As an events manager, I have a keen eye on certain aspects that transpire during events. I’ve enjoyed a front-row seat to the anticipation and excitement surrounding speaker lineups. The pre-event buzz, photoshoots, speaker profiles, and countdowns all build up to a moment of truth: lights, camera, action! And then…..the deflating speaker session! Or that awkward MC moment that has made lackluster the event.
The speaker, introduced with a flourish of hyperbole, transitions in to voice a monotone drone that could put the audience to sleep.
Transitions become jarring, cues are ignored and the audience, once eager and engaged, now checks their watches and scrolls through their phones, their enthusiasm replaced by a borderline resentment.
The situation with MCs in Uganda presents similar challenges. Many of them are sourced from media backgrounds. We see news anchors and radio presenters stepping into event hosting roles, often with underwhelming results. The skills required for talking behind a camera or reading from a script in a controlled environment don’t always translate to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of live event moderation.
Josephine Karungi’s commentary at a past event I attended in Mestil Hotel serves as a stark example. Her off-the-cuff remarks during small talk and an awkward artist introduction highlighted a lack of pre-event research and a failure to maintain appropriate on-stage decorum. Ideally, an MC should thoroughly research every person they introduce and familiarize themselves with their work beforehand.
Why Are We Still Here:
Several factors contribute to these subpar performances:
False Equivalence: The assumption that expertise equals speaking ability leads to inadequate vetting of speakers.
Lack of Training: Many speakers and MCs lack formal training in public speaking, moderation, and audience engagement.
Inappropriate Sourcing: Relying heavily on media personalities without considering their live event experience often backfires.
Insufficient Preparation: Speakers and MCs frequently fail to prepare engaging content, rehearse effectively and or conduct thorough pre-event research i.e. audience demographics, event objectives, etc.
Lack of Professionalism: On-stage gaffes, inappropriate comments, and poor stage presence detract from the overall event experience.
Turning the Tide:
To elevate the standard of Ugandan MC-ing and speakerships, I suggest:
Rigorous Vetting: Event organizers should implement thorough vetting processes for speakers and MCs, going beyond subject matter expertise to assess their communication skills, stage presence, and professionalism.
Invest in Training: Provide access to public speaking, moderation, and event hosting workshops for aspiring and current speakers and MCs.
Emphasis on Preparation: Emphasize the importance of pre-event research, content development, and rehearsal for all speakers and MCs. Provide resources and guidelines to support this.
Professional Standards: Enforce clear guidelines for on-stage conduct, dress code, and audience interaction. Hold speakers and MCs accountable for adhering to these standards.
Constructive Feedback: Provide speakers and MCs with constructive feedback after events to help them improve their skills.
Uganda’s events scene is bursting with potential! Let’s ditch the dull moments and fix what’s holding us back. With some smart changes, we can make every event a knockout, with well sourced MCs and speakers that can lead to more engaging and impactful events.