speech of award acceptance

Award Acceptance Speech

Navigate the art of delivering a heartfelt award acceptance speech with our expert guide, which includes a variety of inspiring speech examples . This comprehensive resource is designed to assist you in articulating your gratitude and joy effectively. Whether you’re acknowledging a professional honor or a personal milestone, our array of speech examples will guide you in creating a memorable and sincere acceptance speech, ensuring your words leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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If you have been nominated for an award and you are confident that your chances of winning is high or even if you are not that confident you’ll win, it is only right to prepare a speech when receiving said award. As English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge has said, “He who is best prepared can best serve his moment of inspiration.” Therefore, you should prepare a speech ahead of time regardless of uncertainty in order to avoid stuttering when accepting an award or plainly embarrassing yourself in such a momentous occasion for saying the wrong words.

Outline of an Award Acceptance Speech

When you when an award especially during prestigious events, it is most likely that you are expected to give an award acceptance speech . As the name suggests, it is a speech you give when you accept an award and mainly for expressing how honored and thankful you are to be given such recognition. In the process of writing the speech , you should also know what information you should include. Although there is no set standard on how to write the speech, here is an explanation on the outline of an award acceptance speech:

This part of your speech is basically your introduction. This will be your formal opening, the ice breaker or the attention-grabber for your speech. The main purpose of this part is to show your excitement, your shock and happiness to be given the award. This will also serve as your formal acknowledgement to the people present during the event. In some award acceptance speeches given by professionals in certain filed, this is where they insert a humorous quip. For speech example , during the Oscars in 2010, Sandra Bullock who won the Best Actress Award opened her speech with “Did I really earn this or did I just wear you all down?”

2. Expression of gratitude

This part of the speech is where you express your gratitude for the organization or institution who has given you the award. Although this can also be used to thank important people in your life, thanking the organization also expresses your respect to the body who has given you the award. Aside from that, this is also your way to talk about how thankful you are just for the nomination and how much happy and honored you are that the deciding body chose you despite of all the talented nominees.

3. Address your competition

It is only right that you acknowledge the people who were nominated alongside you. This is the part of your speech where you speak well of your competition. Although they were your competitors for the award, some of them are your close acquaintances or friends and people you have admired for a long time. This is also your time to acknowledge how brilliant they performed in their own right and how worthy they are of the nomination. In addition, you can also mention how these nominees also served as your inspiration during the process of creating your work. Through this you strengthen your friendship with some of them and creating new meaningful relationships with the others.

4. Sharing the glory

On this part of the speech you share your glory to the people who have continuously supported you. Aside from the people executives like talent scouts, directors, producers, managers, supervisors, etc. who have taken a chance on you, this is also where you thank the most important people in your life like your spouse, parents, siblings, friends, mentors and so on. When the late Robin Williams received the Best Supporting Actor during the 1998 Oscars, he humorously thanked his late father saying “Most of all, I want to thank my father, up there, the man who when I said I wanted to be an actor, he said, ‘Wonderful. Just have a back-up profession like welding.'”

5. Conclusion

The conclusion of your speech can be inspirational, funny, challenging and others. You should definitely end your speech with something you can be remembered by. For example you can pose a challenge to the audience, or your can leave with some inspirational message that the audience can ponder on, or you can end your speech with some witty, funny remarks. To end his award acceptance speech during the Mark Twain Comedy Award in 2011, actor-comedian Will Ferrell funny quipped the theater band “Now, you can play it, now you can play the music.” as they have interrupted him in the beginning of his speech.

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How to Make an Award Acceptance Speech

In order to deliver an outstanding award acceptance speech you should prepared it ahead of time. Although some prepare to deliver it extemporaneously, but in order to save time you can prepare just the basic outline of what you want to say or a list of people you want to thank so as not to forget anyone. However, when you have been given prior knowledge about the award, it is much better to allot time to actually write it. Hence, here is a guide you can refer to when you write an award acceptance speech:

1. Brainstorm ideas

This part of your process will be the foundation or outline as you go along with the actual writing process. This will enable you to generate ideas on how you want your speech to go and what yu want to include in the speech. Aside from that, it will allow you to gather inspiration that you can apply in your own speech.

