Written Samples
10 award acceptance speech samples.
Crafting the perfect acceptance speech is an art form, a delicate balance of gratitude, humility, and celebration. It’s a moment to acknowledge those who have contributed to your success, reflect on your journey, and inspire others who may follow in your footsteps.
Whether you are a seasoned professional accustomed to the spotlight or a first-time honoree feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, these sample speeches are designed to help you convey your message with eloquence and sincerity.
Award Acceptance Speech Samples
Let these speeches guide you in sharing your story, expressing your gratitude, and celebrating your achievements with an audience who is eager to celebrate with you.
1. The Journey to Excellence
Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you, humbled and honored to accept this prestigious award. This moment is not just a personal milestone; it is a culmination of years of hard work, relentless dedication, and an unwavering belief in the pursuit of excellence. I am here because of the countless individuals who have shaped my journey—the mentors who guided me, the colleagues who supported me, and the family who stood by me every step of the way.
This award is a testament to the power of collaboration, passion, and perseverance. It symbolizes not only what one can achieve with determination but also what we can accomplish together as a community. As I accept this honor, I am reminded of the early days of struggle, the setbacks that seemed insurmountable, and the victories that were all the sweeter for their difficulty.
To all aspiring individuals out there, let this be a message of hope and inspiration. Your dreams are valid, your hard work will pay off, and your journey, though unique, is a part of a larger story of human endeavor and resilience. Thank you for this incredible honor, and may we all continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.
2. A Tribute to Teamwork
As I accept this award, I am acutely aware that no achievement is an island. This is not just my success, but a shared victory for everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. To my team, you are the unsung heroes, the backbone of every project, and the spirit behind our success. Your dedication, creativity, and spirit of collaboration have not only made our work outstanding but have also made every challenge a joy to overcome.
To our clients and partners, your trust and support have been invaluable. You have challenged us to push boundaries, innovate, and exceed expectations at every turn. And to my family, your love and unwavering belief in me have been my anchor and my guiding light.
This award is a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal. It is a tribute to teamwork, partnership, and shared dreams. Thank you for walking this path with me, for sharing in the hard work and the celebrations, and for being an integral part of this story.
3. Reflecting on the Path of Persistence
Today, as I stand before you, I am filled with a sense of profound gratitude and reflection. This award is a significant milestone, but it is also a moment to look back on the journey that brought me here. It has been a path marked by persistence, learning, and the constant pursuit of improvement. There have been moments of doubt and failure, but each has been a stepping stone to greater understanding and achievement.
I want to express my deepest thanks to those who have been my mentors and guides. Your wisdom and encouragement have been my compass in times of uncertainty. To my peers in the industry, your work continues to inspire and challenge me to be better. And to my family, your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed; your support is the foundation of everything I am.
This award is not the end, but rather a marker along a continuing journey. It is a reminder to keep striving, keep learning, and keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Thank you for this honor, and may we all continue to grow and excel in our endeavors.
4. A Celebration of Vision and Innovation
Receiving this award is a moment of immense pride and joy. It is a recognition of a vision that dared to look beyond the conventional, to innovate and redefine what is possible. I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by a team of visionaries, thinkers, and creators who share a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Our work is a testament to what can be achieved when you dare to imagine and have the courage to implement those ideas. This award is not just for me; it is for all those who believed in the vision, who contributed their time, talent, and passion to bringing it to life.
I would also like to thank our community and industry for embracing our ideas and allowing us the opportunity to contribute. Your acceptance and recognition are what drive us to keep innovating and striving for better. Thank you for this honor, and here’s to a future of continued innovation and success.
5. Gratitude and Aspiration
This evening, I am filled with gratitude as I accept this award. It is a reflection of not just my work, but the belief, effort, and aspiration of everyone who has been part of this journey. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, the challenges that have made me stronger, and the successes that have been all the more sweet for their difficulty.
To the young individuals looking up to this moment, let this be a symbol of what you can achieve with passion and perseverance. Let it inspire you to set high goals and to keep reaching for them, even when the path is steep and the obstacles many.
My aspiration is that this award not only serves as an acknowledgment of past achievements but also as an inspiration for future endeavors. May we all aspire to create, contribute, and make a difference in whatever field we choose. Thank you for this great honor, and may we all look forward to a future filled with achievement and purpose.
6. Dedication to Craft
Standing here today, I am reminded of the countless hours of dedication, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the unwavering commitment to our craft. This award is a testament to that dedication and a celebration of the artistic and technical excellence we strive for in our work.
I am immensely grateful to my colleagues, whose talent and commitment are the heartbeat of our success. To our mentors and leaders, thank you for setting the bar high and for guiding us with your wisdom and experience. And to our families and loved ones, your support and sacrifice make all the difference.
This moment is a culmination of many moments, a tapestry woven from our collective passion and dedication. It is an honor to receive this recognition, and I am inspired to continue pushing the limits of our craft. Thank you for this incredible honor, and let us all continue to dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of excellence.
7. A Journey of Growth and Impact
Today is a significant milestone in a journey that has been filled with growth, learning, and impact. Receiving this award is not only a personal honor but also a reflection of the collective effort and commitment of everyone involved in our mission. Our work is driven by a desire to make a difference, to contribute to our field, and to impact the world positively.
I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of my colleagues and partners. Your expertise, passion, and dedication have been instrumental in our achievements. To the mentors who have guided me, your wisdom has been invaluable. And to my family, your love and encouragement have been the cornerstone of everything I do.
This award is a reminder of the responsibility we carry to continue growing, innovating, and contributing. It is an encouragement to keep striving for excellence and making an impact in the world. Thank you for this honor, and may we all continue on this path of positive change.
8. Embracing Challenges, Celebrating Success
In accepting this award, I am reminded of the myriad challenges we faced, the obstacles we overcame, and the successes we celebrated. Each step on this journey has been an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to excel. This award is a celebration of that journey, an acknowledgment of the resilience and determination it takes to succeed.
I am immensely grateful to my team, whose hard work and innovation have been the key to our success. Your courage to embrace challenges and your commitment to excellence are what set us apart. To our clients and supporters, your faith in us fuels our ambition and drives us to do better. And to my family, your love and support mean everything.
As we celebrate this success, let us also look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. May we continue to embrace them with the same courage and determination, and may our future endeavors be even more successful and impactful. Thank you for this honor, and here’s to a future of continued success and innovation.
9. Building a Legacy of Excellence
Receiving this award is a profound honor and a moment to reflect on the legacy we are building. It is a recognition of past achievements and a foundation for future ones. Our work is not just about individual success; it is about setting standards, inspiring others, and contributing to a legacy of excellence in our field.
I am deeply thankful to everyone who has been a part of this journey. To my mentors, your guidance has shaped my path. To my colleagues, your talent and dedication make our work outstanding. To our industry, your recognition motivates us to continue setting benchmarks of excellence. And to my family, your love and support are my constant source of strength.
This award is a milestone in our continuing journey of excellence. It is a motivation to keep pushing boundaries, keep innovating, and keep inspiring. Thank you for this honor, and may we all continue to contribute to a legacy of excellence and achievement.
