Public speaking can make you nervous, especially when you’re asked to nominate someone for an award or position. You might feel stressed about eloquently capturing a person’s achievements and character in a concise yet impactful way. But don’t worry! With the right approach and some guidance, you can create a nomination speech that honors your nominee and engages your audience.
Want to learn how to write compelling nomination speeches? Let’s look at six different examples that will give you the tools to create a memorable and persuasive nomination speech for any occasion. These samples will inspire and guide you to deliver a standout speech, whether you’re nominating a colleague for a professional award or a friend for a community honor.
Nomination Ceremony Speech Samples
Before we get to the examples, keep in mind that a great nomination speech should highlight the nominee’s qualifications, achievements, and character while also connecting with the audience. Each of the following samples shows different ways to achieve this goal.
1. The Heartfelt Colleague Nomination
Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today to nominate Sarah Thompson for the Employee of the Year award. During the five years I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Sarah, I’ve seen firsthand her unwavering dedication, exceptional problem-solving skills, and ability to inspire those around her.
Sarah consistently goes above and beyond her job description. She’s the first to arrive and the last to leave, always ready to lend a helping hand to her colleagues. Her innovative thinking has led to the implementation of our new customer service system, which has increased client satisfaction by 30% in just six months. But what truly sets Sarah apart is her genuine care for her coworkers and clients alike. She remembers everyone’s birthdays, celebrates their successes, and offers support during challenging times. Sarah doesn’t just work at our company; she elevates it with her presence.
Her leadership during the recent product launch was nothing short of extraordinary. When we faced unexpected setbacks, Sarah rallied the team, worked tirelessly to find solutions, and ensured we met our deadline without compromising quality. Her positive attitude and can-do spirit are contagious, lifting the morale of the entire department.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah is deeply committed to our community. She volunteers at the local food bank every weekend and has organized multiple charity events that have raised thousands of dollars for various causes. Her dedication to making a difference extends far beyond the walls of our office.
Sarah is not just an outstanding employee, but a role model for what it means to be a compassionate, hardworking, and inspiring individual. Her contributions have made our workplace more efficient, our culture more positive, and our impact on the community more significant.
For these reasons and many more, I wholeheartedly nominate Sarah Thompson for Employee of the Year. She embodies the values our company holds dear, and her recognition would show the positive influence one person can have on an entire organization. Thank you.
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Commentary: This speech effectively highlights the nominee’s professional achievements, personal qualities, and community involvement. It’s suitable for workplace award ceremonies or professional recognition events.
2. The Academic Achievement Nomination
Good evening, esteemed faculty and fellow students. Today, I have the honor of nominating Michael Chen for the Outstanding Graduate Student Award.
Michael’s academic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Since joining our program, he has maintained a perfect GPA while simultaneously conducting innovative research in renewable energy technologies. His thesis on solar cell efficiency has already been cited in several peer-reviewed journals, a rare achievement for a graduate student.
But Michael’s brilliance extends beyond the laboratory. He has a gift for explaining difficult scientific concepts in accessible terms, making him an invaluable teaching assistant. Students consistently praise his patience, clarity, and ability to ignite their passion for science.
What truly sets Michael apart is his commitment to using his knowledge for the greater good. He spearheaded a project to bring solar power to underserved communities, working tirelessly to secure funding and organize installation teams. Thanks to his efforts, three local schools now run entirely on clean energy.
Michael’s work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to social responsibility make him an ideal candidate for this award. He represents the very best of our institution and serves as an inspiration to us all. I believe that Michael will continue to make significant contributions to his field and to society as a whole.
For these reasons, I proudly nominate Michael Chen for the Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Thank you for your consideration.
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Commentary: This speech emphasizes the nominee’s academic achievements, teaching abilities, and commitment to social responsibility. It’s well-suited for academic award ceremonies or graduate school recognition events.
3. The Community Leader Nomination
Members of the selection committee, distinguished guests, I stand before you to nominate Maria Gonzalez for the Civic Leadership Award.
Maria’s impact on our community has been enormous. For the past decade, she has been the driving force behind numerous initiatives that have improved our city significantly. As the founder of “Green Streets,” Maria mobilized hundreds of volunteers to plant over 5,000 trees, creating green spaces in once-barren neighborhoods. This project not only beautified our city but also improved air quality and provided shaded areas for residents to enjoy.
