• Getting Attention—own the stage, use a microphone, conduct yourself with maturity and poise; you won’t get 100% attention but wait for 97%. In an orientation setting, you set the tone for announcements throughout the retreat. Respect the group and expect their respect.
• Keep it lean and simple—your words increase in value when you make the effort to stay lean; give them just enough to make it to the next announcement time. If you have more than four things, consider creating a handout or PowerPoint. If you need more than four minutes or have more than eight items on your list, find something you can eliminate!
• Season well with humor and repetition—entertainment is not your goal, sarcasm often creates confusion, and repeating everything dilutes the information and the attention of the audience; beware of using the same gimmick or joke every year.
• Use a pattern of what, when, where, why, when, where—begin with what for clarity, begin with why for anticipation; if you leave out when or where, you will create confusion. The pattern sandwiches why with when and where before and after.
• Final words should tell them what is happening next—your finish should be as clear and precise as your start.

Closing Thoughts

• If you are taking the stage in the midst of a group activity like a meal, it is harder than at the beginning or end of a session. The bell gives the audience a moment to finish their conversation before you begin talking. The first announcement is often the “sacrificial lamb.”
• Prayer is not an announcement. Consciously consider how to change gears from speaking to the group to speaking to God. Make sure it isn’t the “sacrificial lamb” or the just another item on your list.
• Make a list and use it.
• Get on and off clearly and crisply. Be ready when it is your turn, take the hand-off as smoothly as possible, and know who to give the stage to before you start. Like a winning relay team, transitions take preparation.
• Know and control your distracting habits and speech mannerisms. A question is usually not a helpful part of announcements. “How is everyone doing today?” doesn’t do anything to get the audience to listen; try instead “Hello! I have some information that you will need for this afternoon.”