lamp | Invites dignitaries for the traditional lighting of the lamp. |
| Prayer | Invites the participants for the prayer or devotional song. |
| Introduction of Guest | Briefly introduces the chief guest or speaker. |
| Felicitation | Announces the felicitation of guests, achievers or successful students. |
| Speech | Invites the concerned speaker to address the audience. |
| Cultural Programme | Introduces the performance and invites the performers. |
| Prize Distribution | Announces the names or categories and invites dignitaries to distribute prizes. |
| Vote of Thanks | Invites the person responsible for delivering the vote of thanks. |
| Conclusion | Thanks everyone and formally concludes the programme. |
7. How to Prepare a Compering Script
Read the Situation Carefully
Identify the type of programme, occasion, venue, audience and important guests.
Identify All the Events
Make a list of every event mentioned in the question.
Arrange the Events in Sequence
Put the events in a natural and logical order. Do not change the given information unnecessarily.
Prepare an Attractive Introduction
Begin with a warm greeting, suitable quotation, thought, short statement or meaningful introduction.
Connect the Events
Use suitable transition sentences to move smoothly from one event to another.
Use Appropriate Expressions
Use polite, formal, lively and audience-friendly language.
Conclude the Programme
End with a suitable concluding statement and thank the audience and participants where appropriate.
8. How to Write an Impressive Introduction
The introduction creates the first impression. It should immediately tell the audience what the programme is about.
Opening with a Thought
With this inspiring thought, I extend a warm welcome to everyone present here on the occasion of our Annual Social Gathering.
Opening with a Welcome
A very warm and pleasant morning to our respected Principal, distinguished guests, teachers, dear students and all the members of the audience.
Opening with the Theme
Today we have gathered here to celebrate talent, achievement and the spirit of togetherness.
9. Welcoming the Guests and Audience
The compere should welcome the important people in a respectful manner.
A very warm welcome to our respected Principal, Dr. ________, our esteemed Chief Guest, Mr./Ms. ________, all the teachers, parents and my dear friends.
It is my privilege to welcome you all to this memorable occasion.
10. Connecting the Events
Connecting events is the most important part of compering because it carries the programme smoothly from one event to the next.
Useful Transition Expressions
Examples
After the welcome:
"With the warm welcome, let us now begin the programme
with the traditional lighting of the lamp."
After the lamp lighting:
"The auspicious beginning has set the perfect tone for
today's celebration. We shall now move towards the
inaugural address."
Before a cultural performance:
"And now, it is time to witness the talent and creativity
of our students. Let us welcome the performers with a
big round of applause."
11. Introducing a Speaker
A speaker should be introduced briefly and appropriately.
It is now my pleasure to invite Mr. ________, our respected guest, to address the gathering and share his valuable thoughts with us.
Sir/Madam, the stage is yours. Please give him/her a warm round of applause.
12. Introducing Performances
For a Dance
Music and dance bring joy to every celebration. Let us now enjoy a graceful dance performance by our talented students. Please welcome them with a big round of applause.
For a Song
Music touches the heart and brings people together. Let us now listen to a melodious song presented by our talented students.
For a Skit
Laughter and drama make every celebration memorable. We now invite our students to present a short skit on an important social theme.
13. Felicitation
Felicitation is an important part of many college functions.
Achievements deserve appreciation and encouragement. We shall now felicitate our successful students for their outstanding performance.
I request our respected Principal and Chief Guest to kindly come forward and felicitate the achievers.
14. Prize Distribution
We now come to one of the most awaited moments of today's programme – the Prize Distribution Ceremony.
I request our dignitaries to kindly distribute the prizes and certificates to the deserving students.
15. Introducing the Vote of Thanks
Every successful programme becomes memorable because of the support and cooperation of many people.
To express our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this programme, I now invite Mr./Ms. ________ to deliver the Vote of Thanks.
16. How to Sum Up the Programme
The conclusion should be short, positive and graceful. This part carries 1 mark in the commonly used assessment criteria.
As we come to the end of this wonderful programme, let us take with us the memories, achievements and joyful moments we have shared today.
I sincerely thank our Chief Guest, Principal, teachers, parents, students and everyone who made this programme successful.
Thank you all for your valuable presence. Have a wonderful day!
17. Model Question
Your college is organising its Annual Social Gathering. You and your friend have been selected as comperes. Prepare a suitable script for the inauguration function with the help of the following points:
- Introduction
- Welcoming the guests
- Lighting the traditional lamp
- Inauguration of the Annual Function
- Keynote Address
- Felicitation of successful students
- Presidential Address
- Vote of Thanks
18. Model Compering Script
Compere: "A very warm and pleasant morning to our respected Principal, distinguished Chief Guest, teachers, parents and my dear friends."
"A successful journey begins with a single step. Today, we have gathered here to celebrate the talent, creativity and achievements of our students."
"It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to our Annual Social Gathering."
Welcome: I extend a warm welcome to our respected Chief Guest, our Principal, all the teachers, parents and dear students.
Lighting of the Lamp: To begin this auspicious occasion, I request our dignitaries to kindly come forward for the traditional lighting of the lamp.
"Thank you. The lighting of the lamp has marked an auspicious beginning to our celebration."
Inauguration: We shall now proceed to the formal inauguration of the Annual Social Gathering. I request our Chief Guest to kindly inaugurate the programme.
"Thank you, Sir/Madam, for your gracious presence."
Keynote Address: Words of wisdom can inspire us to achieve greater heights. I now invite our respected Chief Guest to deliver the keynote address.
"Thank you for those inspiring and valuable words."