10. A Vision Realized, A Future Inspired
As I accept this award, I am filled with gratitude for the vision that inspired our journey, the hard work that turned it into a reality, and the people who have been part of this remarkable adventure. This recognition is not just for what has been achieved but also for what is yet to come. It is an encouragement to continue pursuing our vision with passion and determination.
To everyone who has supported this journey, your belief in our vision has been the fuel for our success. Your encouragement, advice, and feedback have been invaluable. To the leaders and innovators in our field, your work continues to inspire us. And to my family, your love and support make everything possible.
This award is a reflection of a vision realized and a future inspired. It is a commitment to continue our pursuit of excellence, to keep innovating, and to keep making a difference. Thank you for this tremendous honor, and let’s all look forward to a future of continued success and innovation.
In crafting these speeches, the aim is to provide a template for articulating gratitude, acknowledging the contribution of others, reflecting on the journey, and inspiring future success.
Each speech is an opportunity to connect with the audience, share personal stories, and celebrate the achievements that have led to the moment of recognition. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or preparing for your first acceptance speech, these samples are designed to help you deliver your message with confidence and grace.
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How to deliver a Hall of Fame speech
By Michael Goldberg
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Well, I have no idea how to do that! I mean, I’ve never delivered one. But recently, a legendary group of Hall of Fame Inductees did. Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Tony La Russa, Frank Thomas, and Joe Torre all went from legends to immortals as they were officially enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
Few classes can boast this kind of quality from top to bottom. Thomas, Glavine and Maddux were among three of the most successful stars on the field in the 1990s, while Cox, La Russa and Torre all won World Series titles en route to incredible careers from the bench.
What always catches my attention at big events, whether it’s the Academy Awards, political events, or the Hall of Fame are the speeches. Nothing like a great speech and these days they’re captured forever.
You figure at a big event where the media is everywhere and there are flash bulbs and tweets popping from all directions, mistakes wouldn’t be made . But Joe Torre made a big one. Torre was a very good baseball player, great coach and manager, and a terrific speaker. But in his 28-minute speech (very lengthy), Torre forgot to thank George Steinbrenner who probably made it possible for him to be in the HOF in the first place. Hey, it happens to all of us.
There may come a time when you have to give a speech, whether at a wedding, funeral, or award ceremony or you might be introducing the next speaker.
Here are some ways to prepare yourself for your next big speech, presentation or talk .
1. Make a list
And check it twice! Craft a list of all the people that made it possible for you to give this speech. Who do you need to thank? Clients, associates, friends, family members, former bosses, current bosses, staff, etc. You may not remember everyone and you certainly may not be able to mention everyone. Although, Frank Thomas did list 100 people by name (and nickname). If it’s a laundry list of people, feel free to have the names written and read them from the stage. Nobody will care that you’re reading them, but those that were mentioned will appreciate being mentioned.
2. Prepare your three most important points
If you only had three points to share in your speech, what would they be? Of course, a big consideration might be if the three points are about you or someone else’s impact on you . Heck, the points may not be about you at all! I spoke at an event last week where the first speaker was a former reporter for Sports Illustrated . His entire speech was about big time sports figures – Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, John Wooden, and the impact they had on everyone around them. What would be the three most important points you need to make to your audience?
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3. Start with your best stuff
Never start a presentation the way most people start a presentation. If appropriate, perhaps start with a brief thank you. Otherwise – launch into a great story . Open with a powerful quote. Set up a “have you ever…” moment. Deliver a great joke (it better be appropriate and funny). Ask an insightful question. If you’re really good, create an engaging discussion (again, if appropriate). This all depends on your comfort level, skill, the nature of the presentation, the purpose of the approach, and the relevance to the audience. Of course, this will all get considered in the planning phase.
4. End with your best stuff
How can you start and end with your best stuff? Find a way. You absolutely want to end with a bang! Again, an interesting story to make your points and wrap things up, a quote, reflection, or my favorite – a call to action. You want people to remember that you did a great job as a speaker. Other than the occasional story, joke, or the mention of a name, people tend to only remember one or two things from a speech. Leave your audience with something to remember or something to do as a result of your words. The reality is most people forget the actual words in a speech but never forget how the words made them feel – so create that for them.
5. Have an outline
This gets back to making a list of all the people that made it possible for you do to whatever it is you’re doing. While you’re at it, create an outline of all the topics you want to cover. In most cases, it’s only going to be:
- your opening – your best stuff,
- your three most important points – of course it can be more than three, but probably not much more than three,
- and your big close – best stuff.
As you create your points, think about a story you might tell for each bullet in your outline and what each story may have meant to you or your audience . Always bring it back to the audience, if appropriate. Try to stick to your outline and not go off on tangents. Of course, tangents are sometimes fun and add more of an ad lib nature to your speech, but keep your outline nearby so it can serve as a GPS that gets you back on course.
You don’t need to be a professional speaker to deliver a great speech. You just need to be genuine, organized, occasionally self-effacing, humble, occasionally relatable, and meaningful.
Now how hard can that be?
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Five Ways to Make Speeches Worthy of the Hall of Fame
by Alan | Aug 1, 2016 | Communication skills , Delivery , Leadership , public speaking
The event had two basic parts (notwithstanding the superfluous infrastructure and the MLB network commercial delays, which drew boos from the audience). First, every living member of the Hall of Fame is invited back. Thirty-eight chose to attend this year, including some of the biggest names I remember as a kid (Sandy Koufax! Rollie Fingers! Johnny Bench! Rod Carew!). Each one was introduced to applause. About 1 in 100 professional players make the Hall (and only about 1 in 200 varsity high school players get drafted to the minors, and only about 1 in 30 minor leaguers makes the MLB). This is the crème de la crème; almost one-in-a-million. That segment last about 40 minutes.
Then each HOF inductee gives a speech. This year, fourth-ballot Mike Piazza ( @MikePiazza31 ) and first-ballot Ken Griffey, Jr. ( @KidGriffeyJr ) were the only two inductees. It struck me that they were probably as nervous about speaking as I would be about trying to hit a 95 mph fastball. I assume they got (speech) coaching – they each spoke of how coaching helped them become the players they were.
It’s hard to envision a player making a bad HOF speech. The fans – decked out in the players’ jerseys by the thousands, cheered almost every word and memory. They will forgive most any indiscretion. And yet it’s an intensely personal and emotional moment. I can’t imagine the thoughts and memories that flood their minds during this time. Both players got choked up, especially when talking about their fathers and the influence they had. For us commoners, a eulogy is probably a very similar moment.
Here are some observations and remembrances for high-stakes speeches that could apply to any situation.
- Keep it short. No one will mind if you end earlier than expected. And (only because they love you) they might overlook a little length. But it was 90+ degrees in the shade for an event that spanned two-plus hours. Brevity is always appreciated. “ Be sincere. Be brief. Be seated .” Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- When you get emotional, stop. Collect yourself. Find the core message. Get it out best you can. And move on. You’ll regain control eventually. It’s not as big a deal to the audience as it is to the speaker (and there is no need to apologize or acknowledge it.) Just move on.
