Then, remind them that the community online is really not much different than the off-line one. They know how to build connections and communities. They are looking for you to help them take that into the online world.

You know how to do it and how to talk about it. Relax and talk with them. We already know how great you are; they will soon too.

(Oh – and about those slides…. Ditch a third of the ones you think you need. Talk from your passion. Use a lot of images and a lot of focusing words and phrases. The slides are really just there to back up to the real show – YOU.)

Of course I wish you luck – it is quite a responsibility to have such an opportunity to address the winners and to know that you have this rare occasion to share with them your thoughts.

Actually, I think the best clue about what you want to do is in your final para – “This group of winners has a unique opportunity to make real change in their communities, both online and off. I just want to give them something to put them on the road to success.”

The thing I love most about your contributions to on line community management is that you are committed to community building and engagement, the winning of change and movement towards success. There is such passion in what you write that I have no doubt that you have a message that is relevant.

You can’t do it all though as the motivator, it is up to them to have a personal want to work within a community, and to have clarity in the goal that they have for their community. If they have reached this level of acceptance of their roles and distinguish themselves as leaders of community and change then everything you offer them will be a gift.

Happy travelling and presenting
Fingers, toes and eyes crossed for you.