meaning of presentation of award

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How to Present an Award

Last Updated: May 7, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 110,675 times.

Giving out an award is a huge honor, so you likely want to do a great job. When you’re presenting an award, it’s important to keep the focus on the winner rather than yourself. Start your award speech by introducing the award and what it’s for. Then, announce the winner and why they won. Additionally, make sure that your information is accurate and concise.

Writing and Practicing Your Speech

• If the person knows about the award, talk to them directly to verify that you have correct information.
• If the award is a surprise, you can still talk to the person, but be vague about the reason. It may be helpful to talk to people who know them well, like a coworker, supervisor, classmate, teacher, or close relative.

• For instance, don’t say things like, “I taught her everything she knows,” “This is a great day for me because I hired her,” or “I always knew he was going places.”

• This is especially true if the winner will have a chance to give an acceptance speech. You don’t want to eat into the time they have for their speech.

Variation: You might also film your speech so you can look for areas that you can tighten up or improve.

Introducing the Award

• For instance, you might cradle a statue or plaque between both of your hands.
• If the award is an unframed certificate, you might carry it on open palms or keep it in a folder to protect it until you hand it out.

• You might say, “Every year we honor an employee who went above and beyond for our clients. This award celebrates the sacrifices and dedication of one employee who exemplified our company values over the past year.”

Variation: If you're presenting the award because of your position or credentials, briefly introduce yourself and your position to establish your credibility. This boosts the prominence of the award.

• Say, “This has been our most successful year as a company, and it’s because of the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Each of you deserves credit for helping us get to this point, but one employee’s achievements stand out from the rest.”

Announcing the Winner

• You could say, “The first time I met this person it was on a video conference. They’d traveled across the world for a business trip, but a client needed to meet that day. Instead of rescheduling, this person stayed up late into the night so they could attend the client meeting over Skype.”
• If you’re going for a funny story, you might say, “What we do around here is serious work, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. The person who’s receiving this award knows how to make people laugh. When we were going through our audit last quarter, they put a smile on everyone’s face by putting rubber ducks in the fountain outside our office. It was a small gesture, but it helped us get through a difficult week.”

• Say, “This award goes to a person who lives our values. They put clients first and never hesitate to help a coworker in need. This year they made 30% of our sales and completed half of our customer service calls. On top of that, they’re the only employee in the history of the company to ever receive a business opportunity grant. Please applaud for the winner of the VIP Award, Ms. Alison Dean.”

Tip: Ideally, the audience should slowly realize who’s name you’re about to call.

• You might say, “Today we’re here to honor Diego Lopez for his efforts to build a new community center. Mr. Lopez organized fundraisers, energized the community, and overcame obstacles to bring hope to his neighborhood. Thanks to his efforts, 75 students are currently enrolled in after-school programs at the center, and a new program for the elderly is set to open next week.”

• You might tell them, “Congratulations on this well-deserved accomplishment.”

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd2xNTuQWxQ
• ↑ https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_business-communication-for-success/s19-07-presenting-or-accepting-an-awa.html
• ↑ https://bizfluent.com/how-2122740-present-award.html
• ↑ http://www.publicspeakingexpert.co.uk/awardspeeches.html
• ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/public-speaking-tips/presenting-awards

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Award Design

Award presentation etiquette: best practices for making recognition memorable.

Recognition isn’t just about the award itself; it’s about the experience of receiving it. An effective award presentation can transform a simple acknowledgment into a memorable and meaningful moment for both the recipient and the entire team. Mastering the art of award presentation etiquette can ensure that the recognition you give carries the weight it deserves and leaves a lasting impact.

Incorporating the principle of seeing each employee as an individual lies at the heart of effective peer-to-peer recognition. It involves acknowledging the distinctive qualities, contributions, and growth of every team member. By tailoring recognition to each individual’s preferences, whether through personalized communication or awards, this approach reinforces a sense of value, belonging, and mutual respect within the team. It fosters a culture where every employee’s uniqueness is celebrated, ultimately cultivating stronger relationships, boosting morale, and nurturing a collaborative work environment.

Adding a Meaningful Touch

Personalization is the art of infusing a genuine and meaningful touch into recognition efforts. It goes beyond generic gestures and embraces the intricacies of each employee’s journey and accomplishments. By crafting personalized messages, selecting awards that resonate with individual preferences, or highlighting specific achievements, personalization deepens the emotional connection between the giver and recipient of recognition. This practice communicates a thoughtful understanding of the recipient’s journey, fostering a sense of appreciation that is both heartfelt and impactful. Personalized recognition not only celebrates achievements but also demonstrates that the organization values and recognizes the unique contributions that every employee brings to the table.

Keeping Everyone Informed

Incorporating transparency into the award presentation process is a crucial aspect of effective recognition. When the recognition journey is transparent, it creates an environment of fairness and equality. By openly sharing the criteria for awards, the selection process, and the reasons behind each recognition, organizations build trust among employees. Transparency fosters a sense of inclusivity, ensuring that recognition is based on merit and consistent standards. When employees understand the rationale behind recognition decisions, they feel valued and motivated to contribute positively to the organization’s goals. This approach also helps prevent any misconceptions, reducing the chances of misunderstandings and promoting a culture of mutual respect and trust.

Expressing Heartfelt Celebration

Expressing genuine enthusiasm during award presentations goes beyond formalities—it’s about creating a memorable and heartfelt experience for the recipient. When recognition is delivered with sincere excitement and joy, it amplifies the emotional impact. This requires presenters to genuinely celebrate the recipient’s achievements, expressing authentic happiness for their success. A warm smile, an encouraging tone, and a sincere pat on the back all contribute to making the recognition moment special. Genuine enthusiasm fosters a positive and supportive atmosphere, enhancing the recipient’s sense of accomplishment and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to appreciating their contributions. It transforms a routine ceremony into a genuinely uplifting event that leaves a lasting impression on both the recipient and the entire team.

Recognizing Collective Efforts

Recognizing and celebrating team success goes beyond individual achievements, highlighting the power of collaboration and camaraderie within the organization. It’s about acknowledging that great accomplishments are often the result of collective efforts and shared dedication. When presenting awards that honor team achievements, it’s essential to convey the message that every member’s contribution matters. By acknowledging the unique role each team member played in achieving the common goal, award presenters can foster a sense of unity and pride among the entire team. Celebrating team success not only reinforces the importance of collaboration but also motivates employees to continue working together towards shared objectives. This approach enhances workplace morale, reinforces a culture of cooperation, and reinforces the organization’s commitment to acknowledging collective achievements.

Making the Moment Special

A graceful award presentation is an art that elevates the recognition experience to a memorable event. It involves creating an atmosphere of anticipation and appreciation, where the recipient feels valued and honored. The key lies in paying attention to details – from the venue’s ambiance to the presenter’s demeanor. Delivering the award with genuine warmth and enthusiasm adds to the emotional impact of the recognition. Taking a moment to share anecdotes about the recipient’s contributions or highlighting their journey adds a personal touch that deepens the connection. The use of clear and concise language, along with maintaining eye contact, ensures that the significance of the award is conveyed effectively. A well-executed award presentation not only celebrates the recipient’s achievement but also creates a lasting memory that they will cherish, contributing to a culture of recognition and pride within the organization.

Documenting the Moment

Documenting the award presentation is a way of preserving the essence of recognition for posterity. Photographs, videos, or even a simple written account capture the emotion and pride of the moment. By documenting the award presentation, you extend the celebration beyond the event itself, allowing others to relive the excitement and significance of the recognition. These visual or written records also become a part of the organization’s history, showcasing its commitment to valuing its employees’ contributions. Whether shared internally or externally, these documented moments serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for others, fostering a culture of recognition that echoes far beyond the actual event.

Extending the Gratitude

The process of recognition doesn’t end with the award presentation. Following up with appreciative gestures amplifies the impact of the recognition and solidifies its value. A heartfelt thank-you note, a personalized message, or a simple email expressing gratitude can reinforce the significance of the award and convey genuine appreciation. This additional step communicates that the recognition isn’t just a fleeting moment but a lasting sentiment. By extending the gratitude beyond the award ceremony, you demonstrate a continued commitment to acknowledging and valuing your employees’ contributions. This thoughtful gesture not only enhances the recipient’s sense of accomplishment but also deepens their connection with the organization, ultimately contributing to a stronger bond between employees and the company.

Sharing the Impact

Encouraging recipients to reflect on the significance of their awards adds a profound dimension to the recognition experience. Providing a platform for awardees to share how the recognition has affected them personally or professionally can inspire a sense of pride and accomplishment. It allows individuals to articulate their growth, the lessons learned, and the motivation gained from being acknowledged. This reflection not only magnifies the positive impact of the recognition but also serves as inspiration for others in the organization. By sharing these stories, you create a cycle of positivity, where recognition begets motivation, and motivation begets success. This practice fosters a culture of continuous improvement, as employees learn from one another’s journeys and strive to achieve their own milestones.

A well-executed corporate award presentation is more than a formality; it’s a heartfelt gesture that acknowledges an individual’s dedication, hard work, and accomplishments. At Award Maven , we understand the significance of this moment, and our bespoke awards are designed to elevate every presentation. Schedule a call to ensure that your award presentations are not only seamless but also leave a lasting impression, making recognition a cornerstone of your company culture.

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15.7 Presenting or Accepting an Award

Learning objectives.

• Discuss the purpose of an award.
• Describe the process of presenting an award.
• Describe the process of accepting an award.

There is nothing more gratifying than recognition from your peers and colleagues for a job well done. We all strive for acceptance, and recognition is a reflection of belonging, a basic human need (Schutz, W., 1966). In this chapter we will discuss how to present or accept an award tactfully, graciously, and professionally.

First, make sure that you have all the information correct before you get up to speak: the honoree’s correct name and how it is pronounced, the correct title of the award, and the details about the honoree’s accomplishments that you are about to share. The spotlight will be on you, and your accurate delivery will be crucial to the happiness of the occasion.

When presenting an award, the key is to focus attention on the honor and the person receiving it—not on yourself. You may have been part of the committee that chose the winner, or involved in some other way, but your role should never upstage that of the person being honored.

You can focus the attention on the recipient in two ways: surprise or direct acknowledgement. In the surprise approach, you mention characteristics of the person receiving the award without initially mentioning their name—allowing the audience to start guessing who it might be. You may mention a list of accomplishments, or perhaps a positive story. With the surprise approach, you share the information that is sure to reveal the recipient’s identity right before you present the award.

You may prefer, however, a direct acknowledgement of the honoree’s performance or service and simply announce his or her name. The direct acknowledgement approach is typically followed by the reasons for choosing this person to receive the award, or include his or her past accomplishments. This direct strategy may be preferred if the audience is not familiar with the recipient.

Table 15.5 “Presenting an Award” summarizes the process of presenting an award.

Table 15.5 Presenting an Award

If you are the award recipient, be aware that the acceptance of an award often provides a moment of influence on the audience that can serve to advance your position or cause. Use of the limelight is an important skill, and much like any speech or presentation, it requires planning and preparation. You don’t want to be caught speechless, and you want to project a professional presence that corresponds to the award or recognition.

If you know you are being considered for an award, first consider what the award recognizes within your professional community. An award is a symbol of approval, recognition, or distinction that honors the recipient in public. As the recipient, it is your role to convey recognition of that honor with your gracious acceptance.

