presentation speech for an award

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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.

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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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 109,486 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

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• ↑ 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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My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Award Presentation Speech

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Presentation Speech Topics For Award Ceremonies

Presentation speech template including eleven speech topics for presenting an award, prize or gift to a happy recipient leading to a brief photo opportunity in the end. Bear in mind that you have to be short and sweet epitomizing. Each of the public speaking speech topics take two or three sentences maximally. The layout in this tutorial helps an enchanted public speaker to set up a good and aesthetically ceremonial award presentation.

• The first remark you have to make is a commenting to the occasion. Refer why you are here together, refresh their memories a bit by stipulating why this is such a special day. Enforce the power of the delightful purpose of this meeting, and the happy recipient.
• Explain in your presentation speech what the award represents. Be brief, since the audience has read the invitation and publicity material. Describe these underlying elemental public speaking power factors:

• Describe the organization you are representing. Tell why you are privileged to present. Make your speech personal, offer personal thoughts, experiences and feelings.
• Praise the recipient. Present outstanding contributions, achievements or records that are relevant. Adapt them to the goals and meaning of the ceremonial special occasion .

Explain why the contributions are outstanding or unique. What offers did it take the winner? Refer to special qualifications and to similarities with other recipients.

Again: keep it short – 3 minutes for your award speech will do most of the time. Although it even can be somewhat shorter.

• Mention the reasons for choosing her or him as recipient. Link the contributions to the meaning of the honor.
• Make a concluding characterization by telling a compelling story or anecdote in the presentation speech text.
• Ask if the receiver will come forward and declare her or him the winner.
• Link the previous speech topics to what the prize gift stands for. Tip: read the inscription out loud and show the golden medal, the engraved plaque, the recognition trophy cup, or the certificate words.
• At the end of your address congratulate her or him.
• Hand over the award, prize, diploma, certificate or gift card.
• Shake hands with the person or group being honored. Schedule a brief photo opportunity and smile to the camera! After the ceremony you could allow a small interview to invited journalists.

Finally, of course give the winner the opportunity to speak after your award presentation speech address. And start clapping your hands to express your honest approval after she or he has completed the thank you phrases.

Keep smiling all the time.

Epideictic Speech [Topics and Examples]

Birthday Speech [From Celebrant or For a Guest]

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23 Award Speech: And the Winner is…

People in leadership have the privilege of recognizing the achievement of others by giving them awards.  This is an important moment, and you want to help make it special. In this chapter, I will teach you the five-step process on how to give an award, I will share with you practical things to think about in terms of setup and execution, and finally, I will share with you ways to elevate this speech to a professional level.

Ceremonial Speaking Wheel

All ceremonial speeches should include the trio –narration, magnification, and identification.

Identification

You are not talking to an audience; you are sharing with an audience. You are celebrating with them and collectively celebrating shared values and shared appreciation for their accomplishments. Saying “we” are here to honor the recipient and reminding the audience of shared values helps the audience to be a part of the process.

The use of story helps the audience to be drawn in and want to listen. The narration can be about the organization, how the award was formed, or about the person receiving the award. It is better to tell a story of a complex problem they solved instead of saying “they are a good problem solver.”

Magnification

Take a trait of the individual and magnify it. I’m not talking about superfluous embellishment; I’m talking about honest elaboration. If they discovered an accounting mistake, talk about the difficulty of noticing such a mistake, and talk about the financial impact on the group because the correction was made. In short, find heroism in events where others might not notice. Magnification means finding the extraordinary which is often hidden:  loyalty, work ethic, going the extra mile, and standing up under adversity. Let us truly see the person’s accomplishments with a bright spotlight, not just a little candlelight.

Now you know of the key elements that should be in your speech, let’s talk about the specific five-step structure of an award speech.

Five-Step Award Process

Greet the audience.

Welcome the audience to the event. Thank them for attending and address any special guests or sponsors.

Describe the Award

Open your speech with a greeting and then describe the award. Tell about the organization that is giving the award and why this award was created. Who founded this award? What’s the story behind the award? What makes this award unique?  Describe the criteria for selecting a winner. Who decides? What are the criteria?

Tell Why They Deserved the Award

Describe the attributes of the person who will be receiving the award.  If possible, tell a story about the person. The more details, the better. People who come to awards ceremonies like to be inspired and they like to feel included. The more you can make everyone feel like they are part of something special, the better your speech will be. This is the most important part of the award. Make the recipient feel special by telling stories of their achievements and calling out specific highlights of their achievements.

If there are multiple recipients for the same award, for example, awards for everyone who completed upper-level training, you can highlight the task they had to do to receive the recognition. You can tell a story about one part of the training that will be familiar to those who completed it.

Present the Award

Announce the person’s name who will be receiving the award.  Consider writing yourself a note on how to pronounce the name.  Find out in advance their preferred name and if you should use an honorific. As they approach to claim the award, be sure that they know where they are supposed to stand. If you didn’t tell them before the presentation, you should indicate in some way where they should go and what they should do. Do they stand beside you or somewhere else? Will there be a handshake? Do they hold the award? Do they grab the award and go or do they stay while you talk about them? This is their moment, and you don’t want to make them feel awkward because they don’t know what they are supposed to do.

Present the award to them with a handshake and a smile. Be sure to pause so the photographers can take a picture.

