As you prepare and structure your presentation, speak to both the challenges and aspirations of your audience. When you do, you will capture your own award.

When it’s your turn to speak, immerse yourself, and like any jazz musician, riff on a theme or deliver a colorful insight. And because you are in the moment, inspiration will come to you. Then your creativity can gain strength and drive the rest of your presentation. Your talk will capture the audience through innovation and your swinging style.

When you launch a new phase or career, be as intentional as Bryant. Start with the fundamentals and practice daily, knowing that attaining mastery is a steady accrual of skills. Record yourself rehearsing, and like a pro athlete, watch your videos. Improve that “person you send out” and like Bryant, you too will develop the Mamba Mindset *.

Consider every piece of content you present the same way. Yes, it may be technically accurate, but it can be more memorable if you add your impression, or the way it makes you feel.

Pull something dramatic from the headlines for an opening. Pick up a prop and make a connection with it to your topic. Intersperse colorful visuals with text slides in your PowerPoint deck. Tap into the brain's capacity to recognize and record novelty. There's nothing better.

Instead, aim for delivering a presentation that is engaging, audience specific, and in sync with your values. Commit to your material. And let the chips fall where they may. Integrity is your ticket to success.

Find your approach, your voice, and your interpretation of the material. Even if your firm has constructed the content or PowerPoint, you can present it with your insights and personal style that will make it sing.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your development, aspirations and accomplishments over the years. Speaking with integrity and passion is the human gift-- make it your contribution to the world.

So, instead of boots of Spanish leather, let your gift of the season be a renewed sense of respect for and openness to others, signaled by a warm hello and welcoming gaze. Ola! Feliz Navidad!