Didn’t you enter to win?

I’ve heard that line from the stage more times than I can count. Its cousins turn up every awards season too: “This is such a surprise.” “I’m so nervous.” “I’ll just wing it.” “I just want to thank...” followed by a list longer than the dinner menu.

Thirty seconds of free advertising wasted.

Now imagine it on repeat for five hours

One unprepared speech is forgivable. The problem is it’s never just one. I’ve spent the past ten years at awards nights, and I’d put 90% of winners in the unprepared camp. That’s 10, 30, 50 speeches, over and over, until the room hits Snoozeville. People start chatting. It’s rude, but after an hour of the same thing, the audience checks out, and the very worthy winners end up talking over a bored crowd. Not fair or polite.

Every so often someone pulls the room back. They walk up prepared, say something worth hearing and get off. They understood they weren’t there to collect a trophy. They were there to connect with hundreds of business owners who, for 60 seconds, have nowhere else to look.

Be prepared. Even if you think you’re not going to win.  It shows respect for the audience and the event organisers.  When people aren’t prepared, the waffle, go over time and put everyone to sleep.

The formula

You’ve got 30 to 60 seconds. Here’s how to use them.

• Open with a power statement. Name the problem you solve, without turning it into a sales pitch.
• Fill the middle with proof. A story, a client case or a result you’ve achieved.
• Thank a few people. Only a few. Save the rest for a thank-you post. Yes, people helped you. None of it would’ve happened without your drive, so own the moment.
• Finish with your key message. Leave people wanting to know more about what you do,

This is what it sounds like:

• Tell a story. Personal and relatable beats a list of achievements every time. Paint a picture.
• Say why you do it. It doesn’t need to be world-changing. It just has to reflect why you do what you do in your patch.
• Be funny, appropriately. A laugh lightens the room and wakes up anyone who drifted off during speech number 27.
• Don’t waffle. Rambling loses the audience as fast as being unprepared.
• End strong. A closing line, a tagline, even a fist pump. Give them something to remember.
• Command the stage. You might be shitting your pants because public speaking isn’t your thing. Stand tall anyway. Look out at the audience (the lights are so bright you can’t see anyone). Smile.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs some heart and thought behind it.

What preparation looks like

Paul Hogan nailed it co-hosting the Oscars in 1987. Remember the three Gs, he told the winners: be gracious, be grateful, get off. Then he went one better. If you really think you don’t deserve the award, don’t get up and tell everyone. Just give us a wave from your seat.

Don’t be humble. Be ready. Practise, practise, practise.

Nerves and stage fright

Breathe. That sounds like a no brainer but when we get nervous, our breathing changes and this can make us more stressed and anxious. When your category is up, take a few deep breaths before your name’s called to settle the jitters.

Plan for after you step off

Your speech gets filmed and photographed. Know before the night how you’ll use the recording, photos and moments on social media, so the 60 seconds keeps working long after the tables are packed away.

Want examples of speeches that hit the spot? 

Stress Free Super Mum - 2023 GOLD Stevie® Awards for Women in Business: Coach of the Year 

Honey Digital - Honey Digital wins in the 2022 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business

Kerry Howard - Kerry Howard wins in the 2022 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business

Randa Habelrih - https://youtu.be/FnoNNSIBNuk?si=v-GnjjeIL9Udod-h

 

By Annette Densham

Keywords: Personal Branding, Public Relations

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