Wish Them Well

While they are still upfront, give a statement that wishes them well. This is done most effectively when it is connected to the theme of the award. If it is a sales award, make reference to sales, if it is a teaching award, make reference to teaching, if it is an academic award, make reference to how they will use their academics.

Practical Mechanics

You have your speech written and you are setting up the room where you will give the award. It is time to think of some very practical things like the location of the award, the location of the handshake, and the location of the photographer.

Location of the Award

Where are you going to set the award?  If there are multiple awards, you will likely need to set up a table and have someone help pass out the awards.  Before the event, you should have someone pretend to get an award to help you figure out any potential issues.

Location of the Handshake

Where are you going to do the handshake? When they come up and receive the award, are you going to shake their hand and give them the award or will another distinguished leader give the award and the handshake? If you are standing behind the podium, it is hard to shake hands and get a good photo, so it will be important that you step in front of the podium or off to the side for the handshake.

Location of the Photographer

Where are you going to have the photographer stand? In high-profile awards, there may be a professional photographer who requires a special setup. Always be mindful of where they will be located and make sure they don’t block the view from the other guests. In addition, most people will have family, friends, colleagues in the audience who will want a picture. Make sure you have an aisle clear, so photo takers have a clear view. Write yourself a note to pause and let the pictures be taken.

Handshake Matters

• Shake with the right hand.
• Hand the award with the left hand.
• The award or certificate goes on top.
• Pause, smile, and face the camera.

Handshake tips.  When people get nervous, their hands may get sweaty. Keep a tissue in your pocket to wipe your hand on just in case. When you go in to shake someone’s hand open your hand wide and go in for the web of skin between the thumb and pointer finger. A typical handshake is two to three pumps, but an award handshake is typically two pumps and a long pause while pictures are being taken.

Taking it to the Next Level

To elevate the quality of your speech, add advanced language devices sometimes called colorful language. Let’s talk about the three main types that can make you sound like a speech professional–Theme, alliteration, and parallel construction.

More on using colorful language in a speech. 

Alliteration: Repeat the same sound three times

• Jake is polished, practical, and professional
• LaShay’s got grit and goes after things that impact

Parallel Construction: Repeat the same phrase at least three times.

• Passionate about students…
• Passionate about learning…
• Passionate about teaching…

Theme: Pick a theme that fits the person and the award

• Accounting is his life.
• He can multiply his impact.
• The bottom line is…
• When you look at his character, it all adds up.

Remember, your award speech is not about you– it is about the recipient and people who care about them. It is about creating a celebratory atmosphere where the audience and the recipient can feel good.  Doing the work it takes to write the speech well will make a big difference. The joy you will feel from making someone else feel special will be its own reward.

Key Takeaways

Remember this!

• The more details about why the person deserves this award the better.
• Include identification, narration, and magnification.
• Practice your handshake and how to hand the award to the recipient.
• Tell them what the award is, tell them why they deserve the award, give them the award, wish them well.

Media Attributions

• Award trophy © Giorgio Trovato is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license
• Colorful language wheel © Lynn Meade is licensed under a CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) license
• Award Chart © Lynn Meade is licensed under a CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) license

Advanced Public Speaking Copyright © 2021 by Lynn Meade is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 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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•         - Other Books by Carma
•         - Contact
•         - Excerpt
•         - The Public Speaking Superhero’s Journey
•         - Speaker
•         - Individual Speaker Coaching
•         - Public Speaking Super Powers for Live Video
•                 - Persuasive Speaking with Confidence
•                 - Developing Your Leadership Skills
•                 - Video Marketing Super Pack
•                 - Wedding Speech Templates
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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 .

Did you like this post? Please share!

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 .

Rice Speechwriting

Best giving an award speech examples, winning words: giving an award speech examples that impress.

Giving an award speech can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also a great opportunity to express gratitude and inspire others. Whether you are receiving an award or giving one, it is important to understand the importance of an award speech and how it can impact the audience. In this blog post, we will discuss the guidelines to compose an impactful award speech that leaves a lasting impression on the audience. We will cover everything from brainstorming ideas for your speech, crafting the perfect words to express your gratitude and address the competition, to delivering an effective speech that inspires everyone in attendance. So if you want to learn how to give a great award speech, keep reading!

Understanding the Importance of an Award Speech

Recognition of hard work, dedication, and commitment is a fundamental aspect of a good award acceptance speech . The opportunity to deliver such a speech can inspire and encourage both the speaker and the audience. It serves as a platform for expressing gratitude and honor, while also accepting recognition for one’s work. Moreover, award speeches mark significant milestones and achievements, highlighting the success of an individual or team. This public acknowledgment further emphasizes the importance of celebrating excellence and fostering a positive organizational culture. Such acknowledgment by a CEO in an award acceptance speech can have a profound impact on the recipient and the entire team, making it a crucial aspect of any event or ceremony.

Expressing Gratitude in an Award Speech

Expressing gratitude in an award speech is essential to convey appreciation for the recognition and the efforts of the award ceremony organizers. Team members deserve recognition for their contributions and dedication to the shared success. Acknowledging the encouragement received from others is crucial in making such awards possible. It’s important to express gratitude for more such awards that recognize work well done, as they motivate continuous improvement. Lastly, thanking the people who have supported, guided, and mentored throughout the journey is a genuine display of gratitude. A heartfelt award acceptance speech can inspire others and reflect positively on the CEO and the organization.

