An award ceremony can be a glittering glamorous occasion such as the Oscars an intellectual affair such as the Booker Prize or a noisy school prize-giving.
The audiences may be different but the palpable sense of anticipation is always the same. There is speculation and gossip and maybe even some bets as to who will win. In the case of the school prizes at least the winner of the 100 metre race is known if not that of the student of the year.
Such awards encourage hard work and motivation in the individual fields. They are
about succeeding in a competitive environment. They are about meeting a challenge, overcoming problems and achieving the pinnacle of success. They are about nerves, surprises and speeches. Those award winning speeches thank those who helped the winner achieve his or her prize and, almost without exception, are boring, repetitive or simply cringe making.
Being acknowledged by ones’ peers is the ultimate accolade. The glitz, the glamour and the TV cameras are just window dressing.

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We all like to be made feel welcome but have you ever thought of the many ways that happens in an ordinary lifetime? If you are born into a Christian family you will be welcomed into the church with a Christening/Baptismal speech. As a small child you feel comfortable and welcome every time your parents hold out their arms to you although, of course, you cannot express that feeling in words. You are probably gladly received at birthday parties too but again you take it for granted and don’t realise that you are being welcomed. When you go on visits to doting grandparents it will seem natural that they gladly receive you into their hearts and home.
As you grow older you will go to school and a teacher will usually give a welcome to students at re-opening of school year speech. You will also be made to feel wanted at any clubs and societies you may join. You may get married and on the day of your wedding your future father-in-law will usually welcome you into his family. When you begin work there is the staff welcome or induction speeches. In fact all through your working life there will be conferences and meetings at which you will be received with open arms. So if and when you yourself are rolling out the red carpet for guests ensure that you make them know how much you value their presence. In other words make them feel as welcome as those proverbial flowers in Spring.

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She was a brilliant student but not a natural communicator. Being called upon to give the valedictorian speech at her graduation ceremony was a nightmare for her. “I can write down answers to tests” she said, “ But I simply don’t know what to say or how to say it”.

I asked her if she would have trouble speaking to her own friends about how she felt about graduating. She said “Oh no. I am delighted that the studying is over and at long last I am going to practise medicine. We have discussed this day late into the night, never believing it would really happen”. Who had helped her most? I asked. “Oh my parents have been wonderful she said. They didn’t have much money but they worked very hard to help me and my tutors were always there when I needed them…”. “Did you like the college?” I pressed her. “Yes, I made so many friends there and I will miss them but I intend to keep in touch”. “Had she any special memories?” I pressed. She smiled and remembered the first day she had been in theatre. She was afraid she was going to faint.

“Well you have almost written your own speech” I told her. “It’s all about what college has meant for you and for your fellow students. Your speech should mention those who helped you and, of course, the friends you made and the experiences you had here. It should also speak about the opportunities you all have in the future”. You forgot one thing though. “What is tha?” she asked. “I think perhaps you should end with a good luck wish to your fellow students”, I suggested. She smiled and said “It’s really just like speaking to my family and friends, isn’t it?”. “That’s it”, I said. “No wonder you are the valedictioran”.

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Many pupils who don’t shine in the classroom make an impression on the sporting field. That’s why presenting awards for sporting achievements is so important. When you are speaking at such a school prizegiving speak about the benefits sports gives young people. Speak about team spirit and the competitive element. Above all sell the idea that sports people can be a success because of the discipline imposed by training and preparing for sporting fixctures.

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End of year speeches from a teacher should concentrate on the positive of each child.Too often those with academic, sporting, musical or dramatic talents get a mention. Evey child has his or her own talents or skills and you leave them with a sense of self-worth if you mention them particularly. So if a child is helpful, or pleasant or a good listener mention it. If he or she has a smile that lights up a room mention that too. If a child is kind to other children praise him or her. They will not get a degree for such attributes but they are the virutes that will help them later in life. So fill up their bucket of self confidence and tell them why they are marvellous.

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This week I was unexpectedly presented with a sporting award and asked to give a speech. This brings to mind the problems of speaking off the cuff. Unless you are a very accomplished speaker it is wiser to keep it simple and simply say, Thank you I am honoured to be given this award. I shall treasure it.”

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