Crisp Confidence

Congratulations! You're nominated for that big gong. You're busily preparing a few words for the gala dinner in case your name is in that sealed envelope. Here are some tips to present your polished acceptance speech to peers, media and the heavies of your field. DRUM ROLL...

Be prepared! Memorise the first sentence of your pithy, witty first sentence. And the last. (It's OK to ad lib between, as long as you have succinct points to curb rambling.) Listeners give their full attention in the opening and closing minutes. Re-gather their attention by signposting "Finally..."

Be upright! Walking up to the podium, think "chin level, lengthen spine, chest out" (between "Oh my God!"). Recent televised Oscar awards saw one quite attractive gown turned nondescript by the slumped body inside it.

Be brief. Leave ‘em wanting more.

Be yourself - warts, sniffles and all: Remember how Roberto Benigni leaping around the stage after winning for "Life is Beautiful" charmed most? Not your normal poised behaviour but we accepted his Latin exuberance as being him. Similarly, audiences see some teary eyes as genuine and prefer this to plastic posing.

Be relevant: George Miller's penguin suit quip and Helen Mirren's "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you - the Queen!" were class acts.

Breathe! Even experienced presenters can find themselves shallow breathing when under pressure. As you walk up to the podium, remember that rose from last E-Zine (missed it? Hit reply to request.)

Pause and breathe...

Your voice will project strong, resonant - and confident.

Hey - well done!