Addressing the Competition and Sharing the Glory

Sharing the spotlight with fellow nominees is a mark of respect and admiration for their achievements. Recognizing the efforts of competitors not only elevates the significance of the award but also underscores the spirit of healthy competition. It’s crucial to extend the honor of winning to the entire team, acknowledging their hard work and commitment. The award acceptance speech becomes more meaningful when shared with those who contributed to its success. Emphasizing the collective effort underscores the significance of collaboration in achieving such prestigious accolades.

Guidelines to Compose an Impactful Award Speech

Crafting an impactful award speech involves honoring, expressing gratitude, and inspiring. The speech should reflect genuine gratitude and recognition for the award. It must acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and good examples that contributed to the win. A genuine acceptance speech reflects gratitude, dedication, and honor. Ultimately, the speech should focus on making a genuine impact, honoring others, and encouraging the audience.

Brainstorming Ideas for your Speech

When crafting your award acceptance speech, it’s crucial to reflect on the impact of the award, carving out ample time for expressing gratitude, recognition, and delivering an acceptance speech that resonates. Personalizing the speech is key; emphasize your journey, express genuine gratitude, and honor those who contributed to your success. Consider various speech examples, focusing on appreciation, gratitude, and exemplary deliveries. Explore additional awards and public speaking opportunities to gather inspiration. You may even draw insights from wedding speech examples to infuse your speech with warmth and heartfelt appreciation.

Crafting the Speech

Crafting an award acceptance speech involves conveying gratitude, dedication, and honor. The speech should reflect the recipient’s recognition, acceptance of the award, and genuine gratitude. Personalizing the speech with examples of recognition, acceptance, and gratitude demonstrates sincerity and appreciation. By highlighting the hard work, dedication, and time invested in achieving the award, the speech becomes more impactful. It is essential to craft a speech template that not only reflects the individual’s gratitude but also acknowledges team members’ contributions and recognizes other outstanding achievements.

Delivering an Effective Award Speech

Exuding gratitude, recognition, and the acceptance of honor is essential when delivering an award acceptance speech. Incorporating good speech examples, acknowledging team members, and expressing gratitude are key elements for an impactful award acceptance. This speech should reflect dedication, gratitude, and recognition, aiming to resonate with the audience. Crafting a personalized speech that includes examples of public speaking, acknowledgment of the effort, and a warm greeting sets the tone for a memorable delivery. By dedicating much time to preparation and considering various scenarios, you can ensure the delivery of a compelling and effective award acceptance speech.

How does one ensure their speech leaves a lasting impression?

To ensure your speech leaves a lasting impression, focus on expressing gratitude, recognizing team members’ hard work, and incorporating examples of successful public speaking. Make time for appreciation, recognition, and delivering a well-crafted speech that captivates the audience. Remember, a good evening starts with a memorable speech.

What are some award speech examples?

In conclusion, delivering an impactful award speech requires a combination of gratitude, humility, and the ability to connect with your audience. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported and believed in you is essential. Acknowledging the competition and sharing the glory with them shows sportsmanship and respect. When composing your speech, brainstorm ideas that reflect your genuine emotions and experiences. Craft a speech that is concise, well-structured, and captures the essence of the award. To leave a lasting impression, focus on delivering your speech with confidence, enthusiasm, and authenticity. Engage your audience through storytelling, humor, or personal anecdotes. Remember, a great award speech not only honors your achievements but also inspires and uplifts others.

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Award Ceremony Speech

Award ceremony speech generator.

Ceremonies, events, speech. What do these three words have in common? They are almost always associated with important milestones for someone or a group of people. An award ceremony is almost always associated with a speech. Like any other event that may happen whether formal or informal. It would always be associated with making speeches. 

11+ Award Ceremony Speech Examples

1. award ceremony speech template.

Size: 78 KB

2. Award Ceremony Presentation Speech

Size: 288 KB

3. Global Chemical Leasing Award Ceremony Speech

4. Sample Award Ceremony Speech

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5. Teacher Award Ceremony Speech

Size: 231 KB

6. Award Ceremony Speech at College

Size: 119 KB

7. Presentation Speech at Public Award Ceremony

Size: 118 KB

8.  Population Award Ceremony Speech

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9. Award Ceremony Speech Example

Size: 77 KB

10. Career Award Ceremony Speech

Size: 76 KB

11. Formal Award Ceremony Speech

Size: 551 KB

12. Award Ceremony Speech in PDF

Size: 81 KB

Definition of Ceremonies

A ceremony or ceremonies is a series of formal acts or occasions. They are usually a traditional or a religious occasion. An important event that is celebrated. A ritual or a convention. A set of traditional activities performed during traditional or religious events.

Definition of Events

An event is anything or something that happens. It is usually something very important or sometimes very unusual. An activity that is planned for something very special. A celebration . It often involves a lot of individuals with the same purpose.

Definition of Speech

A speech is a type of communication wherein two or more people share their output, their opinion and their ideas. It may be through a formal discussion like public speaking or an informal discussion like a simple discussion inside a classroom. In addition to that, a speech is also a way for individuals to share the same dialect, a method of communication. A public discourse .

Definition of Award

An award is anything that can be given like money, a medal, a prize. It is something bestowed upon someone who has won something like an event. To give something very valuable to an individual or a group of individuals for doing a good job, like a reward.

