One thing every Master of Ceremonies must take seriously is confirming the names of guests and how to pronounce them.
Too many MCs climb on stage, guess a name, and then hit the audience with that legendary line: “I hope I didn’t butcher your name.”
By then, my friend, the butchering has already reached the emergency ward.
Names carry identity, heritage and respect. Getting them right tells people you did your homework. Getting them wrong tells the whole room you didn’t.
As seen in the images attached, I had a moment with Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, the Paramount Chief of the Owirenkyi Traditional Area, the capital of which is Assin Kushea, the cleanest town in Ghana. Before stepping on stage, I made sure to confirm his name and pronunciation properly. A simple, respectful check. No guessing. No gambling. No “I hope I got it right” moments.
As MCs, we speak for the event. That means we owe it to dignitaries, speakers, performers and awardees to get their names right the first time.
A quick confirmation backstage saves you from embarrassment, keeps the program smooth, and shows clear respect.
Professionalism lives in the small details.
And trust me, confirming a name is far easier than apologizing for butchering it in front of hundreds.
