(If you are a service provider of any kind then you must be familiar with the above statement)

Earlier this morning someone reached out to me via referral and said she would want me to handle her event. After a conversation that lasted for about 4mins, she popped the golden question, “HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?” I told her and she screamed, that it is way above their budget.

I then asked what their budget was, immediately she told me I screamed too and told her that it is way below my regular fee.

I tried to be flexible a bit with my charge but then her mind was already made up and when I noticed she wasn’t going to accept my offer, I thanked her for reaching out to me and the call ended.

Many MCs fall into the trap of basing their fees on what others in the industry are charging. This reactive approach can undervalue your unique skills and limit your earning potential. Instead of chasing the lowest common denominator, focus on establishing your own value and charging accordingly.

True success as an MC lies in becoming so exceptional that clients actively seek you out, regardless of your fee. This requires a shift in mindset:

Define Your Value, Not Your Price: What unique outcomes do you deliver? Do you guarantee audience engagement, exceed client expectations, and contribute significantly to event success?

Highlight Your Unique Selling Proposition: What sets you apart? Is it your captivating stage presence, your expertise in a specific niche, or your ability to seamlessly keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

Build an Irresistible Brand: Invest in your online presence, get a professional website, with strong portfolio and actively post reviews and testimonials. Reach out to Frettouch Branding Agency, Frettouch Brands they can help you develop one within 7 days.

Deliver exceptional service consistently, exceeding expectations at every turn.

Charge with Confidence: Conduct a thorough cost analysis and determine a fee that reflects your value and desired income. Present your pricing with confidence and professionalism, clearly articulating the worth you bring.

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on securing high-quality events that align with your brand and expertise. Cultivate long-term client relationships and prioritize client satisfaction.

By all means, just be damn good!

Don’t let the market dictate your value; define it yourself and command the respect and fee you deserve.

#MCOB #kingofsauceandstyle #africasno1eventmc

The post HOW MUCH SHOULD AN MC CHARGE? appeared first on IBIAM OBINNA KELVIN.

Traditionally, the role of the MC is to guide the event, keep the energy high, and ensure everything runs smoothly. While their enthusiasm is appreciated in many aspects of the celebration, there’s one crucial moment where their presence should fade into the background – during the couple’s first dance.

The first dance holds profound significance for the newlyweds. It’s a symbol of their unity, a moment for them to bask in each other’s love and begin their journey as spouses. Yet, all too often, MCs feel compelled to interject with unnecessary commentary, shoutouts, or attempts to hype up the crowd. This intrusion not only disrupts the couple’s moment but also detracts from the intimacy and beauty of the occasion.

Watch this video below: https://youtu.be/xZErmIwURjs?si=xjlnzkZw4WLkWrqn

It’s time to address this issue and emphasize the importance of maintaining decorum during the couple’s first dance. Here’s why MCs should adopt a policy of respectful silence during this special moment:

1. Honoring the Couple: The first dance is a deeply personal and emotional moment for the newlyweds. By remaining silent, MCs demonstrate respect for the couple and allow them to fully immerse themselves in the experience without distraction or interruption.

2. Preserving the Atmosphere: Every wedding has its own unique ambiance, often characterized by romance, elegance, and sentimentality. Excessive commentary or hype from the MC can disrupt this atmosphere, diminishing the magic of the moment for the couple and their guests.

3. Fostering Connection: The first dance provides an opportunity for the couple to connect with each other on a profound level, sharing a private moment amidst the festivities. When MCs refrain from speaking, they create space for this connection to flourish, allowing the couple to create memories that will last a lifetime.

4. Respecting Tradition: Throughout history, the first dance has been a cherished tradition in weddings across cultures. By maintaining silence, MCs uphold this tradition and honor its significance, ensuring that the couple’s moment remains true to its timeless essence.

To all MCs and hype men, let’s remember that our role is to enhance the wedding experience, not overshadow it. When it comes to the couple’s first dance, let’s take a step back, lower the microphone, and embrace the power of silence. By doing so, we not only honor the newlyweds but also contribute to a more meaningful and memorable celebration for all.