- Notes are almost always required. You’ll forget too much without them. But prose is hard to read from, especially when you get emotional and have to look away. Both speakers got words reversed and mixed up. We’ll examine notes in a future newsletter. But there is no real need to have every word typed out. Find a method that works to help you remember and use it.
- The most important part of any speech is likely to be the connection to the audience. Personal/acceptance speeches are a danger zone here. It’s tempting to think this is your time, and I suppose that it is. But Rule #1 (“It’s not about you!”) is still in effect. But telling stories and acknowledging individuals that only a few know about alienates the rest. Find common ground through memories/stories that everyone can relate to.
- Graciousness never goes out of style. Mike Piazza opened with a comment honoring Ken Griffey, Jr. and the HOF staff that runs the induction. It was a nice gesture and a great way to start strong when you know that emotions are likely to come later in the talk.
These are good tips for acceptance speeches and any other speaking engagement as well. Learn from the pros. Make your next speech HOF-worthy (side note: my nickname as a kid was “Hof” – I didn’t know what the abbreviation meant then.)
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How to Write an Acceptance Speech
Last Updated: March 21, 2024 Fact Checked
This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,105,332 times.
When you win an award or honor, it's traditional to share a few words. Writing an acceptance speech can be challenging, so it helps to brainstorm and prepare in advance. You should open your speech with a brief introduction of gratitude, move on to thanking your benefactors, and conclude your speech with some inspiration and optimism. This is your time to shine, but showing humility will leave your audience feeling truly pleased for you and your success.
Brainstorming Ideas
- After you make an initial list of people you want to thank, walk away and come back to the list later. There might be people you forgot to include that you'll remember at a later time.
- If you're worried about leaving someone important out of your speech, ask a close friend or coworker to help with your list. They might think of someone you forgot to include.
- For example, if you're receiving an award for your volunteer work, try searching “volunteer award acceptance speeches” in a search engine. If you're referencing speeches in a physical book, try to find a book that has the speeches organized by award type.
Writing Your Speech
- For example, you could write “I am so honored to be standing here today to receive this community leadership award. Serving my community has been a joy and a privilege that I am grateful for every single day. I wouldn't be able to do it if it weren't for all the amazing people in this city."
- You don't have to say someone's name to show you're thankful for them. For example, instead of thanking all of your coworkers individually, you could say “I can't express enough how grateful I am for all of my amazing colleagues.”
- You can thank the members of the organization giving you the award without listing off their names by saying something like “Thank you so much to the team at the New York Nonprofit Conference for recognizing me with this incredible award.”
- For example, if you're winning an award in recognition of your volunteer work with kids, you could mention how you think more work needs to be done to combat childhood illiteracy.
- Don't use your acceptance speech as a time to rant about your political viewpoints or talk heatedly about a controversial topic (unless it's directly connected to the award you're receiving). You'll likely alienate members of the audience and upset the organization that gave you the award.
Rehearsing Your Speech
- If there's someone mentioned in your speech that can't attend the event, invite them to practice with you. That way they get to hear your speech and you have someone to give you pointers.
- Notice how your voice sounds. Make sure you're speaking loud enough and that what you're saying is clear and understandable.
Writing Help
Community Q&A
- Make eye contact with members of the audience to appear more engaged. [11] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- Bring a copy of your speech with you onstage. You might not need to use it, but it's helpful if you forget someone's name. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- Avoid reading the copy of speech, but use notes and make sure to look up at the audience more tha you read what you write. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- Avoid negative or apologetic statements during your speech. They can make you seem ungrateful. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 1
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- ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-prepare-an-accepta_b_9290348
- ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.gvsu.edu/ours/oral-presentation-tips-30.htm
- ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
- ↑ https://www.washington.edu/doit/presentation-tips-0
About This Article
To write an acceptance speech, start with a brief introduction that expresses your gratitude and makes a connection with your audience. Then, in the body of your speech, focus on the people that you want to thank. Try to avoid thanking too many people so your audience doesn't grow impatient by sticking with the people directly involved with the award and your immediate support system. Finally, conclude your acceptance speech on a brief, positive note and thank the audience one last time. To learn how to rehearse an acceptance speech, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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Humbled and Honored: My Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech
“Good afternoon. First, I want to thank you all for coming to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. I know you have a choice of museums when you visit Cooperstown, so thank you for choosing this one. Frankly, I don’t know how you could pass up the 18th-century Dutch-style plow at the nearby Farmers’ Museum , but pass it up you did! As an aside, I will tell you that I once got ‘18th-century plowed’ by drinking a liter of elixir d’absynthe to treat a serious case of dropsy. I mean I got drunk, 1700s-style. I did not get – what’s the word? – ‘copulated.’
“In any case, I also want to say that I am truly humbled by this honor. I want to say it because everybody says it. Then again, I don’t know why people say it. I mean, humbled? If anything, I should be de -humbled. I’d be humbled if my two-week-old kitten were to beat me in Greco-Roman wrestling. I’d be humbled if you pointed at my crotch and laughed, as if to say, ‘What cruel twist of fate is this that should visit upon a red-blooded American male such a tragic deficiency?’
“But humbled by getting inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame? Screw that noise. Seriously, you should see my new vanity plate: “CPRSTWN.” I guess the plate’s only downside is that it can be misconstrued. For example, after pulling up behind me at a stoplight, Ronde Barber came to my window and asked if I could revive his brother’s career.
“I also want to say that this honor is truly an honor. Here I am, alongside the Ruths, the Cobbs, the Fingerses. Is that right? ‘Fingerses?’ Here I am! – in the same breath with the Mayses and the Kalines, though not in the same breath as the Mazeroskis and the Yastrzemskis, as that would require, like, two breaths. Please note, however, that I did not take two breaths just now. The reason is that I have been practicing this speech since I was nine years old, mostly underwater.
“Of course, what’s most amazing about this honor – and here I think you’ll agree – is that I never played major league baseball. So, why am I standing before you today? All I can say is that the Veterans Committee has done its homework. There was this one time: My brother is on the mound, and by ‘mound’ I mean the part of the yard between the sticker patch and the clothesline. Yeah, clothesline. We didn’t have a dryer, OK? But we did have three hot meals a day, though I must say that fire-roasted iceberg lettuce with steamy ranch dressing was not my favorite.
“Anyway, my brother is pitching, and he throws this wicked curveball-screwball thing. I mean, that Wiffle ball looks like Stevie Wonder’s remote-controlled airplane! But I stand my ground and whack it all the way over the alley. And as you can plainly see, my brother is not being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame today. So that’s cool. I am totally de-humbled by it.
“Then there was that time in high school. Maybe you heard about it. I’m at shortstop, and I make this diving stab and double up the runner at third. Coach says, ‘That’s a big league play!’ So, yeah, the Committee has done its homework. What sucks is that the Committee never did my homework. I’m still trying to get my GED, which isn’t easy because I am busy writing for a serious baseball blog. We have to do our own spelling.
“In conclusion, I’d like to say I have always dreamed this would happen. Always in my wildest imagination did I think that this would come true.”
John Paschal is a regular contributor to The Hardball Times and The Hardball Times Baseball Annual.
