letter of award presentation

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Presentations

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 102,344 times.

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

Writing and Practicing Your Speech

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

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

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

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

Introducing the Award

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

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

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

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

Announcing the Winner

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

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

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

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

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

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

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

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

• Why Award Concepts
• Make the Switch

800-659-7801

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)

800-659-7801 sales

© 2024 Award Concepts, Inc All rights reserved.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Site Credits

Letter of Award Template – Format, Sample & Example

A letter of award or award letter is basically an announcement that informs someone about their approval/ qualification that they have been applied for or looking forward to. It can be anything, a monetary award or in form of respect too. For example, a monetary gain for gain in business contracts from government and an award for doing excellent job in some area of interest etc. 

Usually award letter is written during situations like auctions where so many parties are bidding for one same contract coming from a high repute company or government. 

Actually, these traditions of writing award letter are an important professional etiquette for contact where not just what is written important but its presentation is equally matters. Therefore, a careful effort is required. Although, it is not very complicated to frame one nice award letter, but it can become a hassle if written or dealt with in bulk. It is recommended to build an award letter template and maintain it to significantly simplify and fast process of writing a letter of award when it comes to write an individual award letter. 

Format of Award Letter

The format is given below:

[To (who so ever it is going to be awarded) For example, Name of the company or the concerned person ] 

[ Address associated ]

[ Subject i.e. Name/Title of the contract/project it is related to ]

[Body/ Content of the letter]

[Signature and date]

[Name of the company awarding the contract]

How to Write Letter of Award

To begin with creating a letter of award, it is important that you know all about the essentials need to be remembered while writing it. Therefore, we have provided you with a few tips here in this article. 

• Make a broad outline which will be suitable for the maximum of letter of awards that you anticipate. This will allow you to draft award letter in a quick and fast manner along with lesser of efforts by just doing a few changes in the formed template. 
• Always make a check if the format is appropriate and the content is suitable for the award letter you are writing. 
• You must not forget to pay attention to the language of award letter. It should be in a polite and easy tone. This is something we should always take care of. But here, since it is very professional contact letter, a little attention over the tone can make a huge difference.
• Make a spelling and grammar check. Remember this letter must not be a letter of mere statements and facts or overly verbose but instead a mix of both. 

Letter of Award Samples with Examples

For your references, a few examples are provided below. You may visit our page to find more such samples and examples. 

Letter of Support for Award

From, 7 Adams Ave. Brandon, FL 33510

Date: 24th November, 2001

To, Sital Pvt. Ltd. Chicago, USA

RE: Congratulations for getting nominated for PLG Gas contract

Dear Sir/ Ma’am, We are very pleased to inform you that your company has been nominated and invited for the process of bidding and a short contractual based presentation for the area of AB State.  This is a letter of award for being nominated and invited to participate in this important bidding which is organized by Government of United States.

However, meanwhile kindly submit the application details which is given in the attachment and send it to us within dates as mentioned. 

We are looking forward for your response as soon as possible. 

Thanking You.

Signature & Date

Department of Renewable Resources, USA

Sample Letter of Award

From, 9086 Briarwood St. Loganville, GA 30052

Date: 25th November, 2003

To, Gail Tints Pvt. Ltd 46, Casco Road, Ohio, USA

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are very pleased to inform you that your company has been selected for the above-said tender for the organization of the event [Annual council on Environment and Climate Change] on 30th May 2003.

On the basis of the work you presented and depending upon the history of your company’s standard, we are selecting your company to organize this high repute event where many big delegates from across the world are going to be present.

We are so sure that your work will impress us and make this event a huge success. Trust is being placed on the strong shoulders of Gail Tints. For this purpose, if you accept our proposal which is also attached with the award letter, kindly revert back to us as soon as possible. A thorough meeting will be finalized once you provide us with the confirmation. 

Thanking you.

Signature and Date

University of Shanghai

We hope that you found this article useful. For more samples and examples, kindly visit our page. Thanks!

Letter of Award Template in PDF and Word Format

Letter of Award Templates in PDF Templates

• PDF Template 1
• PDF Template 2

Letter of Award Templates in Word Templates

• Word Template 1
• Word Template 2

Related Posts

Letter Team

The team behind BestLetterTemplate.com understands the importance of effective communication in today's professional world and strive to provide you with the tools you need to make a lasting impression. Our team of experienced writers has created a wide range of templates for common letters, including recommendations, resignations, and cover letters. All of our templates are completely free to use and are designed to save you time and hassle. Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or a seasoned professional, we've got you covered.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Public Speaking Tips >>

What Should I Say To Present An Award?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Tech Edvocate

• Advertisement
• Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
• Home Page Four
• Home Page Three
• Home Page Two
• Icons [No Sidebar]
• Left Sidbear Page
• Lynch Educational Consulting
• My Speaking Page
• Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
• Newsletter Unsubscription
• Page Example
• Privacy Policy
• Protected Content
• Request a Product Review
• Shortcodes Examples
• Terms and Conditions
• The Edvocate
• The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
• Write For Us
• Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
• The Edvocate Podcast
• Assistive Technology
• Child Development Tech
• Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
• EdTech Futures
• EdTech News
• EdTech Policy & Reform
• EdTech Startups & Businesses
• Higher Education EdTech
• Online Learning & eLearning
• Parent & Family Tech
• Personalized Learning
• Product Reviews
• Tech Edvocate Awards
• School Ratings

Phonological Awareness: Everything You Need to Know

Product review of kate spade’s bloom: the perfect mother’s day gift, learning to read: everything you need to know, product review of the arzopa z1c portable monitor, how to teach phonics: everything you need to know, reading groups: everything you need to know, product review of the ultenic p30 grooming kit, reading anxiety in children: everything you need to know, iep meetings and parent-teacher conferences: everything you need to know, college disability services and accommodations: everything you need to know, how to present an award: 13 steps.

Introduction :

Presenting an award is a rewarding experience that allows you to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of others. It is important to create a memorable and meaningful moment for the awardee as well as the audience. Here are 13 steps to make your award presentation successful.

1. Prepare:

Understand the background of the award, its significance, and gather relevant information about the recipient. This will help you in crafting an appropriate speech.

2. Personalize your speech:

Include specific examples highlighting the recipient’s achievements and contributions. This will make your presentation more engaging and heartfelt.

3. Dress appropriately:

Ensure your attire matches the formality of the occasion. A suit or a formal dress is usually suitable for most events.

4. Arrive early:

Arriving early gives you time to familiarize yourself with the stage, microphone, and any visual aids you may need.

