How To MC A Beauty Pageant In Seven Steps - 100% Guaranteed!

Have you wondered what it's like to host a glamorous beauty pageant like Miss Ghana?

I did too.

And last week, my dream came true. 

This is the story of how I made it happen and how you can follow the 7 steps I used.


1. Contact the Organizers 

After following Instagram updates on the pageant for a month, I decided to offer my services to the organizers as a public speaking trainer for the 20 contestants. 

After a successful session, I made the organizers aware of my interest in hosting the grand finale. 

A meeting was scheduled, terms were agreed and I was on board as one of 4 presenters for the final.

TAKEAWAY: Ask for what you want because nothing ventured, nothing gained. 


2. Meet the Crew 

Two days to the big day, I met with the Khadijah the producer, Okyeame Kwame the creative director, fellow presenters Edem and Ato and key members of the production crew.


We went through the event line-up discussing how the show would flow.

It was a useful meeting because by the time we were done, we had a clearer picture of how the event would pan out.

Numbers were exchanged, duties were clarified and bonding was reinforced.

TAKEAWAY: Attend this meeting and you'll get a better understanding of what the director and producer want from you.


3. Check the Venue 

24 hours to the final, my fellow presenters and I met the creative director at the Kempinski Gold Coast Accra where setup was underway.

We had the opportunity to walk around the hall, get a feel of the stage and locate our changing room.

TAKEAWAY: Checking the venue before the big day gives you an opportunity get used to the hall.

You will also find out how long it will take you to get there.
 

4. Get There Early

On the day, I got to the venue an hour before show time. 

In that period of time, I was able to:

• walk around the hall again which by this time was set up;
• meet the band and the DJ;
• test my microphone;
• review my duties;
• visualize an ideal performance; and
• relax.

TAKEAWAY: There is so much you can do when you get to the venue early so don't waste the opportunity. 


5. Look Your Best

After trying on my outfit, I wasn't happy with the fit of the trousers. 

Fortunately I had brought a spare pair.

So, quick change and I was good to go.

TAKEAWAY: Have a backup plan for your wardrobe; if you feel great about how you look, you'll feel confident. 

6. Start Strong, Don't Stop

After rehearsing my lines, I got on stage, looked at the audience, smiled and started speaking. 

A minute into my opening remarks, I went blank.

I could see expectant faces all focused on me.

After a couple of seconds of panning the room, I quipped "Now that I've got your attention fully..."

I smiled and the lost words returned to my lips.

I finished my introduction, interviewed Miss World 2018 and transitioned into the next segment of the show. 

TAKEAWAY: Practice well, remember to smile and keep going in the face of problems. 


7. Climax with Drama

My co-presenters and I used the elimination stages to build suspense and entertain the audience. 

In whittling the number of contestants from 19 to 10, this is how we went about it.

With all the ladies lined up on the stage, my co-presenters Ato and Edem asked 9 of them to step forward. 

Then in a twist, they requested the ladies In front to leave the stage signalling the end of the road for them.

At the semi-final, I had the 10 remaining contestants on stage.

This time, the names I announced to step forward were the ones who had made it to the final.

After announcing the second and first runners-up, we created yet another dramatic moment to reveal the ultimate winner.

I asked the audience "Who wins the crown?"

Members of the audience roared back their choices.

After a hush, I declared "The winner of Miss Ghana 2019 is....Miss...Corporate Sponsor!"

What?

The room was quiet.

And out came Karley another co-MC who got crowned and then proceeded to thank all the sponsors of the event. 

After that bit of drama, I got off the stage, walked into the audience and finally announced the winner of the pageant.

TAKEAWAY: Incorporate suspense into the elimination stages and make the final declaration as dramatic as possible.