Make a list of the reasons why you are thankful for receiving the award.
Make a list of all the people you want to thank in your speech. Only name the most important ones, and thank the others in general.
Read or watch other acceptance speeches in order to draw inspiration.

2. Write your speech

Since you already have enough ideas and basically an outline of how your speech should go, you can now proceed to the actual writing process. The writing process should be easy enough since the speech is supposed to be brief and more importantly because you already have a guide. A list of the entire writing process is listed below:

Write a brief introduction that will set the tone of your entire speech. Make sure you try to express gratitude and connect with the audience right away. You can also start your speech with a funny quip, but try to avoid sarcasm or joking about the merits of the award itself. In addition, the length of your introduction will heavily depend on the time allotted to you to deliver the speech.
Proceed to the body of your speech focusing on the people you want to express your gratitude to. This speech should be devoted to expressing your gratitude to the body who gave you the award, the people you enabled you to showcase your talents and all the people who have undoubtedly supported you. You can easily refer to the list of people you want to thank that you have made beforehand.
Avoid thanking too many people. Although this is meant to express your gratitude, the audience will easily get bored if all you do is thank everyone one-by-one. It can also cause disappointments once you forget to mention someone.
Take caution in making you speech a platform. Although this can be used to address certain controversies or social issues, be wary in doing so since saying the wrong things when you only mean well can still be interpreted badly.
Conclude your speech on a positive note. Make sure you end your speech in a lighthearted and positive manner in order to maintain the atmosphere and also to make sure you have used up your opportunity in a good way.

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How to Deliver an Award Acceptance Speech

Aside from having a brilliant speech, you should also be to deliver you speech in a brilliant manner. You have to make sure that your delivery is perfect to that the audience can clearly understand you and so that your message can be heard audibly. Here are some tips on how you can deliver your award acceptance speech:

Show your personality . The delivery of your speech should come from the heart. It is okay to sound a surprised and shocked for it is only human. With that, you should show your personality through the words you say and the actions or gestures you make.
Be gracious . Being gracious means acknowledging the good work done by your competitors and thanking the organization that selected you for the award. You show how good-natured you are by avoiding the tendency of becoming narcissistic; talk about others more thank yourself.
Show excitement . Showing your excitement does not mean you have to do cartwheels towards the stage, but you have to make sure that the audience can recognize that you are really happy to have won the award. You can show this through words or through gestures. Some are show visible signs of excitement like getting jitters, heavy breathing, getting teary-eyed, and so on.
Be modest . It should not be self-congratulatory however heartfelt it may be. Show modesty through avoiding talking more about you than other relevant and important people in your life.
Practice, practice, practice . Your should prepare, rehearse with a timer, memorize key people to thank and allow time for the unexpected.

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Tips in Writing and Delivering Award Acceptance Speech

Now that you have enough ideas and guide on how to write a brilliant award acceptance speech and how to effectively deliver it, your should also know some of the other important yet forgotten details about it. Hence, here is a list of useful tips you should know when writing and delivering an award acceptance speech:

It is best to ask how much time you are allotted for the speech.
Allot time to brainstorm what you want to include in your speech and which to talk about first.
With the time constraint in mind, begin writing the introduction of your speech.
Keep your speech short but sincere.
Wholeheartedly acknowledge those who helped you along the way.
Express honest appreciation.
Include witty, humorous remarks to have an entertaining factor.
Explain how this experience has changed your life for the better.
End the speech with a bang.
Aim to make the speech memorable.
Avoid using notes.
Give a nod to the organizers.
Establish a personal connection.
Be genuine.
Stop apologizing for the past, for being speechless, for getting emotional, and so on.
Mention and acknowledge the organization’s goals.
Keep a lid on the jokes.One or two jokes is already enough.

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Concluding your award acceptance speech, remember to speak from the heart, expressing genuine gratitude. Utilize our guide and examples to eloquently acknowledge those who’ve supported you, making your speech as memorable as the achievement itself. Your words have the power to inspire and resonate, leaving a lasting impact on your audience. Embrace this opportunity to shine and share your journey with grace and appreciation.

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How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech to Thank, Inspire and Impress

Let’s say you got nominated for an award and now you have to give an acceptance speech. It’s pretty important to give a good speech, no matter what you’re being awarded for. Looking good doesn’t hurt either!