Her commitment to education is equally impressive. Maria established a free after-school tutoring program that has helped over 1,000 underprivileged students improve their grades and pursue higher education. Many of these students have gone on to become the first in their families to attend college, breaking cycles of poverty and creating new opportunities for generations to come.
During the recent economic downturn, Maria’s leadership shone even brighter. She coordinated with local businesses to create a job training program, helping unemployed residents acquire new skills and find meaningful employment. Her ability to bring together diverse groups and foster collaboration has been essential in addressing our community’s most pressing challenges.
Maria’s dedication extends to every corner of our city. From organizing neighborhood clean-up drives to advocating for affordable housing, she approaches each issue with boundless energy and unwavering determination. Her door is always open to those in need, and she has a remarkable ability to make everyone feel heard and valued.
What makes Maria truly exceptional is her humility and her ability to inspire others to action. She doesn’t seek the spotlight but instead empowers those around her to become leaders in their own right. The ripple effect of her work has created a more engaged, compassionate, and resilient community.
In nominating Maria Gonzalez for the Civic Leadership Award, we not only recognize her remarkable achievements but also celebrate the spirit of community service she embodies. Her tireless efforts have made our city a better place to live, work, and raise families. Maria represents the very best of civic engagement and serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
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Commentary: This speech effectively highlights the nominee’s various community initiatives and their wide-ranging impact. It’s ideal for civic awards or community recognition ceremonies.
4. The Rising Star Nomination
Good evening, everyone. I’m here to nominate Alex Patel for the Emerging Talent Award in the field of digital marketing.
Despite being just 24 years old, Alex has already made significant waves in our industry. In the two years since joining our agency, he has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to predict and capitalize on emerging trends in social media marketing.
Alex’s campaign for the launch of EcoTech’s new line of sustainable products is a prime example of his innovative approach. By leveraging user-generated content and micro-influencers, he created a viral sensation that increased brand awareness by 200% and drove sales far beyond our client’s expectations. His strategic use of TikTok challenges and Instagram Reels not only resonated with the target Gen Z audience but also garnered attention from major media outlets.
What sets Alex apart is not just his technical skills, but his deep understanding of human psychology and consumer behavior. He has an innate ability to craft messages that connect emotionally with audiences, turning casual viewers into brand advocates. His campaigns don’t just generate clicks; they start conversations and build communities.
Alex’s contributions extend beyond client work. He has taken the initiative to mentor junior team members, sharing his knowledge and fostering a culture of creativity and continuous learning within our agency. His enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring everyone around him to push boundaries and think creatively.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Alex Patel for the Emerging Talent Award. He represents the future of our industry, and I believe that he will continue to innovate and inspire for years to come. Thank you.
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Commentary: This speech effectively showcases a young professional’s achievements and potential in a specific field. It’s suitable for industry awards or recognition of up-and-coming talent in any sector.
5. The Lifetime Achievement Nomination
Distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, it is my great privilege to nominate Dr. Eleanor Winters for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Medical Research.
For over four decades, Dr. Winters has been at the forefront of immunology research, making groundbreaking discoveries that have changed our understanding of the human immune system. Her work on T-cell responses has paved the way for new treatments in autoimmune disorders and has been essential in the development of more effective cancer immunotherapies.
Dr. Winters’ career is marked not only by scientific brilliance but also by her unwavering commitment to mentorship and education. She has supervised over 50 Ph.D. students, many of whom have gone on to become leading researchers in their own right. Her ability to inspire and nurture young scientists has ensured that her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Throughout her career, Dr. Winters has faced numerous challenges with grace and determination. When funding for her early research on rare autoimmune disorders was scarce, she persevered, often working long hours and weekends to keep her lab running. Her dedication paid off when her findings led to a major breakthrough in the treatment of lupus, improving the lives of millions of patients worldwide.
Dr. Winters’ contributions to the scientific community extend far beyond her research. She has served on numerous advisory boards, using her expertise to shape national health policies. As a vocal advocate for women in STEM, she has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for female scientists and to address gender disparities in medical research.