Perhaps you have seen an awards ceremony on television, where a producer, composer, actor, or musician has received public recognition. Sometimes the acceptance unifies the community and serves as an inspiration to others. Other times the recipient stumbles, talks as fast as they can to list all the people who helped them reach their goal (often forgetting several, which can hurt feelings), or they use the spotlight to address an unrelated issue, like a political protest. They may mumble, and their nervousness may be so obvious that it impacts their credibility. Accepting an award is an honor, an opportunity, and a challenge.

The first step in accepting an award is to say thank you. You can connect with the audience with your heartfelt emotional displays and enthusiasm. Raised arms, clasped hands, and a bow are universal symbols of respect and gratitude. Note that rambunctious displays of emotion such as jumping up and down or large, sweeping gestures are better left for the athletic fields. An award ceremony is a formal event, and your professionalism will be on display for all to see.

Next, you should consider giving credit where credit is due, noting its relevance to your field or community. If you name one person, you have to be sure to not leave anyone out, or you run the risk of hurting feelings and perhaps even making professional enemies. If you confine your credit list to a couple of key people, it is wise to extend the credit beyond the individual mentions by saying something like, “There are so many people who made this possible. Thank you all!” You should link your response to the award organization and your field, industry, or business. Don’t apologize or use terms that can be interpreted as negative. The acceptance of an award is a joyous, uplifting affair, and your role is to maintain and perpetuate that perception.

You may also consider linking your award to a motivational anecdote. A brief, personal story about how a teacher or neighbor in your community motivated you to do better than you thought you could and how you hope this can serve to motivate up-and-coming members to strive for their very best, can often stimulate an audience. Don’t exaggerate or stretch the story. The simple facts speak for themselves and the award serves as a powerful visual aid.

Say “thank you again” as you leave the stage, facilitating the transition to the next part of the ceremony while acknowledging the honor. You may need to take note where previous recipients have exited the stage to proceed without error, or simply return to your seat. Your brief comments combined with a graceful entrance and exit will communicate professionalism. Table 15.6 “Accepting an Award” summarizes the steps we have outlined.

Table 15.6 Accepting an Award

Key Takeaway

Awards are public recognitions of success, and tact and grace are required both in presenting and receiving them.

• Who needs to be prepared to present an award in a business and why? Discuss your ideas with the class.
• This can be a fun two-minute oral communication exercise. In the exercise, you will alternate between the role of the award announcer and the recipient. You will be paired up into teams where you will need to create a business or industry award, prepare a brief script and notes on acceptance, and then demonstrate your results for your class. The introduction of the speaker should last no more than thirty seconds and the acceptance should also be completed in less than a minute. If you are at a distance from your class, you may be assigned a particular role that fits your situation. Record your performance and post it in class.
• Find one example of an award acceptance speech that you perceive as particularly effective. Indicate why and share the link. Compare with your classmates.
• Find one example of an award acceptance speech that you perceive as particularly ineffective. Indicate why and share the link. Compare with classmates.

Schutz, W. (1966). The interpersonal underworld . Palo Alto, CA: Science and Behavior Books.

Business Communication for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Award Presentations and Recognition Speeches: A How-To Guide

• Charlie Boddicker
• June 20, 2023

How do you get the most out of your employee recognition program? It’s important to consider not only what kind of gifts you award but also  how  you award them. Studies have shown that public recognition events like banquets or ceremonies can enhance the effectiveness  of your award program.

Awards granted in a public setting can feel more meaningful to the recipient. Additionally, when people witness others being recognized, they often share the feeling of being seen and valued, even if they are not receiving an award themselves. Because of this, public recognition events help magnify the recognition given, and they foster a positive culture of recognition throughout the organization.

Employees are at their happiest and most productive when they feel that their personal expertise and contributions are noted and valued. Because of this, recognition events should highlight each awardee’s individual personality and accomplishments. This means that recognition should be specific, relevant, and sincere. When recognition is tailored to the individual, it will be perceived as coming from a place of genuine appreciation. This is crucial when it comes to  boosting morale and engagement . If employees do not perceive the sentiment behind an award as genuine, then the award program will not be as effective.

While it is acceptable to standardize awards ceremonies for the sake of efficiency and professionalism, it is also important to give them a human touch. During a recognition event, managers should draw attention to an awardee’s specific accomplishments. They can highlight the awardee’s particular duties and skills or reference challenges that they have helped the business overcome. Many employees, especially in public service industries , are motivated by the positive impact they have on others, whether that be patients, students, or customers, and this is something that ought to be recognized and celebrated. Managers can show that they care about their employees as people by recounting a fun anecdote or by referencing their interests and hobbies outside of work.

To sum up, employee recognition events are an important tool when it comes to increasing motivation, productivity, and retention. They can foster a welcoming and respectful working culture by showing employees that their work is seen and appreciated. To make the most of these events, managers should celebrate their employees’ individuality and display an open and honest appreciation of their hard work.

Check out our post, “Award Presentation Worksheet,” for a handy worksheet that can help get the ball rolling on your next presentation!

O’Flaherty, S., Sanders, M.T., & Whillans, A. (2021) ‘Research: A Little Recognition Can Provide a Big Morale Boost’, The Harvard Business Review . Available at: https://hbr.org/2021/03/research-a-little-recognition-can-provide-a-big-morale-boost

Gallup (2022) ‘Unleashing the Human Element at Work: Transforming Workplaces Through Recognition’, Gallup . Available at:  Gallup-Workhuman-Transforming-Workplaces-Through-Recognition-Report.pdf

Gibson, K.R., O’Leary, K., Weintraub, J.R. (2020) ‘The Little Things that Make Employees Feel Appreciated’, Harvard Business Review . Available at: https://hbr.org/2020/01/the-little-things-that-make-employees-feel-appreciated

Mann, A. & Dvorak, N. (2016) ‘Employee Recognition: Low Cost, High Impact’, Gallup . Available at: Employee Recognition: Low Cost, High Impact (gallup.com)

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Learning Objectives

• Discuss the purpose of an award.
• Describe the process of presenting an award.
• Describe the process of accepting an award.

There is nothing more gratifying than recognition from your peers and colleagues for a job well done. We all strive for acceptance, and recognition is a reflection of belonging, a basic human need (Schutz, W., 1966). In this chapter we will discuss how to present or accept an award tactfully, graciously, and professionally.

First, make sure that you have all the information correct before you get up to speak: the honoree’s correct name and how it is pronounced, the correct title of the award, and the details about the honoree’s accomplishments that you are about to share. The spotlight will be on you, and your accurate delivery will be crucial to the happiness of the occasion.

When presenting an award, the key is to focus attention on the honor and the person receiving it—not on yourself. You may have been part of the committee that chose the winner, or involved in some other way, but your role should never upstage that of the person being honored.

You can focus the attention on the recipient in two ways: surprise or direct acknowledgement. In the surprise approach, you mention characteristics of the person receiving the award without initially mentioning their name—allowing the audience to start guessing who it might be. You may mention a list of accomplishments, or perhaps a positive story. With the surprise approach, you share the information that is sure to reveal the recipient’s identity right before you present the award.

You may prefer, however, a direct acknowledgement of the honoree’s performance or service and simply announce his or her name. The direct acknowledgement approach is typically followed by the reasons for choosing this person to receive the award, or include his or her past accomplishments. This direct strategy may be preferred if the audience is not familiar with the recipient.

Table 15.5 “Presenting an Award” summarizes the process of presenting an award.

Table 15.5 Presenting an Award

If you are the award recipient, be aware that the acceptance of an award often provides a moment of influence on the audience that can serve to advance your position or cause. Use of the limelight is an important skill, and much like any speech or presentation, it requires planning and preparation. You don’t want to be caught speechless, and you want to project a professional presence that corresponds to the award or recognition.

If you know you are being considered for an award, first consider what the award recognizes within your professional community. An award is a symbol of approval, recognition, or distinction that honors the recipient in public. As the recipient, it is your role to convey recognition of that honor with your gracious acceptance.

Perhaps you have seen an awards ceremony on television, where a producer, composer, actor, or musician has received public recognition. Sometimes the acceptance unifies the community and serves as an inspiration to others. Other times the recipient stumbles, talks as fast as they can to list all the people who helped them reach their goal (often forgetting several, which can hurt feelings), or they use the spotlight to address an unrelated issue, like a political protest. They may mumble, and their nervousness may be so obvious that it impacts their credibility. Accepting an award is an honor, an opportunity, and a challenge.

The first step in accepting an award is to say thank you. You can connect with the audience with your heartfelt emotional displays and enthusiasm. Raised arms, clasped hands, and a bow are universal symbols of respect and gratitude. Note that rambunctious displays of emotion such as jumping up and down or large, sweeping gestures are better left for the athletic fields. An award ceremony is a formal event, and your professionalism will be on display for all to see.

Next, you should consider giving credit where credit is due, noting its relevance to your field or community. If you name one person, you have to be sure to not leave anyone out, or you run the risk of hurting feelings and perhaps even making professional enemies. If you confine your credit list to a couple of key people, it is wise to extend the credit beyond the individual mentions by saying something like, “There are so many people who made this possible. Thank you all!” You should link your response to the award organization and your field, industry, or business. Don’t apologize or use terms that can be interpreted as negative. The acceptance of an award is a joyous, uplifting affair, and your role is to maintain and perpetuate that perception.

You may also consider linking your award to a motivational anecdote. A brief, personal story about how a teacher or neighbor in your community motivated you to do better than you thought you could and how you hope this can serve to motivate up-and-coming members to strive for their very best, can often stimulate an audience. Don’t exaggerate or stretch the story. The simple facts speak for themselves and the award serves as a powerful visual aid.

Say “thank you again” as you leave the stage, facilitating the transition to the next part of the ceremony while acknowledging the honor. You may need to take note where previous recipients have exited the stage to proceed without error, or simply return to your seat. Your brief comments combined with a graceful entrance and exit will communicate professionalism. Table 15.6 “Accepting an Award” summarizes the steps we have outlined.

Table 15.6 Accepting an Award

Key Takeaway

Awards are public recognitions of success, and tact and grace are required both in presenting and receiving them.

• Who needs to be prepared to present an award in a business and why? Discuss your ideas with the class.
• This can be a fun two-minute oral communication exercise. In the exercise, you will alternate between the role of the award announcer and the recipient. You will be paired up into teams where you will need to create a business or industry award, prepare a brief script and notes on acceptance, and then demonstrate your results for your class. The introduction of the speaker should last no more than thirty seconds and the acceptance should also be completed in less than a minute. If you are at a distance from your class, you may be assigned a particular role that fits your situation. Record your performance and post it in class.
• Find one example of an award acceptance speech that you perceive as particularly effective. Indicate why and share the link. Compare with your classmates.
• Find one example of an award acceptance speech that you perceive as particularly ineffective. Indicate why and share the link. Compare with classmates.

Schutz, W. (1966). The interpersonal underworld . Palo Alto, CA: Science and Behavior Books.

Business Communication for Success: Public Speaking Edition Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

• Public Speaking Tips >>

What Should I Say To Present An Award?

This is one in a series of posts that uses my ready made speech templates to help you get a start on this type of speech or presentation.

In this one we will look at “Presenting An Award’ – whether this is an internal business award or part of a greater recognition in the business community.

As always, the first step in your preparation is to understand why your audience is there and why it is you making the presentation or speech.

You may not need to adjust what you plant to say but it is always important to understand the “why” before you begin to prepare your speech or presentation.