So, how do you give a good acceptance speech for your award? First off, you should ask yourself what message you would like to convey to your audience.

Generally, an acceptance speech provides the speaker with an opportunity to not only thank the individuals who helped you win the award but also highlight ideas and issues that you care about and even inspire people to do something even bigger.

Which is why it’s important that you don’t mess up.

Writing a good speech, any kind of speech, requires a lot of time and preparation, in order to ensure that you are well prepared and have included any important details that you would prefer to not leave out.

Here are a few practical tips on how you can draw up your award acceptance speech.

What is an Award Acceptance Speech?

This is a type of speech given by an individual who’s receiving a prize, honor or an award. It is an unwritten tradition to share gratitude to individuals who you’d like or acknowledge or thank by giving a few words.

Your audience may be made up of your family and friends but also individuals in your industry who you respect and admire, so when giving an acceptance speech, ensure you make the best of it.

As compared to other speeches, an acceptance speech does not include a beginning , body or conclusion and doesn’t need a PowerPoint display. In addition to this, acceptance speeches aren’t allotted a lot of time as you would with a keynote speech, so you will have to make it short.

Acceptance speeches also provide you, the speaker who’s accepting the award, an opportunity to either make a great impression , no impression or a terrible one. So, you have to be careful with how you write up and give your speech.

What are the m ain Goals of an Acceptance Speech?

Your goals with regard to this speech should be to;

Thank the individuals who helped you in whatever you did or in your career
Center on one idea that you want to leave your audience with, whether it’s motivating them to work hard or inspiring them to follow their dreams
Make a great impression

Since you’ll only have a few minutes to give your speech, focusing on one point or one of the most important lessons you’ve learnt in life is a good way to go.

Additionally, your speech should give your audience a favorable impression about you while also letting them know that you’ve thought about what you’ve said and that you’re respectful.

How to Write a Great Acceptance Speech

Most individuals who win an award start by thanking the individuals who helped them when they accept it.

There are many different ways of thanking people, so which one is applied in this context? Being as specific as possible when thanking individuals is the best way to go.

Therefore, you should start by:

Be Specific

Thank people by telling them exactly what they did that assisted you

You should do this in a way that is meaningful. Saying “Thank you for your support” doesn’t really mean anything.

So instead, you should look at the individuals you mention and while addressing them by their names, thank them while telling them what exactly you are thanking them for.

For instance, you can say, “Lisa, you encouraged me after being rejected by 7 different publishing houses, you were there for me.”

This will make your speech much more interesting to your audience while also appearing sincere.

Pro-Tip: Make eye contact when thanking every individual while mentioning their name, as it will not only convey respect but also sincerity.

Tell a story

Great award acceptance speeches usually tell stories. While the time allotted to give your speech may be short, 30 seconds is enough time to give a short story.

You can either;

Recount an actual conversation you had with someone; be it a family member colleague or friend, about a challenge you had, how you conquered it and its relevance to the award you’re accepting.
Talk about an encounter that happened

Keep in mind though that if you’ll be telling a story , ensure that its relevant to the award, it’s brief and that you tell it in a way that captivates your audience.

Now that we’ve discussed how to prepare for and write your acceptance speech, we can now look into how you will deliver that speech.

How to Prepare for an Award Acceptance Speech?

Nothing is worse than having no speech prepared when you win a major award; fumbling on stage in front of an audience is not a good thing for anyone.

It also shows the individuals who nominated you that you do not respect them, so take some time and prepare.

First and foremost,

Make your speech memorable

Many of the speeches given at award shows are short, so if it isn’t memorable, it can easily be forgotten.

Good thing is you have a lot of resources at your disposal, the biggest being the internet. Thank heavens for technology! Everyone, including yourself, wants to give a great speech . Looking up great acceptance speeches on YouTube will provide you with amazing examples of great speeches.

Most of these examples are short, as acceptance speeches should be. Besides this, they also seen genuine, contain an emotional moment and are funny.

You may not have a funny bone in your body, which is okay as being funny will entirely be dependent on what you’ll be talking about in your speech. So, no pressure.

Rehearse your speech

It may sound ridiculous to practice your acceptance speech, especially considering that it’s brief. However, this is a great way to modify your speech to your liking.

You can do this by recording yourself giving your speech using your camera or phone.