Her list of accolades is long and impressive, including the National Medal of Science and multiple honorary degrees. However, those who know Dr. Winters will tell you that her true legacy lies in the lives she has touched – the patients who have benefited from her discoveries, the students she has mentored, and the countless individuals she has inspired to pursue careers in science.
Even now, in what many would consider the later stage of her career, Dr. Winters continues to push the boundaries of medical research. Her recent work on the role of gut microbiota in immune response promises to open new avenues for treating a wide range of diseases.
In nominating Dr. Eleanor Winters for the Lifetime Achievement Award, we celebrate not just a brilliant scientist, but a visionary leader, a dedicated mentor, and a true humanitarian. Her life’s work embodies the very best of medical research – a tireless pursuit of knowledge in service of human health and well-being.
Ladies and gentlemen, I can think of no one more deserving of this honor than Dr. Eleanor Winters. Thank you.
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Commentary: This speech effectively summarizes a long and distinguished career, highlighting key achievements, challenges overcome, and lasting impact. It’s appropriate for honoring senior professionals in any field at the culmination of their careers.
6. The Volunteer Recognition Nomination
Good evening, fellow volunteers and esteemed guests. Today, I have the honor of nominating Tom Jackson for the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.
Tom’s journey with our organization began five years ago when he signed up for a single beach clean-up event. Little did we know that this would be the start of an extraordinary commitment that has transformed our environmental conservation efforts.
Since that first day, Tom has dedicated over 2,000 hours to our cause. He’s been a constant presence at our weekly clean-ups, often arriving early to set up and staying late to ensure everything is properly packed away. But Tom’s contributions go far beyond picking up litter.
Recognizing the need for greater community engagement, Tom developed an educational program for local schools. He created interactive presentations that teach students about marine ecology and the impact of pollution on our oceans. Thanks to his efforts, we’ve seen a 50% increase in youth participation in our events.
Tom’s innovation didn’t stop there. He spearheaded our “Adopt a Beach” program, partnering with local businesses to take responsibility for specific stretches of coastline. This initiative has not only kept our beaches cleaner but has also fostered a sense of community ownership and pride.
What truly sets Tom apart is his ability to inspire others. His positive attitude and boundless energy are contagious. Newcomers to our organization often cite Tom’s enthusiasm as the reason they keep coming back. He has a gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued, regardless of their background or experience level.
During the challenges of the past year, Tom’s dedication shone even brighter. When group clean-ups were suspended due to health concerns, he organized a network of solo volunteers to continue our work safely. He also launched our virtual education series, ensuring that our message of conservation reached people even when we couldn’t gather in person.
Tom embodies the spirit of volunteerism. He gives his time not for recognition or reward, but out of a genuine desire to make a difference. His humility is matched only by his impact. The countless hours he has dedicated have resulted in cleaner beaches, a more engaged community, and a brighter future for our local marine ecosystems.
For these reasons and many more, I am proud to nominate Tom Jackson for the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. His selfless dedication serves as an inspiration to us all and reminds us of the profound difference one person can make. Thank you.
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Commentary: This speech effectively highlights the nominee’s long-term commitment, specific contributions, and ability to inspire others in a volunteer context. It’s well-suited for volunteer recognition events or community service awards.
Final Thoughts
These six nomination speech samples show the different approaches you can take when honoring someone’s achievements and character. Whether you’re recognizing professional excellence, academic accomplishments, community leadership, emerging talent, lifetime achievements, or volunteer service, the key is to highlight specific examples that illustrate why your nominee stands out.
A powerful nomination speech goes beyond listing accomplishments. It tells a story, paints a picture of the nominee’s character, and helps the audience understand the true impact of their contributions. By focusing on concrete examples and personal anecdotes, you can create a compelling case for your nominee.
As you prepare your own nomination speech, think about the unique qualities and achievements of your nominee. Consider how their work or actions have made a difference, and try to convey that impact in vivid, relatable terms. Let your genuine admiration and respect shine through – your sincerity will resonate with your audience.
With these samples as inspiration and the tips provided, you’re well-prepared to craft a nomination speech that will honor your nominee and inspire your audience. Good luck!