Importance of Award Ceremony

The importance of an award ceremony is to acknowledge an individual’s contribution in anything they have done. It also boosts their self esteem and shows everyone their worth. An award ceremony is important because it celebrates the hard work and dedication the person has done and the individual feels the respect and the appreciation from the people who have made the ceremony in honor of them.

Importance of Award Speech

The use and importance of an award speech is to acknowledge the person who did a great job at a field they excelled in. It is also to let others recognize the person and to boost their reputation.

Importance of Speech

Ever asked yourself why is speech so important ? The reason for this is because it allows people to form a connection with those who share the same interest as them. Speech is also a motivation for change. If people were to stop making speeches or stop talking altogether, the world would be nothing but a silent, and sad place. Making speeches can be scary sometimes but it is still an important form of communication.

Tips for Writing an Award Speech

Ever thought of writing an award speech or any type of ceremonial speech for fun or simply because you were told to do so? If you answered yes to both questions, you’re in luck. An award speech is just like any other type of speech you may have written or heard about, there are guidelines to follow and there are tips to be familiar with. Regardless of what you heard about composing an award speech can be tricky, it really is not. All you need to do is to be familiar with the following tips.

• Start at the beginning: You may have heard or read some articles about writing a good speech, you must start at the beginning. Well, it is true. If you want to write a good speech, you must start by thinking about the type of speech you are going to be composing. Since there are a lot of types, be specific. Once you have thought about it, let’s move to the next tip.
• Write the necessary details: Ask yourself, what are the necessary details required for the award speech? The necessary details are the name or the names of the individuals who are accepting the award. What is the name of the award that they are given? Who is going to be the one to present the award to them? These are just a few of the necessary details. You may add more if you want, as long as they are still part of your speech.
• Make a copy of your work: Make a draft of your speech and make a final copy. Begin with your draft. This is where you are going to polishing your work before you reach your final copy. Don’t be embarrassed at making a draft for your speech, it is also useful as this can help you rearrange your thoughts.
• Revision is key: Finalizing your work before passing it. Check to see if you have placed all the necessary details. Check your spelling and grammar as well. Also do not make your speech too long nor too short. The reason for this will be explained in the next part of the article.

Tips for Presenting an Award Speech for Students and Teachers

Now that you have finished your work, it’s time for some tips for presenting your speech. It is common for people presenting to get overcome by stage fright. But that can be avoided, so listed below are some tips to help you present your award speech.

• Practice before you present
• Breathe in and out
• Be familiar with your work
• Make eye contact

Why is it necessary to be familiar with your essay?

The reason for this is because you are not going to be bringing your full copy in front of the stage. You may lose the interest of your listeners and making eye contact with them is also important. Avoid bringing your copy with you, practice and be familiar with your work. If you must bring a copy, it is best to use index cards and write the most important information.

What should I say if I have no idea of the names of the awardees?

If you are not able to get the names of the awardees, ask them beforehand. The reason for this is to avoid embarrassment and confusion for you and the people involved.

Do I need to make a thank you speech in addition to the award speech?

You may use a little of the thank you speech in a way that you are thanking everyone present. But your main focus is the award speech.

There you have it, some tips on writing an award speech, some tips to present your speech. By being familiar with the tips and adding some tricks of your own, you are going to ace composing that speech. Good luck!

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Create an award ceremony speech for a distinguished alumni

Help me write an award ceremony speech for a young innovator

How to Present a Scholarship Award & the Speech

Katherine bradley.

Giving a speech to present a scholarship is a significant part of an awards ceremony. Choosing the right words; connecting the recipient's accomplishments to the scholarship and the awarding organization; and conveying a genuine sense of honor and appreciation at having been asked to present the award, while remaining brief, can be a challenge. Your goal should be to represent the awarding organization and the award in a positive light as you recognize the recipient's achievements.

Open your presentation with an introduction that explains the significance of the day, your relationship to the awarding institution and your role in the program. Keeping your remarks brief, explain what the scholarship represents and the minimum qualifications for the scholarship.

Make your presentation personal by including some of your own thoughts, feelings and perhaps a humorous anecdote about the institution, award or recipient (if you know the individual). Fully explain the scholarship (history, previous recipients) and how and why the recipient was selected. Your remarks should characterize the scholarship as coveted and prestigious.

Introduce the recipient by name and mention his achievements and contributions. Relate those accomplishments to the scholarship and the awarding institution. Liken these achievements to those of previous recipients, but also acknowledge the recipient's unique characteristics.

Ask the recipient to come forward and join you at the podium. While the recipient is standing with you, read aloud the inscription on the plaque or document. Extend your right hand to the recipient for a handshake and simultaneously present the physical award and congratulate him.

• 1 Toastmasters International

About the Author

Katherine Bradley began writing in 2006. Her education and leadership articles have been published on Education.com, Montessori Leadership Online and the Georgia Educational Researcher. Bradley completed a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Mercer University in 2009.

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Presentation Examples

Presentation Examples Website

What can be a good award presentation speech example?

Have you been chosen to deliver a speech associated with some outstanding events? Congratulations! That’s a great honor and believe me there are always plenty of candidates for such occasions. What? Do you have some doubts? Are you not sure how to complete an excellent speech? Are you afraid of doing something wrong during the presentation? Stop panicking! This article is intended to help in writing most inspiring and rousing speech ever.