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How to Write Great Acceptance Speeches
by Jezra on August 2, 2023
For the past few years, I’ve had the honor of writing speeches with some of America’s greatest (American) football players.
And I’ve also had the honor of being featured in a New York Times article about that work.
How can that be? (you might ask), when I know almost nothing about football or, in fact, any sport besides lying on the couch reading romance novels?
It can be because we are writing acceptance speeches
Are All Acceptance Speeches Created Equal?
A speech that you would give to accept an Academy Award or enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is not the same as a speech you would give to accept an honorary degree or thanks from a local charity.
But they’re not that different, either, because they’re all about the gratitude you feel toward the community that’s honoring you .
So—at the risk of making myself obsolete by sharing these professional secrets—I’ve sketched out an approach to expressing that gratitude in an organized way, in a limited amount of time.
The Elements of Good Acceptance Speeches
You don’t need to hit all of these beats, and you don’t need to deliver them in this order. But if (like my clients who are being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, you have dozens and dozens of people to thank), this outline will help you pull that off.
1. “Housekeeping”
(So called because it’s not part of the body of your speech)
- Greet the audience. Let them know how much you appreciate their presence.
- Thank the organization that’s honoring or recognizing you.
- If this is relevant, comment on how proud you are to be part of the long tradition of exceptional people who’ve received this honor before you.
- And if you’re inclined to thank God, this is a good place to do that, too.
2. Share a Little Background
- If it’s appropriate and you have time, share a little bit about what started you on the path to this award.
- This could be as short as 30 seconds or as long as several minutes.
- If you have a charming or funny story about your early involvement with the topic, now is the time to tell it.
3. Acknowledge Your Debt to Others
- Let the audience know that you know that you couldn’t have made it this far without help from many, many other people—some of whom are present today. (Don’t list them all right now, that will come soon. 🙂
- Lots of people thank and/or talk about their parents at this point in their acceptance speeches. Whether your folks drove you to football practice or gave you a moral foundation that helped you excel, they helped put you on the road to success.
4. Now Talk About the People Who Helped You Develop and Grow
- Begin with the people who helped mold you into the person you are today. They deserve the most recognition, and if you have time, a brief comment about what makes them so special to you.
- Then, as you go down the list, you can start putting slightly less important people into groups (“all of the great line coaches I worked with, including…”). Here, you’re mostly listing people, since you don’t have time to share a personal detail about each one.
- Finally, thank people in categories (“the great back office team,” “all of our fine training staff,” etc.)
- And don’t forget your audience members, fans, or volunteers who helped you achieve your success . (You wouldn’t anyway! :-)) Without them, you would literally be nowhere.
5. Finally, Thank Your Family
- Your spouse, your children (if any), maybe your siblings, your parents (if you haven’t already spoken about them), and again, God, if God is central to your life, all deserve public gratitude.
- Say a few words about what your family members have sacrificed, how they’ve stood by you during the hard times, and how they are the best spouse/kids/siblings anyone could ever have! (Assuming that all of this is true. If it’s not, don’t say anything! :-))
6. If You Want, Get Big Picture
- If you want to share advice, or a philosophy of success, now’s a good time to do that.
- And if you told a personal story at the beginning, does it tie back to your advice? (“Watching my Dad work in the fields helped me understand how to be a success in life…”)
- Make your advice (or the values you’re recommending) simple and to the point.
7. Close with More Thanks
- “So I just want to say again how much I appreciate being part of this great community. Thank you for being here with me today; I’ll never forget it.”
- “All of you are the reason I’m getting this award, and I wish I could share it with each and every one of you. So thank you again, and let’s keep winning together.”
Ready to Write Your Acceptance Speech?
Even though acceptance speeches generally hit these traditional beats, they should still be highly individual. Your speech should convey your feelings , and your thoughts, in a way that nobody else but you could express.
Writing acceptance speeches isn’t rocket science— but it is a skill that, as the New York Times pointed out, speechwriters like me have worked hard to perfect.
So if you find out that you’re going to be honored, congratulations!
And if you want a hand with your acceptance speech, just give a yell.
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5 Tips to Give the Perfect Award Acceptance Speech
- James Haynes
- September 19, 2022
Table of Contents
Introduction.
Congratulations! You’ve won an award. Maybe you’ve been selected for the prestigious National Speakers Association’s Speaker Hall of Fame . Maybe you’ve been named volunteer of the year for your local service club. Whatever you’ve won, now you may be wondering: how do I give an award acceptance speech? what kind of a speech am I supposed to give? Where can I find award acceptance speech examples ? How do I make sure my speech is memorable in a good way?
Maybe you’ve never given a speech before, and after toiling for years far from the spotlight, being put on stage is a nerve-wracking prospect for you. One of the best ways to minimize those nerves is to do your homework beforehand so you know exactly where you’re going with your talk, and reading this article is a great start! (For more on managing nerves when you speak, check out this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast .)
Even if you’re a seasoned speaker, the structure and format of an award acceptance speech may not be what you are used to. To master the shortened format and time limits you may have, you’ll need to structure your speech in a more specialized way. For more on how to do so, read on.
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Determine the goal of your speech
First of all, what is the goal of your acceptance speech? The starting point for most, if not all, acceptance speeches, should be a humble “thank you” for whatever they have received. It may also be appropriate to highlight particular experiences or individuals who helped you to get where you are. But this can be overdone; fake modesty and a long list of thank-yous to people the audience doesn’t know can cause your audience to tune out just as much as a braggy or even vindictive diatribe. How do you strike the balance?
One way to start could be watching others’ acceptance speeches, and ideally not just speeches from the Academy Awards. Award acceptance speech examples can be found on Youtube, Vimeo, and other video-sharing sites. Learn from others but don’t mimic – You’ve probably watched a lot of speakers before haven’t you? You know the things they do that work. It’s easy to want to just duplicate what you saw them do since you know it works. But don’t do that. Learn from why it worked and how you can incorporate a similar (but not copied) methodology into your own talks.
Structuring your speech
Another tip: figure out from the event organizer what the time restrictions are for your talk. You don’t want to plan a 20-minute overture when the event organizers expect you to speak for just a minute or two! This will also set the tone for your talk.
Remember that your speech is supposed to be shorter than your typical speech. You shouldn’t have that much to write out. Once you’ve determined a few people you’d like to thank, maybe a story you’d like to tell, and determined the overall goal or vibe of your talk, you should start structuring your speech.
Perhaps you could begin by breaking down your speech into a few sections. For example, you could structure the speech as follows: Introduction, thanking a few specific people, telling a story or an anecdote, and conclusion. This should all take no more than 3-5 minutes. And it will fly by .
Consider telling stories
Want to tell a story in your acceptance speech? It’s a good idea. Humans relate to stories. We connect to stories. Funny stories. Sad stories. Inspirational stories. We love stories. So tell them. Lots of them. Stories will keep your audience engaged and are also easier for you to memorize.
There’s nothing wrong with telling a 3rd person story or using some case study or example. But especially for an award you’re receiving, telling a story that you lived and experienced generally makes the story better for you and the audience. For the audience, they can oftentimes find themselves in your story. For you as the speaker, it’s much easier (and more powerful) to tell a story that you lived versus one you read in a book.