Felicitation: Achievements deserve appreciation. We shall now felicitate our successful students for their outstanding performance. I request our dignitaries to kindly come forward for the felicitation ceremony.
"Congratulations to all the achievers. May your success inspire many more students."
Presidential Address: We now come to the concluding formal address of today's inaugural session. I request our respected President to address the gathering.
"Thank you, Sir/Madam, for your encouraging words."
Vote of Thanks: Gratitude makes every occasion meaningful. I now invite Mr./Ms. ________ to propose the Vote of Thanks.
Conclusion: As we come to the end of this inaugural function, I sincerely thank our Chief Guest, dignitaries, Principal, teachers, parents and students for making this occasion memorable.
Thank you all for your valuable presence. Have a wonderful day!
19. Model Compering – Reading Day Programme
Your school is organising a Reading Day programme to celebrate the birth anniversary of a great personality. Prepare a suitable compering script.
Introduction: "Books are our best friends and reading is the gateway to knowledge. A very warm welcome to everyone present here on this special occasion."
Welcome: "I extend a hearty welcome to our respected Principal, teachers and dear students."
Lighting of the Lamp: "Let us begin this meaningful programme with the traditional lighting of the lamp. I request our dignitaries to kindly come forward."
Speech: "We shall now listen to a speech highlighting the importance of reading. I invite ________ to address the gathering."
Reading Activity: "Thank you for those valuable thoughts. We now move towards an interesting reading activity by our students."
Book Exhibition: "Books open the doors to new worlds. We shall now visit the book exhibition arranged by our students."
Conclusion: "As we conclude today's programme, let us make reading a regular part of our lives. Thank you all for your enthusiastic participation."
20. Useful Expressions for Compering
For Greeting
For Invitation
For Transition
For Appreciation
For Conclusion
21. Do's and Don'ts of Compering
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Begin with an attractive introduction. | Do not begin abruptly. |
| Follow the sequence of events. | Do not randomly change the order. |
| Connect one event with another. | Do not merely list the events. |
| Use polite and formal language. | Do not use slang or casual expressions. |
| Keep the announcements concise. | Do not write unnecessary long explanations. |
| Appreciate performers and speakers appropriately. | Do not use exaggerated or irrelevant praise. |
| End with a graceful conclusion. | Do not stop suddenly after the last event. |
| Use information given in the question. | Do not invent names, achievements or facts. |
22. Common Mistakes in Compering
Writing "Welcome – Lamp Lighting – Speech – Dance – Vote of Thanks" is not a proper compering script. Each event needs a suitable announcement.
Students often jump directly from one event to another. Use transition sentences.
The opening should establish the occasion and welcome the audience.
Avoid repeatedly using the same sentence such as "Now I invite..." for every event.
Do not add imaginary names, achievements, quotations or facts that are not required.
Always provide a proper ending after the final event.
23. Language and Tone
The language of compering should be polite, lively, confident, formal and audience-friendly.
- Use short and clear sentences.
- Use respectful expressions.
- Use positive language.
- Use appropriate transitions.
- Use expressions that create interest.
- Avoid slang and overly casual language.
- Avoid unnecessarily complicated vocabulary.
- Maintain a cheerful and confident tone.
24. Quick Event Planning Chart
| Stage | What to Say |
|---|---|
| Opening | Greeting + Occasion + Welcome |
| Event 1 | Introduce + Invite + Appreciate |
| Transition | Connect previous event with next event |
| Event 2 | Introduce + Invite + Appreciate |
| Event 3 | Introduce + Invite + Appreciate |
| Final Event | Introduce + Conduct + Appreciate |
| Ending | Summarise + Thank + Conclude |
25. How to Score Full Marks
For Impressive Introduction – 1 Mark
- Start with an attractive opening.
- Mention the occasion clearly.
- Welcome the audience and important guests.
For Connecting Events – 2 Marks
- Include all the events mentioned in the question.
- Maintain the correct sequence.
- Use suitable transition sentences.
- Introduce every event properly.
- Connect one event naturally to the next.
For Summing Up – 1 Mark
- End the programme gracefully.
- Thank the guests, participants and audience where appropriate.
- Leave the audience with a positive closing statement.
26. Examination Strategy
Underline the Events
Quickly identify all the points provided in the question.
Number the Sequence
Decide the logical order of the events.
Write the Introduction First
Prepare a strong opening that establishes the occasion.
Connect the Events
Use short transition sentences between events.
Finish with a Conclusion
Thank everyone and conclude the programme appropriately.
27. Final Checklist for Students
- Have I written an impressive introduction?
- Have I mentioned the occasion clearly?
- Have I welcomed the guests and audience?
- Have I included all the given events?
- Have I maintained the correct sequence?
- Have I connected the events properly?
- Have I used suitable transition sentences?
- Have I introduced each event clearly?
- Have I used polite and formal language?
- Have I avoided unnecessary information?
- Have I avoided invented names and facts?
- Have I written a proper conclusion?
- Have I checked grammar, spelling and punctuation?
28. Quick Revision Box
THE ART OF COMPERING
Impressive Introduction – 1 Mark
Connecting Events – 2 Marks
Summing Up – 1 Mark
Total – 4 Marks
Be confident. Be clear. Connect every event. Conclude gracefully.
29. Practice Topics for Compering
- Annual Social Gathering
- Independence Day Celebration
- Republic Day Celebration
- Teachers' Day Programme
- Farewell Function
- Prize Distribution Ceremony
- College Foundation Day
- Reading Day Programme
- Cultural Programme
- Sports Day
- Science Exhibition
- Literary Programme
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