The Award Presentation Speech

Tips from our readers.

What makes a good award presentation speech? We asked our readers:

• "Keep it brief! People are eager to find out who won the award. Now is a good time to emphasize the hard work or qualities needed to win the award, and the significance of the achievement, but do so in as few words as possible- leave the winner his or her time to shine."

• "First and most importantly, learn something about the award. Why is it being given at this time. What does it recognize? How long has it been awarded? Next, why is it being given to this individual? Give a short, meaningful address.

• "Include a funny story that relates to your personal life and that the people you are speaking to can also relate to."

• 1. "Relax before you go onstage to present the award.
  2. Give a brief introduction of yourself (no more than 2 minutes - 1 minute is better).
  3. Give 2 to 4 minutes of why the award is being presented.
  4. Introduce the person receiving the award."

Remember, it's not about you. To give a good speech, focus on the award and it's recipient.

If you still don't know quite what to say, check out Occasional Words. Click on the Business section.

Happy speaking!