To start with, we need to acknowledge that all of us are often more interested in ourselves than others so you will need to make the presentation match the needs of your audience (as well as the recipient) to maintain interest in your speech.

For me, I prefer to prepare it as two speeches – one is the actual announcement, the other is the “support” speech which is structured to enable it to be adjusted for any required length of time.

Here is a template I use to help me write this type of speech.

• “Today marks the announcement of…..”
• “ Firstly I would like to share with you a little of the history of this award and how the winner is determined. …….”
• “It is now my privilege (or honour) to announce ……”
• “ Please join with me in congratulating …..”

Taking this one section at a time, section 1 simply needs the name of the award to be inserted. The value of starting this way is that it gives the audience time to focus on you and the occasion.

Section 2 is where you can adjust your time to the time allocated for your part of the presentation. The content of this section should be structured as you would for any speech – tell them what you are going to tell them ( ” Firstly I would like to share with you a little of the history of this award and how the winner is determined”); tell them the information keeping it relevant to the audience; then conclude and lead in to section 3.

Section 3 then becomes a direct announcement of the award name and the recipient name. Make sure you pause before you say each of these.

Section 4 is your opportunity to complete your presentation and exit the stage.

A word of warning about using “but”, “however” or “because”. My experience shows that an audience remembers what you say after these words not what is important ly said before them. e.g. I am pleased to be announcing this award BECAUSE it has taken such a long time to finalise it. You could still express this sentiment by saying I am pleased to be announcing this award AS it has taken such a long time to finalise it.

Always keep in mind that the most important part you are presenting is the award (or making the announcement), not the history of the award or how it is determined. By being prepared and having a structured presentation you run less risk of being side tracked during your presentation.

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Show Me How To Give an Effective Award Presentation

By roy saunderson, ma, crp.

A wards are wonderful things. 

They are the most valuable possessions in the world to the people who receive them. 

Awards straddle between recognition and rewards in that they recognize an individual or team and may include a trophy and a reward. For what we will discuss here, they also provide a means to publicly honor the best of the best either through earned merit, length of service, or through an adjudication of a nomination.  

People will dress up for award events. They may even take the day off to prepare. People look forward to awarding ceremonies for weeks ahead.

You should know by now that award presentations are a big deal and so you had better get them right. Here’s how to prepare to give an effective award presentation. 

Your goal with any award event and presentation is to orchestrate as much as you can to make it an experience to remember for each award recipient. 

Whether it is a sales award, a career milestone award, or an award of excellence, you must plan out how you will honor the award recipients. 

Focus on the Award Purpose  

You need to answer the “why” question. Ask yourself, and your award committee members, why are we honoring these employees we are presenting awards to?

When you know the purpose of the awards and the event, this will help everyone be better prepared. And when you are presenting the award, rivet the reason for it in your mind.

It will cause you to think about what you should remember to make the award presentation a special event. 

For example, an employee’s length of service has been their life’s contribution to making a difference. What investigative digging can you do ahead of time to learn about their contributions.

With a formal award of excellence, you have people’s concentrated efforts to comply with and meet all the criteria associated with the area of expertise the award represents. That’s a big deal. Make sure you tell the story on the stage.

Find out the positive attributes of the individual being awarded. Share these within the presentation.

It is also important to discover what is most meaningful in the award recipient’s work and to honor them for it. They are winners for lots of reasons. You need to highlight these strengths for others to emulate. 

Show The Proof of Award Winners  

Most employees in your organization have never paid attention to what it takes to win an award. 

Before presenting the award, tell everyone the criteria for meriting this award. Focus on the main achievements and qualities needed to persevere and win the award. 

People need to understand why this person’s contributions or performance are above and beyond. Give people a chance to see how their work has shown a level of excellence for the organization.

Briefly explain the award nomination criteria and the challenge judges have on adjudicating nominations. Show how the individual’s or team’s nomination was exceptional. This helps guide the quality of future submissions. You can even share pertinent comments from the judges on what stood out for them. Describe how their performance and award activities benefit the organization. 

Make No Small Plans  

Part of the successful presentation of employee awards at ceremonies and award events is the planning that goes into them. It will take a team of people. Create templates and checklists to replicate this again. And always be willing to improve upon and make changes. 

Consider who to invite to the award ceremony. Are there important past colleagues to invite? Should you include and reach out to family and friends? 

Think about and ask what the honoree would like to have happen. Some of these factors, along with more virtual work scenarios, may dictate the best place to hold the awards event.

Foremost is checking with the award recipient to see if they are okay with this being a public event or not. For example, some people just prefer a small private affair.

Finding the right place and setting can add to the whole award experience. No matter if in person or online, remember to capture this special occasion on camera or video and send the award recipient copies afterward. 

Do Everything To Personalize Awards  

The intent of every award event is to make people feel special. One important way to do that is to use the award recipient’s preferred name versus their given name on the books. A person’s name is music to their ears. Make sure you have the correct spelling and pronunciation, too.

Work with leaders and colleagues ahead of time to learn the individual’s history with the organization. There might be a backstory tale to tell in those gems you discover. 

It can be the little things that make an award presentation meaningful. Like finding out why they selected their particular award gift for their career milestone award. 

You can make an occasion magical by getting just the “right” person to attend and make the presentation. In most case it will be their immediate manager or an organizational leader. Your task is the make this a memorable experience for the recipient. So, if finding a leader or manager from their past to be on stage will do it, make it happen. 

Getting Down to the Presentation  

You cannot be a boring stuff shirt when presenting someone their award. This should never be a shake and grin event where people receive the award shake hands and leave. The award recipient should be on cloud nine when they walk off the stage or off the screen. 

Think about this concept: What is one thing you can do to turn this award event into a celebration versus a presentation ?

Connect this person’s contributions to the organizational values and thank them for their example. Make sure you are well prepared with what to say and do. Sincerely and specifically, thank the individual for all that they have done for the organization and for specific individuals or teams. 

Everything about this award hinges on how you present it. Presenting this award can make a lasting impression on a person. Or it can ruin everything they hold dear to them about the organization.

The task you face in presenting an award is making positive memories with everything you do for this honoree. Treat them as a star celebrity, because on the day you present their award, they really are the hero being celebrated. 

Always remember to acknowledge the award winner or recipient’s achievements and acknowledge the grand difference they have made to specific people and the organization at large.

Presenting an award to someone is no small order. Yet, with this opportunity, you have the chance to make it the most memorable and motivational experience in someone’s life. That has to be the best job anyone can look forward to. 

Recognition Reflection: Do you consistently evaluate your award presentations and change them as needed?

Roy is no longer writing new content for this site (he has retired!), but you can subscribe to Engage2Excel’s blog as Engage2Excel will be taking Roy’s place writing about similar topics on employee recognition and retention, leadership and strategy.

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Rewards and recognition presentation: A comprehensive guide

This guide covers everything from planning to delivery, with tips on choosing awards.

Raja Bothra

Building presentations

Hey there, fellow presenters and workplace enthusiasts!

Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of rewards and recognition presentations.

Whether you're an HR professional looking to boost employee engagement or a manager aiming to celebrate your team's achievements, you're in the right place.

We'll be covering everything from what these presentations are to how you can craft a memorable one. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on this educational journey together.

What are rewards and recognition presentations?

Rewards and recognition presentations are a vital component of any thriving workplace. They serve as a medium to acknowledge and celebrate employees' hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. In essence, these presentations are a way to say "thank you" to your team members for their continuous efforts.

Employee recognition: Building trust and morale

Recognition, in the context of the workplace, is more than just a pat on the back. It's about creating an environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. A recent survey found that companies with a strong culture of recognition have 31% lower voluntary turnover rates. It's clear that recognizing employees not only boosts morale but also helps retain your top talent.

Why do rewards and recognition matter in the workplace?

Rewards and recognition matter in the workplace because they can have a profoundly positive impact on employee morale, motivation, productivity, retention, and overall performance. When employees feel appreciated and valued for their contributions, it sets in motion a series of benefits that not only enhance the work environment but also contribute to the company's success.

Increased employee morale: One of the most significant benefits of rewards and recognition is the boost in employee morale. When employees know that their hard work and dedication are acknowledged, they tend to be happier and more satisfied with their jobs. This, in turn, creates a more positive work environment where team members feel appreciated and valued.

Boosted motivation: Rewards and recognition act as powerful motivators. Knowing that their efforts will be celebrated and rewarded, employees are naturally inclined to perform at their best. This heightened motivation can lead to increased productivity and improved results. It's like adding a turbocharger to your workforce's engine.

Improved productivity: Extensive research has shown that employees who are recognized for their contributions tend to be more productive than their counterparts who aren't. This productivity boost stems from the motivation that recognition provides. Employees not only work harder but also produce work of higher quality, which directly benefits the organization.

Reduced turnover: A well-structured recognition program plays a crucial role in employee retention. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are far less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. This translates to reduced turnover rates and, consequently, substantial cost savings for the company. Retaining skilled and experienced employees is a strategic move that positively impacts an organization's bottom line.

Improved overall performance: Furthermore, an effective rewards and recognition program contributes to enhancing overall employee performance. Recognition serves as a driving force, motivating employees to expand their knowledge, skillset, and performance standards. It encourages them to strive for excellence and continuous improvement. As a result, the organization benefits from an ever-improving workforce.

In addition to these quantifiable advantages, rewards and recognition also play a crucial role in shaping the workplace culture. A culture of appreciation and recognition fosters a positive and supportive environment where employees are not only motivated but also more likely to collaborate and support their colleagues. It encourages a sense of unity and shared goals, which is pivotal to achieving collective success

What should a rewards and recognition presentation include?

A rewards and recognition presentation is not just a simple show-and-tell; it's a powerful means of expressing appreciation to your team members for their dedication and hard work. As you embark on creating your presentation, it's essential to encompass key elements that will make it truly effective and memorable. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what should be included:

Recognition framework: Building the foundation

Before delving into the heart of your presentation, it's crucial to establish a recognition framework. This framework serves as your roadmap, guiding how and when recognition occurs within your organization. It sets the stage for a consistent and meaningful recognition process that everyone can understand and follow. This not only ensures that recognition is fair and inclusive but also makes the program more transparent and accessible.

Employee appreciation: Celebrating every win

Recognition isn't just about grand achievements; it's about celebrating every success, no matter how big or small. Emphasize the significance of recognizing the everyday wins and the contributions that often go unnoticed. This can include acknowledging punctuality, teamwork, innovative ideas, or going the extra mile to help a colleague. Highlight that every employee's unique strengths and contributions are valued and appreciated.

Visual aids: Pictures speak louder than words

Visual aids are a must for creating an engaging and memorable presentation. Incorporating graphics, clipart, and infographics can help convey your message effectively. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, and visual elements can captivate your audience and make the information more digestible. Use eye-catching visuals to showcase success stories, data, and the impact of recognition.

Personalization: A unique touch for each employee

Each employee in your organization is unique, and so should be the way you recognize them. Personalization adds a special touch to your recognition efforts, making them more sincere and meaningful. Encourage team members to provide input on how they'd like to be recognized, whether it's a public shout-out, a certificate of recognition , or a private thank-you note. Tailoring recognition to individual preferences shows that you truly value and respect your employees.

Incorporating these elements into your rewards and recognition presentation will not only make it more comprehensive and effective but will also resonate with your team members on a deeper level.