5. Practice good posture:

Stand tall, shoulders back, and with your feet shoulder-width apart when on stage. This communicates confidence and professionalism.

6. Use positive body language:

Smile warmly, maintain eye contact with the audience, and use open gestures when speaking.

7. Engage with your audience:

Make eye contact with different members of the crowd as you deliver your speech, creating a connection with everyone in attendance.

8. Announce the recipient’s name clearly:

Take a pause before announcing the winner’s name to build suspense and ensure everyone hears it correctly.

9. Invite the recipient on stage:

Extend an invitation for the awardee to join you on stage to receive their honor.

10. Hand over the award correctly:

Hold the award with both hands, passing it over from your right hand to their left hand while maintaining eye contact.

11. Share a congratulatory handshake or hug:

Offer your congratulations with a firm handshake or appropriate embrace based on your relationship with the recipient.

12. Pose for photos:

Give the awardee a moment to shine by posing for photographs together with the award.

13. Wrap up and exit gracefully:

Thank the awardee, acknowledge their achievements once more, and exit the stage while allowing them to bask in their moment of recognition.

Conclusion :

By following these 13 steps, you can ensure that your award presentation is professional, engaging, and memorable for both the awardee and audience. Celebrate the accomplishments of others with grace and poise, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

How to Make Pizza Dough

How to call hawaii: 10 steps.

Matthew Lynch

Related articles more from author.

How to Treat a Draining Wound: 9 Steps

3 Ways to Make Hot Cocoa

3 Ways to Make a Leave-In Hair Conditioner

12 Ways to Show Respect

3 Ways to Create Storage Around Staircases

5 Ways to Make Your Lips Bigger

Award Letter Sample

How to Recognize Outstanding Employees With an Award Letter

• Job Search Resources
• Hiring Best Practices
• Employment Law
• Employee Motivation
• Employee Management
• Management Careers
• Management & Leadership
• Employee Benefits

Tips for Writing an Award Letter

Sample award letter.

• Samples of Thank You Letters

Susan Heathfield is an HR and management consultant with an MS degree. She has decades of experience writing about human resources.

Use this sample award letter as a guide for award letters that you write in your organization. You can send an award letter via email, but the recognition is more special if sent on company stationery and signed by the appropriate upper-level manager. Here are additional tips for writing an award letter . Following the tips, you will find a sample award letter.

The award letter recognizes an employee for making a positive contribution to workplace success or progress at work through areas such as productivity or quality gains. The award letter needs to specifically detail why the employee is receiving the recognition and the impact that the employee's contribution had on the company, the department, or the customer service success.

The letter should thank the employee and detail any gift, monetary award, or certificate that the employee is receiving as a result of receiving the award. It should describe any function or ceremony that will be held to honor the awardees and provide attendance details for the event.

Finally, the award letter should be signed by the employee's manager , at least, or by the company's president or CEO. If you go to the trouble of providing awards, recognize them for the big deal that they are for your employee recipients.

Your recipients will truly appreciate the recognition when you treat it as important. The senior management's participation in the writing of the award letter or the presentation of the letter heightens the power of the recognition to the employee. The majority of employees seek recognition from the higher-ups in their organization. It tells them that the senior managers know that they exist and serve. 

Make awards, recognition, and gratitude a regular occurrence in your workplace to recognize and retain your best employees . The following sample letter provides an example of an approach to reward, recognition, and saying thank you. Why not take a look?

You can use this award letter sample as a model. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

Sample Award Letter (Text Version)

Robert Meyer 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321 555-555-5555 robert.meyer@email.com

September 1, 2018

Andy Rodriguez Customer Service Specialist Acme Retail 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345

Congratulations on receiving the March award for best Team Work Champion. As you know, this is an award that is provided by coworkers to the team member whom they believe contributed the most to their success during the month.

Various nominations said that you went out of your way to help other employees with their parts of the project. Several co-workers said that you were unfailingly cheerful, upbeat, and positive even when the team struggled with delivery dates.

Additionally, team members said that you were organized, efficient and that you worked hard on the right things. They were impressed with the amount you accomplished in a day. Team members especially appreciated the leadership role that you assumed when the team struggled with direction and the allocation of resources.

All in all, you received the majority of the nominations from your fellow employees. So, it gives me great pleasure to notify you that you have been selected as Team Work Champion.

The award recipient receives a $100 gift certificate to your local grocery superstore. Please let us know your store of choice. You will receive your award at the October Company Meeting so that the rest of the staff has the opportunity to recognize you and thank you for your hard work and consistent effort. Please let me know your store of choice.

This letter brings you my warmest congratulations, too. It is an honor to be selected for this award by teammates. It speaks highly of how well you and your work are perceived in the company. It is a positive contribution that deserves our recognition. I am proud to say that you are a valued member of our department.

Please let me know if you have questions or need additional information. Once again, warm congratulations.

Robert S. Meyer (Written Signature)

Robert S. Meyer Director, Marketing and Customer Outreach

Need more samples for your own use in writing award and recognition letters? Here are more samples. that provide guidance as you write your own human resources letters.

Samples of Thank You Letters in the Workplace

• Sample Employee Thank You Letter From Supervisor
• Formal Employee Recognition Letter
• Informal Employee Recognition Letter
• Semi-formal Employee Recognition Letter
• How to Write an Employee Recognition Letter

• Recognition Practices
• Recognition Programs

Show Me How To Give an Effective Award Presentation

By roy saunderson, ma, crp.

A wards are wonderful things. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Focus on the Award Purpose  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show The Proof of Award Winners  

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

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

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

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

Make No Small Plans  

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

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

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

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

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

Do Everything To Personalize Awards  

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

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

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

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

Getting Down to the Presentation  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

15.7 Presenting or Accepting an Award

Learning objectives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table 15.5 Presenting an Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table 15.6 Accepting an Award

Key Takeaway

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

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

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

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

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]

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

© 2024 My Speech Class

Award Speech

You may have already seen on television or have seen it right before your eyes that when someone would give and receive an award, they would say more than just a word of thanks in front of an audience. The speech they deliver is called as an award acceptance and award presentation speech. When it is your time to receive an award, you might have a difficulty in writing your award acceptance speech and the same thing goes when you would be awarding someone. This article gives you ten award acceptance and ten awards presentation speech examples that can help you in creating your own speech for one of your most memorable moment of your life.