Looking through the recording will help you pick out what you don’t like and what you like about it. This allows you to repeat your speech as many times as you want while implementing the changes you’d like until you feel happy and comfortable with its final form.

Once you are satisfied with your final take, know you already have it in the bag; you’re going to give a great speech!

Pro-Tip: Practicing helps get rid of the jitters and helps you feel more confident in both yourself and your speech.

How To Deliver Your Acceptance Speech

When delivering your acceptance speech, ensure that it’s at least entertaining . It doesn’t have to make the audience laugh so much that their ribs hurt. However, it also shouldn’t be so boring that people doze off or make conversation while you address them.

So, first off,

Don’t Be Boring

If your speech doesn’t have a few jokes in it or isn’t funny, at least try to include some emotion or a dramatic moment. Boring speeches make people want to gorge their eyes out and seal their ears, so they don’t have to look at you and hear you drone on. Don’t subject your audience to unnecessary torture.

Be entertaining. At the very least, say something entertaining, interesting or amusing, even if you’ll be making fun of yourself.

If you are going to show emotion, don’t go overboard

Blubbering through your speech isn’t interesting, so try to keep it together. This is where practicing your speech comes in, it helps you show just the right amount of emotion while still conveying your message to the audience.

Pro-Tip: A little emotion goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.

Using what we have so far discussed, you should be able to not only write a great speech but also present your speech to your audience in a memorable way.

Now, let’s look at a few things to avoid when giving your acceptance speech.

What to avoid in an Award Acceptance Speech

Do not tell your audience you don’t have a lot of time

This only uses up more time. Instead, use the time you’ve been given to the maximum advantage.

Do not tell your audience that you’re nervous

Even though you might be nervous , other people may not recognize that you are. So, there’s no need to waste valuable time.

By the way, deliberately pausing or speaking slowly helps you overcome any jitters you may have. Thank me later once you try this trick of the trade.

Do not thank too many people

Given that you’ll only have a few minutes to give your speech (at most), try to thank no more than five individuals.

You can send the people you didn’t thank on stage personal notes; that’s why such notes exist.

Do not read your speech from a piece of paper

Not only is this devoid of sincerity, emotion and personality but it also looks scripted . Again, practicing helps you capture your main points in mind.

In conclusion, it all comes down to being genuine when thanking individuals, entertaining and leaving your audience with a good life lesson or something that inspires them. Show your audience that you, indeed, were worthy of getting that award!

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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 1,097,891 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

Step 1 Make a list of reasons you're thankful for receiving the award or honor.

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.

Step 3 Read other acceptance speeches for inspiration.

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."

Step 2 Write the body of your speech, focusing on the people you want to thank.

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.”

Step 4 Be careful using your speech as a platform.

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.

Step 5 Conclude your speech on a positive note.

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.

Step 3 Record yourself reading your speech.

Notice how your voice sounds. Make sure you're speaking loud enough and that what you're saying is clear and understandable.

Step 4 Use a timer to monitor the length of your speech.

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

↑ 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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Module 11: Speaking to Entertain and for Special Occasions

Award and acceptance speeches, learning objectives.

Define the characteristics of award speech.

Identify characteristics of an acceptance speech.

Presenting an Award

In an award speech, a speaker or emcee introduces an award and the winner. The introduction is meant to build excitement, and often the winner is not known until just before the award is to be presented.

Introduce yourself and thank the group or organization asking you to speak. Then name the award and explain briefly about the award you are presenting. Be sure to include the scope of the award, be it local, regional, national, or international.

Next explain what the winner accomplished to win this award. Did they write a paper or did they lead for a cause? Did they grow the largest pumpkin, finish first in a marathon, or bring community groups together to fight for justice? Your job is to present the facts and summarize the story behind their story.

Lastly, if there are other people in attendance who were competing with the winner, make sure to acknowledge them in the time you were allotted. Be sure to finish with the actual award presentation to the person or team, raising your voice and starting the applause after inviting them to receive their award.

Accepting an Award

An acceptance speech often follows an award speech and is given by the winner of the award.

An acceptance speech, like any other speech, should be prepared in advance. Thanking the givers of your award is your first order of business. State how much and why you are grateful for this honor, and if possible, name the people in the organization individually.