What kind of story to tell
In an award acceptance speech, any such story should be short and sweet. One way to keep an eye on the length is to try timing yourself telling the story out loud. As Harriet Turk discusses in our podcast on creating your talk , “If you practice out loud, you learn a whole lot more about what the story hits on and what parts need to be told.” Turk goes on to say that sometimes we find that we try to tell a story the way we wrote it, but authoring a story is much different than presenting a story. A story that reads well in a book may not work as well on stage.
Some examples of stories or anecdotes that you could do well to include would be about a setback you overcame in your role, or how someone helped you in a particularly meaningful way. If that person who helped you is one of those you want to thank, it would serve as an incredibly powerful testament to their character to include such a story. Of course, if something about that story is sensitive, it would be prudent to notify them in advance that you plan to tell that story. Even if not, it could be polite to give them a heads-up, particularly if they will be in the audience for your acceptance speech.
Using humor: advantages and pitfalls
You might wonder whether or not humor is appropriate in an award acceptance speech. Generally, humor is not a bad thing to include if you want to liven up your talk. However, keep in mind that you are being spotlighted as an individual accomplishing something in an award acceptance speech, and harsh joking about other people, in particular, may reflect poorly on your deserving the award. Negative jokes about the organizer, your collaborators, or others in the audience are no-nos.
On that point, as we cover in our 100 speaking tips article, you don’t need to be crude or inappropriate just for a laugh. It’s not worth it. If you deliver a killer keynote and are flawless throughout, but you make one inappropriate remark, nobody will remember anything else you said. There’s nothing wrong with using humor or making a strong point on something, but don’t do it at the expense of crossing the line and turning people off.
On the other hand, a dash of humor, such as light self-deprecation, can be perfectly good at keeping your speech from sounding sanctimonious or stuffy. When you tell a joke or deliver a punchline, give the audience time to laugh. Sometimes speakers like to rush to the next point, but don’t do that. You need to give the audience a chance to respond to what you just said (in this case to laugh), but also if you rush on to the next thought while the room is still laughing, nobody will hear what you’re saying.
Practice makes perfect
You’re not going to have a Powerpoint. You’re probably not going to have any visual aids. So how are you going to stay focused and find cues for your award acceptance speech?
Consider writing your speech out and timing yourself to ensure you don’t go way over any time allotments you might have. And if you don’t have time limits, consider your audience – they will almost certainly tune out after 15+ minutes of seemingly-endless acknowledgments…
Remember: Professional speakers don’t just make stuff up. They don’t write a few thoughts on a notecard and then shoot from the hip for an entire presentation. They take the time to write and carefully craft their material.
As Harriet Turk discusses in our podcast on creating your talk , bullet points can be one way to succinctly outline a talk in a way that you can rely on, even when you’re on stage and nervous. “Bullets are easy because they trigger what it is that you’re really wanting to do,” she said, “Whereas if you write it out and then you memorize it, you could have stage fright , or you’ve practiced it so much that you get to a point that you’re nervous and you forget.”
Although you shouldn’t just be reading from a page the whole time, writing out specific names of people you want to thank can help keep you from forgetting anybody.
When you’re on stage
So you’ve written, practiced, and are headed to your acceptance speech venue to give your killer talk. What should you remember when you’re standing on the stage?
As we outline in our 100 speaking tips piece, remember that on stage, you can be an amplified version of yourself. The bigger the venue, the bigger you need to be on stage. The way you would communicate to a group of 10 people is very different than how you would need to communicate to a room of 10,000. Both should be an authentic version of you, but simply amplified to the setting. The bottom line is don’t try to be something you’re not on stage. Be you.
Keep it slow and steady. When you are talking really fast, it becomes difficult for the audience to follow. It’s hard to keep up and process. Plus the faster you talk, the harder it is to understand what you’re saying. So slow down and enunciate. Give the audience the chance to keep up with where you’re going.
Don’t be afraid of the silence. Silence, to a speaker, can feel deafening but it can be powerful. Silence shows confidence that you’re in control of the talk and the room and you’re continuing to guide them towards a common purpose. When you make a strong point, don’t rush to the next line. Stop and let it hang there. The silence is your friend.
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All in all, giving an award acceptance speech is a great opportunity to practice your speaking skills while simultaneously a big honor! Whether you’re an experienced speaker or haven’t given one for years, these tips and processes can help you conceive of, outline, and deliver an awesome acceptance speech.
If you found this piece helpful, we have a great podcast with Grant Baldwin on how to create your talk. He tells us how he prepares for talks, what makes a talk good versus another talk, and what types of structures you can use to organize your content. You can listen to this podcast on creating a talk here . Want to read more about speaking tips? Take a look at our 100 tips for motivational speaking for any speaking engagement ! Happy speaking!
- Last Updated: May 7, 2024
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Sample Acceptance Speech: Accepting High School Hall of Fame Nomination
Dear friends, juniors and seniors, I am deeply honored with the nomination into my high school hall of fame. I have graduated from school 27 years ago, in 1982. Yes, it was long ago, but most of the time I was connected with my university. First, I have been involved into life of the high school as the member of the alumni group giving the award, and now, as the recipient of the award. This award is the recognition of my achievements and you can only imagine how important it is to me. I’ve dedicated my professional life to business and community service. Now I can say that I’m happy with the way I’ve chosen. It gives me satisfaction with all I do. Business sphere is full of challenges, the overcoming of which is so exciting and victorious! I wish to experience this feeling of your power and strength when you understand that this fight has been won. There are certain principles which I follow in my business activities: the principles of fair play, honest competition and teamwork. Community service makes me feel satisfied because in such way I can help people. I choose wealthy, healthy and happy life for me and my family. The laws of mutual aid, fairness and loving attitude to everything in my life help me to succeed. For example, today I am standing in front of you and I love it! I am extremely happy to greet you and be awarded! I wish you some day experience the same. Remembering my old school days I recall that every teacher assumed that students have nothing else to do except study for that teacher’s course. Be patient! Teachers are also people, in fact they are honorable and respected people, though sometimes they fail to understand their students. So, you have to cope with this somehow. I am sure that today you think this is a real challenge because you can’t find enough time to enjoy your personal life. You search for the methods to find that happy medium between your studies and your personal life. This is hardly accomplishable. One of my school friends became a bookworm, eliminating parties and dances from his life. In the end of our school days he regretted missed opportunities to enjoy life as it is. Another friend completely forgot about studying – he enjoyed every second of his life, spending it everywhere but school. In the end he was frustrated because no matter they may say, school certificate is a necessary document. I saw the eyes of my friends and envy was there, because I tried to be in the middle in such matters. So, sometimes you have to choose. Of course, I won’t agitate you for studying days and nights. But please, be reasonable and always strive to make the best of yourself. Elbert Hubbard told that “One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men, but no machine can do the work of one extraordinary man”. I realize that he meant another machine, but I’ll mention you PCs. Don’t let them do everything for you. Develop your mind, get new knowledge and skills. Only thus you would have the chance to become extraordinary person. Also, I know what does the peer pressure means. I just want to say here the following: “The man who follows a crowd will never be followed by a crowd” (R.S. Donnell). Think about it and choose, because it is your life and no one will make decisions for you. Those challenges are critical for you today, as well as your relationships with friends, families and the surrounding. But you should be prepared to face real life challenges. They can be really difficult and only your strength, will and stamina will help you to overcome these difficulties. Be motivated and inspired! Be prepared to both happy and sad events; be prepared to easy ways and to obstacles! Remember, that he who does not make mistakes, does not live actually. But I suggest you think in advance about the potential outcome of your mistake. Be clever, witty, and strong! The best of you will be awarded by our high school! See you in several years at this stage. Thank you and good luck!