Award Acceptance Speech Sample

Size: 206.0 KB

Award Acceptance Speech

Size: 88.1 KB

Mandela Award Recipient Speech

Size: 96.9 KB

Wilder Award Acceptance Speech

Size: 1.4 MB

Steps on Writing for Your Award Presentation Speech

Before the recipient of an award could receive his or her award, someone would be presenting the award first. If you are assigned to deliver an award presentation speech and that you do not know where to begin, make use of this simple steps to guide you in writing and preparing for your award presentation speech to help you get started.

1. The Introduction

In the introduction part of your speech , you can present both of the award and the recipient of the award. For the award, you can make a brief statement of the category and for the recipient of the award, you can introduce him or her in a mysterious fashion like you would be describing the person first, what he or she does that could or could not be related with the award he or she is going to receive. Make sure that you would keep the introduction part of your speech brief and simple but it would already build up the framework of your entire award presentation speech.

2. The Body of the Speech

It is in the body of the speech that you would be further describing the award and what were the requirements for achieving the ward. This is also the part where you would e introducing more in-depth information about the recipient of the award and this is finally the part where you would be mentioning the recipient of the award. You can also include mentioning the list of the other awards that the recipient has received. There are some that we call a veteran in receiving awards that he or she has a lot of awards received in his or her lifetime that mentioning their long list of awards might take up the entire awards ceremony. That is why you have to make sure that you are only choosing the significant awards that he or she has received and it is suggested that the ones worth mentioning are the awards that are similar or close to what the awardee will be receiving in the current awarding ceremony.

3. The Conclusion of the Speech

The main purpose of the conclusion of your award presentation speech should only be one thing and that is to induce a sound of applause from your audience to welcome the recipient of the award on stage.

Award Acceptance Speeches

Education award acceptance speech.

Size: 56.8 KB

Service Award Acceptance Speech

Size: 22.3 KB

Career Award Acceptance Speech

Size: 23.8 KB

Award Presentation Speeches

Sample award presentation speech.

Size: 66.5 KB

Ceremony Award Presentation Speech

Size: 129.3 KB

Awards Ceremony Presentation Speech

Size: 312.4 KB

Enginerring Heritage Award Presentation Speech

Size: 696.6 KB

Prize Presentation Speech

Size: 87.2 KB

What to Keep in Mind When Writing for Your Award Acceptance Speech

1. list down the people you have to give thanks.

The first step in writing your award acceptance speech is to simply list down. List down the people that have to be recognized for helping you in your path to achieving the award. This might sound like it is an obligation to mention people in order to thank them but when you feel so much gratitude in your heart for winning an award, you might want to thank even the cook that made the food you bought during the times when you were still at the process of aiming the award.

2. Reminisce your struggles and mini-victories before achieving the award

It is good to reminisce all your struggles and hardships while you were still aiming for the award. You can get sentimental and you might even cry in front of the audience but be reminiscing all the things you’ve done in order to achieve one of your goals can be fulfilling. It can also inspire people to continue paving the path towards achieving their goals when they are starting to lose hope.

3.  Read other award acceptance speeches for inspiration

If you have a hard time thinking how to start your award acceptance speech, you can always get inspiration from previous award acceptance speeches that are similar to the kind of award that you will be receiving. This article provides you ten award acceptance speeches you can get inspiration from and you can also search for more on the internet.

High School Science Award Presentation Speech

Size: 4.2 KB

Fund Awards Presentation Speech

Size: 167.1 KB

Presentation Speech and Script for Emcee

Size: 45.6 KB

Principal’s Presentation of Award Speech to Graduates

Size: 384.5 KB

Presentation of Award Speech to Parent and Learners

Size: 372.7 KB

Tips for Delivering Your Award Acceptance Speech

To be recognized for your all your hardships is the best feeling in the world but not all people are actually aiming to deliver an award acceptance speech. Here are some tips that can help you in achieving that perfect award acceptance speech delivery that your audience might think that you need another award for it.

1. Just keep it short and simple. Award acceptance speeches are not necessarily long. You just have to be straight to the point in thanking the people you need to be thinking and if there are a lot, just give them a general term like family, friends, and colleagues.

2. Just keep on practicing especially if you already knew that you would be receiving an award. It reduces stress, anxiety, and any nervous feelings.

3. Keep in mind the purpose of an award acceptance speech an that is to give appreciation for having received the award

4. You can inspire and preach in your award acceptance speech but do not go overboard that you award acceptance speech would not anymore sound like an award acceptance speech.

5. Know beforehand that time limit given for every awardee so that you would know how long your speech should be and that you would not be able to have an overtime and steal other people’s time in delivering a speech.

6. Share how the award can change your life and whether you would keep on achieving similar awards in the future.

7. Like with any speeches, always add spices to your ending. You can end it with a bang, end with a quote to live by your audience, and you can also end it with another situation that would make the audience ponder. You can end it in whatever way you want as long as you do the most important thing–make your audience remember who you are and what you are capable of.

Award Speech Generator

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write an Award Speech for receiving a community service award.

Create an Award Speech for a sportsmanship trophy.

• Online Store For Executive Gifts & Awards

• Clear Acrylic Awards
• Color Acrylic Awards
• Custom Acrylic Awards
• Jade Acrylic Awards
• Boardroom Coasters
• Barware & Drinkware
• Trays and Bowls
• Crystal & Glass Clocks
• Metal Clocks
• Waterford Clocks
• Wood Clocks
• Color Printed Glass

Crystal Awards

• Glass Awards
• Plates and Trays
• Gavels and Keys
• Nameplates, Card Cases & Holders
• Paperweights & Bookends
• Pens and Accessories
• Crystal and Glass Plaques

Perpetual Plaques

• Photo Plaques
• Standard Plaques
• Star, Gavel & Eagle Plaques
• Crystal Trophies & Pieces
• Figurine Trophies
• Pewter Trophy Cups & Presentation Pieces
• Gifts For Grads
• Gifts For Baby
• Gifts For Weddings
• Rembrandt Charms
• Home & Bar
• Picture Frames
• Why Choose Us?
• Testimonials
• Order Tracking
• Custom Orders? Questions?

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 .

Executive Awards

Related Posts

Seven of the World’s More Interesting Awards

Employees Who are Less Stressed do Better Work

Businesses Should Pay Attention to the Statistics on Employee Retention

Soccer and its Trophy Award: History of a Global Sport

The power behind impromptu gifts.

The Hottest Corporate Gifts This Year

How Do People Create Glass Objects?

Your Next Wedding Gift Is Easy – Personalized Glasses And Decanters

What is Employee Engagement?

Finding the Right Personalized Gifts for Christmas and Holiday Office Parties

• Top Navigation

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.

