How to Write a Certificate of Appreciation Whenever You Need One

Daniel P. McGoldrick reports:

"So you need to know how to write a certificate of appreciation for a deserving recipient and perhaps you’re in a hurry. The fact is, you can find one in template form on the web in a lot of different places. That means that all the design work, with the smart[-]looking border, and the zone of attention leading the eye right to the middle of it (where the recipient’s name is prominently displayed) to read the stated cause that merited this award. A template award form...can simply be downloaded into a software application like Microsoft Word, and then all you need [to] do is customize it with the details of the organization presenting the certificate, and the recipient’s name, along with any relevant titles. And of course, the explanation of why this person deserves recognition, words reflecting the laudable behavior, actions, or service which benefited the company or organization that will present it...Microsoft Office Online has a good supply of templates for this quick and easy desktop publishing project. You can use them whether you want to do the project yourself, or even if you want to outsource the design and creation of the certificate. For the latter, you can just take a look at all the different templates they offer as examples of the kind of writing you want to have on yours...A broad range of categories is covered, so the specific reason you need it might just be right there for you already...The writing, or wording really (because this language will [most likely] be printed on the document whether you have it custom-made by a printer or do it yourself), will differ to some degree depending upon the rationale behind it. However, you will mostly see some of the same universal language on one of these. Words such as 'For outstanding service to', 'In recognition of commitment to a standard of excellence', or 'In recognition of ______’s outstanding contribution to _____' would be appropriate for your purposes...Perhaps more formal verbiage such as 'Be it known that upon the recommendation of title and name of official giving the award, the recipient is hereby honored with the utmost gratitude for their selfless [service/loyalty]/excellence to the company/organization.' The easiest, no[-]frills document would simply have the title Certificate of Appreciation in a larger font near the center mass. And under that, This Certificate is awarded to Name of Recipient and under that, in recognition of valuable contributions. Then the presenter just signs and dates it at the bottom...The bottom line is to use writing that reflects how much that award winner means to the person, company, or organization that feels the need to present it. Along the same lines as this project would be the need to write a recommendation letter for a deserving person who asks you for it...[J]ust make the certificate reflect genuine sincerity and thankfulness, and you will achieve the purpose of giving credit where credit is due."