How to structure an effective rewards and recognition presentation

Structuring an effective rewards and recognition presentation is like painting a masterpiece; every element should have its place and purpose. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to craft a presentation that resonates with your audience:

Title slide: Setting the stage

‍ Begin your presentation with a title slide that sets the stage for what's to come. Include the title, such as "Rewards and Recognition Presentation," your name and designation, and the date and occasion (if applicable). This slide introduces the topic and provides essential context.

Introduction: Captivating your audience

‍ The introduction is where you captivate your audience's attention. Start with a compelling quote or anecdote related to the topic. Provide an overview of what the presentation will cover, and explain the significance of rewards and recognition in the workplace. This sets the tone for the presentation and hooks your audience.

Objectives: Clarifying expectations

‍ Clearly state the objectives of the presentation. For example, "By the end of this presentation, you will understand the benefits of rewards and recognition, how to implement them effectively, and their impact on employee engagement and productivity." This step ensures your audience knows what to expect and what they'll gain from the presentation.

Agenda: Navigating the journey

‍ Outline the main topics or sections you'll cover in the presentation. This serves as a roadmap, helping your audience understand the structure of the presentation and what's coming next.

Why rewards and recognition matter: Building the foundation

‍ In this section, explain the importance of recognizing and rewarding employees. Use statistics and research to support your points and share success stories or case studies if available. This builds a strong foundation for the rest of your presentation.

Benefits of rewards and recognition: Showcasing the gains

‍ Discuss the positive impacts on employee morale, motivation, and retention. Show how rewards and recognition can improve team dynamics and company culture while highlighting the connection between recognition and increased productivity. This part provides motivation and context for the audience.

Types of rewards and recognition: Exploring options

‍ Categorize and describe various forms of rewards and recognition, such as monetary, non-monetary, intrinsic, and extrinsic. Give examples and explain when to use each type. This section provides a comprehensive view of the available options.

Designing effective programs: The blueprint for success

‍ Provide guidelines for creating and implementing recognition programs, including elements like fairness, transparency, and frequency. Share best practices from your organization or industry, offering practical advice to your audience.

Measuring and evaluating success: Gauging the impact

‍ Explain how to measure the impact of rewards and recognition programs, showcasing key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track. Highlight the importance of feedback and continuous improvement, emphasizing the need for data-driven approaches.

Case studies and examples: Real-life inspiration

‍ Present real-life examples of companies that have successfully implemented rewards and recognition programs. Share specific outcomes and benefits they achieved, offering tangible evidence of the concepts you're discussing.

Challenges and pitfalls: Navigating obstacles

‍ Discuss common challenges or mistakes in implementing these programs and suggest strategies to overcome these challenges. This section prepares your audience to address potential roadblocks effectively.

Employee testimonials: Adding the human touch

‍ Include video clips or quotes from employees who have benefited from the programs. These testimonials provide powerful and relatable endorsements, adding a human element to your presentation.

Implementation steps: A roadmap to success

‍ Offer a step-by-step guide on how to initiate and maintain rewards and recognition programs, including timelines, responsibilities, and resources required. This practical guidance helps your audience understand the practical steps involved.

Budgeting and resource allocation: The cost of excellence

‍ Discuss the budget considerations and resource allocation needed for these programs, emphasizing the long-term return on investment. This section addresses a critical aspect of program implementation.

Engaging your audience: Interactive elements

‍ Use interactive elements, such as quizzes, polls, or open-ended questions, to keep your audience engaged. These activities break up the presentation and encourage participation.

Q&A session: Addressing queries

‍ Open the floor to questions and provide answers to any queries your audience may have. This interactive component fosters engagement and ensures clarity.

Conclusion: The power of summarization

‍ Summarize the key points discussed in the presentation and reiterate the importance of rewards and recognition. This reinforces the main takeaways.

Closing thoughts: Leaving a mark

‍ End with a thought-provoking quote or message that leaves a lasting impression. This concluding message should leave your audience with something to reflect on.

Thank you slide: Expressing gratitude

‍ Thank your audience for their time and attention. This slide serves as a courteous conclusion to your presentation.

Contact information: Staying connected

‍ Provide your contact details in case anyone has further questions or wants to reach out for more information. This shows your willingness to engage further.

Remember to use visuals, graphics, and data to enhance the presentation. Keep it engaging and interactive to maintain your audience's interest throughout. By following this structured approach, you'll not only educate your audience but also inspire and motivate them to embrace rewards and recognition in the workplace.

Do’s and don'ts on a rewards and recognition presentation

Before we wrap up, let's go through some do's and don'ts for your rewards and recognition presentation:

• Be sincere : Authenticity matters. Ensure your recognition is heartfelt.
• Be equitable : Recognize employees at all levels to promote a sense of fairness.
• Use visuals : Make your presentation visually appealing with graphics and infographics.
• Personalize : Tailor your recognition to the individual's preferences and accomplishments.
• Overlook anyone : Ensure that everyone, from the interns to the executives, gets recognized.
• Make it informal : Your presentation should maintain a professional tone.
• Forget the impact : Highlight how the recognized achievements have positively affected the organization.

Summarizing key takeaways

• Significance of rewards and recognition: Acknowledge and celebrate employee contributions. Promote trust, morale, and loyalty in the workplace.
• Workplace importance: Boosts morale, motivation, productivity, retention, and overall performance. Creates a culture of appreciation, collaboration, and unity.
• Elements for presentation: Establish a recognition framework. Celebrate everyday successes. Use visual aids and personalize recognition.
• Structuring an effective presentation: Include key sections like objectives, benefits, types of rewards, and case studies. Use statistics and real-life examples. Address challenges and engage the audience.
• Do's and don'ts: Be sincere, equitable, and use visuals. Personalize recognition and maintain professionalism. Highlight the positive impact on the organization.

1. What's the importance of a rewards and recognition presentation, and how can powerpoint help?

A rewards and recognition presentation plays a crucial role in celebrating accomplishments and boosting employee morale. It's a powerful tool for human resource professionals and managers to showcase the company's commitment to recognizing and rewarding their team. powerpoint, with its user-friendly interface and extensive capabilities, can be used to create a visually appealing presentation. By incorporating the right rewards and recognition PPT template, you can make it easier to attract and maintain your audience's attention.

2. Can you recommend a rewards and recognition powerpoint template?

Certainly, we offer a variety of rewards and recognition powerpoint templates to help you create a captivating presentation. Our templates are categorized according to the number of stages, making it easier for you to refine the results and select a 4 piece puzzle slide or any other graphic elements that suit your needs. You can download these templates and customize them to align with your organization's goals and values.

3. How do I design a rewards and recognition framework using powerpoint?

Designing a rewards and recognition framework in powerpoint is a great way to communicate your organization's commitment to employee rewards. You can start by selecting a rewards and recognition powerpoint template that best fits your needs. Then, use icons and graphics to represent the number of divisions or graphic elements in the framework. This will help improve the visibility and equity of your recognition program, making it more appealing and understandable to your audience.

4. Where can I find recognition powerpoint templates suitable for a non-profit organization?

If you're working with a non-profit organization and need recognition powerpoint templates, there are a range of options available online. You can browse through their collection for recognition and reward presentation template, refine the results, and select a template that aligns with your non-profit's values and goals.

5. What are the benefits of using rewards and recognition slides in a presentation?

Incorporating total rewards in your presentation can be highly advantageous. They allow you to introduce your recognition program with an accolade and editable content, making it engaging and informative. These slides are essential for highlighting employee achievements, such as the employee of the month, and related content. By including recognition awards and using powerpoint to create them, you can emphasize high performance and encourage achievers within your organization.

Create your rewards and recognition presentation with Prezent

With Prezent's AI presentation tool, you can elevate your employee appreciation initiatives to a whole new level. Our platform offers a personalized approach, tailoring your presentations to the preferences of your audience, ensuring that your recognition efforts resonate with each team member. Say goodbye to generic, one-size-fits-all presentations and embrace the power of personalization.

Incorporate the best practices of business storytelling into your rewards and recognition presentations with Prezent. Our platform provides guides and e-courses that help you master structured storytelling, ensuring that your message is not only heard but also remembered. By using our brand-approved design templates, you maintain consistency and professionalism, reinforcing your corporate identity in every presentation.

Furthermore, Prezent streamlines the process, saving you time and resources. You can create, collaborate, and share your rewards and recognition presentations in real-time, both within and outside your organization. Ditch expensive agencies and opt for our software and services, reducing communication costs by up to 60%. With Prezent, you have the tools to make your team's accomplishments shine and show your appreciation in a way that truly connects with your employees.

And before we part ways, here's a quote to inspire you:

"The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation."

Sign up for our free trial or book a demo today!

Now, it's your turn to recognize and reward. Good luck with your presentation!

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How to Give an Award Presentation Speech (Example Included!)

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Congratulations! Chances are that if you're reading this article, you have been named an award recipient for an accomplishment or are involved with bestowing an award to others. Either way, in the work context, you should aim for a professional yet enjoyable speech.

People often focus on whatever the person getting the award is going to say about it. Less mentioned is the speech given beforehand by the award presenter. However, this is also a very important and prestigious job. 

After all, the presenter is tasked with setting the mood of the event, giving context to the honor being awarded and introducing them in an engaging way. Writing and delivering a killer presentation speech takes time, thought, and preparation. It's no small feat!

Feeling nervous about it? Here's how to write and deliver a speech presenting an award—or receiving one.

How to write an award presentation speech

When writing your speech, try to strike a balance between covering the necessary information—like the details of the award and the accomplishments of the person being honored—and keeping your audience interested. 

Break down the components of the speech in an outline at first to make sure you hit everything you want to say. 

1. Begin with a captivating opener

This is an opportunity to put some personal flair into your speech. Know your audience. Start with a joke or a funny anecdote, if it's appropriate. If not, you might start with a personal memory or connection to the person being awarded. The opening of a presentation award speech is your moment to set the tone and grab the audience's attention.

2. Give some background

Give some context to the award you're presenting. How much or how little is up to you, your organization and the setting, but it's important to ground the speech in why the event is happening. Did someone specific fund this award? When and for what reason? What does it represent? What kind of qualities does it recognize in the person who receives it? 

If you have a personal connection to the award or the person receiving it, you may mention it here. Are you a past winner of this same award? Is the person receiving it one of your employees or close friends? You can use this as an opportunity to transition into introducing the person and their work. 

4. Talk about the awardee's work

Next, introduce the work or qualifications of the person being awarded. Talk about the work that stood out to the organization or committee presenting this honor to them. How does their work relate or contribute to the wider cause? 

You could mention other awards they have won in the past or a memory or anecdote about the person being honored if you have a personal connection with them. You may also have a bio of theirs to read, if they specified how they wanted to be introduced. 

Either way, put a good portion of your time and thought into this part of your speech. Your job is to present this award to this specific person, so put intention and energy into representing them and their accomplishments well. Though they may have a long and prestigious resume , try to keep it relatively short. Hit the highlights and the most relevant information to the occasion.

5. Keep it on the short side

You have a good bit of information to cover in order to give a heartfelt, personalized speech, but try your best to keep it fairly brief. You don't want to overshadow the person getting the award by taking too much time away from their acceptance speech or lose your audience halfway through. 

Practice your speech, and time yourself when you do. This will ensure you're keeping things concise and including everything you wanted to say. Decide whether you're going to memorize your speech or if you're going to have notecards or a written copy. Practice however you're going to deliver it to make sure you've got it down.

