How to Usher

Last Updated: October 9, 2019 References

Ushering is an important skill to have that can be used for many events today. Concerts, churches, and shows all have ushers. This article will cover the bare bones of ushering.

Steps

1
Be there as soon as the doors open. Once they open, there may be a crowd of people all swarming to get in the doors. Be ready for them.^{[1]
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2
Be prepared with items for handing out. As soon as you see people coming, put that number of bulletins in your hand. They will then hand them out among themselves.

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3
Make it easy to distribute the materials you have on hand. When there is a large group of people coming, pull out the corners of the programs/bulletins so you can whip them out to them.^{[2]
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4
Always be available to greet and show visitors in. If there is no one coming, it is okay to go to a nearby water fountain, but be sure to check with the producer on this one.^{[3]
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5
Share the tasks. If you are ushering with someone else at your side, some friends or relatives may come. They will probably want to give them the programs themselves. Graciously stand back and smile at the people.^{[4]
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6
Be professionally cheerful. Be sure to greet each person with a smile and a welcoming comment such as, "We're going to have the best concert tonight".^{[5]
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7
Make contact even without materials to hand out. If you're simply greeting people with no programs, then simply shake their hand firmly.
8
Ensure you arrive early to prepare for the service.^{[6]
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Community Q&A

Question

In a church, is it best to fill the front seats first?

Community Answer

Yes, this can be a good way to get everyone seated neatly and without issue.
Question

How will I know which chair to sit on?

Community Answer

The chairs should be labeled A-Z or A-J, or something like that. The ticket will say which row, and which seat number in the row. The numbers go from the aisle - so the aisle seat is 1, the next seat in is 2, and so on.

Warnings

Don't give yourself a paper cut.

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Don't be just standing there and spacing out, pay attention!

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Do not lose your temper and yell at someone who walked past you and came back in the middle of a swarm, or simply someone who got mad at you.

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