Talk Tip: 3 Types of Recognition

Q: How do I thank people without sounding condescending? I’m speaking soon and like how some people thank the last speaker before launching into their own thing, but everything I can think of sounds like, “Hey, thanks doing your job.”

First, let’s look at why showing gratitude works as a transition to the next speaker. Your presentation is part of a larger plan to share information with the audience. Saying thank you is a gracious way to help the audience understand how the previous segment connects to yours.

Here are three potential ways to frame your thanks:

Accomplishment

Did the speaker share a key outcome or insight that you think bears repeating? Laud the accomplishment and give a few reasons why it’s something everyone at the event can celebrate.

Quality of effort

Effort does take time and attention, so don’t rule it out. Can you compliment someone’s focused, creative, and/or sustained effort and then tie that to challenges everyone can relate to?

Making things possible

Launching a new idea or process can be worth recognizing even if it’s too early to talk about quality of effort or accomplishment. Help the audience see the excitement and possibilities.

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