We were so happy to have Jan Spragge act as an MC for Shelter Valley Folk Festival’s Songwriters’ Showcase this summer. Jan came well prepared to our event, having read about each participant beforehand. She spent time before the event talking with each person that she was introducing to build a relationship and gather a better understanding of them before their introduction at the event. On stage, Jan read the audience well and was able to build up and draw out enthusiasm and energy from the crowd. Jan lent an attitude of professionalism and positivity to the entire event. We will definitely ask Jan back to MC an event with us in the future.
Lesley Marie Boileau
Artistic Director – Shelter Valley Folk Festival
Speaking at an event is an honour and a priviledge. As a leader, you are trusting the person behind the podium to carry the tone and ensure your messages are delivered in ways that they will be best received. I know that. And, that is precisely why I dig in behind the scenes before and during an event – ensuring that the tone you want for your event is being set with intention.
Why do I enjoy the role of emcee? – because it gives me opportunity to create a connected experience for all concerned. While it is important to be engaging on stage, the real meat of the work is done behind the scenes – asking the right questions so I can do everything in my power to make sure that the strengths of your organization are highlighted, your additional speakers are comfortable, things run smoothly, and your guests are feeling connected with each other, your organization, and themselves. It’s all about digging in to bring out your best.
Three words for Jan – Professional, poised, and smooth. She kept our event flowing throughout the evening – ensuring that the committee’s talking points were communicated in an engaging and entertaining manner that helped to make the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation Gala the most successful yet. Thank you, Jan!
Bruce V. McCartney
NHH Foundation Gala Chair 2015, and Division Director, RRC, Investors Group Financial Services Inc
Shelter Valley Folk Festival’s Songwriter’s Showcase 2016 – Emcee
Shelter Valley Folk Festival’s Songwriter’s Showcase 2016 – Emcee
I had the pleasure & honour of working with Jan on the committee for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Candle Light Walk for breast cancer research. Jan added an element to our evening as emcee that put the finishing touches on our event. Her thoughtfulness & poise kept the evening light-hearted & inspiring. Thank you Jan for taking part in this event, and keeping it meaningful for so many of us.
Danielle, Co-Chair
Cultivate: A Festival of Food & Drink – Emcee 2016
“We could not have asked for a better ambassador to grace the main stage as host of Cultivate: A Festival Food and Drink. Jan helped us run a smooth Saturday evening program, engaging the crowd with enthusiasm for the music, food, drink and arts that filled the festival grounds. Her energy and spirit translates strongly on the mic. Well researched and informed, Jan presents with confidence and grace. We were proud to have her as one of the presenting voices of Cultivate! Thank you, Jan for all that you do for beautiful Northumberland!”
-Nicole Beatty, Executive Director, Local Food for Local Good
“Are you looking for an emcee for a corporate or community event? STOP! Contact Jan Spragge immediately. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
In September 2019, The Survivor Thrivers Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Team was looking for an emcee for the 21st Annual Candlelight Walk in support of Breast Cancer Research. As one of this year’s event organizers, I was given Jan’s name and told we would be so fortunate if she were available. We were so grateful that she said, “Yes.”
Jan was well prepared for our evening. She asked questions out about the event schedule and activities. She arrived early so she could be on hand as our participants began their walk. She was outside to greet them when they returned.
When it was time for the program to begin, Jan was able to capture the audience’s attention and she set the mood. Her relaxed and personable style kept the program moving. Jan has the personality, expertise and voice projection that commands an audience’s attention. She was able to acknowledge and thank our sponsors. She introduced speakers and had meaningful and heartfelt comments to make about their involvement with our event. Communication comes naturally to Jan She was able to make the person sitting at the back of the room feel as connected and involved as the person at the front.
During one of pre-event conversations, Jan was asked to share information provided by the Canadian Cancer Society on how to live a healthy life. Jan could easily have done this but true to Jan’s style, she offered her own ideas on how best to communicate the information with the audience. Her suggestion of selecting three audience members and asking them to prepare a few sentence on what they do related to exercise, diet, and stress free living was perfect. Suddenly the material was relevant, personal and meaningful.
I highly recommend Jan Spragge and my hope is she will be available for the 22nd Candlelight Walk in 2020.”
Nancy Marshall
Chair, Northumberland Candlelight Walk Organizing Committee
Past President, Survivor Thrivers Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Team
