10 Tips for Writing a Compelling Award Nomination
Securing an award for a deserving individual or organisation can significantly boost their reputation and open doors to new opportunities. However, a strong nomination is crucial. This guide provides ten practical tips to help you craft a compelling award nomination that highlights the nominee's achievements and makes them stand out from the competition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before diving into the tips, let's quickly cover some common pitfalls to avoid:
Generic language: Avoid vague descriptions and clichés. Be specific and provide concrete examples.
Ignoring the criteria: Failing to address the specific criteria outlined by the award committee is a surefire way to get your nomination rejected.
Lack of evidence: Claims without supporting evidence are weak. Back up your statements with data, testimonials, and other relevant documentation.
Poor writing: Grammatical errors, typos, and a lack of clarity can undermine your nomination.
Missing deadlines: Late submissions are rarely accepted.
1. Understanding the Award Criteria
The first, and arguably most important, step is to thoroughly understand the award criteria. Don't assume you know what the judges are looking for. Carefully review the official guidelines and identify the key qualities, accomplishments, and values the award aims to recognise.
Read the guidelines carefully: Pay close attention to the specific requirements and weighting of each criterion.
Identify keywords: Highlight key terms and phrases that describe the ideal candidate.
Consider the award's mission: Understand the overall purpose and values of the awarding organisation.
Research past winners: Analyse previous winning nominations to get a sense of the qualities and achievements that have been recognised in the past. This can provide valuable insights into what the judges are looking for.
Failing to understand the criteria is like trying to hit a target blindfolded. You need to know what the judges are looking for to tailor your nomination effectively. Honorary understands the importance of strategic communication, and a well-crafted nomination is a prime example.
2. Gathering Evidence and Supporting Documentation
A compelling nomination is built on solid evidence. Don't just make claims; back them up with concrete examples, data, and testimonials. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your nomination will be.
Collect data and statistics: Quantify the nominee's achievements whenever possible. Use numbers to demonstrate impact and outcomes.
Gather testimonials and letters of support: Include quotes from colleagues, clients, or other stakeholders who can attest to the nominee's accomplishments and character.
Compile relevant documents: Gather reports, publications, presentations, or other materials that showcase the nominee's work.
Organise your evidence: Create a system for organising your evidence so that it's easy to access and reference when writing your nomination.
Imagine you are nominating a project manager. Instead of saying they are "highly effective," provide data on project completion rates, budget management, and client satisfaction scores. Include testimonials from team members and clients praising their leadership and communication skills.
3. Crafting a Clear and Concise Narrative
Your nomination should tell a compelling story that captures the essence of the nominee's achievements and impact. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon or technical terms that the judges may not understand.
Start with a strong opening: Grab the reader's attention with a compelling statement that highlights the nominee's most significant achievement or contribution.
Structure your nomination logically: Organise your points in a clear and coherent manner, following the award criteria as a guide.
Use active voice: Write in an active voice to make your writing more engaging and impactful.
Avoid jargon and technical terms: Use plain language that everyone can understand.
Keep it concise: Be mindful of word limits and avoid unnecessary repetition.
Think of your nomination as a persuasive essay. You need to present a clear thesis statement (the nominee deserves the award) and support it with compelling evidence and arguments. Learn more about Honorary and how we can help you craft a compelling narrative.
4. Highlighting Impact and Outcomes
The judges want to know what difference the nominee has made. Focus on the impact of their work and the positive outcomes they have achieved. Quantify the results whenever possible and explain how their contributions have benefited the organisation, community, or industry.
Focus on results: Emphasise the tangible outcomes of the nominee's work.
Quantify impact: Use numbers to demonstrate the scale and scope of their achievements.
Explain the significance: Explain why their contributions are important and how they have made a difference.
Connect to the award criteria: Show how their impact aligns with the values and objectives of the award.
For example, if you are nominating a marketing professional, don't just say they "increased brand awareness." Provide data on website traffic, lead generation, and sales growth. Explain how their marketing campaigns have contributed to the company's bottom line.
5. Proofreading and Editing Your Nomination
Before submitting your nomination, carefully proofread and edit it to ensure it is free of errors. Grammatical errors, typos, and awkward phrasing can undermine your credibility and distract the judges from the content of your nomination.
Read your nomination aloud: This will help you identify any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors.