Presenting an award: Speech template

Now let's put all these tips into practice. To start, here's a template of an award presentation speech that is pretty standard and can be used in many different types of recognizations.

[Good morning/evening/night] folks, 

It is with great pleasure that I join you here today to present the [title of award] on behalf of [your company]. This is the [number] year this award has been presented, and it remains one of the highest honors in this field, recognizing the person in our community whose work has had a truly outstanding [type of outcome or impact the award winner's work caused]. 

As a committee member, I can tell you that the nominees this year were some of the most [qualities of the nominees] people I've had the pleasure of knowing. However, one person stood out for their remarkable career in this field. 

They have made an inestimable contribution to our community over their [time the award winner works for the company] of work in our [your work field], working to [their goals, passion/goals or what they work for]. They have gone on to become an example in [what this person does in their field + achievements].

I have had the absolute honor of working closely with this person throughout their career, and I cannot be happier to see them honored here tonight. Without further ado, the [title of award] goes to [name of the winner]. Please join me in welcoming them to the stage. 

Presenting an award: Speech example

Want to see the template come to life? This example of an award presentation speech shows you how to fill in the blanks and serves as a guide for writing your own.

Good evening folks, 

It is with great pleasure that I join you here today to present the Outstanding Achievement Award for Social Service on behalf of The Zyx Company. This is the 25th year this award has been presented, and it remains one of the highest honors in this field, recognizing the person in our community whose work has had a truly outstanding impact in the lives of many. 

As a committee member, I can tell you that the nominees this year were some of the most incredible, hardworking and compassionate people I've had the pleasure of knowing. However, one person stood out for their remarkable career in this field. 

They have made an inestimable contribution to our community over their 20 years of work in our public school systems, working to improve the lives of our students and future leaders. They have gone on to become an example in social work and innovation in combating homelessness and worked tirelessly to obtain greater resources for people in marginalized communities.

I have had the absolute honor of working closely with this person throughout their career, and I cannot be happier to see them honored here tonight. Without further ado, the Outstanding Achievement Award for Social Service goes to Jill Smith. Please join me in welcoming them to the stage.

How do you give a speech after receiving an award?

What about if you're on the other side of the award presentation? Writing an award acceptance speech is also an art. Similarly, you want to plan ahead and make sure you hit certain points within your speech. 

Receiving an award is an incredible honor and can be exciting or overwhelming, so you want to do the preparation beforehand in order to say what you want to say. 

"Thank the Academy" and others 

You want to be sure to thank the people involved in giving you this award. This list includes the organization or committee presenting it to you and the presenter, as well as anyone who you feel helped to get you where you are today. We've all seen heartfelt, lengthy thank you lists delivered over Academy Awards and Emmys. 

This is a common factor in awards speeches for a reason. No one achieves their success without help from people who believe in them. Identify who you want to shout out during your speech, and if you need to, make a physical list so you don't leave anyone out. 

Share a bit about your work 

Share a bit of your work and why you're proud of it. Are there any lessons your road to this award has taught you? What aspect of what you do are you most excited to share with the world, and why do you think it's important?

Make a statement

If you feel compelled to do so, use the platform you have during your acceptance speech to make a statement about a larger social or political issue pertaining to your work. Is there a cause you're particularly passionate about? What do you want to say and promote through this moment?

Watch the time

There might be time constraints on your speech as well. Either way, try not to make it too lengthy. Have a plan, rehearse and be ready to say what you planned to say. 

Final thoughts

Whether you're presenting an award or receiving one, preparation is essential in order to deliver a thoughtful speech. Make sure you do your research, know what you want to say and practice ahead of time so that, when the day comes, you're ready to go. 

Awards ceremonies can be exciting and moving events, and often it's the speeches that make or break them. Take on this responsibility with excitement, and put time and thought into your presentation.

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Presenting Awards

• Tell a story about the significance of the award.
• Pronounce names of the recipients correctly.
• Provide background on the recipient.
• Hold the award respectfully and hand it to the recipient as if it were a treasure.
• Wait to invite the recipient to the lectern until you formally introduce them.
• Stand so the audience can see the recipient and the award clearly.

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Rice Speechwriting

Mastering presenter speech for award ceremonies, ace your presenter speech for award ceremonies.

Have you ever been to an award ceremony and felt that the presenter’s speech was a bit lackluster? If so, you know how important it is for the presenter to deliver a captivating speech that engages the audience and honors the awardee. An award presentation speech should be well-crafted, informative, and inspiring, leaving the audience with a sense of awe. In this blog post, we will cover all the key elements of an effective award presentation speech, including how to craft a captivating opener, provide background on the award and its significance, highlight the awardee’s accomplishments, and maintain brevity and engagement throughout. We’ll also share some tips on how to write an impressive presentation speech by knowing your audience, gathering relevant information about the awardee, and practicing your delivery. Finally, we’ll share examples of award presentation speeches gone right (and wrong) so that you can learn from others’ experiences.

Understanding the Purpose of an Award Presentation Speech

Honoring the recipient’s achievements is pivotal in an award presentation speech, capturing the audience’s attention from the onset. The speech should emphasize the honor and purpose of the award while expressing gratitude to the recipient, audience, and organizers. Additionally, it should inspire both the audience and the recipient, making it a momentous occasion. Incorporating these elements will make the award speech a memorable highlight of the ceremony.

The Role of a Presenter in an Award Ceremony

The presenter’s speech at an award ceremony plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for the event, demanding a high level of public speaking finesse. It serves as an introduction to the award recipient, encapsulating their name, achievements, and the purpose of the award. The speech also acts as a means of honoring the award recipient, encompassing elements of a speech giving an award to someone, an acceptance speech, and an award acceptance speech , all combined into one. Additionally, it presents an opportunity to underline the award’s purpose, the kinds of achievements it celebrates, and the individual’s significant contributions. The presentation speech template should be designed to captivate the audience, culminating in a high note, similar to giving an award to someone speech, introduction speech for award recipient, and award presentation speech, ending with a bang.

The Importance of a Well-Crafted Presentation Speech

Crafting an award presentation speech demands the emcee’s skill to sustain audience engagement within the time limit, ensuring a captivating speech until the end. The speech sets the stage for the award recipient’s heartfelt acceptance speech, requiring the emcee’s finesse in captivating the audience’s attention. Utilizing a presentation speech pdf, YouTube, or an anecdote can enhance the speech’s impact, expressing gratitude, honor, and the award’s purpose.

Key Elements of an Effective Award Presentation Speech

Crafting an effective award presentation speech involves seamlessly integrating key elements to engage the audience. The speech should include an award presentation, acceptance speech, and introduction of the award recipient in a concise yet impactful manner. It is essential to honor the recipient’s achievements and the purpose of the award while maintaining the audience’s attention. Incorporating gratitude and a thoughtful ending further enriches the overall presentation. Utilizing a well-crafted presentation speech template with NLP terms such as award speech, certificate, and trophies can enhance its effectiveness.

Crafting a Captivating Opener

Crafting the opening of an award presentation speech sets the stage for honoring the recipient’s achievements and the award’s purpose. The emcee’s introduction must capture the audience’s attention and engage them to honor the recipient. It should establish the purpose of the award and the achievements of the recipient. Crafting this opener is crucial for laying the groundwork for the award presentation and acceptance speech, ensuring lasting impact.

Providing Background on the Award and its Significance

Crafting an award presentation speech’s background involves expressing gratitude and outlining the purpose of the award, the recipient’s achievements, and the award’s scope. The emcee’s speech’s background should offer insight into the award’s purpose, the recipient’s achievements, and the award’s scope. It should also honor the recipient and express gratitude. This sets the stage for a memorable presentation that encapsulates the significance of the award and the accomplishments of the recipient.

Highlighting the Awardee’s Accomplishments

Focusing on the recipient’s achievements, name, award purpose, and scope is crucial in the award presentation speech. The emcee’s task is to honor the award recipient by delivering a speech that highlights the individual’s accomplishments. This involves addressing the audience and emphasizing the significance of the award, ensuring engagement and recognition. A well-crafted presentation speech effectively conveys the awardee’s achievements, sparking audience interest and involvement.

Maintaining Brevity and Engagement

In crafting an award presentation speech, it’s essential to maintain brevity while ensuring audience engagement. Focus on expressing gratitude, outlining the award’s purpose, and highlighting the recipient’s achievements. Emphasize the significance of the award and the individual’s contributions. Practicing the speech is crucial for a polished delivery, allowing you to connect with the audience effectively. This ensures that your award speech remains concise yet impactful, leaving a lasting impression.

Steps to Writing an Impressive Award Presentation Speech

Crafting an award speech involves understanding the audience, gathering pertinent details about the recipient, and rehearsing for effective delivery. Knowing the audience helps tailor the speech, while collecting information about the awardee ensures a personalized and meaningful presentation. Practice is key to refining the speech and exuding confidence during delivery. Incorporating these steps will result in a memorable and impactful award presentation speech. Emphasizing the significance of the award and the accomplishments of the recipient will resonate with the audience.

Knowing Your Audience

Understanding the interests and preferences of your audience is crucial for delivering an impactful award speech. Tailoring your content to resonate with the audience enhances engagement and connection. Consider their expectations, knowledge about the awardee, and the tone they would appreciate. Adapting the speech to appeal to the specific audience further elevates the impact of the presenter’s message. Acknowledging the audience’s presence through personalized references and relevant anecdotes fosters a deeper connection.

Gathering Relevant Information about the Awardee

Personalizing the award speech involves gathering pertinent information about the awardee’s achievements, contributions, and impact. Tailoring the speech to the recipient’s professional journey and accolades adds a special touch. Emphasizing the recipient’s unique accomplishments and extra mile efforts creates a memorable experience. Highlighting their first-time achievements and significant contributions to the field captures the audience’s attention. This personalized approach ensures that the award speech resonates with the recipient and the audience.

Practicing the Speech for Better Delivery

Practice makes perfect when delivering an award speech. Rehearsing ensures confidence and fluency, maintaining an engaging pace and incorporating pauses for emphasis. It’s crucial to adjust the speech to the time limit, keeping it impactful. Seeking feedback refines the delivery for a polished presentation, ensuring the speech resonates with the audience. Practicing the speech is the key to delivering an award-winning presentation.

Examples of Award Presentation Speeches

Crafting an introduction that honors the award recipient’s achievements is key to engaging the audience. Express gratitude and enthusiasm in delivering the award presentation speech, structuring the acceptance speech to honor the significance of the award. Engage the audience by sharing a personalized anecdote, and conclude with an uplifting ending to inspire both the recipient and the audience.

What Can Go Wrong in a Presentation Speech and How to Avoid It?

Common pitfalls to avoid in a presentation speech include overshadowing the recipient’s achievements, rushing through the speech, using generic content, employing excessive jargon, and neglecting to plan for technical issues. By being mindful of these challenges, you can deliver a polished and impactful presentation speech.

In conclusion, delivering an award-winning presenter speech requires understanding the purpose of the speech and the role of the presenter in an award ceremony. It is important to craft a well-written speech that includes a captivating opener, provides background on the award and its significance, highlights the awardee’s accomplishments, and maintains brevity and engagement. To write an impressive speech, it is essential to know your audience, gather relevant information about the awardee, and practice the speech for better delivery. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can deliver a memorable and impactful award presentation speech. Remember, your words have the power to inspire, celebrate achievements, and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Winning Words: Speech for Getting Award Tips

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Types of Speeches: Presenting an Award

At some point in your life, you’ll probably have the opportunity to formally reward someone for a job well done. When you do this in front of others it increases the perceived value of the honor.

