By Sharon Akuboh
As part of activities to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD), a world class group, OTOTA Oratory Limited made history with a One-Day MasterClass with theme “Own Your Stage : Accelerate Action.”
The event which held at the Korean Cultural Center had an array of 18 Keynote phenomenal Amazons Share their stories and Speak to the theme which included; Dr. Jumai Ahmadu,the Founder and President of the Helpline Social Support initiative, she highlighted the unique strengths female MCs bring to the stage such as emotional intelligence and authenticity.
She encouraged aspiring female MCs to leverage these qualities, emphasizing that their distinctiveness is their superpower in the industry.
Mrs. Lara Owoeye Wise, ably represented by Mrs Priscilla Chinenye, emphasized the Four Es that define a successful MC with Education, Experience, Exposure and Expertise urging participants to invest in these areas to establish their credibility and uniqueness in the profession.
Addressing the audience, Comrade Grace Ike, the first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), called for more “women to embrace public speaking and leadership roles adding that either as a journalist, an entrepreneur, or a community leader, your Voice Matters.”
During an engaging session, Amara Thecla Orakwe delved into the challenges and triumphs of female orators. She encouraged women to identify their true audience and understand what makes them great,she warned against distractions while emphasizing that determination and dedication are keys to success in a public speaking career.
Speaking further in the same vein, Anchor of AIT Moneyline Presenter, Nancy Nnaji, took the women through the power of presence stressing the importance of confidence,
thorough preparation, event research
Originality and authenticity with
a unique brand and signature style while
engaging audiences with warmth and professionalism. She shared the secret behind her success on air and off air.
Other Keynote Speakers also stressed the essential qualities and strategies for mastering the art of being a great MC such include, maintaining professionalism and ethics in all engagements,
developing strong eye contact to create a connection with the audience
understanding the 5Ws and H in order to enhance event management and presentation as well as dressing appropriately to suit different types of events.
They also noted the need to network and self-development in advancing a career in public speaking and
overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing one’s uniqueness with
time management and audience engagement as core skills for a successful MC.
They highlighted how to
handle challenging situations calmly and with confidence instead of reacting impulsively as well as
avoiding unnecessary hype of guests to maintain event integrity.
Expressing appreciation to the organizers and partners, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, commended the initiative and encouraged women to support and uplift one another emphasizing on the need to change the narratives among others.
The highlight of the event was a contest among 8 participants, where 2 emerged as first and second positions receiving cash prizes of N20,000 and N10,000 respectively.
The well attended training program put together by Mr Ben. Ubiri, the Team lead of OTOTA Oratory School of MCs and supported by NUJ, Ben200, Bentastic Media Limited, The Korean Cultural Center Nigeria, is expected to bridge the gender gap in the entertainment and public speaking industry, where women remain underrepresented.
This groundbreaking training session has equipped 60 women with the necessary skills and confidence to take charge of the microphone and own their stage. In a few months they will be unleashed into the Nation and Industry. This is a Clarion Call to Organisers to patronise more female MCs.
As these women step forward into the spotlight, they are set to inspire the next generation of female MCs, driving lasting change in the industry.