Personalized Retirement Gifts

Engraved Gifts for Special Occasions and Holidays

Awards for Top Sales

Engraved Crystal Recognition Awards

Engraved Acrylic Achievement Awards

Engraved Acrylic Awards

Unique Corporate Gifts

Trophies and Plaques

Recognition Award Ideas

Personalized Trophies And Awards

Personalized Pens No Minimum

Personalized Corporate Gifts

Personalized Clocks

Monogrammed Luggage Tags

Luxury Corporate Gifts

Large Perpetual Plaques

Glass Trophy Awards

Glass Trophies And Awards

Engraved Plaques

Engraved Pens

Engraved Name Plate

Engraved Glass Gifts

Engraved Crystal Clock

Employee Of The Month Perpetual Plaque

Employee Award Ideas

Desk Card Holder

Custom Engraved Keychains

Corporate Gifts For Employees

Corporate Gifts

Business Card Holder For Desk

Crystal Plaque

Award Plaques

Art Glass Awards

Acrylic Trophies

Acrylic Plaques

Engraved Awards For Medical School Graduates

Engraved Awards For Medical Fellows

Engraved Waterford Crystal Clocks For Retiring Board Of Directors

Engraved Presentation Trays For Retiring Board Member

Board Of Directors Retirement Clocks

Hand Engraved Facsimile Signatures On Sterling Silver Retirement Tray

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

• Employee Engagement Platform
• Recognition Platform
• Service Awards
• Peer Recognition
• Custom Awards
• Health and Wellness
• Step Challenges

Explore our selection of awards

We are Terryberry. The recognition company that creates engaged, purpose-led organizations.

Interested in joining us to create recognition solutions? Let’s talk.

• Sales Incentives
• White Papers
• Trade Events

+40,000 engaged organizations worldwide have partnered with Terryberry

See what Terryberry clients have to say

Learn how Terryberry has partnered with organizations

Can we help you access your program information?

Can we help you with your recognition questions?

Can we help you find the status of your order?

Welcome to Terryberry where we transform employee engagement with one powerful platform. Get started today!

Sample Points Award Recognition Letters

Send an award letter for points received – template from terryberry.

If your organization uses a  points system for employee recognition , you’ll need a way to notify point recipients. Use a sample award letter from Terryberry to let employees know they’re receiving points. We can provide you with an award recognition letter sample that you can then modify to fit your particular needs. Find a sample congratulations letter template below.

Congratulations! Welcome to the [company name] Award Program.

We know the amount of effort that you put into your job and we assure you that your efforts are appreciated. We also know that sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of the day, we may not show our appreciation as effectively as we might. With this in mind, we have developed the [company name] Award Program.

This program is designed to reward your efforts and loyalty to our group with beautifully handcrafted  awards , with the primary focus of the program being  long service . These awards represent our appreciation and will serve as an ongoing reminder of your achievements.

You may choose to redeem your  points  now or you may choose to accumulate additional points over time in order to qualify for a reward of higher worth. For example, at five years you may receive an award of 1500 points and you may choose to select an award with a value of 1500 points or less. You may also choose to not redeem your points at that time but instead wait until you receive a reward at 10 years, say 3000 points. You would now have a total of 4500 points to redeem on the award of your choice. Either way we trust that you will enjoy your award.

Feel free to contact us with any questions and good luck accumulating those points!

Robert Johnson President

Congratulations {firstname}!

Through this  recognition program  your efforts in the workplace are rewarded with beautifully crafted awards from which you can select.

People are and will always be our greatest asset. Your abilities and contributions are an important key to the success of our entire operation. Take a moment to reflect upon your accomplishments and take pride in knowing that you are an important member of our team.

Thank you again for your loyal support.

Congratulations, you have been recognized!

As a symbol of our appreciation for your dedication and loyalty, you have been  awarded Points  in the HIGH FIVE program. It is with great pride that we present this award to you as a valued member of our team.

You may go shopping for your gifts at this time or save your points to get an even better gift. All points must be redeemed by December 31st. Have fun shopping!!!

Points Award Letter

Dear Associate,

It is an honor to work with professionals of your high caliber whose hard work and dedication produce superb results. In recognition of your  outstanding sales efforts , it is with great pride that I welcome you to the ABC Labs Employee Recognition Program.

Through this recognition program, your efforts in the field are rewarded with beautifully handcrafted awards from which you can select. These awards are symbols of our appreciation for your hard work and help serve as a continual reminder of your achievements.

Please note the number of  points  you have accumulated to date. Points can be redeemed immediately, or accumulated over time, and awards can be selected at your convenience. You may select from any of the awards available through the  Terryberry online catalog that are within your points balance. Your award, which you will have the option to inscribe with the ABC Labs logo, will be shipped directly to you.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions and good luck accumulating as many points as possible!

Thank you for all the work you do.

Vice President, Sales and Marketing

• Employee Engagement Platform
• Service Awards
• Safety Incentives
• Short Shoutouts
• Sales Incentives
• Testimonials
• All-In Awards

Service Anniversary Awards: 5 Letter of Appreciation Templates

Service anniversary awards (also referred to as years of service awards, milestone awards, service awards, service milestone, and employee anniversaries) recognize employees when they hit a specific work anniversary.

Appreciation letters are essential for the presentation of your service anniversary awards, but sometimes it can be a daunting task to get started.

With these templates, you’ll never have to create appreciation letters from scratch. Use them as a guide for your employee's next service anniversary!

Employee Milestone Recognition: 5 Appreciation Letter Templates 

Service anniversary template #1.

Congratulations [First Name]!

In celebrating your service anniversary, we recognize the valuable contributions you have made to our organization.

We strive for a culture that values and supports our employees. We understand that you are the core of our organization. Your passions for [helping our customers and coworkers] is what makes a difference every day.

As a symbol of our deep appreciation for your many contributions, [2,500 points will be deposition into your online point bank on your anniversary on our employee engagement platform].

We hope it will remind you of our appreciation for your [one] year of service. Your loyalty to [Company Name] is deeply appreciated and we commend you for your fine work.

We join in with other [Company Name] employees to congratulate you on reaching this milestone and look forward to many more milestones to come!

Service Anniversary Template #2

Congratulations! As you reach this milestone in your career, [it is with great pride that we present your service award choices to you.] Please select one of the awards featured in the enclosed brochure. This award reflects our appreciation for your dedicated years of service and is a symbol of your person and professional achievement. It is our hope that you will wear, us or display it with price. Thank you for all that you do and please accept our good wishes on the anniversary of your employment with [Company Name].

