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.
|