Then thank and give credit to those who helped you achieve the award including family, friends, mentors, and others who supported you in this endeavor. Include their names, their roles, and how their combined efforts made it possible for you to receive this honor. If you can’t name all the individuals, name the groups as time will allow.

Briefly share what the honor of the award means to you, and be generous with your praise and your gratitude toward your colleagues and the organizations involved. Smile and carefully look for directions on leaving the stage.

To Watch: Berta Cáceres, Goldman Prize acceptance speech

Environmental and indigenous-rights activist Berta Cáceres, co-founder of the Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), won the Goldman Prize for grassroots environmental activism is 2015 after organizing the Lenca people of Honduras to force the world’s largest dam builder to pull out of the Agua Zarca Dam project on the Río Gualcarque. Tragically, Cáceres was assassinated the following year.

You can view the transcript for “Berta Caceres acceptance speech, 2015 Goldman Prize ceremony” here (opens in new window) .

What to watch for:

In the case of winning an award for a social cause (in this case, environmental activism), it is common to focus on the severity of the problem at hand—that is, to shift the focus from yourself to the problem you are fighting against. Note how Cáceres begins by framing the cause within the belief system and worldview of the Lenca people. She then explains the mission of the organization she helped to found. Next she turns to her call to action: “¡Despertemos¡ ¡Despertemos Humanidad¡ Ya no hay tiempo.” (Let us wake up! Let us wake up, humanity! We’re out of time.) The ending of her speech reminds us that gratitude and humility are the most important elements of an acceptance speech. If thanks aren’t in line with the gravity of the topic, a dedication can serve a similar purpose: “Dedico este premio a todas las rebeldías, a mi madre, al Pueblo Lenca, a Río Blanco y a las y los mártires por la defensa de los bienes naturales.” (I dedicate this award to all the rebels, to my mother, to the Lenca People, to the Río Blanco, and to all the martyrs who gave their lives in the struggle to defend our natural resources.)

Berta Caceres acceptance speech, 2015 Goldman Prize ceremony. Provided by : Goldman Environmental Prize. Located at : https://youtu.be/AR1kwx8b0ms . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
Award and Acceptance Speeches. Authored by : Patricia Atkinson with Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution

How to give an award acceptance speech

James Haynes
September 19, 2022

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.

What Type Of Speaker Are You?

Click below to discover your Speaker Archetype and how to start getting booked and paid to speak!

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: February 29, 2024

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What Not to Do If You Win an Oscar

A Hollywood speechwriter on what makes for a great—or a terrible—moment at the mic

Woman in a red dress holding a golden Emmy trophy, smiling in front of a microphone.

The moment an artist wins an Oscar or a Grammy or a Tony, they are handed two things: some kind of statue (sure, nice) and, perhaps more important, 45 seconds—maybe a minute, two tops—of live, relatively unbridled stage time with millions of people watching. They can use that time however they choose, thanking their parents, thanking their agents, thanking God, advocating for causes, crying. After that the music will play.

Wendy Shanker is a writer with a niche skill: She helps celebrity clients draft acceptance speeches so that they can maximize these high-adrenaline, high-profile moments.

Shanker told me that she once found herself moved to tears when a client seemed to be forgoing the drafted speech in favor of something else—only to suddenly realize that Shanker herself had in fact written the words in question. “She’s such a phenomenal actress that I didn’t even recognize my own writing,” Shanker said.

Ahead of this weekend’s Oscars, Shanker and I caught up by phone to discuss the art of acceptance speeches (keep the thank-you list short, she says) and her biggest pet peeve (reading off a phone).

Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Caroline Mimbs Nyce: Let’s pretend you get hired by a new A-list client tomorrow. Walk me through your process.

Wendy Shanker: My process is to try and do a lot of research and to get to know that person’s voice as well as I can before I actually connect with them directly. So I’m reading interviews and watching videos. The best is when I do get to work directly with that client as opposed to going through a publicist or a manager. Just even having a really brief conversation with somebody, I can really hear really, really quickly what it is that they want to say and the voice that they want to say it in. And I can also provide a little bit of guidance to them on what might work and what might not work.