If you decide to become a professional speaker or use speaking as an integral part of your marketing strategy, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various types of speeches you might be asked to give. In this series of posts, I’ll give you the basics of a variety of types of presentations you can prepare. At the end of this post, I’ve listed previous articles in this series.

When presenting an honor or award, you need to accomplish two things:

1. Highlight the award Make sure that the recipient, as well as the audience, understands the importance of the award. What does it stand for? How does someone earn it? What are the traditions associated with this honor?

2. Highlight how the person earned the award Now that you’ve built up the award, you need to build up the person receiving it. What did this person do to deserve the award? How did they meet the criteria better than anyone else who was up for the award?

There are ways to make this sort of presentation more effective.

Tips for effectively presenting an award

Tell a story People are more engaged with stories. So highlight the award and the honoree in the form of a story.

Introductions first Call on the awardee last … nothing is more awkward than having to stand there and wait while you do your presentation. Tell your story first, then, when you are ready to hand over the award, call the awardee up to the lectern.

Mind your Ps and Qs Make sure that you know how to pronounce the name of the award and the person receiving it. Also, make sure your facts are correct. Nothing will spoil the honor more than mispronouncing someone’s name or announcing information that is totally wrong.

Be humble You may have been on the selecting committee, but this presentation is about the person being honored … not you. The presentation should be mostly about how wonderful the honoree is and why they are so deserving of this honor.

Demonstrate the award’s worth Hold the award as if it were a treasure. Make eye contact with the recipient, smile warmly and hand over the award with reverence.

Resources for effectively presenting an award

• Toastmasters International : Presenting an Award
• Flat World Knowledge: Presenting or Accepting an Award
• Buzzle: Presenting an Award Speech
• eHow: How to Present an Award
• Certificate Street: How to Present an Award Certificate with Style

Did you miss these?

Here are the previous posts in this “Type of Speeches” series:

• The Keynote Address
• The Training Session
• The Motivational Speech
• The Entertaining Speech
• The Demonstration
• The Information Dump
• The Inspirational Speech
• The Q & A
• The Persuasive Speech
• The Impromptu Speech
• The Acceptance Speech
• The Commencement Speech
• The Interpretive Reading

The next post in this series is Accepting an Award .

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About the author

Carma Spence, is author of Public Speaking Super Powers. She is fiercely committed to guiding women to Owning their Superpowers and turning their knowledge and interests into a profitable business. She is masterful at helping her clients see what is possible for them and supporting them on the journey from where they are to where they want to be, releasing the Mind Goblins of self-doubt, self-sabotage and second-guessing that keep them stuck.

With 20+ years experience in marketing communications and public relations, natural intuitive skills and certification in using some of the most effective transformational coaching tools available, Carma’s mission and commitment is to unleash the inner power every woman entrepreneur possesses so they can boldly go out into the world, transforming the fabric of people’s lives in meaningful and positive ways.

You can find her on Facebook , Twitter , Google+ and LinkedIn . Her website is CarmaSpence.com .

How to Create an Award-Winning Presentation

Congratulations, you’ve been shortlisted as a finalist!

Next, you have to present to a panel of judges and show them why you should win. No pressure. 

Your presentation could be the difference between whether you win or lose, so it’s important to get it right.

We know how to create an award-winning presentation. 88% of our clients win the awards we create a presentation for. 

Plus, August CEO Donna O’Toole often chairs judging panels, she’s even won an award for it . 

So here are our top six tips on how to create an award-winning presentation.

It’s all in the planning

‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail’

Before you start, find out as much information as possible; 

• What is the judging criteria
• How long should your presentation be
• Is there a Q&A section?
• What equipment is provided
• How many presenters are allowed

Now that you know everything about the process, you can begin to create your presentation!

Presentation Tools

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all presentation tool. You need to choose what you are comfortable with.

If you’re an experienced speaker, you could stand in front of the judges and deliver your presentation. Or you might bring your team. Whatever works best for you, and the category.

Video always works well in a presentation. But it needs to fit the criteria and score points.

Every minute you are presenting is valuable. So do not add video as an excuse to fill time, the judges will work you out.

And always have a plan B.

Bring handouts when you are using a PowerPoint, and don't panic if your video doesn’t play. Saving your presentation to a memory stick as well as a laptop is always a good idea too.

Death by PowerPoint

We’ve all had to sit through a PowerPoint presentation that goes on and on and on…

‘Death by PowerPoint’ is an easy mistake to make.

Judges can’t listen to you, read a slide and score you all at the same time (they’re only human, after all). Your presentation is a visual aid, that should enhance what you are saying.

Make it on brand, simple, clear and concise.

Listen to David JP Phillips TED talk on how to avoid ‘death by PowerPoint’ and get some handy tips.

Your Presentation A-Team

Your presentation team will represent your business, so you need to pick the right people.

Consider the category, who is available on the day, who knows the project or business best and who is confident in speaking and answering questions.

For example, if you’re shortlisted for Team of the Year, make sure the vital team members are present. Or if you’re shortlisted for Company of the Year for your industry, you will need to have people who know the business well.

The judges can ask very specific questions, and you should have the best people in the room to answer them and score extra points.

And remember, everyone in the team has to have something to say and bring value to the presentation.

You won’t get away with bringing someone to stand there and look pretty. Or give the talkative, confident team member all the lines – the judges will see through it!

Create your Winning Content

So you know the judging criteria, how you’re going to create your presentation, and your team. Time for the content!

Start with an introduction outlining your story and the conclusion it will lead to. Highlight the important points, objectives, actions and results.

Remember, the judges have already read your written entry so don’t worry about spoilers!

Use the criteria to structure the content and address each point fully. Videos and images will make an emotional connection with the judges. Graphs and tables will provide evidence and show off your results.

To conclude your presentation, tell the judges your biggest results and achievements again. And end with a passionate, rewarding and positive conclusion.

“Tell them what you are going to tell them. Tell them. Then tell them what you told them.” – Aristotle.

Present with Confidence

Our tips for building presentation confidence are based on the four Ts;

Watch TED talks for advice on how to present confidently. TED speakers are infamous for giving powerful, emotive speeches and captivating their audiences.

Where better to get some presenting tips from than watching the pros?

Practice, practice, practice.

Learn your lines, choose your order and rehearse.

Recording your team rehearsals is a great way to find sticking points and where you need to improve. Now’s your chance to fix these issues before the big day.

Don’t leave the transport and logistics of the judging day to the last minute. To be confident on the day, you need to be calm and relaxed. So don’t allow a delayed train to get you in a flap!

Arrive with plenty of time to spare, and you will be able to keep yourself calm and collected.

When you are using tech, make sure you have everything you need (leads, cables, speakers etc.) and that you are confident using it.

If you are ever in doubt about what you need, always contact the awards organiser. They want to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Need a hand?

You’ve done so well to get to the finals, your presentation is the final hurdle to getting your hands on the trophy!

Use our tips to create your own award-winning presentation, or get in touch !

We will create your presentation for you and coach your team through it . Giving you the best chance of winning, saving you time, and putting your team at ease.

Get in touch if you are a finalist that would like some help with your finalist presentation.

Director, August Recognition

Multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and bestselling author of WIN! Donna O’Toole founded August Recognition – a top global awards agency.

Named one of the world’s Top 25 Customer Experience Influencers, Donna has helped hundreds of businesses, brands, teams, and leaders across the world to create high-impact commercial and cultural results, by achieving valuable recognition for their achievements.

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August Recognition Business Awards Entry Writers Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

• www.augustawards.com
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Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.

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How to organize an awards presentation: A Practical Guide

A practical g uid e to organize an awards presentation.

In a previous blog post, we talked about the importance of introducing Employee of the Year style recognition programs at your company and the positive impact they can have on employee performance. But you are probably wondering, how do you org anize an awards presentation?

Well, at the Trophy & Plaque Shack, in addition to offering a full line of corporate recognition awards, trophies and plaques , we would like to offer you this practical guide on how to successfully pull off the most memorable presentations.

Are you ready?

Organize your awar ds presentation

The main objective of an awards presentation is to show appreciation for the achievements of individuals or work teams. In some cases, award ceremonies can be used as a public relations, fundraising or political tactic as well. This makes your organization more visible to community members, potential business partners and customers, but requires a fair amount of time and precision execution.

Types of presentations

To begin with, it is necessary to clarify that there is no single or correct type of award presentation. When categorizing these events, two types of presentations are distinguished:

These are generally done for company employees. Often known as “Employee of the Year Award” or “Best Company Salesperson Award” or “Outstanding Achievement Award”. Everything that happens in this event is internal and no other companies or organizations are involved.

These types of events are often used as a teambuilding tool and to raise the morale of workers and teams. In most of these cases, this event is organized as part of a year end holiday event, annual planning session, sales goals kick-off meeting, company anniversary celebrations and sometimes during monthly or quarterly meetings.

These types of presentations involve an entire industry or community. That is to say: they are not organized for the benefit of a single company or group, but rather they seek to recognize the best of a whole community. Some examples of them are the Grammy Awards , Susan G. Komen or the Alzheimer’s Association. Awards given out are likely to have titles such as “For Outstanding Service” or “Community Service Award” or “Largest Donor”.

What we are focusing on here is your internal awards presentation.

Practical guide for your organization

Ready to prepare for your awards presentation? Here’s how to organize it to captivate attendees.

1. Give it a name

To start with, it is important to name the event. Think of an attractive name, that has a theme and that is related to the objective you are looking to accomplish. This ensures that everything will be “on-brand” with the objective.

But how do you come up with the ideal name? For this you can:

Check out competitors’ award presentations

This is to get a bit of inspiration, true, but also to make sure you have an original and unique name – so there will be no doubt that you are the best in your sector.

The power of words

Use words should be commensurate with your objective and theme. The latter may be directly related to the image of the brand.

Temporality: If the awards program is going to repat over time, leverage things like “The 5th Annual Recognition Awards Ceremony”, or the 20NNth, etc.

Something attractive, flashy and catchy that will look great engraved on the trophies or recognition awards themselves.

Brainstorming

If you feel that your ideas are not that good or could be improved, call on your collaborators to brainstorm. Remember that two heads are better than one. Maybe your team will see something that you haven’t seen.

2. Planning and execution schedule

If you want a successful awards presentation, you need to develop a planning and execution schedule. With this, you will be able to identify the milestones and deadlines necessary to achieve success.

It is important that you determine:

• Scope of the event, the resources required
• Deliverables
• Schedule of execution of the day of the event

Write down all the tasks that will need to be completed during planning. These may include:

• Choice of location
• Invitations

Among other approaches, if it’s large company, you can create small working groups, or committees, so that the work is spread among multiple participants and not so overwhelming.

Important tip: In this part it is important to define the budget for each of the campaign/efforts. Make sure it is respected, so spending does not get out of hand.

3. Choose your judges

Carefully select the selection committee that will present the awards. To do this, the criteria for choosing the winner must be clearly established in advance.

If it’s just you – that’s great. If it’s a group of peers, make sure you choose people of good repute and integrity. This will ensure your award presentation will be authentic and well accepted by the other employees.

4. Remain attentive but enjoy

When the day of your awards presentation arrives, make sure to keep an eye out for any eventualities, but also enjoy.

