Memorize Your Speech
There’s nothing wrong about having notes with you but it would definitely make your award presentation speech more professional if you’re able to complete it without glancing often at your notes. Do your best to memorize your speech. You don’t need to memorize it word for word. Being able to deliver the essence of your award presentation speech is more than enough. Take note of the important ideas and its sequence to make it easier for you to remember what to say and in what order.
Have Someone Proofread Your Speech
Ask someone with excellent communication and grammar capabilities to proofread your speech. There’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve pronounced a simple word erroneously. Ask for advice about your choice of words as well. Sometimes, one of two words of the same meaning would have more impact on the audience.
Keep It Brief
Even if you’ve been given the green light to speak as long as necessary, your audience would still better appreciate your award presentation speech if you can keep it short but sweet, brief but detailed.
Use Humor
Even the most serious assemblies won’t find a touch of humor here and there adverse as long as you’ve used the right joke at the right time. Humor will also make it easier for you to connect with your audience.
Speak with the Right Tempo
Take note of commas, periods, and other punctuation marks. These are present for a reason. You should always be aware of the tempo of your speech. Don’t speak too fast or slow.
Make Eye Contact
This is probably one of the best public speaking tips I’ve ever used - keeping eye contact with your audience shows them you’re confident about what you’re saying and will consequently convince them to listen more to what you have to say.
That’s it. Good luck with your award presentation speech!