You’ve done all of the in-advance work, planned your corporate or non-profit event down to the minute, gotten everyone seated, and dimmed the lights. It’s time for the speeches to begin. What’s the worst that could happen?

How about a seemingly never-ending cavalcade of VIPs, honorees and speakers, all taking too long to say what sounds like the same thing, one after the other after the other?

Instead of feeling compelled to follow the expected speaker’s format and risk having the audience tune out, give these ideas a try at your next event. Both your attendees and speakers will thank you!

Speech, speech! Or how about, no speeches when presenting awards? If possible, replace thank you speeches with a brief bio of each award recipient. The MC can deliver these as winners come up to receive their awards. If an absolute must-have, tell honorees in advance they’ll only have time to offer a quick word of thanks. Make sure they know an Academy Award winner-length acceptance speech isn’t necessary.

“And now a word from our sponsors.” Giving event sponsors the floor for what seems like forever isn’t engaging or inspiring for anyone. Do the math – 5 sponsors x 5 minutes each = 25 minutes of “I’m here, I support this cause, here’s how…” Instead invest in a two-minute, professionally-designed, powerful video that includes major sponsors. Then play it on a big screen during the event. Reducing the number of speeches attendees have to pay attention to makes time management for your event much easier. And everyone wins: the sponsors, your organization, and most importantly, the audience.