stigious national award. Their colleagues could share wry stories that shed light on the outstanding nature of the winners.

Look at photos. If I don’t know what the person looks like, or have only seen a head shot, I try to get some photos, preferably of them in action. I get a better sense of how their achievements and will be able to talk more convincingly

We all know the difference between a generic “great job” and praise that really shows appreciation of the work we did. If you are asked to honor a co-worker, volunteer, or colleague, it’s worth the extra effort to find ways to personalize that tribute. Even if it’s a stand-up, quick moment of public praise, rather than a formal speech, making it personal boosts the morale of the person honored, as well as all those who are listening. And it will make you feel pretty good, too.

But what do you do when you don’t know the person being honored? I am sometimes asked to write a script for an award presentation. I'm not even giving the talk myself. Although not ideal, there are ways that I deal with this situation.

Ask for anecdotes. If I have the opportunity, I ask the person being honored for specifics. For example, if are awarding a great teacher, what made him or her enter the profession? What was the first day in the classroom like? What keeps them going week after week?

Ask around. Oftentimes, of course, the honor is a surprise, and direct questions may not be possible. In these cases, there may be specifics to pull from if a nomination packet was prepared, or I discreetly ask colleagues or friends. They will no doubt have some examples of ways that the person really shines. Funny stories—as long as they are not mean-spirited to the honoree or anyone else—are welcome. For example, I had to write a script to honor six teachers who won a prestigious national award. Their colleagues could share wry stories that shed light on the outstanding nature of the winners.

Look at photos. If I don’t know what the person looks like, or have only seen a head shot, I try to get some photos, preferably of them in action. I get a better sense of how their achievements and will be able to talk more convincingly

e of the person honored, as well as all those who are listening. And it will make you feel pretty good, too.

But what do you do when you don’t know the person being honored? I am sometimes asked to write a script for an award presentation. I'm not even giving the talk myself. Although not ideal, there are ways that I deal with this situation.

Ask for anecdotes. If I have the opportunity, I ask the person being honored for specifics. For example, if are awarding a great teacher, what made him or her enter the profession? What was the first day in the classroom like? What keeps them going week after week?

Ask around. Oftentimes, of course, the honor is a surprise, and direct questions may not be possible. In these cases, there may be specifics to pull from if a nomination packet was prepared, or I discreetly ask colleagues or friends. They will no doubt have some examples of ways that the person really shines. Funny stories—as long as they are not mean-spirited to the honoree or anyone else—are welcome. For example, I had to write a script to honor six teachers who won a prestigious national award. Their colleagues could share wry stories that shed light on the outstanding nature of the winners.

Look at photos. If I don’t know what the person looks like, or have only seen a head shot, I try to get some photos, preferably of them in action. I get a better sense of how their achievements and will be able to talk more convincingly

tes. If I have the opportunity, I ask the person being honored for specifics. For example, if are awarding a great teacher, what made him or her enter the profession? What was the first day in the classroom like? What keeps them going week after week?

Ask around. Oftentimes, of course, the honor is a surprise, and direct questions may not be possible. In these cases, there may be specifics to pull from if a nomination packet was prepared, or I discreetly ask colleagues or friends. They will no doubt have some examples of ways that the person really shines. Funny stories—as long as they are not mean-spirited to the honoree or anyone else—are welcome. For example, I had to write a script to honor six teachers who won a prestigious national award. Their colleagues could share wry stories that shed light on the outstanding nature of the winners.

Look at photos. If I don’t know what the person looks like, or have only seen a head shot, I try to get some photos, preferably of them in action. I get a better sense of how their achievements and will be able to talk more convincingly

these cases, there may be specifics to pull from if a nomination packet was prepared, or I discreetly ask colleagues or friends. They will no doubt have some examples of ways that the person really shines. Funny stories—as long as they are not mean-spirited to the honoree or anyone else—are welcome. For example, I had to write a script to honor six teachers who won a prestigious national award. Their colleagues could share wry stories that shed light on the outstanding nature of the winners.

Look at photos. If I don’t know what the person looks like, or have only seen a head shot, I try to get some photos, preferably of them in action. I get a better sense of how their achievements and will be able to talk more convincingly

stigious national award. Their colleagues could share wry stories that shed light on the outstanding nature of the winners.

Look at photos. If I don’t know what the person looks like, or have only seen a head shot, I try to get some photos, preferably of them in action. I get a better sense of how their achievements and will be able to talk more convincingly as a result.

Try to meet them beforehand. Even a short encounter will make words come alive. Even if I don’t indicate why I am meeting them if the award is a surprise, the tribute will sound more personal.