So, what to begin with? There are two acceptable ways: you may start with presenting yourself and go further with describing an award or you may firstly describe an award and then mention your name and underline how you are related with it and why it’s especial honor to get this chance of giving this award speech. Note that central to the speech is an event or a person it is dedicated to. Everyone knows that there are two main components of any presentation: speaker’s behavior and the content. Let’s look closer on these two components.

Language and content

It has been already mentioned higher how you can start. Most probably you won’t have any difficulties with describing event: there is a lot of information on the Internet. However, you need to conduct some research to make your speech unique and unusual. A good idea may be a short excursus to the award history, providing some impressive or funny facts. Here you need to be careful to avoid any duplication and if you manage to uncover something long-forgotten and exciting success is almost granted. Obviously you need to read some previous speeches available but do not pay them too much time and attention: despite aiming at originality you’ll make your own writing to similar under their influence. Don’t forget to express gratitude to the place owners, sponsors, and everyone in general for being present. The next stage is creating intrigue. Outline the criteria candidates should have met and qualities had, mention areas of achievements, maybe drop a slight hint. You need to catch audience attention and bring the tension to the highest pitch before announcing the name of the winner. Step by step inform audience on how awesome, special, dedicated, and deserving the person is, make it clearer and clearer who exactly this is and announce the winner. While he/she is making a way to the award you’ll have some time to support him/her with approving words and congratulate him/her already on the stage. After the award is granted it’s time to move further to another topic/ winner or turn the floor over to somebody.

A few words about the language: it should be official and the style used businesslike, but it doesn’t exclude using some slang words or jokes. In fact they are even advantageous if are spoken fitly.

Make sure to take enough rehearsals. Excessive gestures, awkward pauses, mumbling are unacceptable. You should have a confident bearing and be dressed up perfectly. It would be greatly to view some related events or even Oscar ceremony to get an idea about the presenting speeches and speaker’s demeanor.

Overall, keep calm and rock the award presentation!

Useful sources:

• Special Occasion Speeches: How to Present or Accept an Award
• Presentation of the Outstanding Achievement Award
• Award Speeches

← previous TOK Presentation next → Presentation Abstract

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Speech Writing

Presentation Speech

Writing A Presentation Speech In English: Tips And Examples

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Presentations are a common part of our personal and professional lives. Whether you're a student, an employee, or an entrepreneur, learning the art of presentations is a valuable skill.

A well-crafted presentation speech can inspire, inform, and engage your audience, leaving a lasting impact. 

So how can you craft an engaging presentation speech?

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating and delivering a compelling presentation, step by step. From writing your speech to mastering public speaking techniques, we've got you covered.

So, let's dive in! 

• 1. What is a Presentation Speech?
• 2. How to Write a Presentation Speech?
• 3. Ways to Start a Presentation Speech
• 4. How to End a Presentation Speech? 
• 5. Presentation Speech Examples 
• 6. Tips for Making Your Presentations More Engaging
• 7. Presentation Speech Topics

What is a Presentation Speech?

A presentation speech is a type of public speaking where the speaker formally delivers information, ideas, or proposals to an audience. This type of speech is typically structured to introduce a topic, convey key points clearly, and engage listeners effectively. 

The goal of a presentation speech is to inform, persuade, or entertain the audience. They often use visual aids, storytelling, and other techniques to improve understanding and retention.

Main Components of a Presentation Speech

The key elements that set a presentation speech apart are its intentionality and structure. Here's a breakdown of these crucial aspects: 

• Purpose 

Every presentation speech has a clear purpose, which could be:

• To persuade
• To entertain
• To inspire and motivate 

Understanding your purpose is the foundation upon which you build your speech.

A presentation speech typically follows the basic speech format that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction lays out the context, the body conveys the main content, and the conclusion reinforces the key points. 

Effective presentation speeches are tailored to the needs and expectations of the audience. Knowing your audience helps you choose the right tone, style, and content.

• Visual Aids

Presentation speeches often make use of visual aids like slides, props, or multimedia elements to enhance the message and keep the audience engaged.

How to Write a Presentation Speech?

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you effectively write a presentation speech.

Step 1: Determine the Audience

The first step in crafting a presentation speech is to understand your audience. Consider their background, knowledge, interests, and expectations. Are they experts in the subject, or are they new to it? This information will shape the tone and depth of your speech.

Step 2: Choose a Topic

Select a topic that aligns with both your expertise and the interests of your audience. Your topic should be engaging and relevant. It could be a current issue, a problem-solving solution, or a subject of general interest. Make sure your passion for the topic shines through.

Step 3: Research and Gather Information

To build a strong speech, gather credible information from a variety of sources. Use books, articles, online resources, and expert interviews. Keep track of your sources and make note of key statistics, quotes, and examples that support your message.

Step 4: Make an Outline

Creating a structured outline for your presentation speech is essential for keeping your message organized and ensuring that your audience can follow your points easily. 

Here's how to construct a well-organized presentation speech outline:

Step 5: Review and Revise

After you've written your speech, review it for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Here are the steps you should take for reviewing your speech:

• Make sure that each point supports your main message and is easy to understand. 
• Check for grammar and spelling errors.
• Practice your speech in front of a mirror or with a friend. Pay attention to your delivery, pacing, and timing. Make necessary revisions based on your practice sessions.