You have already planned and organized your event, your guests are there and the prizes are about to be delivered!

If you’ve done all the planning successfully, your only concern will be that you don’t run out of wine early.

Are you ready to choose your award(s)?

Here are just a few possibilities for plaques, gifts and trophies specifically branded or customized for your awards presentation from the T&P Shack catalog . If you don’t see it there, be sure to ask one of our team!

You can even design your own plaque or trophy! Or we can offer recommendations. Contact us for more information.

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About the author: skippy.

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Presenting or accepting an award, learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Discuss the purpose of an award.
• Describe the process of presenting an award.
• Describe the process of accepting an award.

When presenting an award, the key is to focus attention on the honor and the person receiving it—not on yourself. You may have been part of the committee that chose the winner, or involved in some other way, but your role should never upstage that of the person being honored.

You can focus the attention on the recipient in two ways: surprise or direct acknowledgement. In the surprise approach, you mention characteristics of the person receiving the award without initially mentioning their name—allowing the audience to start guessing who it might be. You may mention a list of accomplishments, or perhaps a positive story. With the surprise approach, you share the information that is sure to reveal the recipient’s identity right before you present the award.

You may prefer, however, a direct acknowledgement of the honoree’s performance or service and simply announce his or her name. The direct acknowledgement approach is typically followed by the reasons for choosing this person to receive the award, or include his or her past accomplishments. This direct strategy may be preferred if the audience is not familiar with the recipient.

Table 15.5 “Presenting an Award” summarizes the process of presenting an award.

Table 15.5 Presenting an Award

If you are the award recipient, be aware that the acceptance of an award often provides a moment of influence on the audience that can serve to advance your position or cause. Use of the limelight is an important skill, and much like any speech or presentation, it requires planning and preparation. You don’t want to be caught speechless, and you want to project a professional presence that corresponds to the award or recognition.

If you know you are being considered for an award, first consider what the award recognizes within your professional community. An award is a symbol of approval, recognition, or distinction that honors the recipient in public. As the recipient, it is your role to convey recognition of that honor with your gracious acceptance.

Perhaps you have seen an awards ceremony on television, where a producer, composer, actor, or musician has received public recognition. Sometimes the acceptance unifies the community and serves as an inspiration to others. Other times the recipient stumbles, talks as fast as they can to list all the people who helped them reach their goal (often forgetting several, which can hurt feelings), or they use the spotlight to address an unrelated issue, like a political protest. They may mumble, and their nervousness may be so obvious that it impacts their credibility. Accepting an award is an honor, an opportunity, and a challenge.

The first step in accepting an award is to say thank you. You can connect with the audience with your heartfelt emotional displays and enthusiasm. Raised arms, clasped hands, and a bow are universal symbols of respect and gratitude. Note that rambunctious displays of emotion such as jumping up and down or large, sweeping gestures are better left for the athletic fields. An award ceremony is a formal event, and your professionalism will be on display for all to see.

Next, you should consider giving credit where credit is due, noting its relevance to your field or community. If you name one person, you have to be sure to not leave anyone out, or you run the risk of hurting feelings and perhaps even making professional enemies. If you confine your credit list to a couple of key people, it is wise to extend the credit beyond the individual mentions by saying something like, “There are so many people who made this possible. Thank you all!” You should link your response to the award organization and your field, industry, or business. Don’t apologize or use terms that can be interpreted as negative. The acceptance of an award is a joyous, uplifting affair, and your role is to maintain and perpetuate that perception.

You may also consider linking your award to a motivational anecdote. A brief, personal story about how a teacher or neighbor in your community motivated you to do better than you thought you could and how you hope this can serve to motivate up-and-coming members to strive for their very best, can often stimulate an audience. Don’t exaggerate or stretch the story. The simple facts speak for themselves and the award serves as a powerful visual aid.

Say “thank you again” as you leave the stage, facilitating the transition to the next part of the ceremony while acknowledging the honor. You may need to take note where previous recipients have exited the stage to proceed without error, or simply return to your seat. Your brief comments combined with a graceful entrance and exit will communicate professionalism. Table 15.6 “Accepting an Award” summarizes the steps we have outlined.

Table 15.6 Accepting an Award

KEY TAKEAWAY

• Who needs to be prepared to present an award in a business and why? Discuss your ideas with the class.
• This can be a fun two-minute oral communication exercise. In the exercise, you will alternate between the role of the award announcer and the recipient. You will be paired up into teams where you will need to create a business or industry award, prepare a brief script and notes on acceptance, and then demonstrate your results for your class. The introduction of the speaker should last no more than thirty seconds and the acceptance should also be completed in less than a minute. If you are at a distance from your class, you may be assigned a particular role that fits your situation. Record your performance and post it in class.
• Find one example of an award acceptance speech that you perceive as particularly effective. Indicate why and share the link. Compare with your classmates.
• Find one example of an award acceptance speech that you perceive as particularly ineffective. Indicate why and share the link. Compare with classmates.
• Communication For Business Success. Authored by : anonymous. Located at : http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/communication-for-business-success/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

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Feb 13 PRESENTING AND ACCEPTING AWARDS

            Presenting an award requires the same discipline as introducing a speaker: you have to remember that you are not the main feature on the program; you have to keep your remarks to a minimum (no jokes; no editorializing); you must stick to your script or notes-- and you should always use a script or notes.

            Following is a foolproof set of rules for presenting an award.

• If you haven’t already been introduced, tell the audience who you are and why you are there
• Give a brief history of the award
• Outline the criteria that have to be met in order to receive the award
• Briefly outline how the recipient met the criteria, being careful to avoid exaggeration
• Even if the audience already knows who the winner is, don’t mention the recipient’s name until the very end, and pause for a beat or two before announcing it with lots of excitement in your voice
• Enthusiastically start the applause
• If the recipient doesn’t know what to do after his or her name is announced, issue a clear invitation to join you at the lectern.

            All of the above should be carried off in a sincere, businesslike manner with no smart aleck remarks.

            Here is an example of a perfectly appropriate award presentation speech.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Wendy Russell and it’s my honour, as Chair of the Selection Committee, to present this year’s Harry Carmichael Memorial Award. The Harry Carmichael Memorial Award was inaugurated in 1985 in memory of the late Harry Carmichael, who was an outstanding athlete and citizen of our city. The recipient of the Harry Carmichael Award must have demonstrated, over a significant period of time, dedication to the promotion of athletics in our city, combined with a strong sense of civic and family duty. It’s been said of this year’s winner that he has for some time, and continues to, put his whole heart and soul into his community, his sports and his family. He’s a past president of the Kiwanis Club. He’s a member of City Council. In his younger days he played baseball and football at the High School, College, and State levels. He’s coached kids’ football and baseball for the past twenty years. He and his wife have raised four outstanding children. Ladies and gentlemen please acknowledge this year’s Harry Carmichael Memorial Award winner…………Mr. Hank Dalton!”

            If Hank remains frozen in his chair, you should say something like, “O.K. Hank, come on up here and receive this honor that you so richly deserve!”

            When Hank arrives at the lectern, congratulate him, give him his award, and ask him if he’d like to say a few words.

            When you’re finished, go and sit down.

            If you’ve ever watched an award show you are aware that acceptance speeches represent another wonderful opportunity to make a bad impression on an audience. This needn’t be the case at all. A little thought beforehand, some preparation, and some rehearsal will ensure success.

            The thought beforehand should consist of two things: deciding who you will include in your list of people to thank, and what you intend to do with the award. Be absolutely ruthless when deciding who to thank, including only those who played a truly important role in your achievement. If you include people who were only marginally involved you diminish the importance of the role played by those with whom you could not have done without.

             Just as with any other speech, you need to write out and rehearse your acceptance speech in order to get it into the appropriate form and length. With the exception of a list of the names of the people you’re going to thank, you probably don’t need to have any notes at the lectern; but if you’ll be more comfortable having a script or notes, by all means do so. You should write out the names of those you’re going to thank, even if there are only two.

            Rehearse your acceptance speech out loud at least two or three times, and continue to go over it in your mind whenever you get a chance, such as in the shower, waiting for an elevator, or stuck in traffic.

            Any time you’re attending an event where there is even the remotest chance that you might receive an honor, have something prepared, at least in your mind.

            Here is a can’t-fail formula for an effective acceptance speech.

• Thank the sponsoring organization for whatever it is you’re receiving (certificate, gift, trophy, plaque or whatever) and acknowledge how you feel about it
• Briefly thank anyone who played an important role in your reaching the particular achievement
• Tell the audience what you intend to do with the award or gift, such as, “This will occupy a place of honour on the fireplace in my den”
• Close with another simple, general “thank you”

            Here is an example of an appropriate speech of acceptance:

“I sincerely thank the Financial Times for nominating me, and The Press Club for honoring me with this National Business Writing Award. Believe me, ladies and gentlemen, it is a very proud recipient who is standing here before you. I especially want to thank my writing mentor, Dave Scott, whose gentle wisdom and great wit have been instrumental in encouraging me and improving my writing. I also thank my partners who, without complaint, have allowed me the time to indulge in what, for an international accounting firm, is truly a sideline. This certificate will always have a place of honor on my wall. Thank you again.”

 (This column is based on my book The Elements of Great Public Speaking. )

Feb 27 IMPROMPTU SPEAKING

Feb 6 more than talent required.

Example sentences award presentation

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Since then, the annual award presentation has become an occasion for the costume design community to come together to honor its own.

Thereafter, the award presentation became a traditional part of the pageantry and ceremony of the national conference.

Before the actual award presentation , the finalists are awarded with silver medals with the league's logo imprinted on them.

Typically, there will be an opening ceremony, either featuring a big-name movie or an award presentation .

Definition of 'award' award

Definition of 'present' present

Cobuild collocations award presentation.

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How to Make an Award Certificate? (Quick Tutorial)

Overwhelmed by creating award certificate? Simplify the process with our quick guide, designed to make your experience smooth and rewarding. It only takes 6 easy steps to make an award certificate your recipients will love. Get inspired by popular use cases and examples. Read on!

Author Ola Kozielska

Reviewer Aksen Semak

Verifier Expert

September 09, 2024

17 min read

Ola Kozielska

Aksen Semak

Trusted by:

Table of contents

From battling with complex design tools to deciding whether to print or go digital, creating an award certificate can feel like more trouble than it's worth.

But what if it could be easy?

Easily make an award certificate that looks professional and makes the recipient's day.

Our guide covers all the most common pain points:

Choosing the right award certificate template.

Finding a straightforward design solution.

Automating issuing to save time and reduce errors.

Cutting costs with digital distribution.

Creating certificates that recipients love to share.

Easy exports to PDF.

What is an award certificate?

An award certificate is a document that formally recognizes someone for their achievements. It’s a tangible acknowledgment of one's efforts or success, typically in academic, professional, or social settings.

Award certificate design elements

Each certificate has its own set of vital elements. Let’s peel back the curtain on what components make a professional award certificate design. To cover all the details, here’s the checklist:

Title. It’s the headline of your celebration. Whether it’s “Top Sales Achiever” or “Volunteer of the Year,” make it bold and meaningful.

Recipient’s name. Highlight the recipient's name in a readable font.

Presentation line. It introduces the award, like “this certificate is awarded to” It’s your opening act, leading gracefully to the recipient's name.

Date. Anchor the achievement in time.