A good example of this would be I wrote an acceptance speech—this wasn’t a televised show; this was a private event. A woman was being honored, and her team had said, “Look, whatever you do, don’t talk about her mother.” Her mother is also famous. “Don’t make this about her mother.” I went, “Okay, okay, okay.” And then I got 10 minutes with my client on the phone. And the first thing she said is, “I really just wanted to talk about my mother.”

Read: The speeches that saved the Golden Globes

Nyce: Do you think they were trying to keep her from it?

Shanker: I don’t think they were trying to keep her from it. I just think nobody knows the heart and soul of what that person wants to say in the moment except for that person.

Nyce: Do you ever get intervening agents telling you, “Don’t let them say that. Cut that line”?

Shanker: Yeah, that happens a lot. Most representatives are trying to protect their clients. But a lot of what I do is get this very busy person to focus in on this thing they know is coming and haven’t really thought about. Just like any of us lowly humans, they procrastinate. The conversation with me gives them time to shut out all the other noise and focus on What is it that I really want to say?

Nyce: About how long are acceptance speeches usually?

Shanker: It depends on the show. For a network show that’s airing live, the time is tight; it is 45 seconds or 60 seconds. While the person on the stage is accepting the honor, there are the producers backstage trying to figure out how long they’re going to let them talk. Maybe it says 45 seconds on the clock, but if you’re saying something really good or you’re a legend in the industry, they’re going to let you go a little longer. I’ll also say from the producing side of it that nobody ever wants to cut anybody off.

A lot of people don’t want to prepare because they think they’re going to hex it. And I would like to congratulate anybody who thinks they have the magical-thinking power to win or lose an Oscar by preparing a speech or not preparing a speech.

Nyce: How much can you fit into 45 seconds?

Shanker: I advise clients to have one central thought, especially one that could be connected to your performance or your album or the theme of the project that you were in—something that speaks to a social or cultural issue connected to the work that you are being honored for.

I really, really encourage people to limit the thank-you list. If there’s one special thank you that you want to give out—to your parents or to your fifth-grade theater teacher or to the real-life person whom you were portraying on screen—great! But we don’t need to hear about your agent’s assistant’s assistant’s Uber driver. If you are going to go the list way, write them down, practice it, get everybody in there. “Oh, I’m going to forget somebody!” I should never hear that from you onstage.

Read: My favorite awards-season ritual

Nyce: This gets at the question of “Who are award speeches for?” The people in the room or the audiences at home?

Shanker: We all know that the numbers of people watching awards shows are sinking. And I think that’s because we have so much access to a lot of these people that we laud all the time. The Oscars might have been the only time in a year when I would get to hear Barbra Streisand say something. But now Barbra’s tweeting.

I think people get excited about the pageantry of it. I think people still get excited about films and albums and Broadway shows that mean something to us and mean something to the culture, that give us something that we didn’t have before.

And there’s still so much coverage of these shows. We get excited when our beloved film wins and frustrated when it goes the wrong way. So they continue to have a lot of cultural worth, even if they’re losing the numbers.

Nyce: What have you noticed about the acceptance speeches this season? Are there any that have stood out to you?

Shanker: I do think there’s real joy in seeing people who have been in the industry for a long time and haven’t been recognized speak. Ke Huy Quan has this amazing comeback story, and that’s what a lot of his speeches have centered on. Michelle Yeoh is talking about inclusion and representation in a really wonderful way. It’s thrilling and exciting to hear Jamie Lee Curtis say , “I’m 64, and this is just amazing.” Sheryl Lee Ralph bursting into song —completely memorable. Watching Jennifer Coolidge get a lot of awards in this cycle has been super fun because she’s another person who’s worked for decades in an industry that hasn’t always been kind and generous to her or to her talent. When she’s up there, I think she’s being very genuine, and she’s also savvy about giving the audience what they want.

Nyce: What are some of your acceptance-speech pet peeves?

Shanker: My No. 1 pet peeve is going onstage with your cellphone. To me, it just seems unprepared and casual; it doesn’t step up to the intensity and honor of the moment.

The other thing that really bugs me is false humility. When people approach and go, “I just didn’t think I’d … Who, me?” It’s like, You were nominated. You campaigned for it. You’ve spent months wining and dining and talking to people. You’ve been standing in front of a mirror with a hairbrush since you were 4 years old. This is not a shock. Humility is wonderful, but false humility is annoying.

How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech?