Your most preferred event MC,
Ibiam Obinna Kelvin

#kingofsauceandstyle #MCOB #africasno1
Check out more resources on my blog https://iok.com.ng/mc-ob-blog/

The post Couple’s First Dance: why MCs should keep quiet! appeared first on IBIAM OBINNA KELVIN.

1. Rehearse Out Loud: Practice your Intro multiple times, paying attention to pacing, clarity, and vocal variety. This strong hook will grab the attention of your audience and keep them engaged.

2. Record yourself delivering the intro and watch it back to identify areas for improvement.

3. Practice in Front of Others: Find a supportive audience, like friends or family, to practice on and receive feedback.

Always remember, no one can do it better than you so once you get up on that stage;

Tame the Nerves: Take deep breaths and visualize success.
Be Yourself: You are the boss; you are in charge. So let your personality shine through.
Speak with so much clarity and loud enough for everyone to hear.
Embrace the stage: Make eye contact with your audience and use confident body language. Check out my video on “Managing Stage Presence and Body Language” https://youtu.be/iQziMf2xQOA?si=n7cAp7NRZ_wg_U5W

Dress Professionally: You can’t fall short on this one. Project a polished image that reflects the importance of your message.
Arrive Early: Familiarize yourself with the venue and adjust to the environment.
Embrace Mistakes: Don’t panic if you stumble. Acknowledge it briefly, take a breath and continue.

Remember, becoming a confident MC/Speaker takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and most importantly, have fun with it!

Your most preferred event MC,
Ibiam Obinna Kelvin

#kingofsauceandstyle #MCOB #africasno1
Check out more resources on my blog https://iok.com.ng/mc-ob-blog/

The post Basic Speaking Preps. appeared first on IBIAM OBINNA KELVIN.

I have said it countless times that being an MC isn’t just about holding a mic and cracking the occasional jokes. You’re the one with the magic wand, weaving the event’s magic with your words and energy. So, buckle up as we explore some tips I use to turn my events into memorable moments!

Know Your Audience, Ehn? Yes!

The first step towards hosting a successful event is to understand your crowd.  Are you hyping a birthday party with music blasting, a youth summit or a church convention with a more reverent tone? Tailor your approach!

Tell Relatable Stories!

Speaking of engagement, everybody loves a good story. There is this neighbor of ours, Aunty Blessing, who would always narrate to us the whole drama at the market with facial expressions that would put Nollywood stars to shame. I write down most of her hilarious stories and infuse it into my contents when necessary! Weave relatable stories and anecdotes into your introductions and transitions. 

Make It Memorable! (This should be your goal)

Don’t just announce speakers, make them shine! Research their backgrounds, find a captivating way to introduce them, and maybe even throw in a fun fact (did you know the CEO used to sell akara in secondary school?). This personalizes the event and creates those “wow” moments.

Be Prepared, like how my Grand Ma used to Pack Jollof for the Village meeting!

Nobody likes a fumble.  Prepare a script with introductions, transitions, and even some jokes (practice in the mirror first, please!).  Anticipate potential hiccups – a speaker running late, a technical issue.  Have some backup stories or jokes ready, just like my Grand Ma whenever she cooks for her village meeting, she puts extra pepper/salt in case Aunty Ngozi complains the jollof is bland.

Own the Stage with Confidence!

Project your voice, smile, and make eye contact with the audience. Even if your knees are knocking like a talking drum solo, fake it till you make it! Your confidence sets the tone for the whole event.

Be Flexible!

Things don’t always go according to plan. Embrace the unexpected! I remember the time power went out at my cousin’s birthday celebration, that was before I became an MC. One of the guests whipped out his phone flashlight and led the whole hall in a singalong? Now that’s an MC who can roll with the punches!

Go forth and conquer! And remember the success of every event rests on your shoulders and your ability to tell a captivating story.

Your Most preferred Event MC,

Ibiam Obinna Kelvin

#kingofsauceandstyle #MCOB #africasno1

#eventplanner #eventplanning #events2024 #eventdecor #EventHost #nigeriaevents #weddingstyle #weddinginspiration #owambelovers #naijaparty #naijaweddings #checklist #timelines

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