Give Your Employees The Best Recognition

Many managers often find themselves in a position to give speeches to recognize their employees. These managers may not always be the most gifted, or talented, public speakers. If you are one of these managers, do not despair.

I’ve written this article for you and the rest of those managers who need a little help when it comes to giving employee recognition speeches.

A good speech can motivate, engage and inspire an employee more than an engraved grandfather clock ever could.

Here’s the typical scenario: you’re invited to make a speech recognizing a great employee. You’d like to show that employee how much the organization appreciates his or her hard work and you want your other employees to recognize your appreciation. This means a lot to employees, so take some time to prepare a personalized speech.

6 tips for taking your recognition speech to the next level

1) First off, thank everyone involved with setting up the ceremony (if there is one) and making the event possible.

2) Thank the employee, try to make eye contact. Tell him or her how important they have been to the company and how much you appreciate them for their hard work. Explain to the rest of the staff how the employee achieved this award, whether it was performance-based or a more traditional years of service award.

3) Tell a specific story about the employee that highlights his or her performance, as an example. List a few of employee’s accomplishments and describe how each accomplishment affected the company. You want other employees to understand the depth of your appreciation and to also realize that they can achieve similar successes someday. Recognition breeds engagement and better performance.

4) Make your employees feel relaxed while you explain the importance of good work. Use a tasteful joke in your speech, where appropriate. Employees will appreciate your lighter side and may view you as more relatable than they did before. Studies show that people will do their best work for employers they like.

5) End your speech by thanking the employee again for all the hard work done and reminding the rest of your employees of these accomplishments. Leave everyone feeling good at the end.

6) This step actually comes before you’re standing at the podium. Practice saying your speech prior to giving it. Multiple times, if possible. Try it out in a mirror, or ask a colleague (or family member) to listen and give you some feedback. You’ll feel much more comfortable (and prepared!) if you test it out a few times. Also, time the speech as you say it out loud so you know how much time you need.

So there you have it. You have a voice! Now use it to show your employees how much they mean to you and your organization. They will certainly appreciate it.

Contact Award Concepts today for more ways to recognize your employees. Start working with THE BEST!