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Achieving an award is an incredible honor. Now comes the moment to deliver an acceptance speech before an audience.
While it might seem straightforward at first, writing an impactful acceptance speech can be tough. Standing in the spotlight, ready to express your gratitude, can be nerve-wracking.
However, with the right guidance, your acceptance speech can become a memorable and heartfelt experience for both you and your listeners. This blog will provide you with examples and tips to help you write an outstanding acceptance speech that genuinely reflects your appreciation for your audience.
Whether it's an award, honor, or any form of recognition, these tips will make your speech shine.
Let's get started!
- 1. What is an Acceptance Speech?
- 2. Steps to Write an Acceptance Speech
- 3. Acceptance Speech Examples
- 4. Acceptance Speech Ideas
- 5. Tips for Acceptance Speech Writing
What is an Acceptance Speech?
In speech writing an acceptance speech is basically a speech you give when you receive an award or recognition. It’s your chance to thank those who helped you get there, share your feelings, and maybe even inspire others.
It’s not just about saying thanks; it’s about connecting with your audience and leaving a positive impression.
An acceptance speech is distinct from other types of speech in its purpose and focus. While it does share elements with special occasion speech and commemorative speech , its primary aim is to express gratitude upon receiving an award.
The Elements of Good Acceptance Speeches
Good acceptance speeches share several key elements that make them memorable and effective:
- Gratitude: Sincerely thank supporters and contributors.
- Humility: Acknowledge collective efforts.
- Personal Touch: Share relatable anecdotes.
- Inspiration: Offer positive messages and lessons.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Stay focused and avoid excess.
- Emotional Connection: Speak with sincerity and passion.
- Memorable Closing: End with impact or lasting impression.
Steps to Write an Acceptance Speech
Your words for an acceptance speech for an award should leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a memorable acceptance speech:
Step 1: Immediately Begin With a Thank You
Start your speech by expressing heartfelt thanks to those who have not only supported you but also recognized your achievements. This sets a positive and appreciative tone from the very beginning, showing your gratitude for the honor.
Step 2: Discuss the Organization
Take a moment to reflect on the significance of the organization that is presenting the award. Explain how this organization contributes to the community or field, and why their recognition is valuable.
Step 3: Recognize Supportive People
Acknowledge the people who have played essential roles in your journey to success. This includes family members, friends, mentors, and anyone else who has provided guidance, support, or inspiration along the way.
Step 4: Include Humor in Your Speech
Injecting humor into your speech can be a great way to engage your audience and make your speech more enjoyable. You can pick an entertaining speech topic to include in your speech.
Step 5: End With Impact
The conclusion of your speech is a crucial part where you can leave a lasting impression on your audience. Conclude with a statement, quote, or message that makes your speech memorable and thought-provoking.
Step 6: Express Gratitude
Finally, reiterate your appreciation for the organization that presented the award and for the audience that has listened to your speech. Convey your thanks with sincerity and humility.
By considering the above-mentioned elements in your acceptance speech, you can create a memorable address that resonates with your audience and expresses your gratitude.
Acceptance Speech Examples
Here's a sample of the best short acceptance speech :
"Thank you. This honor means the world to me. I'm truly grateful to [organization/event] for this recognition. I couldn't have achieved this without the incredible support of my [family/team/mentors]. Your belief in me has been my greatest strength. This award inspires me to keep striving for excellence. Thank you again." |
Short acceptance speeches like this one are concise yet convey sincere gratitude and humility, leaving a positive impression on the audience.
Here's an example of the longest acceptance speech . Let's use it to contrast with the short one.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and esteemed members of [organization], thank you for this incredible honor. I am deeply humbled and overwhelmed to receive this prestigious award. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to [list of individuals or organizations], whose unwavering support and belief in me have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Your guidance and encouragement have shaped my journey and made this moment possible. I also want to acknowledge the dedicated team and collaborators who have stood by my side through every challenge and triumph. Together, we have pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and achieved remarkable feats. This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a testament to the collective commitment and passion of everyone involved. It inspires me to continue striving for excellence and making meaningful contributions to [industry/cause/community]. In closing, I want to dedicate this honor to [mention a cause, group, or individual close to your heart], whose resilience and spirit inspire me daily. Thank you once again to [organization/event] for this humbling recognition. I am deeply honored and grateful. |
Let’s take a look at some more excellent examples in PDF format:
Acceptance Speech Sample
Award Acceptance Speech
Scholarship Acceptance Speech
Jennifer Coolidge Acceptance Speech
Brendan Fraser Acceptance Speech
Austin Butler Acceptance Speech
Ke Huy Quan's Acceptance Speech
Sheryl Lee Ralph's Acceptance Speech
Jamie Lee Curtis Acceptance Speech
Michelle Yeoh Acceptance Speech
Harry Styles's Acceptance Speech
Lizzo Acceptance Speech
Acceptance Speech as President of An Organization
Acceptance Speech for a Leadership Position
It is recommended to look at additional speech examples to have a better understanding of writing a speech.
Famous Acceptance Speeches
Here are five famous acceptance speeches known for their memorable and impactful nature:
- Oprah Winfrey - 2018 Golden Globe Awards : Oprah Winfrey's acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award highlighted issues of racial and gender inequality, making it a powerful call-to-action.
- Emma Watson - 2013 MTV Movie Awards : Emma Watson's acceptance speech for the Trailblazer Award focused on gender equality and the importance of breaking stereotypes.
- Tom Hanks - 1994 Academy Awards : Tom Hanks' acceptance speech for Best Actor in "Philadelphia" included a touching tribute to those affected by HIV/AIDS, emphasizing compassion and understanding.
- J.K. Rowling - 2008 Harvard University Commencement : J.K. Rowling's acceptance speech for the Harvard Alumni Association's Annual Meeting focused on the benefits of failure and the importance of imagination.
- Ellen DeGeneres - 2012 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor : Ellen DeGeneres' acceptance speech for the Mark Twain Prize was heartfelt and humorous, reflecting on her journey as a comedian and the impact of laughter on society.
Some may confuse farewell speeches with acceptance speeches due to their shared themes of gratitude and reflection, but their distinct purposes—farewell to bid adieu versus acceptance to acknowledge recognition—set them apart.