Signature. Include signatures from key people to authenticate the award certificate.

Company’s logo. Link the honor directly to your brand. A well-placed logo validates the certificate and reinforces your organization’s role in issuing this award certificate.

QR code. Add a QR code directing to more details and context about the award.

How big are award certificates?

Choosing the right size for an award certificate is equally important in digital and printed versions. While the design grabs attention, the certificate’s size is crucial to how the final design will look. Here’s a breakdown of the common sizes you might consider for your award certificates:

With a platform like Certifier , you don’t have to worry about the specifics of the award certificate format – the system automatically adjusts your certificate to the appropriate dimensions and orientation. So, your award certificate design looks polished and professional on any screen (or paper) size.

📐 For those looking to learn more about how certificate sizing can impact the overall delivery of the certificate award, check out our detailed article on certificate sizes .

How to make an award certificate?

Creating an award certificate might seem daunting, but the process can be straightforward, interactive, and even enjoyable! This guide will help you create a memorable award certificate that looks as if it just came out of a design studio.

Short on time? You'll need just one tool to create a certificate of award quickly.

If you’re new here, setting up an account is fast and free. With up to 250 credentials available at no cost under the forever-free plan, you’re well-equipped to start designing without any hitches.

01 Choose the award certificate template

Why work on a blank certificate if you have so many award certificate templates free to choose from?

Once logged in, click on the Designs tab at the top of the dashboard. Get right into the drag-and-drop editor by creating a new design. This is where you’ll find a variety of pre-designed templates specifically tailored for different types of awards.

Choose a template that not only looks good but also offers flexibility . Remember, you’ll be able to customize colors, fonts, and images, so pick a design that aligns with your vision.

With thousands of award certificate templates available, use the filter options to narrow down your choices. For example, if you need a certificate for an employee recognition program, you might filter by “Corporate” or “Professional.” This saves time and gets you closer to the perfect award certificate design faster. All templates contain vital award certificate elements, and certificate borders for a professional look.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about which award certificate template to choose, consider the formality of the event . For corporate awards, go for sleek, minimalist designs. For school awards or more casual events, you might pick something colorful and playful.

02 Set up the award certificate size and orientation

Now that you’ve picked a template, it’s time to check whether it’s the right size and orientation. 

Certifier offers standard sizes like A4 (8.27 × 11.69 inches) and US Letter (8.5 × 11 inches). These sizes are the most common and should fit into standard frames and folders. Thanks to that, you can be sure that you get a print-ready award certificate.

🌍 Do you care about the planet and want to be seen as a modern and sustainable business? Then, digital award certificates should be your choice . They provide so many engagement boosters that they keep you connected closer to the audience (keep reading for more).

Go to the Background tab from the left-hand menu and choose the preferred award certificate format. Choose between portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) orientations.

Once you’ve set your preferred size and orientation, Certifier automatically adjusts the layout elements to make everything fit perfectly. This saves you from the headache of manually tweaking the design to avoid cut-offs.

If you’re considering changing the certificate background , you can do that in this part of the builder. Click the Upload Custom Background button to import your image. Don’t use photos or detailed backgrounds that may distract readers from the main certificate points.

03 Add logo and branding elements

Now, it’s time to play with the positioning of certificate icons. Certifier’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to move items around until they look exactly as you want.

Under the Colors , you can adjust the template’s color scheme to match your brand’s palette. This helps maintain brand consistency across all your documents.

If your organization uses specific certificate fonts , you can upload these directly into Certifier as well. Click on the Fonts and select Add Custom Font . Once uploaded, apply your custom fonts to the certificate’s text to keep everything cohesive.

At this point, you should also add an award certificate logo. Click on the Elements tab . From there, use the Upload Image button to import your logo file. Make sure your logo is in a high-resolution format (like PNG) and that it has a transparent background.

Drag and drop the logo to position it on the award certificate. You can resize it by clicking on the corners and dragging inward or outward. Position the logo where it won’t interfere with the certificate text, typically in a corner or near the header. You can also just swap your logo with the default logo from the award certificate template.

At the end, place the signature at the bottom of the certificate, usually near the issuing authority's name or title. Ensure it’s large enough to be legible but not so large that it overwhelms the award certificate design. You can use one of the signature fonts available or upload the image of your digital signature.

04 Add a QR code

The modern and interactive award certificate contains a QR code. Why? These little code bars provide recipients with a way to access more information or share their achievements online with just a scan.

Certifier allows you to add either a static or dynamic QR code:

Static QR code . Links to a custom URL, like your company’s homepage or an award program description.

Dynamic QR code (recommended) . It’s more interactive, leading each recipient to a personalized verification page to access their award certificate or share it further.

Certifier generates a unique QR code for each certificate automatically. In the QR code tab , select the preferred option. A placeholder with a QR code will appear on your certificate, which you can resize and position as needed.

Adjust the QR code’s color to match your design. This is particularly useful if you want the code to blend seamlessly into the certificate’s aesthetic.

🤳 To ensure the QR code directs you to the correct link, scan the QR code with your phone so that you can check if it works correctly.

05 Insert dynamic attributes

Dynamic attributes allow you to automate personalization across multiple award certificates. Common fields include [recipient.name] or [certificate.expired_on]. It’s a super simple process and allows you to generate even dozens of credentials, creating an award certificate template once.

⚙️ Time-Saver : Dynamic attributes feature is invaluable for large events or organizations that need to issue dozens, if not hundreds, of award certificates at once. It significantly reduces manual input and the risk of errors.

How to add attributes? Go to the Attributes section and choose the placeholders that must be adjusted for each recipient. Choose from the pre-set options or create custom attributes as needed.

To populate these fields automatically, upload a spreadsheet containing the relevant data (essential are names and email addresses). To upload new data, go to the Credentials dashboard and choose Issue Certificates or Badges.

Each attribute needs to be connected to the corresponding column . Certifier will map these fields to the dynamic attributes, generating personalized award certificates for each entry.

Always preview a few certificates before generating all of them to ensure that the data maps correctly and the layout remains consistent.

When everything is ready and set up, click Preview Before Publishing and then Issue Credentials . You can schedule the award certificate delivery or send them out immediately.

06 Export award certificates

Certifier gives you a choice, so you and your recipient decide how to export award certificates.

Option 1: Download as PDF

Once your certificates are ready, you can download them as high-resolution PDFs. You, as an issuer, have this option from the Credentials dashboard. The recipient can download a PDF award certificate from their digital wallet.

If you’re generating multiple certificates, Certifier allows you to download all of them in one go, bundled into a ZIP file for convenience. Select the certificates you want to export, and click the Export button.

Option 2: Send digitally via email

Certifier simplifies sending digital certificates by allowing you to email them directly to recipients. Digital certificates are delivered instantly, allowing recipients to enjoy their achievements right away. Plus, they can easily share their certificates on social media or add them to their LinkedIn profiles.

Scroll down to see the email your recipients will get.

👉🏼 Check this out for more tips on how to design a certificate quickly and easily.

Digital vs. printed award certificates

If you still don’t know which version of award certificates to choose, this section should clear all your doubts.

Advantages of digital award certificates:

24/7 access. Recipients get their award certificates as soon as they’re issued. They get access to them whenever and wherever they need them. They just need an Internet connection.

Eco-friendly. Digital award certificates save paper and reduce environmental impact.

Easy to share. Recipients can quickly share their achievements with their network online, e.g., on LinkedIn. It's also a great way to reach a wider audience.

Drawbacks of printed award certificates:

Higher costs. Certificate printing can be expensive, especially for large quantities.

Longer turnaround. Physical certificates take time to print, process, and deliver, which can delay recognition.

Environmental impact. Printing consumes resources and generates waste.

Expert tip: Boost recipients’ experience with personalized emails and digital wallets

Personalized communication and easy access to digital credentials can significantly increase engagement and satisfaction. It also helps your organization maintain a lasting connection with the recipients. What can you do to make “day shipping” so special?

Personalize the certificate email with the recipient’s name and a short, heartfelt message when sending award certificates. This makes the recognition more meaningful and enriches the recipient's experience. You can also prepare the email template with branded elements like colors, fonts, and logos.

👉🏼 See more sending certificates via email samples .

Each email contains the link to the digital wallet where recipients can store all their certificates (it can also be branded!). From there, they can access, download, or share their certificate of awards whenever they like. You can also include some PDFs there to download. There's even a place for recipients to report mistakes or typos on their certificates!

They can also share the link to this digital wallet with others to, e.g., enable one-click verification for the stakeholders or give them a wider context about the award. That’s the place that makes your award certificates authentic .

How to write award certificate?

Writing the text for an award certificate might seem simple, but the words you choose can significantly boost its value. Think of it as the final touch that personalizes the award and truly makes it special. So, what is an example of award certificate wording?

Start with the basics: who, what, and why . Make sure to state the name of the recipient clearly, the title of the award, and the reason they're receiving it.

A popular phrase to begin with is " This certificate is awarded to, " a formal yet straightforward way to introduce the recipient. Following this, you should mention the specific achievement or contribution that has earned them the award.

For example, "This certificate is awarded to [recipient.name], for outstanding dedication and excellence in [...].

For further inspiration and detailed examples on how to phrase different types of award certificates, check out our dedicated article on award certificate wording .

Award certificate template examples

When it comes to celebrating achievements, the right award certificate for the occasion can make all the difference. Here are some examples of award certificate templates tailored to specific accomplishments. See what makes each one special, and try to remember that when creating award certificates.

Best Teacher Award certificate

This Best Teacher Award certificate combines a modern, playful design with strategic use of white space so that the text stands out clearly. Bold color blocks and geometric shapes create a lively background, while plenty of white space around the recipient's name draws your attention right where it matters (remember about the logo at the center top!).

Best Student Award certificate

This Best Student Award certificate features a classic design style that's elegant and customizable. Its simple layout follows essential design principles – balance, contrast, and clarity – making the text easy to read. The included QR code adds a modern touch, and allows for digital verification. If you want to award students, pick this one.

Best Employee Award certificate

This Best Employee Award certificate uses a rich purple backdrop with classy gold accents, creating a look that's prestigious. Recipient’s name is front and center – there’s no missing who this star performer on a team is! The design smartly plays up contrast and draws eye, marking it as an amazing employees acknowledgment.

Best Friend Award certificate

There's no rule that says you have to use the Best Friend award certificate only for personal use. What about giving it to your company’s favorite contractor or partner? Choose a template with a clean, uncluttered design that incorporates your company’s branding colors seamlessly.

Best Performance Award certificate

Celebrate exceptional skills with a Best Performance award certificate, ideal for recognizing talents in sports, arts, or business. Dynamic and visually striking. The text is arranged to guide the eye from the company’s logo at the top through to the recipient’s name in bold, so that the focal points stand out.

Create your award certificate template in minutes

And there you have it – a complete guide to creating award certificates that resonate and create lasting memories.

Every word you write, every design you choose, adds a unique character to an award.

Now go ahead, use what you’ve learned to spread joy and appreciation, and explore Certifier . Celebrate every success, big or small, because every milestone deserves your special shout-out!

FAQ about award certificates

These are some of the most common questions we receive about award certificates.

What are awards and certifications?

Is a certificate or an award higher, how do you fill out an award certificate, what is an award document, how to make an award certificate in word, how do you display certificates and awards, what is the best paper for award certificates.

Content designer. At Certifier, Ola crafts user-friendly content that makes complex information easy to grasp.

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