Service Anniversary Template #3

Congratulations on your milestone anniversary!

Your talent, energy, and commitment have been important to our success. Your contributions have helped us on our journey to become [a great company]. To celebrate your service, please choose [a gift from our online catalog].

I’m grateful for the long-term dedication you’ve shown [Company Name].

Service Anniversary Template #4

Congratulations on achieving [#] years of service at [Company Name]. You have made a tremendous contribution to the company’s progress during your tenure, and we are grateful that you are a part of this team.

The accomplishments that we have achieved across the spectrum of [Company Name] are a testament to our loyal and dedicated employees. We are unique and it is that uniqueness that makes us nimble and able to explore opportunities that allow [Company Name] to grow, as well as ready us for the future. We hope you continue to be a part of those efforts. We want your success to grow too! Again, congratulations on this remarkable milestone, and thank you for your loyalty! You are one of the reasons why [Company Name] is a great place to work!

Service Anniversary Template #5

Congratulations!

You've reached an important milestone in your career at [Company Name]. I wanted to celebrate your [#]-year service anniversary and thank you for your significant dedication to our company. We honor your [#] year service at [Company Name] and though we measure it in years, we really are pausing at your anniversary to recognize your personal commitment and all that you've done to help the company during those years. Again, congratulations on achieving this landmark anniversary. We are proud to recognize your important role with the gift of a watch of your choice.

Upgraded Years of Service Programs

Service awards have been upgraded from the traditional years of service model with meaningful award choices. In today's diverse workplace, not everyone wants the same award as their colleagues. 

Service awards are also typically added to a holistic recognition strategy that includes forms of day-to-day, informal, and formal recognition.

When done correctly, an upgraded years of service program create memorable moments, foster a sense of belonging, and honor contributions made to your organization.

O ur years of service certificate templates may also be of interest. Choose the certificate color that best matches your branding and fill in your employee’s information using the writeable PDF form. Fill out the form below to receive your certificates.

Join Our Email List!

• My UCalgary
• Class Schedule
• UCalgary Directory
• Continuing Education
• Active Living
• Academic Calendar
• UCalgary Maps
• Close Faculty Websites List Viewing: Faculty Websites
• Cumming School of Medicine
• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Faculty of Kinesiology
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Nursing
• Faculty of Nursing (Qatar)
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Social Work
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Haskayne School of Business
• School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
• School of Public Policy
• Schulich School of Engineering
• Werklund School of Education
• Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning
• Resource Library
• Academic integrity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Blended and online learning
• Curriculum review and development
• Designing learning
• Educational leadership and mentorship
• Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility
• Experiential learning
• Indigenous Ways of Knowing
• Mental health and wellness
• Scholarship of teaching and learning
• Teaching assistants
• Teaching continuity
• Teaching dossiers
• Search the catalogue
• Learning modules

Five Tips for Writing a Strong Letter of Support for an Award

Dr. natasha kenny, phd, & dr. carol berenson, phd, taylor institute for teaching and learning .

November 2017

Over the past three years, we have had the privilege of reviewing hundreds of nomination packages for the  University of Calgary Teaching Awards  program. The letters of support provide a key component and piece of evidence in every nomination package; depending on the award, those letters may be written by colleagues or students. The following five tips highlight what makes a strong letter of support stand out.

Set the stage

Set the stage by describing who you are and how you know the nominee. If you are a student or are inviting a student to prepare a letter, please note that letters of support must only be written by former students of the nominee (i.e. they are not currently taught or supervised by the nominee), and this should be clearly indicated at the beginning of the letter.

Some typical excerpts* from the first paragraphs of support letters may read:

It is my pleasure to write this letter in support of Dr. White’s nomination for a University of Calgary Teaching Award (Full-Time Academic Staff). I am a former student of Dr. White’s. I was an undergraduate student in her course on addictions in fall 2016, and was also an undergraduate research assistant in her lab during the summer of 2017.

It is with great admiration that I write this letter in support of Dr. White’s nomination for a University of Calgary Teaching Award (Full-Time Academic Staff). I am currently an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, and have been a colleague of Dr. White’s for the past 7 years.

Be explicit

Be explicit when describing what the nominee has done to make her or himself stand out, why this was important to you, and what difference she or he has made to you and others. What are their most important contributions? What makes this nominee memorable? What specific activities, situations, or contexts provide examples of how the nominee has made a difference to student learning? What impact have their contributions had on you? These narratives paint a picture that helps those reading the dossier “see” the nominee in the classroom.

Most award nomination will include statements such as:

Dr. White is a generous/enthusiastic/motivating/inspiring instructor…. 

Strong support letters are set apart by explicit examples of what makes the nominee enthusiastic, motivating and/or inspiring.  For example:

Dr. White is an inspiring instructor, who links theory to practice, and provides relevant real-world examples of how the course material relates to current events.  In our second-year psychology course, Dr. White consistently used case-studies to provide us with an opportunity to explore what we were covering in class. I recall a specific case study which had us reflect on how the opioid crisis in Canada was impacting adolescents.  She used an in-depth and authentic case to compassionately lead us towards understanding the complexity of the situation. She established a positive classroom climate, and taught us the skills necessary to voice, listen to, and deeply understand each other’s points of view.  She consistently encouraged us to consider how our viewpoints and opinions linked back to the evidence and theories presented in our course readings. I continue to carry these skills with me, even at the Thanksgiving table with my family! This particular discussion inspired me not only to think critically about the course subject matter, but was also the beginning of leading me towards a career path in mental health and addictions counselling. 

Dr. White is an incredibly dedicated and generous colleague. She has been a mentor to me since I started teaching at the University of Calgary. During my first year as a faculty member, I was assigned to teach a large introductory course, with over 400 students. At the time, I struggled to imagine how I would actively engage students, and Dr. White, who shared an office next to mine, opened her door to what would become our weekly “teaching chats.” At our first chat, she shared in conversation about her use of case-studies in large classes. During the months leading up to this course, she worked with me to develop relevant cases, and strategies for using blended learning approaches to facilitate on-line and in-class dialogue to engage the students. Despite the large class size, students responded positively and engaged fully throughout this course.  I never imagined having near perfect attendance in such a large class! Students arrived ready and eager to discuss the cases, and the online discussion forum was alive with students’ insights and ideas. Case studies have now become a foundational component of my teaching practice, and Dr. White and I have gone on to publish papers in our discipline’s educational journals related to using case studies to enhance student learning experiences in large courses. Our “teaching chats” remain scheduled in our calendars, every Thursday afternoon from 3:00-3:30pm. I recently received our faculty’s teaching award, and attribute much of the success in my teaching career to Dr. White’s mentorship.

