I'd like to teach the world to sing...

Material on the diaconate should definitely include resources on how to chant the Exsultet, the ancient hymn announcing the resurrection of Christ, traditionally sung by the deacon at the beginning of the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday evening.

The service begins in darkness, lighting a new fire. The Paschal candle, representing Christ, is lit from the new flame, symbolizing resurrection. The deacon then leads the procession into the church, stopping three times and singing "The light of Christ," to which the people respond, "Thanks be to God." Once inside the church, the deacon puts the Paschal candle in its stand as the people light candles from it, and then the deacon begins the Exsultet.

The Episcopal version of the Exsultet in the Book of Common Prayer is a bit different than the the Roman Catholic version in English. Both are beautiful. One primary difference regards theological views about whether or not it was necessary for Adam to have sinned in order for humanity to eventually be redeemed.

Here is a video from Easter 2009 at an Episcopal Church:

and at a Roman Catholic college:

In many churches, the tradition of celebrating on the evening of Holy Saturday has gone away, but that's too bad, because it's a very beautiful service, and it has such a rich tradition going back to the earliest Christian communities.
Not every deacon or deacon-in-training will want to chant the hymn (it's pretty long), so there is an option just to say it, but IMHO, if it's at all possible (and this will mean doing a lot of preparation), chanting it adds a great deal, and Easter is the highest holy day of the Christian calendar, so why not pull out all the stops?

If you want to try it, here are a few things to decide:

• Will you read or chant?
• Do you want to memorize it or use a book?

Other considerations and tips:

• A good resource for learning to chant is probably the organist/choirmaster at your church or someone who has musical training, particularly in voice. Alternatively, talk to folks in school or university music programs. If your church has a choir that sings plainsong, you may be able to practice some with the choir to strengthen your voice and learn the techniques of chanting, because it is different from other styles of singing.
• If you are comfortable doing so, it is great to memorize the chant, so that you will not have to be finding your place in a long piece of text in the dark. Also, it's nice to be able to see the people to whom you are making this great announcement. However, it is also wise to perhaps have a prompter behind or near you, or a notecard with the beginnings of key phrases, in case you need a line.
• If you will be using a book, make sure you have sufficient light at the place where you will be standing (the church will be dark) and remember to place the book there ahead of time, because coming into the church, you will be carrying the candle.