Use a grammar and spell checker: These tools can help you catch common mistakes.
Ask someone else to review your nomination: A fresh pair of eyes can often spot errors that you have missed.
Pay attention to formatting: Ensure that your nomination is properly formatted and easy to read.
Even the most compelling nomination can be weakened by careless errors. Take the time to polish your writing and ensure it is error-free. Our services include professional writing and editing to ensure your nomination is perfect.
6. Tailor Your Nomination to the Specific Award
Avoid using a generic nomination letter for multiple awards. Each award has its own specific criteria and focus. Tailor your nomination to highlight the nominee's achievements that are most relevant to the particular award.
Revisit the award criteria: Before writing, refresh your understanding of what the judges are looking for.
Highlight relevant achievements: Focus on the nominee's accomplishments that directly address the award criteria.
Use specific examples: Provide concrete examples that demonstrate how the nominee meets the award's requirements.
Adjust your tone and language: Adapt your writing style to match the tone and style of the awarding organisation.
Submitting a generic nomination is like wearing the wrong outfit to a party. It shows a lack of effort and attention to detail. Tailor your nomination to demonstrate that you understand the award and why the nominee is a deserving candidate.
7. Showcase Leadership and Innovation
Many awards recognise leadership and innovation. If the nominee has demonstrated these qualities, be sure to highlight them in your nomination. Provide examples of how they have inspired others, driven change, or developed innovative solutions.
Describe their leadership style: Explain how they lead and motivate others.
Highlight their innovative thinking: Provide examples of their creative problem-solving skills.
Showcase their impact on the organisation or industry: Explain how their leadership and innovation have made a difference.
Use testimonials from those they have led or inspired: Include quotes from people who have benefited from their leadership and innovation.
Think about a time when the nominee took initiative, challenged the status quo, or inspired others to achieve a common goal. Use this example to illustrate their leadership and innovation skills.
8. Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Even if the award recognises individual achievement, it's important to highlight the nominee's ability to work effectively with others. Demonstrate how they collaborate with colleagues, build relationships, and contribute to a positive team environment.
Provide examples of successful collaborations: Describe projects where the nominee worked effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
Highlight their communication and interpersonal skills: Explain how they communicate effectively with colleagues and build strong relationships.
Showcase their ability to mentor and support others: Provide examples of how they have helped others to develop their skills and achieve their goals.
Use testimonials from team members: Include quotes from colleagues who can attest to their teamwork and collaboration skills.
Remember that even individual achievements often rely on the support and collaboration of others. Show that the nominee is a team player who values and respects their colleagues.
9. Adhere to the Nomination Guidelines and Deadlines
Failing to follow the nomination guidelines or missing the deadline is a surefire way to get your nomination rejected. Pay close attention to all instructions and requirements, and submit your nomination on time.
Read the guidelines carefully: Ensure that you understand all the requirements and instructions.
Create a checklist: Use a checklist to track your progress and ensure that you have completed all the necessary steps.
Set reminders: Set reminders to ensure that you don't miss the deadline.
Submit your nomination early: Don't wait until the last minute to submit your nomination. This will give you time to address any unexpected issues.
Treat the nomination guidelines as the rules of the game. Ignoring them is like trying to win a race without following the track. Make sure you understand the rules and play by them.
10. Seek Feedback and Revise Your Nomination
Before submitting your nomination, seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Be open to criticism and willing to revise your nomination based on their feedback.
Ask for specific feedback: Don't just ask for general feedback. Ask your reviewers to focus on specific areas, such as clarity, impact, and evidence.
Be open to criticism: Don't take feedback personally. Use it as an opportunity to improve your nomination.
Revise your nomination based on feedback: Incorporate the feedback you receive to make your nomination stronger.
Thank your reviewers: Show your appreciation for their time and effort.
Getting feedback is like getting a second opinion from a doctor. It can help you identify potential problems and improve your chances of success. Take advantage of this opportunity to make your nomination the best it can be.
By following these ten tips, you can significantly increase your chances of writing a compelling award nomination that highlights the nominee's achievements and makes them stand out from the competition. Remember to focus on the award criteria, gather strong evidence, craft a clear narrative, and proofread your nomination carefully. Good luck! If you have any frequently asked questions, please check our FAQ page.