How to Accept an Award

By Graham Davies

It's Awards Season again, so bear the following in mind if you are receiving one on stage:

1. There is never any excuse for anyone saying "I don't know what to say", especially when you have known for weeks that you are on a short-list.

2. Start with something sharp and striking. Make the audience realise immediately that, at last, here is someone worth listening to.

3. Make your gratitude special and specific. Don't recite a featureless sequence of names: include a carefully-phrased half-sentence about each person's contribution so that they sound like talented human beings instead of items on a shopping list.

4. Do NOT say the words "Thank You" until right at the end, just before you leave the stage. Continuous repetition devalues the concept, whereas it sounds appropriately precious if you say it once with total conviction, as your punchline.

5. Learn and rehearse your words. And hire a really good coach to ensure that you have rehearsed your spontaneity professionally. You must be able to get your words out effectively, no matter how badly Ricky Gervais has upset you.