Acceptance Speech Ideas
Here are ten ideas for acceptance speeches that you can consider:
- Gratitude for an Award or Recognition
- Reflections on Personal Growth and Achievements
- Acknowledgment of Supportive Individuals or Teams
- Impact of the Award on Career or Personal Journey
- Commitment to Further Excellence or Contribution
- Inspiration from Role Models or Mentors
- Importance of the Award in Professional Development
- Reflections on Challenges Overcome to Achieve the Award
- Impact of the Award on Community or Industry
- Vision for the Future and Goals Moving Forward
Best Acceptance Speech Quotes
Here are some quotes you can use as prompts to begin your acceptance speech.
- "Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul." - Henry Ward Beecher
- "Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." - Eckhart Tolle
- "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success." - Albert Schweitzer
- "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill
- "It takes a village to raise a child." - African Proverb
- "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs
- "Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." - Voltaire
- "The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness." - Dalai Lama
- "Gratitude turns what we have into enough." - Anonymous
- "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey
Acceptance Speech Starters
Here are some acceptance speech starters to begin your speech with impact:
- "Thank you all for this incredible honor..."
- "I am deeply humbled to receive this award..."
- "I am honored and grateful to stand before you today..."
- "It is with great humility that I accept this prestigious award..."
- "I am truly privileged to be recognized in this way..."
- "I want to express my sincere gratitude to [organization/event] for this recognition..."
- "What an incredible moment this is for me..."
- "I am profoundly thankful for this meaningful recognition..."
- "I am filled with gratitude as I accept this award..."
- "I am both honored and humbled to receive this distinguished award..."
Tips for Acceptance Speech Writing
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind while crafting your acceptance speech.
- Start Early: Begin preparing your speech well ahead of time to allow for reflection and revisions.
- Respectful Tone: Use polite language throughout to show appreciation and respect.
- Keep It Brief: Aim for brevity; acceptance speeches are typically short and to the point.
- Adapt to the Occasion: Tailor your speech to fit the event's formality and theme.
- Create an Outline: Organize your thoughts with an outline to ensure you cover all key points effectively.
- Understand Requirements: Clarify any specific guidelines from the organizers before writing.
- Seek Inspiration: Learn from great speeches online for ideas and insights.
- Edit and Proofread: Review and refine your speech carefully, and get feedback if possible.
Mistakes to Avoid When Writing An Acceptance Speech
Here’s what to steer clear of when crafting your speech:
- Overwhelming Thank-Yous: Express gratitude without listing everyone; focus on key supporters.
- Lack of Structure: Keep your speech organized with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Being Negative: Stay positive and avoid criticism, keeping a gracious tone.
- Overusing Jargon: Use language that everyone can understand; avoid technical terms.
- Inappropriate Humor: Use humor cautiously and avoid anything offensive or sarcastic.
- Not Rehearsing: Practice your speech beforehand to ensure smooth delivery and engagement.
So There You Have It!
Your acceptance speech is your opportunity to shine and express your gratitude. With these guidelines and tips, you can craft an acceptance speech that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impact.
Whether you're addressing a small gathering or a large audience, your words can inspire and connect with those who have chosen to honor your achievements.
Nonetheless, being a good speaker doesn't always translate to being a good writer. That's why many opt for expert assistance from professional writers.
MyPerfectWords.com stands as a reputed essay writing company , offering genuine support for your academic assignments and professional speeches.
Just reach out to our customer service to buy speech of the best quality!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to start off an acceptance speech.
Begin your acceptance speech with a heartfelt thank you to the organization or individuals presenting the award. You can also start with a brief, personal anecdote related to the award or express your emotions about receiving the honor. Starting with gratitude sets a positive tone and immediately engages your audience.
What to say in an acceptance speech?
In your acceptance speech, focus on expressing genuine gratitude to those who supported and contributed to your success. Acknowledge the significance of the award and the organization presenting it. Share personal insights, anecdotes, or reflections that highlight your journey and the impact of receiving the award. End your speech with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your appreciation and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
What is the typical length of an acceptance speech?
Acceptance speeches typically range from 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the event's guidelines and schedule. They aim to be concise while expressing gratitude and acknowledging supporters effectively.
How to write a 2-minute acceptance speech?
To write a 2-minute acceptance speech;
- Start with gratitude
- Only focus on key points
- Mention the significance of the award.
- Acknowledge support
- End with appreciation & heartfelt thank you
How to present an acceptance speech?
To present or deliver an acceptance speech;
- Prepare beforehand
- Start strong
- Maintain eye contact
- Stay focused
- Conclude effectively
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Acceptance Speech
Acceptance speech generator.
Being recognized or awarded is one of the best feelings in the world. It gives us the feeling of being overwhelmed with so much gratitude and that we would also want to share our achievement with people who helped in the sidelines. One way of giving back and showing sincere gratitude is through acceptance speeches. The heart of every acceptance speech is gratitude. Acceptance speeches are also a way of acknowledging people who helped the recipient of the award or the recognition in acquiring all his or her achievements.
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What Is an Acceptance Speech?
An acceptance speech is a speech with an aim to simply express gratitude after receiving a recognition or an award.
10 Tips for Writing an Award-Winning Acceptance Speech
We all know that acceptance speeches are often delivered after receiving an award but it does not mean that your acceptance speech shouldn’t be award-winning either. Here are ten steps on how to make and deliver an acceptance speech that can even make you earn another award if there is a contest for acceptance speeches:
1. Know Your Time Limit.
If you already know what award you will be receiving, you have to make sure that you asked about the duration of the entire awarding ceremony before starting your speech . In that way, you would know your time limit for your speech. You have to make sure that your speech would fit the given time frame in order to make sure that it does not exceed and make unnecessary changes in the program just because your speech was too long.
3. Acknowledge All that Has to be Acknowledged
It’s only right that you should recognize the people who have helped you in the sidelines. Most people would acknowledge their family, friends, and colleagues but this is too common; acknowledge the people who, even with their small contribution has made a great impact in helping you achieve your smart goals and successes.
4. K.I.S.S. and Brevity.
Most of the awarding ceremonies would often take 2-3 hours and oftentimes, there are a lot of people to be given an award and you may also add the myriad of performances and presentations in between. If you would have a speech with a length of more than five minutes for a single award or recognition, you will be taking too much of the awarding ceremony’s time and you have to keep in mind that you are not the only person to be awarded or given with a recognition. That is why you have to maintain the brevity, or keep your acceptance speech short and simple or else it will bore your audience and you would be taking too much time from the allotted time duration of the awarding ceremony.
If you are a natural entertainer, then make good use of this in your acceptance speeches. Awarding ceremonies can be boring and it is only in ad-libs from hosts or emcees and speeches by awardees that a ceremony can be on the light side. But caution: do not focus solely on making your speech humorous or else your focus would stray away from what your acceptance speech is actually about and that is your expression of gratitude.
6. Tell a Story.
If you have found a difficulty in making your audience laugh, you can always tell a story. Good storytellers, without humor, can always entertain its audience. You can always share your struggles and mini-successes as you make your way to your main goal. In this way, you can actually inspire people who may actually share the same path and struggles as yours. People would always want to have a company in their miseries.