Remember that a well-written presentation speech not only conveys your knowledge but also connects with your audience on a personal level. Your goal is to inform, persuade, or inspire, and the steps outlined here will help you achieve just that.

Ways to Start a Presentation Speech

Now that you’ve written your presentation and its content, the time has come to deliver your speech. If you're thinking how to start a presentation speech that grabs your audience's attention right from the beginning we have that covered for you. 

Here are some simple yet powerful ways to hook your readers from the beginning:

• Ask a Thought-Provoking Question: Start with a question that makes your audience think about the topic you're going to discuss. 

For example, "Have you ever wondered how technology will shape our future?"

• Tell a Story or Anecdote: Share a brief story or personal anecdote related to your topic. Stories capture attention and make your speech more relatable. 

For instance, "When I was a child, I once..."

• Use a Surprising Fact or Statistic: Begin with an interesting fact or statistic that will surprise your audience. 

For example, "Did you know that over 90% of people use their smartphones within 10 minutes of wa king up?"

• Start with a Relevant Quote: Begin with a quote from a notable person that relates to your topic. Quotes can inspire and set the tone for your speech. 

For instance, "Steve Jobs once said, 'Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.'"

• Pose a Problem and Offer a Solution: Introduce a problem your audience can relate to, and then hint at the solution you'll discuss. 

For example, "Many of us struggle with time management. Today, I'll share some effective strategies to help you maximize your productivity."

How to End a Presentation Speech? 

Ending your presentation speech effectively is just as important as starting strong. Here’s how to wrap up with impact:

• Summarize Key Points: Recap the main ideas you've discussed. Remind your audience of the key takeaways to reinforce your message.
• End with a Memorable Statement: Leave a lasting impression by concluding with a powerful statement, a thought-provoking question, or a call to action related to your topic.
• Thank Your Audience: Express gratitude for their time and attention. A simple "Thank you for listening" goes a long way in showing appreciation.
• Invite Questions (if applicable): If there’s time for questions, invite the audience to ask any they may have. This encourages engagement and shows you value their input.
• Leave Them Thinking: End with something that makes your audience reflect on what they've learned or consider how they might apply your ideas in their own lives or work.

Presentation Speech Examples 

Taking help from good and structured presentation speeches will allow you to write and deliver the address smoothly. Here are some presentation speech samples for students that can help you write a well-structured presentation. 

Award Presentation Speech Example

Product Presentation Speech Example

Thesis Presentation Speech Example

Presentation Speech Script Sample

Presentation Speech Template

Famous Presentation Speeches 

Here are five examples of famous presentation speeches that have made a significant impact:

• Al Gore - An Inconvenient Truth (2006) : Al Gore's presentation used slides and visuals to raise awareness about climate change, documented in the film "An Inconvenient Truth."
• Susan Cain - The Power of Introverts (2012) : Susan Cain's TED Talk celebrated introverted personalities and their strengths in a society that often values extroversion.
• Bill Gates - Innovating to Zero! (2010) : Bill Gates' TED Talk emphasized the urgency of reducing carbon emissions to zero to address climate change, proposing innovative solutions.
• Sheryl Sandberg - Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders (2010) : Sheryl Sandberg's TED Talk highlighted barriers women face in leadership roles and urged women to pursue their ambitions.
• Tony Robbins - Why We Do What We Do (TED Talk, 2006)? : Tony Robbins' TED Talk explored the psychology of motivation and behavior, offering insights into personal and professional development.

Tips for Making Your Presentations More Engaging

Here are some additional tips for giving better presentations:

• Use expressive body language: Gestures and movement can help highlight important points and keep your audience engaged. It shows your enthusiasm and makes your presentation more dynamic.
• Adjust your voice tone and pace: Varying your voice tone and speaking pace adds emphasis and maintains listener interest. It's like adding melody to your speech to keep things lively and engaging.
• Manage nervousness with relaxation techniques: Before your presentation, try deep breathing or visualization exercises to calm your nerves. Feeling relaxed helps you speak confidently and connect better with your audience.
• Add humor or anecdotes: A well-placed joke or personal story can lighten the mood and make your presentation memorable. It also helps to connect with your audience on a more personal level.
• Use visuals wisely: Visual aids like slides or charts should complement your speech, not replace them. Use them to illustrate key points visually and help reinforce understanding.
• Maintain eye contact: Look at your audience while speaking. It builds trust and keeps them engaged. It shows you're speaking directly to them, not just reading off slides.
• Speak naturally, avoid reading: Practice your presentation enough that you can speak comfortably without reading word-for-word from slides or notes. Natural speech is more engaging and shows your expertise.
• Stay focused and present: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay grounded and focused during your presentation. Being present helps you react to audience cues and adjust your delivery accordingly.

Presentation Speech Topics

Now that you know how to write and deliver an engaging presentation, you may be wondering about a topic to speak on. You need a strong and interesting topic to make your presentation speech impactful. 

Here are some presentation speech ideas to help you out:

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market
• Climate Change and Sustainable Practices
• The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
• The Art of Time Management
• The Future of Renewable Energy
• The Psychology of Decision-Making
• Mental Health Awareness and Reducing Stigma:
• Innovations in Space Exploration
• The Art of Negotiation
• The Role of Music in Society

Need more ideas for your presentation speech? Our informative speech topics blog lists 100+ topics that are sure to inspire your next presentation.

