A short speech nominating a colleague for an award is considered a special occasion speech. This is a milestone event in the award recipient's life, and it demands a moment of reflection on her life and accomplishments. Once the speech is written and memorized, it should be delivered with energy and professionalism. The honoree will remember this event for a long time.
Do the Research
When nominating a friend or colleague for an award, get the details correct. This is not the time to mispronounce his name, flub his title or misrepresent the professional accomplishments that pertain to the award he's receiving. If the speech is to nominate him for employee of the year, for example, find out what specific work achievements set him apart from the other nominees. Talk to the nominee's friends and colleagues to obtain personal information about the impact he has had on others. Because the speech should be short, use only the best and most relevant material you find.
List Achievements
The speech should include the specific reasons why you believe the nominee is worthy of the nomination. It has to be short, so only include the achievements and anecdotes that advance that purpose; extraneous information only weakens the strength of your other material. Explain the skills that make her eligible for the award and the qualities that distinguish her from other nominees.
Explain Significance of Award
Briefly explain the significance of the award itself, including who originated it, why it was started, how many years the award has been given out and the names of some past recipients. Include an illustrative anecdote about the importance of the award and how the award has affected the lives of past recipients. Tie this information into your speech about why the person you're nominating is the ideal recipient and a natural member of this elite group of award winners.
Add Color
The speech should not be a dry recitation of facts. The opening lines especially should grab the audience's attention. Using jokes or quotes appropriate to the occasion draws the crowd in and keeps people listening for the more substantive parts of the speech. When nominating someone for an award, it's a gracious gesture to acknowledge the merits and accomplishments of the other nominees as well. But don't go overboard on this, as the goal of the speech is to motivate the selection of your subject for the award.