7. Do Not Bring Notes.
Aside from the fact that reading our acceptance speech on pieces of small notes would not make a good impression, memorizing and familiarizing our own speech can somehow improve or establish our credibility. Memorizing our own speech would also help us gain confidence in delivering the speech.
8. Always End with a Bang
If you want to make a great impact on your audience, always end your acceptance speech with a bang. You can summarize and condense the groups of people who helped you but this is not anymore necessary. What’s necessary is that you would make a statement that would give you a solid impression. One sign that you would be making a good impression is that you whatever you said in your speech, even if it is in the introduction, will be remembered by the audience. Although it is not necessary to end with a bang, it would actually make you feel good other than receiving the award or the recognition.
9. Speak From the Heart
Even if it is good to memorize our speech, sometimes it is only best that we would familiarize our acceptance speech so we that we will have a chance to speak from the heart. Memorizing would sometimes make us sound robotic as if we’re reading something, but if we familiarize and just speak form the heart, we actually become genuine in all the words and in the expression of our gratitude and honest appreciation to all the people we are acknowledging.
10. Make The Fact Clear that this Is Not Just About You
You should always make it clear that if ever there were people who helped you along the way, you should always and also acknowledge them and let them share your achievements. Always be humble but do not be overly modest to the point that you would sound fake and just act for the sake of trying to look down to earth. But that does not mean you could not be proud of the people who helped you along the way; again, remember to acknowledge their contributions, no matter how big or small that contribution is.
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3 Simple Ways in Writing an Award-Winning Acceptance Speech
If you already know that you would be recognized and awarded, you should always prepare your acceptance speech beforehand. Unless you’re eloquent and confident enought that you would be able to ace an imprompty acceptance speech, then you may go ahead and skip the following list. But if you feel like you would still need to work on your writing your speech, then read this:
1. Make an Outline
Always start any writing composition with an outline. The outline will serve as your guide through out your writing process. This will give you direction. Make sure that in your oultine, you will have the parts of your speech as headers and right below the headers or the major parts of your speech are the ideas that you would want that part to contain with.
2. List Down the People You Would Want to Thank and Acknowledge
List down all the possible names of people and groups or organization that you would want to share your recognition or award so that you would not have a difficulty in remembering them when you would actually be already delivering your speech. You wouldn’t want to get any chances of being a person who shows no gratitude if ever you would forget to thank even one person or group of people, right?
3. Be Sincere and Genuine
Remember that the heart of every acceptance speech is gratitude and we all know that gratitude should always be sincere and genuine. It is not real gratitude if you would be all fake in your expression of thanks. It does not take a million to be genuine in thanking people that you should really be thanking. Always make sure that you have recognized every effort made by the people who helped you along the way and make sure that in thanking them, you sincerely and truly do.
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Write an Acceptance Speech for a community leader award.
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It is a reminder to keep striving, keep learning, and keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Thank you for this honor, and may we all continue to grow and excel in our endeavors. 4. A Celebration of Vision and Innovation. Receiving this award is a moment of immense pride and joy.
Never start a presentation the way most people start a presentation. If appropriate, perhaps start with a brief thank you. Otherwise - launch into a great story. Open with a powerful quote. Set ...
About 1 in 100 professional players make the Hall (and only about 1 in 200 varsity high school players get drafted to the minors, and only about 1 in 30 minor leaguers makes the MLB). This is the crème de la crème; almost one-in-a-million. That segment last about 40 minutes. Then each HOF inductee gives a speech.
3. Record yourself reading your speech. Use a camcorder, computer, or your phone. Make sure you're standing for the recording and set the camera far enough away that it captures your entire body. If you'll be giving your speech at a podium, find something to use as a podium for the video, like a table or a desk.
July 30, 2014. "Good afternoon. First, I want to thank you all for coming to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. I know you have a choice of museums when you visit Cooperstown, so thank you for choosing this one. Frankly, I don't know how you could pass up the 18th-century Dutch-style plow at the nearby Farmers' Museum, but ...
There are two things that Basketball Hall of Fame inductees have to do before they're enshrined in Springfield, Mass. The first thing they have to do is be phenomenally good at basketball or ...
First and foremost, an acceptance speech is a chance to express your heartfelt appreciation for the honor you've received. This isn't the time to be modest or downplay your achievements. Let your emotions shine through and show how much the award means to you. Take a cue from Sandra Bullock's acceptance speech at the 2010 Oscars.
3. Acknowledge Your Debt to Others. Let the audience know that you know that you couldn't have made it this far without help from many, many other people—some of whom are present today. (Don't list them all right now, that will come soon. Lots of people thank and/or talk about their parents at this point in their acceptance speeches.
Give the audience the chance to keep up with where you're going. Don't be afraid of the silence. Silence, to a speaker, can feel deafening but it can be powerful. Silence shows confidence that you're in control of the talk and the room and you're continuing to guide them towards a common purpose. When you make a strong point, don't ...
January 24, 2024. Dear friends, juniors and seniors, I am deeply honored with the nomination into my high school hall of fame. I have graduated from school 27 years ago, in 1982. Yes, it was long ago, but most of the time I was connected with my university. First, I have been involved into life of the high school as the member of the alumni ...
Famous Acceptance Speeches . Here are five famous acceptance speeches known for their memorable and impactful nature: Oprah Winfrey - 2018 Golden Globe Awards: Oprah Winfrey's acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award highlighted issues of racial and gender inequality, making it a powerful call-to-action.; Emma Watson - 2013 MTV Movie Awards: Emma Watson's acceptance speech for the ...
Memorizing our own speech would also help us gain confidence in delivering the speech. 8. Always End with a Bang. If you want to make a great impact on your audience, always end your acceptance speech with a bang. You can summarize and condense the groups of people who helped you but this is not anymore necessary.
Do-It-Yourself. Hall of Fame speech. This weekend may bring us the anarchy of the first sloppy, penalty-ridden preseason football game, but thanks to the glory of the NFL's Hall of Fame induction ...
The first step is to write a catchy introduction. An introduction that has the power to grab the attention of the audience increases the likelihood of your successful performance. In this part, you may also mark individuals who have received this honor before you. Also, you can mention why this occasion became a reality.
NBA Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech Lyrics. Thank you. Thank you. I told all my friends I was just gonna come up here and say 'thank you' and walk off. I can't. There's no way. I got too many ...
Here's the full transcript. Here's what New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had to say during his Hall of Fame induction acceptance speech on Wednesday night: "Thank you, guys. Thank ...
NFL quarterback Peyton Manning was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame class of 2021 on August 8, 2021. Read the full transcript and watch the video of his full induction speech here. Try Rev and save time transcribing, captioning, and subtitling. Thank you very much.
Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu was inducted into the 2021 Hall of Fame, and gave a speech on August 7, 2021. Read his full hall of fame induction speech here. Try Rev and save time transcribing, captioning, and subtitling. Presenting Troy Polamalu for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Dick LeBeau. Thank you, guys.
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Murphy has written countless speeches for Thomas in the past and the two even co-authored Thomas' biography with a third author. Given Murphy's ability to capture a player's essence in their speeches, it is no surprise that Thomas once again turned to a friend when writing the acceptance speech for this once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
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