How to Write a Short Speech Presenting a Nomination Award

For most speeches, it's important to keep your tone positive.

Receiving a request to give a speech at a work or social event is a huge honor. If you have to write a short speech, you must keep your words concise and sincere, being careful not to veer off topic. The situation is slightly trickier when giving a speech for a nomination award, as the person or people nominated for the award haven't won the actual award yet, and usually still have more waiting or competition to endure.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper
• Computer

Instructions

1. Pick your tone according to our audience. For example, for a work-related event, you should keep your tone formal. For an audience made up of family and friends, your tone should probably be more casual and familiar.

2. Pick a quote from a famous historical figure, writer, poet, celebrity or politician that you feel most aptly summarizes the essence of this award. Alternatively, you can just make up an appropriate quote yourself. This quote should be the first sentence of your speech and should be attention grabbing. For example, you could quote Calvin Coolidge and say, "No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."

3. Write in your own words why it's an honor just to be nominated for this award and how and why the nominee or nominees are so distinctive. Write honestly and sincerely.

4. List the names of the person or people who have received a nomination. If any of these people have names which are difficult to pronounce, you might want to add phonetic spellings in parentheses, in preparation for when you have to deliver the speech.

5. Write a memorable final line that essentially says you think all of the nominees are winners.

References

• Explore Writing: Speech Writing
• Content 4 Reprint: Public Speaking
• Think Exist: Quotes on Winning

Resources

• Speak Up Tips: How to Write a Good Speech
• Smarter Brain: How to Write a Good Speech