1. CHOOSE YOUR OUTFIT with FORETHOUGHT
There were 2 parts of an outfit that I think should be chosen carefully -- the length of a skirt and the shoes. If you will be standing up on a stage, a short skirt looks "really short!" Choose the longer skirt. Often we think that people really don't look at our shoes. Well, when you walk up on stage, your shoes are at eye level. Avoid shoes that stand out -- for example, brown casual loafers with a suit and tie. Girls, consider avoiding the huge, heavy wedge shoes -- they look like "moon boots" when you walk across the stage. Also, choose shoes that aren't too noise, that flip flap when you walk or sound like a herd of elephants. Extremely high heels might cause you to walk funny if you are not practiced and can be a risk when going up and down stairs -- especially if you are a bit nervous.
Just some thoughts.
AVOID:
2. SHAKING HANDS AND RECEIVING THE AWARD
Remember to shake hands with your right hand and reach forward, and just above the shaking hand, to receive your certificate. If the award is a trophy or plaque, shake hands then take the award. You might need 2 hands for a larger award and dropping it in front of everyone wouldn't be so good. NOTE: It is good know if there will be a picture taken! If you have a mom or an official person from the event taking pictures, then have a plan! Know where to look, when to smile, and hold that pose for a few seconds and give the photographer a chance to catch that once in a lifetime photo!!!
3. EYE CONTACT
Eye contact with the person handing you the award is very important!! Smile, make eye contact and say thank you as you shake their hand. Do not be rushed!
If you walk on stage, receive the award and walk off, it is nice to make eye contact with the audience for just a moment as they applaud for you. You do not need to stand their for long and bow or curtsie -- you aren't a movie star. :) But do acknowledge the applause of the audience by turning to them and giving a smile -- perhaps a very slight head nod as a "thank you" gesture. They didn't have to applaud so be gracious for their recognition and support!
4. WALK CAREFULLY AND RELAXED -- NOT HURRIED
Usually award ceremonies try to keep things moving, so be aware of that but as you walk across a stage be careful of a few things:
- Walk gracefully and quietly -- no elephants.
- Stand tall and with tall upright shoulders as you walk
- Just relax and walk normally and calmly
5. STANDING AND WAITING -- WHAT DO I DO?
There are often 2 scenarios for award recipients: First, is that you are called up individually and you stand in front of the group as they speaker says lots of wonderful things about you. Often people feel embarrassed to be the center of attention. Second, is that you are called up and stand in a line with other award recipients and wait your turn to receive your recognition. In either situation, have a plan for how to stand and carry yourself. Here are some things to consider:
- Stand facing the audience. If you are the only recipient on the stage, you usually stand to the side of the speaker. Don't try to hide behind the speaker or others on the stage. This looks very immature. You have earned this award so it is OK to be there and to be happy!
- If you are holding your award, hold the award to that the printing of the award if facing the audience. It might feel awkward, but it really does look much more professional. You don't need to hold it up at chest level like you are showing it off for a photograph! Just hold it down at arms length in front of your body but have the award facing the audience so they can see it. If the award is a trophy, hold it in your hands at about waist level and in front of you.
- Don't talk to other recipients next to you. Just stand quietly and listen.
- Smile! Not a huge, cheesy smile but rather a pleasant gentle smile. Perhaps no teeth -- save a bigger smile for a joke or for at the very end.
- Look at the audience! As you stand there, look forward and look around at the audience in front of you or across the tops of their heads. Avoid looking constantly at your feet, at the people next to you or at the speaker. It is OK for your focus to move, but keep the majority out in front of you.
7. GIVING A SPEECH
If you are asked to give a speech or say a few words, make sure you understand clearly HOW LONG they want you to speak. If they are expecting 2 minutes and you speak 10 then they might regret selecting you!
Remember that you are wonderful and that you have been chosen for a reason to receive this award BUT --- nothing we do is done all alone. There are always others who have contributed. Remember humility. The best speeches I have heard have incorporated several of these things:
- Speak slowly -- in a relaxed pace. Breath and be calm
- Credit others and how they have influenced your life
- Share a personal experience that connects to the award -- not just something random
- DOES NOT try to be a comedian
- Share a few items of advice that you learned that help you achieve your goals
8. GOING OFF GRACEFULLY
I slight little bow/head nod is a gesture of gratitude and might be appropriate towards the person giving the award and/or to the audience. Before you ever are called up on stage, look at the flow of traffic and have an exit plan. Know which way you should go and don't be in a hurried rush. If in a line, go in turn and keep a bit of distance from the person in front of you on stairs. Hold onto railings! Relax!
I hope some of these things are helpful! It is always good to think through and practice our entrance and exit plans. It might save an embarrassing moment. If you have an embarrassing moment, it is OK -- just recover gracefully and shake it off. Don't make a big deal of it -- you can cry later but laughing would be better. :)
