In this exclusive interview series for Everything Experiential, Ritika Jhanji Jagtiani, an appraised anchor with more than 15 years of television experience with the finest news networks in the country, underscores the qualities essential for a successful anchor/emcee and her technique to prepare for various kinds of events.
From live news to lifestyle shows to socially conscious campaigns, Jagtiani has curated content, reported and anchored for all types of formats possible. Known for her versatility, what distinguishes her is the journalistic acumen she possesses, making her breeze through a corporate panel discussion or a celebrity-laced live event with equal ease.
Jagtiani has hosted over 1,000 TV shows and more than 500 live events in her career.
Edited excerpts:
In your opinion, what qualities are essential for a successful anchor or emcee?
While it’s given that communication skills are the backbone of anchoring, what sets an anchor apart is the ability to write well. When you write your content—or at least tailor it to make it truly yours—you bring the right emotions, tone, and confidence to your delivery. That's when you own the stage.
There's no other job that demands you to think on your feet as quickly as anchoring. Technical glitches, last-minute show flow changes, and live shows spring many surprises. Handling them with calm and poise is key.
Being versatile is a game-changer. If you can effortlessly switch between formal and informal tones, and navigate different genres, you open yourself up to a wide spectrum of opportunities.
And above all, be genuine, instead of copying someone else, be you. That’s what makes you stand out.
How do you prepare for different events, such as corporate conferences and product launches?
Always a tailored approach. I start with the question ‘Who is my audience and what emotion do I need to stir in them? Do I need to motivate them, inspire them, entertain them or anything else?’
The answer to this question guides the preparation.
While corporate conferences need more precision, both in script preparation and delivery. The tone, the choice of words, and the body language are all kept formal; product launches are all about energy and excitement. I am the brand’s voice, so it’s of utmost importance to me to understand the product inside out and what makes it stand out in the market.
Since these events often involve live demos or reveals, it takes a lot of rehearsals to make sure that transitions and key moments flow smoothly.
Be it a corporate conference or a launch, your audience should feel that no one knows the subject better than you and that takes a lot of prep.
As an anchor, how do you balance being professional and building a rapport with the audience?
It’s a fine art. The first step is to understand who I’m speaking to. Whether it’s a corporate crowd or a group of tech enthusiasts, knowing their expectations is very important. If it’s a more formal event, I’ll start with a polished and professional introduction but find subtle ways to inject warmth like using a witty one-liner.
And rapport flourishes with constant encouragement. Asking them questions, or acknowledging their reactions, shows that I’m not just delivering lines—I’m there with them, in the moment.
Once again, staying true to my personality helps me connect naturally, while still maintaining the professionalism required by the occasion.
In essence, it’s about reading the room, being adaptable, and knowing when to lean into the professional side or the personal side.
What upcoming trends do you see in the event-hosting industry and how do you plan on adapting to them?
I have already co-anchored a show with a robot, and I see technology especially AI, playing a bigger role in events going ahead. Staying updated on these technologies could help anchors integrate them into their hosting style. Also, I see a lot happening in making each attendee feel like an active participant in the event - think live polls, Q&A sessions, or interactive storytelling. This is giving rise to experiential events, where the focus is on creating immersive experiences.
As an anchor, this means being more than just a presenter—I’ll need to be part of the experience, guiding the audience through interactive installations, performances, or hands-on activities.
Do you have any tips for aspiring anchors or emcees who want to excel in this field?
Learn to listen as much as learning to talk. Whether you’re engaging with a live audience or interviewing someone on stage, being a good listener helps you respond naturally and authentically.
And keep learning. Attend workshops, take courses, and seek feedback to continually improve your skills. Carve your style, learn and upskill. Once you’re done inventing yourself, re-invent.
Can you share some advice for event planners or organisers on how to collaborate effectively with emcees for successful events?
Event planners should involve emcees in the planning process as early as possible. Emcees bring a wealth of experience to the table. Be open to their suggestions, whether it’s about adjusting the event flow, or ideas about enhancing audience engagement. This can add a lot of depth to the show.
Lastly, what legacy do you hope to leave in the event-hosting industry?
I hope to leave behind a body of work that showcases versatility—across genres, formats, and audiences. I still work across TV, digital and live show industries, proving that a skilled anchor can adapt and excel in any setting. I hope this inspires others to push their boundaries, continually learn, and leave their lasting legacies.
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