How to write an award-winning entry

When compiling your entry, think about getting the judges attention. You want to make them want to read your submission, and ultimately choose you as the winner. Your entry needs to be clear, creative and concise. It’s all about standing out.

Here are 10 tips on how to write an award-winning entry:

1. Timing

Don’t leave it until the last minute – be aware of the closing date and leave yourself enough time to get everything ready to submit. The closing deadline is Friday 28 July.

 

2. Memorable

Make it look interesting – the judges will be looking at a lot of entries so yours needs to stand out and be memorable. Using your branding throughout your entry helps make it distinctive and more memorable in the judges’ minds when they’re choosing a winner. Although it’s not all about aesthetics, a clearly presented entry is far easier to digest and judge.

 

3. Relevance

Make sure the information included meets the criteria stated by the judges in the entry guide. It is possible to submit the same entry into multiple categories, but be very careful to make sure you’ve included the relevant information for that specific category that the judges will be looking for. Download the entry guide to get the full details.

 

4. Involve the team

Part of the excitement of entering an award is to get the whole team to rally together. Bring every member of your lab into the process of compiling your entry. Not only will the workload be distributed amongst more people, your entry will feel more dynamic and genuine.

 

5. Keep focused

Remember that ultimately your entry should be all about why you do the work you do – for the dentists and patients! Tell the judges how you go beyond the call of duty to offer the best science possible. Walk the judges through a visit to your laboratory and tell them what systems or features have been put in place or improve. Discuss how you take on feedback, both positive and negative.

 

6. Word count

Although the word count isn’t strict, it’s there to give you an idea of how long this section of your entry should be. Use this as an introduction to your entry and state who you are and why you are entering that particular category.

 

7. Supporting evidence

There is no limit as to how much supporting evidence you should include. This is your opportunity to support any claims you have made, and to prove just how good you really are. Supporting evidence can include relevant materials such as photos, clinical cases, marketing plans, website screenshots or promotional materials.
Top tip: statistics are much more effective than vague statements.

 

8. Proofing

There is nothing so avoidable as a spelling mistake. Get someone else to proof read your entry before submitting – you don’t want spelling and grammar errors to give the judges a negative impression when you’ve worked so hard to put your entry together.

 

9. Labels

You want your entry to be as easy as possible for the judges to understand. Labelling your files accordingly, or grouping them in labelled folders makes your entry clear. For example, use your practice and category name, or create a separate folder called ‘Supporting evidence’.

 

10. Format

There are no specific requirements, meaning you can compile your entry as a Word document, PowerPoint presentation or a PDF. For example, you may write your introductory word count using a Word document, and provide your supporting evidence as JPEGs and PDFs.

 

And there you have it, some sure-fire ways to improve your entry and give you a better chance of scooping up an award. Remember, if you need some advice, we’re always on hand to help – call our friendly awards team on 01923 851779 or email awards@fmc.co.uk