Filed under: Featured articles , Public speaking articles , Public speaking tips and tricks , Speech preparation

You’ve been nominated for an award and now you have to give an acceptance speech. It might be an Academy Award where the whole world is watching or it might be an award for the best coach in your little league. Regardless, it’s still important and you would like to look good while giving this speech.

So, how to give an award acceptance speech? It is an opportunity to put a spotlight on ideas you care about, to thank the people who helped you win the award and to give your audience at least one take away.

Therefore, don’t blow it. Don’t wait until the last minute with the preparation and don’t make excuses.

And if you don’t win… well, maybe you will use the acceptance speech next year or next time. So, today I am going to give you practical tips on how you can prepare for your award acceptance speech.

But there’s a lot more to public speaking you should know so I wrote an article about best public speaking books to read. Check out these books here .

Table of Contents

What is an acceptance speech?

An award acceptance speech is a speech given by a person who is receiving an award, honor or prize. When you win something, then it is a tradition to say a few words and share some gratitude toward those you would like to thank or acknowledge.

In the audience are your friends, family and perhaps people in your industry who you respect, so make the best of it.

Let’s start off by focusing on your goals for this speech because, after all, an award acceptance speech is still the same as any other speech. Now, it might be a short one. It might only be 60 seconds long before that music comes in and you’re asked to get off stage…but it’s still a speech.

How is award acceptance different from other speech types?

Well, it is different in a lot of ways. For example: you’re not going to have a PowerPoint display. You’re not going to have a beginning, middle and end, and you’re not going to share funny stories.

Also, you’re not going to walk around the stage and talk for 50 minutes like you would in a keynote speech.

Acceptance speech gives you an opportunity to make:

A great impression
An awful impression
No impression.

Main goals of the acceptance speech

Your goals are not to just get through this. Also, your goal is not to thank your tax attorney and 29 other service providers.

Therefore, your goal should be to:

Make a great impression
Thank the people who were relevant in helping you in your career or whatever it is you did
Try to focus on just one idea that you want to leave people with, whether it is inspiring people to follow their dreams or maybe motivating people to work hard, etc.

This is not an opportunity to communicate five points or more. Instead, it is an opportunity to focus on one of life’s lessons or on one really important idea.

Give people a favorable impression of you and let them know that you’re respectful and that you’ve thought about this and planned.

Recommended books

How to Deliver a TED Talk: Secrets of the World's Most Inspiring Presentations

Jeremy Donovan

Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences

Nancy Duarte

Confessions of a Public Speaker

Scott Berkun

Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds

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The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right

Atul Gawande

The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything... Fast!

Josh Kaufman

Throughout your short award speech, let them know that you’ve got a particular idea you want to communicate and that you thank the people who helped you get to the point where you’re getting this award.

How to prepare for an acceptance speech?

There’s nothing worse than someone winning a major award (whether it is an Emmy Award or just a local club member of the year award) and sort of getting up and fumbling around, “Oh, God – I never thought I would win. So, I didn’t prepare anything…”

Show the people who took the trouble of nominating you a little respect. Do them justice and prepare. It doesn’t really take that long.

Learn from the best

Let’s face it – most acceptance speeches are not memorable. They’re instantly forgotten and they’re perfunctory.

That shouldn’t be your role model. Your role model should be great speeches. Here’s what I want you to do. I want you to go to YouTube and type in “great acceptance speeches” or “great Academy Award acceptance speeches.”

You’ll find tremendous speeches. Most of them are brief because they are acceptance speeches on TV. They’re usually always funny. They have an emotional moment and they seem genuine.

Now, you might be receiving a speech for the best accountant in your county and therefore you might not feel the need or the ability to be wildly funny, but you can still learn from the masters.

Practice your speech

I know, now you want to say, “What? It is ridiculous to practice an acceptance speech!” But actually, it is not. The best way to practice your speech is by recording yourself.

Therefore, grab a phone or camera and record yourself. Next, take a look at the recording and write down everything you liked about it and everything you didn’t like about it.

After, repeat this process as many times as needed until you’re feeling comfortable and happy. If you do that, I guarantee you’re going to deliver a great speech.

Also, don’t be afraid of jinxing yourself. Prepare to accept the award and prepare to give the speech.

How to write an acceptance speech?

