How to Make an Awards Presentation Fun

One need not emulate the Golden Globes to make the awards presentation entertaining.

It’s time to set aside some time, pull all the employees together, and present the latest awards. Sure, for the recipients, receiving the awards and the recognition is already exciting, but how do you make an awards presentation fun for everyone?  To avoid the glazed-over look of the rest of the group, here are a few ideas that will get them looking forward to receiving their recognition awards next time around.  And no, it doesn’t require a red carpet or awards shaped like a gilded planet.

Thanks for the Memories:  If the awards to be presented are related to years of service or a retirement, a few days before the presentation ask the employees to secretly write down a funny or positive memory of those to be honored.  Sort through them and read the best ones aloud before presenting the award. 

This Day in History:  Another great way to celebrate years of service or a retirement is to do a little research on the employee’s hire date and/or year.  What were the fads then?  Who was president?  Was The Cosby Show the most popular show on television, or Laugh In?  What was the price of bread, gas, milk, bellbottoms? And speaking of bellbottoms, a photo of the honored person “way back when” is sure to be a hit!

Keep the Speeches Short and Entertaining:  We’ve all seen them during Red Carpet events:  The actor gets up on stage and won’t stop thanking everyone, including the key grip, gaffer, manicurist, grade school teachers…  While you probably won’t have that problem from employees receiving an award (most would just assume thank you for the watch and return to their seat), remember to keep your own speeches compact.  Be sure to keep your words heartfelt and sincere without getting too lengthy so the entire audience stays plugged in and interested.

Feed the Masses:  One sure way to get everyone gathered around, and in a hurry, is to serve up some good fresh coffee, a cake, even a lunch.  You may want to save the awards ceremony for after the lunch has been served, however, or wait for everyone to have cake and coffee mug in hand.  Sure, they love their coworker and want to see them applauded for a job well done, but feeding the group first will assure all eyes are on the presentation and not that beautiful double layer chocolate cake back in the corner.

The most important thing in setting up awards presentations is to make sure it’s engaging and fun, and that not only the guest(s) of honor walk away feeling positive and fully appreciated, but the entire staff.  It doesn’t need to be over the top or expensive, but it should be meaningful.  The best part?  No glittery evening gowns required.