Public & 1-on-1 Communications
Getting an award can be an awkward situation for anyone...it's flattering, and yet it can be embarrassing. Not only that, but often you are expected to make some sort of a closing statement following your noble recognition. Here are ten tips which might ease any tension build up prior to taking a step up to the podium.
- Express your respect for the organization making the award, anything less demeans the award for those who give it and others who've received it in the past.
- Be humble but not shy.
- Where appropriate, pay respects to a friend whose name will mean something to the audience. (Don't repeat a laundry list of everyone you've ever known; your audience will yawn.)
- Pass the buck and praise the competition (but only if you mean it).
- Give people a glimpse of the "real you." Tell a story no one there knows.
- An appropriate comic touch always adds to the occasion, but don't tell old jokes and only tell new ones if you tell them well. Real life humor is usually better (something that happened to you or someone you know) and makes your comments more unique.
- Make your speech a conversation with the audience.
- When you've said it all, sit down. Shorter is always better than longer and usually reduces rambling comments and useless repetition.
- Don't just run in at the last minute and rush out after the prize is yours. Ten extra minutes afterwards makes you seem 100 times more gracious and deserving.
