Award Ceremony with a Broken Microphone Twist

Perform 7-12 child
Child development / Drama games / Award ceremony

This imaginative game combines humour, quick thinking and vocal projection.

Children act out an over-the-top awards ceremony with a presenter, a winner and a very unusual award, improvising their speeches and answers on the spot.

When the microphone suddenly 'breaks,' they must project their voices clearly so the audience can hear every word.

Child acting in drama class

How to play

1. Set the scene

Ask for two volunteers to come to the front and get the rest of the children to form an audience. Explain that they are at an awards ceremony, such as the Oscars or Tony Awards, where winners give an acceptance speech.

2. Assign the roles

Child A is the the Presenter, while Child B is the Award Winner.

3. The random award

Child A invents a completely made-up award that Child B has 'won.' Examples include:

  • The award for training the most hamsters in a week to sing opera.
  • The award for eating the most Brussels sprouts in 5 minutes.

Child B only discovers the award when it is announced, and must improvise accordingly.

4. Acceptance speech

Child B gives a short speech, thanking people and improvising details about their achievement.

5. Interview twist

The presenter asks follow-up questions such as:

  • How long did it take you to learn this skill?
  • When did you first realise you had this talent?

6. The broken microphone

Halfway through, announce that the microphone has broken! Both children must project loudly so the 'audience' can hear every word.

7. Keep it short and snappy

Rotate pairs so several children get the chance to present and receive awards.

What it teaches

  • Improvisation and quick thinking
  • Creativity in storytelling
  • Public speaking and vocal projection
  • Confidence in front of an audience

Variations to try

  • Double act: Have two presenters create the award together.
  • Audience participation: Let the audience suggest the award.
  • Timed speeches: Limit acceptance speeches to 30 seconds for extra challenge.


Principal's notes

This activity is brilliant for rehearsing public speaking in a fun way. The broken microphone twist ensures they learn to project their voices without losing energy or character.

Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.

Lucy Quick - Principal of Perform


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