Speak directly to the award criteria

If you are asked to provide a letter of support, ask the nominee to forward you a description and/or the call for nomination for the award. Don’t hesitate to inquire about what they would like you to highlight in relation to the award criteria. Are there one or two strengths that they would like you to highlight? After completing the letter, forward it onto the nominee or nominator for additional feedback. Is there anything they would like you to change or highlight further? Intentionally use and incorporate the language used in the award criteria to highlight the nominee’s strengths.

The following excerpt illustrates how a support letter highlights the award criteria (“challenge learners to practice and develop their critical thinking and independent learning abilities”).

I always appreciated how Dr. White’s classes challenged me to think critically and introspectively about the course material. Through the course assignments and discussions, I was consistently inspired to consider how the material related to my life and academic work, especially within the context of my independent undergraduate research honours project. For example, through a learning journal assignment, I deeply explored my fundamental beliefs and assumptions about how addictions and mental health were portrayed in mainstream and social media. This assignment encouraged me to think differently about the influence media has on our perceptions and beliefs about mental health and addictions. This new understanding has carried over into other areas of my academic studies and given me the confidence and language to engage in meaningful conversations with family and friends about this challenging topic. In fact, this assignment helped further focus my undergraduate research project, which centers on the role Twitter and Facebook play on influencing our beliefs and perceptions of anxiety and depression.

Use accessible language

The University of Calgary Teaching Awards adjudication committees are composed of faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.  To avoid a potential conflict of interest, these members are often from faculties different from those of the nominees in that particular award category. The best letters of support avoid jargon, and ensure that the contexts and evidence presented are clearly accessible to a broad audience, outside of the discipline. If a discipline-specific term must be used, remember to define it for the reader within the context of the letter. If they include acronyms, they are also clearly spelled out and put in context. If references to particular courses are made, they also include the course title. The best letters are clear, concise and direct in their language and context.

Be professional: Presentation matters

This piece of advice is pretty straightforward, but I am always surprised how many times it is overlooked. Letters of support should include:

• Your organizational/departmental letterhead if possible. If you don’t currently have an organizational letterhead, include your name, title and a return address in the header.
• The address of who you are addressing the letter to (e.g. University of Calgary Teaching Awards Committee, 434 Collegiate Blvd. University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4V8)
• A date (month, day, and year the letter was prepared)
• A greeting or salutation. If you do not know how to directly address the letter, a professional salutation such as, “Dear Award Committee Members:” is appropriate.
• A closing (e.g. “Sincerely,” or “Kind Regards,”)
• A signature line including your name and role (e.g. Sasha Cook, BA, Class of 2017, or Dr. Anna Glass, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology)
• A signature. I am surprised how often this is overlooked. A signature helps to communicate the authenticity of the letter.

Writing a letter of support takes careful thought. These letters provide an important opportunity and artefact to recognize the many outstanding (and all too often hidden) contributions that educators across our academic community make to student learning. Know that taking the time to prepare a letter of a support makes a difference – to the nominee, nominators, departments, faculties, and awards adjudication committee members. Your letters help bring the excellence and heart of UCalgary’s teaching and learning community to life!  Thank you for your commitment to acknowledging those who expand our thinking, strengthen our teaching and learning community, and touch our lives in so many meaningful and diverse ways.

Related content

What makes a strong teaching award nomination letter.

Read more >>

Rice Speechwriting

Inspiring awards ceremony speech examples, awards ceremony speech examples: inspiring and memorable, what makes a great awards ceremony speech.

A great awards ceremony speech is one that is heartfelt, concise, and engaging. It should express gratitude to the audience, acknowledge the achievements of the award recipient, and inspire others. Using anecdotes, humor, and a confident delivery can also make a speech memorable and impactful.

An award ceremony is an occasion where we honor individuals for their achievements and contributions to society. It’s a moment of celebration and acknowledgment. But, delivering an impactful acceptance speech can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to public speaking. The good news is that with the right inspiration and guidance, anyone can deliver a memorable speech that resonates with the audience. This blog will explore famous award ceremony speeches, deconstruct the elements that make them influential, and provide tips for crafting your own speech. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid so that you can feel confident and prepared when it’s time to take the stage and receive your well-deserved recognition.

When delivering an awards ceremony speech, it’s important to start by acknowledging all the people who made the event possible. This includes the organizers, sponsors, and support staff. Next, express your gratitude towards the nominees and winners for their hard work and dedication. Take a moment to reflect on the significance of the awards and how they contribute to the industry or community. Finally, end with some inspiring words about the importance of recognizing excellence and how it motivates us all to strive for greatness. Remember to keep your speech concise and engaging, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

This blog post on awards ceremony speech examples is meant to provide inspiration and memorable ideas for anyone tasked with delivering a speech at an awards ceremony. Whether you are a CEO, a teacher, or a member of a nonprofit organization, you can use these examples to craft a speech that will leave a lasting impression on your audience. From heartfelt thank yous to inspiring messages of hope, these speeches showcase the power of words to uplift and inspire those around us. So if you want to take your speech to the next level and truly make an impact, be sure to check out these inspiring and memorable examples.

Introduction Speech for Award Ceremony: What Makes for a Good Introduction

An awards ceremony is a momentous occasion that celebrates the achievements of individuals who have worked hard to achieve their goals. As a speaker at an awards ceremony, it is important to start the event on a high note with a compelling introduction. A good introduction sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony and captures the attention of the audience.

So, what makes for a good introduction to an awards speech? Firstly, it should be concise and to the point. Avoid rambling on and on about irrelevant topics. Secondly, it should be engaging and captivating. Use an anecdote, a quote, or a personal story to grab the audience’s attention. Thirdly, it should be relevant to the award and the recipient. Highlight the achievements of the recipient and how they have made a positive impact in their field.

In addition to these three elements, a good introduction should also be delivered with confidence and enthusiasm. Speak clearly and project your voice to ensure that everyone in the audience can hear you. Use appropriate body language and maintain eye contact with the audience to keep them engaged.

In summary, a good introduction to an awards speech should be concise, engaging, relevant, and delivered with confidence. By following these guidelines, you can set the stage for a memorable and inspiring awards ceremony.

Exploring Famous Award Ceremony Speech Examples

Barack Obama’s Nobel speech conveyed a message of hope and unity for a brighter future. Malala Yousafzai’s speech exemplified the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. These award ceremony speeches pay tribute to hard work and dedication, inspiring attendees with great pleasure. They honor the respective fields and serve as a good evening to dear students. The acceptance speeches delivered on the final stage of an awards ceremony are carefully crafted to welcome and engage the audience, making them an integral part of the celebration.

