RSS Feed
Accepting an Award
August 23rd, 2012
by Bill Boyajian

In the area of public speaking, it’s important to get it right – no matter how large or small the audience. We’ve looked at how to introduce a speaker and how to present an award in the last couple weeks. This week, let’s focus on accepting an award – the right way.

Accepting an Award: This should be easy, but it’s amazing how many people blow this short speech. First, don’t worry about it. If the award is a surprise, often all that is needed is a thank you and a few thoughtful, extemporaneous remarks that express your sincere appreciation. If you know you’re getting an award, you should prepare some thoughts ahead of time, but keep it concise and don’t drone on and on like recipients at the Academy Awards. People want to know that you appreciate the award. They don’t want to know your life story.

Your remarks should match the tone and seriousness of the award. The more formal the setting and the award, the more you should prepare. Follow the basic outline of any message: an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion. If others deserve mention or were integral to you receiving the award, give them the credit they are due. Don’t try to be funny, clever, or cute. Few people can pull this off. Just be yourself. Show humility, sincerity, and gratitude. Praise any cooperation or help you received. Say what you feel with heartfelt thanks. Be brief, but try to be memorable.

There you have it. Now enjoy receiving your next award.



Tags: , , , , , , , ,

“I needed help orchestrating a succession plan for our business. I had heard that Bill Boyajian specialized in assisting owners to transition their business to the next generation. He knows how to bridge the generation gap and deliver what each needs to hear. I would recommend Bill to any business owner who needs advice on succession planning from a trusted outside professional.”

–Charles Denaburg,
Managing Partner,
Levy’s Fine Jewelry
Birmingham, AL

"Our family needed some guidance on business transition and succession planning. We asked Bill Boyajian to help us because we knew we could trust him to tell us what we needed to hear. Bill became a valuable resource for our company and our entire family. He has the ability to meet each of us where we’re at and it has served us very well."

–Ceylon Leitzel
Leitzel Fine Jewelry
Hershey & Myerstown, PA

“We needed a plan to transition our business to a non-family member and we asked Bill Boyajian to help us. His experience in the area has really paid off, but we didn’t expect the added value of putting us together with a financial planner who helped organize our retirement needs. We now have the fundamentals to transition our business successfully, and we have Bill to thank for it.”

–Ernie & Debbie Cummings
Kizer-Cummings Jewelers
Lawrence, KS