To Conclude, remember, creating a successful presentation speech comes down to careful planning, delivering with enthusiasm, and understanding your audience. Outline your main points clearly, use visuals that grab attention, and practice confident body language to keep everyone engaged.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to start a presentation speech in class.

To start a presentation speech in class, begin with a captivating opening like a question, story, or surprising fact related to your topic. This grabs your classmates' attention and sets the tone for your presentation.

How to introduce yourself in a presentation as a student?

Introduce yourself briefly by stating your name, grade, or class, and any relevant information about your background or interests related to the presentation topic. Keep it concise and focus on how your experience or perspective adds value to your presentation.

What are some effective presentation starting words?

Here are some good presentation starting words:

• "Have you ever wondered..."
• "Imagine a world where..."
• "Today, I'm going to talk about..."
• "Let's dive into..."
• "I'd like to begin by..."

How to speak during a presentation?

Speaking during a presentation involves several key techniques:

• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace to ensure your audience can follow.
• Use varied tones to emphasize important points and maintain interest.
• Practice pauses to allow your audience time to digest information.
• Maintain eye contact to build rapport and keep listeners engaged.
• Use gestures and body language to enhance your message and express enthusiasm.

What are some 'How to' speech presentation topics?

'How to' speech presentation topics can include practical skills or processes that are informative and engaging:

• How to effectively manage your time in college
• How to improve your study habits
• How to improve your public speaking skills as a student
• How to conduct meetings in the workplace
• How to develop strong leadership skills
• How to create an effective business plan
• How to create a budget and stick to it
• How to improve customer service skills in your role
• How to build a basic website
• How to negotiate a salary or contract effectively

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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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.

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A Few Tips For An Award Presentation Speech

In many cases, you will need to prepare short remarks before you present your award plaques or trophies. The remarks need to introduce the recipients, show how much you value them and help to set the tone for the event.

So, before you present any personalized trophies and awards, here are a few tips for your remarks.

• Double check all of the details – Make sure you know how to pronounce any names correctly and be sure you have the correct titles. Too many remarks are ruined by mispronouncing someone’s name or by getting basic facts wrong. It only takes a few minutes to confirm the facts, but it is extremely important.
• Introduce yourself – Don’t assume the audience knows who you are. Briefly state who you are and why you are there.
• Introduce the recipient or recipient – Discuss what they do for your organization and provide background information if possible, such as how long they have been there.
• Add in a joke or two – These work best in the introduction. Your audience will most likely want to smile and laugh, so give them an opportunity to do so. A light comment in the introduction often works very well.
• Introduce the award – Why are you presenting this award? Is it an annual award? Is it for someone who is retiring? Is it named in honor of anyone?
• Tell us why the recipient is receiving this award – What makes the recipient so special? A personal story about the recipient always works well here. Can you describe how you have seen the recipient impact your organization, help fellow employees, assist customers or do something special?
• Keep it short – You need to build up and introduce the award recipient, but don’t go on too long. The event needs to remain focused on the award recipients.

Be sure to save time to rehearse

When you have your remarks all set, be sure to practice them or at least read over them a few times. You want to be confident and comfortable when it is your time to speak.

In addition, it’s always good to get feedback on your remarks beforehand from a trusted colleague, if possible.

And remember, whenever you are looking for recognition award ideas or if you have questions about any trophies and plaques, be sure to contact our sales professionals .

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Engraved Crystal Recognition Awards are Meaningful Gifts

When you present Engraved Crystal Recognition Awards to deserving recipients, you are giving them something special. These crystal awards look spectacular by themselves, and we offer you a wide range of shapes, sizes and even colors. And when these unique awards are engraved to your specifications, they become even more special for each recipient. In addition, when light shines through these personalized corporate gifts, these awards look even more impressive. The recipients of these awards will be proud to display them in their homes or in their offices, and they will know just how much you value their important contributions.

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Olympics Closing Ceremony: All the Highlights as Paris Hands Over Games to L.A., From Phoenix Rocking Out to Tom Cruise’s Epic Stunts

The Paris Olympics set a high bar for itself after an opening ceremony that showcased Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and a scenic backdrop involving virtually every Parisian landmark along the Seine. But the closing ceremony — taking place on a blistering hot day in stark contrast to the pouring rain of its kickoff — also delivered a blockbuster show with a Hollywood twist.

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Unfolding days after a thwarted terrorist attack that targeted a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, the Paris Olympics closing ceremony took place under a beefed up security protocol involving thousands of police forces, including nearly 2,000 agents coming from overseas. Over 70,000 spectators attended in addition to 8,200 athletes from over 200 delegations and 270 artists. In an interview with Variety , Reboul said he and the rest of the organizers spent an “incalculable” amount of time to prepare an airtight security plan with local authorities. The country has already been on high alert since the start of the war in Gaza last October.

Below, see all the best moments from the Paris Olympics closing ceremony.

Zaho de Sagazan Kicks Things Off From the Jardin des Tuileries

French singer-songwriter Zaho de Sagazan, who sang “Modern Love” to Greta Gerwig at the Cannes Film Festival, kicked off the closing ceremony with a performance of French music legend Édith Piaf’s “Sous le Ciel de Paris” at the lush Jardin des Tuileries, where the Olympic Cauldron — an air balloon lit by the Olympic Flame — is located. She was accompanied by the choir of the Académie Haendel-Hendrix.