The Artistry in Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech

Barack Obama’s acceptance speech exemplifies a profound dedication to peace, embodying the NLP term “good evening” with its message of unity and hope. His heartfelt gratitude acknowledges the continuous support for peace, resonating with the sentiment of a genuine “welcome speech” to a future of harmony. Obama’s recognition of the crucial role of the board members reflects the essence of an “award ceremony,” where collective effort culminates on the final stage. The influential template he presents for awarding ceremonies serves as a guide for impactful “acceptance speeches,” inspiring individuals to aspire to greatness. Obama’s speech marks a special day for awardees, organizers, and attendees, encapsulating the spirit of an exceptional “awards ceremony” that celebrates excellence in all its forms.

Inspirations from Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Prize Speech

Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Prize speech served as a source of inspiration for the school committee members, acknowledging and appreciating the dedication and perseverance of the students. Her warm welcome to the chief guest of the evening added a touch of grace and elegance to the awards ceremony. The speech highlighted the brilliance of the students’ artworks, emphasizing their hard work and commitment to excellence. Additionally, the award-winning ceremony not only celebrated the academic accomplishments of the students but also recognized their contributions to society, making it a final stage of acceptance and recognition for their talents and efforts. Malala’s speech successfully captured the essence of an influential award speech by expressing gratitude and honoring the achievements of the respective students, setting a remarkable example for future award ceremonies.

Understanding the Elements of an Influential Award Ceremony Speech

Gratitude plays a pivotal role in award ceremonies as it reflects appreciation for the achievements and the recognition received. Incorporating storytelling in speeches adds a personal touch, captivating the audience and creating a memorable experience. Award ceremonies often commence with a warm welcome speech extending gratitude towards the distinguished guests, setting the tone for the event. Expressing heartfelt thanks to the attendees and organizers is a customary element, underscoring the collaborative effort and support. Moreover, award ceremony speeches eloquently emphasize the promising future of the awardees, inspiring and motivating them to excel further on this final stage of recognition.

The Role of Gratitude in Speeches

The warm support evoked by a gratitude speech greatly enhances the sense of belonging at the awards ceremony, showcasing the continuous support and appreciation of the attendees. It’s an opportunity to express gratitude for the respective fields and honor the chief guest of the evening, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, acknowledging the brilliance of the awardees in the acceptance speech further adds to the sense of recognition and appreciation, making the awards ceremony a memorable and inspiring final stage for all. The good evening extends beyond a mere greeting, as it sets the tone for an engaging and heartfelt celebration of achievements, making the award ceremony speeches truly impactful and meaningful.

The Power of Storytelling in Speeches

Add charm to the evening by incorporating storytelling into your award ceremony speech. Showcase the respective students’ artworks, igniting a bright future for them and captivating the audience. Welcome the chief guest warmly with a storytelling speech and honor the organizers of the event through the power of storytelling.

Crafting Your Own Award Ceremony Speech

Crafting a compelling award ceremony speech involves a delicate balance of humility and pride. It is essential to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of the students while expressing gratitude to the chief guest for gracing the occasion. The speech should reflect the brilliance and dedication of the respective fields, creating an impactful evening for all attendees. Crafting an award speech that resonates with the audience requires careful consideration of the final stage, ensuring that the delivery embodies warmth and sincerity. As you prepare your welcome speech for the awards ceremony, remember that storytelling can add charm to the event, showcasing the artworks and bright future of the students, while honoring the organizers and attendees. Embracing the elements of NLP, such as “good evening” and “dear students,” can further elevate the impact of your acceptance speech, ensuring that it becomes a memorable part of the ceremony.

Tips for Creating an Impactful Speech

Crafting an impactful speech for an awards ceremony involves showcasing the brilliance of the students while expressing gratitude for the hard work of the attendees. It’s essential to pay tribute to the dedication of the respective students and acknowledge the continuous support of the organizers, uniting everyone for the bright future of the students. Incorporating storytelling elements into the speech can add charm to the evening and ignite the bright future of the students, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and motivation. Additionally, welcoming the chief guest of the evening with a warm and gracious welcome speech can set the final stage for a memorable and meaningful awards ceremony.

Balancing Humility and Pride in Your Speech

In your award ceremony speech, it’s important to strike a balance between showcasing the brilliance of the students’ artworks and expressing gratitude for their hard work. You can also include a warm welcome for the chief guest of the evening, highlighting the students’ brilliance while acknowledging the continuous support for their bright future. Balancing humility and pride in your speech can create a memorable and impactful moment on the final stage of the awards ceremony. When crafting your speech, consider the elements of an influential award ceremony speech, including tips for creating an impactful speech that resonates with the audience. This will ensure that your acceptance speech at the awards ceremony reflects both humility and pride, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees.

Are There Common Mistakes to Avoid in Award Ceremony Speeches?

Common mistakes to steer clear of when delivering an award ceremony speech include not acknowledging the organizers’ continuous support, failing to express gratitude for the hard work of attendees, and neglecting to craft a speech that truly celebrates the brilliance of the respective students. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a successful and impactful speech.

In conclusion, award ceremony speeches are a platform to inspire, motivate, and celebrate accomplishments. By analyzing famous examples like Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech and Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Prize speech, we can understand the artistry and impact of such speeches. Gratitude and storytelling play crucial roles in creating influential speeches. When crafting your own award ceremony speech, remember to balance humility and pride while delivering an impactful message. Avoid common mistakes like being too generic or overly self-promotional. Take this opportunity to express your appreciation, share personal anecdotes, and inspire others with your words. Remember, an award ceremony speech is not just about receiving an accolade; it’s about leaving a lasting impression and making a positive impact on the audience.

Mastering Thank You Speech for Award: Winning Techniques

Expert speechwriting tips: compose your speech out loud.

Popular Posts

How to write a retirement speech that wows: essential guide.

June 4, 2022

The Best Op Ed Format and Op Ed Examples: Hook, Teach, Ask (Part 2)

June 2, 2022

November 21, 2023

Mastering the Art of How to Give a Toast

Short award acceptance speech examples: inspiring examples, best giving an award speech examples.

November 22, 2023

Sentence Sense Newsletter

Religious Studies Students Honored for Outstanding Achievements

• Post published: April 22, 2024

The  Department of Religious Studies  at Michigan State University recently held its 2024 Undergraduate Symposium and Awards Presentation, which shined a spotlight on undergraduate research and the outstanding achievements of its students.  

