By Heidi Ehlers

The final part of creating an award winning piece of work is learning how to accept an award. 

 

There is a way to do it,  that makes everyone in the audience happy for you.

 

Conversely, there is a way to accept an award that makes everyone in the audience as uncomfortable as you appear to be.

Because I believe a room full of people cheering is a more fun room to be in, I thought I'd share some pointers and feedback I've heard post award show for years.  Pointers that I'm pretty certain will have everyone celebrating your success with you in 30 seconds or less - with you center stage, feeling the love.

1.  If a pack of people take the stage, one person should be designated to be the spokesperson for the pack.

The pack leader should take the microphone, and introduce the members of the pack by first AND last name, what they do, and how they contributed to the award you are receiving.  It's probably a good idea to have a discussion the day of to decide who the person at the microphone will be.

2.  If you are receiving an award on behalf of a charity, tell us about the charity, and what this project meant to you.

It's also nice to include a few statistics about the charity, what their goals are, how this piece of communication got them closer to achieving those goals,  the role you played and what that means to you.

3.  If you are receiving an award for a sister office, say something complimentary about the sister office.

Acknowledge your team members, pay them a compliment, thank them for allowing you to accept the award on their behalf.  Say something great about that office - they are your family after all.

4.  If you are receiving an award for a sister office, it only takes one person.

5.  If you are receiving an award and your highly awarded boss is on stage with you, let them have the microphone first.

It's just smart.

6.  If you are receiving an award, don't forget to thank the person who owns the agency you work for.

See reason #5.

7.  Tell a little story.

I think we're all curious about how the work happened, what it did for the client, an anecdote about the creation of the communication - anything.  We're junkies remember?  We love this stuff.  Share.  Make the work come to life.  Tell us what you went through.  You should be able to think of something and fit it into :30 or :60 seconds.  Especially if you're picking up an award for radio.

8.  Practise.

Think of that moment on stage.  Write down what you are going to say.  Read it out loud.  It's okay.  I'd rather watch a quick thank you speech by someone who wrote it down, than by someone who is trying to make it look like they haven't given winning a seconds thought before right NOW.  No one buys it.  Be authentic.

9.  Share your joy.

Joy is fun to watch.  Joy is fun to be a part of.  It's a big deal.  You know it.  We know it.  You're proud to win that award.  If you aren't proud to win, why even bother entering the show?  Not only are you proud, we're proud of you for having won it.  Really. 

10.  Dress like a winner.  Just in case you are one.

There is a chance you may be called on stage, for your industry to see.  That industry gathering could include your colleagues, your ex-colleagues, your current boss, your last boss, maybe even your next boss.  This is your chance to make a great impression.  Be ready.  Think it through.

Don't worry, we won't think any less of you. We won't hate you.  We won't think you're arrogant.  If anything, we'll think more of you.  Because you've made us all proud, you've shared your joy (which is very generous), and you've reminded us of all the great people we work with in this industry of ours. 

 

Let it shine.