French Breakout Star Léon Marchand Carries the Olympic Lantern

Dressed elegantly in a suit, French swimmer and Olympic breakout star Léon Marchand — who won four gold medals and one silver at the Games — then removed the lantern containing the flame from the cauldron and began carrying it to the Stade de France. Nicknamed “the dolphin” by his French supporters, Marchand was welcomed with “Léon, Léon” chants. He moved to Arizona three years ago to train with Bob Bowman, the coach of 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.

Athletes Band Together — and Sing Karaoke?

After parading in boats under pouring rain during the opening ceremony, the athletes — who all stuck around the City of Light for the closing bash — entered the futuristic stage together and moved to the beat of French electro tracks, including by Justice and M83.

After all the teams had entered, it was announced that it was time for “athlete karaoke,” where all competitors were expected to sing along to various songs. First up were some French anthems, including “Emmenez-moi” by Charles Aznavour, “Les Champs-Elysées” by Joe Dassin and “Freed From Desire” by Gala. Naturally, “We Are the Champions” by Queen was also part of the playlist, and resulted in the biggest sing-along of the night.

Tom Cruise Has Arrived

The actor waved to fans as he arrived to the VIP section of the closing ceremony ahead of his stunt performance to hand over the Games to 2028 host Los Angeles.

A Golden Voyager Descends on the Games

Dressed in a glittering costume, the voyager rappelled down from the top of the stadium and performed an acrobatic piece as two more mysterious figures attached the flag of Greece to a pole and waved it in the air. Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory who appears on every Olympic medal, was also portrayed as a swarm of acrobats descended upon the stadium from the sky and erected the five Olympic rings. A piano then emerged from underneath the set, dangling vertically as Alain Roche played the instrument suspended in midair while French lyric tenor Benjamin Bernheim sang “Hymn to Apollo.” As the acrobats danced and flipped, the rings were raised into the air to symbolize the rebirth of the Games.

Francophone Musicians Take Over

After the dancers had been cleared off the futuristic stage, French indie band Phoenix delivered a rousing rendition of their hit “Lisztomania” surrounded by athletes. DJ Kavinsky and Belgian singer Angèle then joined the band to play “Nightcall,” the breakout song from Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Drive,” before launching into “If I Ever Feel Better” featuring a verse from Cambodian rapper VannDa. Fellow French rockers Air then showed up to play “Playground Love,” the band’s collaboration with Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars that was featured in “The Virgin Suicides,” directed by Mars’ wife Sofia Coppola. The surprise guests continued with Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenig hopping on stage to sing “Tonight,” his duet with the band. Phoenix closed out its set with “1901,” which saw Mars jump into the crowd of moshing Olympians.

Paris Sets a Record in Olympic Marriage Proposals

Tony Estanguet, the dashing gold medal-winning French slalom canoeist who presided over of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for the Olympics, delivered a moving speech highlighting the records broken during the event, which not only included the 64 medals won by the French team, but also the number of wedding proposals that happened through the last 11 days. Hosted in the city of Love, the Paris Olympics saw seven wedding proposals, two of which happened in Marseille during the sailing competitions. 

“To you, athletes, what can I say? We knew you would be brilliant, but you were magic,” Estanguet said. “You made us happy, you made us feel alive,” he continued, drawing a parallel with the exhilarating feelings triggered by a coup de foudre.

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Is Handed the Olympic Flag

H.E.R. Performs the U.S. National Anthem

Is there anything Grammy-award winning superstar H.E.R. can’t do? As the American flag was raised into the sky to symbolize L.A. taking on the 2028 Summer Games, award-winning musician H.E.R. sang the U.S. National Anthem with gusto.

H.E.R. was dressed in an all-white look and also had a matching custom Fender Stratocaster. After belting out the final notes of the “Star Spangled Banner,” she paused and began strumming the “Mission: Impossible” theme song as Tom Cruise descended from the roof of the stadium.

Tom Cruise Delivers “Mission: Impossible”-Worthy Stunts

Tom Cruise jumped off the top of the Stade de France to mark the handover from the Paris Olympics to the L.A. Games in 2028, and landed on the stage of the stadium.

He was welcomed like a rockstar at the Stade de France and joined Team USA champion Biles along with L.A. mayor Bass, who handed the Olympic flag to him. He then hopped on to a motorcycle with the flag in tow and rode out of the stadium to make the symbolic delivery to L.A. In a pre-recorded segment, Cruise dove out of a plane over the Hollywood sign and positioned the Olympic rings over it before the artist performances in L.A. began.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg Welcome Games to L.A.

L.A. natives the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg represented the City of Angels after the handoff of the Olympic flag was made. On a beachside stage, the Red Hot Chili Peppers played “Can’t Stop” before Eilish sang her most recent hit “Birds of a Feather.” Snoop Dogg, who has been contributing commentary to this year’s Games on NBC, brought his Long Beach style to the screen as he rapped “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and even brought out Dr. Dre for their anthem “The Next Episode.”

Yseult and Paris Say “Au Revoir” With “My Way”

The broadcast shifted back to the Stade de France for the closing ceremony’s final segment: an enchanting version of “My Way” belted by French singer Yseult. As the final notes rang out, an impressive amount of fireworks exploded over the stadium — ensuring that the Paris Olympics went out with a bang.

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