Six of those students – Hady Omar, Shawn Sandhu, Noah Sanker, Kaitlyn Sears, Moaid Shaik, and Mustafa Syed – presented their Religious Studies research during the event, which took place April 5. 

Omar, Shaik, and Syed also were honored with Department of Religious Studies Awards. The following are the awards they won:

• Hady Omar  – Robert T. Anderson Award, which recognizes a senior who has achieved the highest-grade point average. This award honors former Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, Robert T. Anderson. 
• Moaid Shaik  – Nick Rashford and Jake Foglio All-University Award for Excellence, which acknowledges the accomplishments of exceptional students and is given to students who may be seeking a graduate education. 
• Mustafa Syed  – Engaged Scholar Award, recognizes a Religious Studies undergraduate major who best represents the ideal of the engaged scholar and whose aspirations are to serve the wider community. 

Robert T. Anderson Award   

Hady Omar is graduating in Spring 2024 with majors in both Religious Studies and Human Biology. He also is an Honors College graduate and recipient of the  2024 Board of Trustees Award  for having maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout his entire undergraduate education.

Omar has served as President of the Arab Cultural Society since 2021 and is an academic coach and teaching assistant for the Charles Dew Program. He has volunteered and translated for the Refugee Development Center, served as Vice President for Student Allocations for the Associates Students of MSU for two years, and was the Community Outreach Chair and Treasurer for the Refugee Outreach Collective from 2020 to 2023. 

The Robert T. Anderson Award is given to the graduating Religious Studies senior with the highest GPA. Omar said he was thankful to win the award after much academic rigor in his undergraduate studies.

“Grades are really important to me, but so too is being involved,” he said. “The work ethic that comes from years of undergraduate work is what pushed me to make sure I do the best I can.”

Nick Rashford and Jake Foglio All-University Award for Excellence 

Moaid Shaik is a junior double majoring in both Religious Studies and Neuroscience. He is the Vice President of Delta Epsilon Mu and has been a McLaren Hospice Volunteer since 2022, Mother Teresa Hospice Volunteer since 2023, Student Emergency Response Team Treasurer from 2022 to 2024, and a Direct Support Professional for Origami Rehabilitation, Beaumont Hospital Volunteer, Friendship Circle Volunteer, and Adaptive Sports Volunteer.

His research is inspired by his brother, who has cerebral palsy.

“My brother is one of my main inspirations,” he said. “When I was growing up, I was frustrated and anxious to know why my brother wasn’t like other people. I reached out to communities, doctors, and my parents to help me understand my brother’s situation.”

Shaik is currently applying to medical schools and hopes to be an orthopedic surgeon.

Engaged Scholar Award

Mustafa Syed is graduating in Summer 2024 with a B.A. in Religious Studies. He originally came to MSU to earn a business degree but left to start his own shoe company, called REZA, which is recognized globally.  While traveling in Taiwan and China for his business, Syed became so interested in religion that he decided to come back to Michigan State University to finish his degree in Religious Studies.

Syed’s journey exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and academic inquiry, fostering a deeper appreciation for global human connections. His work showcases a narrative that religious studies and entrepreneurship are intertwined and shows a broader understanding of diversity. “I feel so much support from the entire MSU community,” he said. “The entire Religious Studies Department has so much love and devotion to their undergraduate students. I’m really grateful, especially as a unique student.”

You Might Also Like

English Major Shares Internship Experience Working for Refugee Development Center

College Celebrates Accomplishments of 2023 Promoted Faculty

New MSU Global Nonprofit Leadership M.A. and Certificate Programs Launch

Iowa Debate

Dale herbeck tribute.

Before arriving as a graduate student to Iowa in 1981, Dale Herbeck enjoyed a successful career debating at Augustana College, Illinois. He qualified for the NDT twice and reached the octo-finals during his senior year debating with John Bart. He was coached by the legendary, Ken Strange.

Dale enjoyed a remarkable career as a debate coach at Iowa from 1981 to 1985. He qualified teams to the NDT in 4 of those 5 years. In 1985, he coached Karla Leeper and Robert Garman to a first round at large bid and to a second place finish at the NDT.

Almost every day, Dale and I ate at the same restaurant in downtown Iowa City, The Burger Palace, which tragically, no longer exists. We both ordered the same meal and the servers would yell out our order before we reached the counter.

In the fall of 1985, Dale was hired as the Director of Debate at Boston College. He resurrected a floundering debate program. The program had been doing only individual events when he took over with a $9000.00 budget. Dale qualified teams to the NDT every year from 1987 to 1994. Michael Janas, another Iowa alumn, was the first of Dale’s team to qualify to the NDT.

Dale retired as the Director in 1994 and served as the Department Chair for many years. In 2012, he left BC and became the Department Chair at Northeastern.

Dale was a prolific scholar in the fields of argumentation and free speech. He served as the editor of Argumentation and Advocacy and the Free Speech Year Book.

His most lasting contribution to debate scholarship is that he invented the permutation, which remains the go to affirmative response to refute a negative counterplan.

Dale published dozens of peer-reviewed articles in the fields of free speech and communication Law. His textbook, Freedom of Speech in The United States, co-authored with Thomas Tedford, is the leading teaching material on free speech.

Along with being a scholar, Dale was an exceptional teacher. He received numerous teaching awards from Phi Betta Kappa and NCA.

Dale also provided incredible service to the AFA. He served as President, the Chair of the Finance Committee and wrote countless letters of support for debate coaches to receive tenure and promotion. Even after retiring from debate, Dale served on the NDT alumni committee and formatted our newsletter for the past 5 years.

Dale was my best friend. We attended 40 NCA conventions together, played golf on a regular basis, and attended numerous sporting events.

Next November, NCA will be having a panel to celebrate his remarkable career.

Best regards to everyone,

John Katsulas

Accessibility Links

Pen America cancels awards ceremony over Gaza backlash

One of America’s most prominent pressure groups has cancelled its annual literary awards ceremony after the withdrawal of some nominees and criticism of what more than 1,300 writers say is its overtly pro-Israel stance.

Pen America, which was established in 1922 to protect freedom of expression, said that this year’s winners would receive their prizes, but that the ceremony, due to be held in New York next week, would not take place.

It follows the withdrawal of nine of the ten authors nominated for the Jean Stein book award. The winner was also in line to take home the $75,000 prize, which will now be donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.

In an open letter published last month, more than 1,300 writers, including Roxane

Related articles