The first thing most people do when they win an award is to thank the people who helped them. Of course, you should thank people but remember that there is a particular way of thanking people.

Thank people in a meaningful way

Thank people in as specific a way as possible and tell them exactly what they did that helped you. Don’t just say, “Thank you for your support.” Support is too generic. It’s abstract and doesn’t really mean anything.

What you should do is:

Look at the people you mention
Address them by name
Thank them and tell them what you’re thanking them for. For example: “John, you were there for me when no one else was and when I couldn’t raise a penny to get this idea going. You wrote the first check.”

If you do that then it’s going to be so much more interesting to everyone. It will be meaningful and it will come across as sincere. That’s much more effective than just rattling off a long list of names.

Tell people exactly what you’re thanking them for. Look them in the eye if they’re around. Give specific examples; this way, your thanks has real meaning.

Make a point, tell a story

The best award acceptance speeches always tell a story. Now you may ask, “Well…how is there time for a story?” But I assure you that you can tell a story in 30 seconds.

Talk about something that happened
Recount a real conversation (with a friend, a colleague or a family member) about a challenge, how you overcame it and how it’s relevant to the award.

Main rules for the story you’re going to tell:

Make it brief
Make sure it’s relevant
Tell it in a compelling way

If you do that, you have a good story for your acceptance speech.

How to give an acceptance speech?

When you’re giving an acceptance speech, especially if it’s for anything in the creative field, keep in mind that you’re an entertainer. Therefore, something in your speech should be entertaining.

Don’t be dull – be entertaining

Now, ideally your speech should be funny but if it’s not, at least have a dramatic moment or something with a little emotion . It’s always disappointing when people who are known as world-class entertainers seem, during their acceptance speech, about as entertaining as if an accountant were reading the phonebook to you.

Remember who you are and what your strengths are. Use those strengths to entertain. You’re not going to give a humorous speech for an hour, but you do have a minute where you can say at least something amusing, interesting or entertaining.

So, plan on having something entertaining even if you’re just making fun of yourself.

Show some emotion but don’t overdo it

A little emotion goes a long way. If you’ve had a tough life and now you win some important award it’s understandable to have some emotion…but you need the right amount.

It is not very interesting if you’re out there blubbering. So, keep it together. This is one of the beauties of having rehearsed your acceptance speech – you can show the right amount of emotion and the words can still come out rather easily because you thought of it, you planned it and you rehearsed it.

But if you just take the attitude of, “Oh, I don’t want to jinx myself. I’m not going to plan anything to say – I’ll just get up there,” and then the actual emotion of the moment may overwhelm you and you just can’t say anything. Instead you kind of look like an idiot – especially if it’s on TV for the whole world to see.

So, you want emotion but not so much that you’re just blubbering.

What to avoid while giving an acceptance speech?

Here are a few things that you really need to avoid when giving an acceptance speech.

#1 Don’t read your speech

One thing I would suggest you do is to avoid reading your speech from a piece of paper. It’s just awful – it’s devoid of personality, emotion, and sincerity. So don’t read.

It’s OK to have some notes, but you certainly should not have a word for word scripted out.

#2 Don’t thank more than five people

Also, I really don’t think you should thank more than five people. If you have more people than that to thank then send them a personal note.

Don’t give a long laundry list of names and don’t read because those are the two biggest blunders that people make in the major awards shows when they are receiving awards.

#3 Don’t tell people you’re nervous

You may not know this but no one even recognizes that you’re nervous. You can tell your family and friends later that you were nervous but don’t waste valuable time.

#4 Don’t tell people that you don’t have much time

Speaking of time – don’t waste your time by telling people that you don’t have much time. “Oh my gosh, I don’t have much time. I don’t know where to start because…”

Don’t ever comment on the time. Simply use your time to maximum advantage. Use every second. Say something interesting to the audience and don’t waste time talking about the fact that you don’t have much time because now you have even less time.

So, if you avoid these pitfalls, it gives you more time to focus on saying something interesting. Perhaps something lighthearted or thanking people in a sincere way.

Final thoughts: What to say in an acceptance speech?

If I got to vote for you, I would. I’m pulling for you. I hope you win this award so you can show off your public speaking skills and give a great award acceptance speech.

It really all comes down to:

Be genuine in your thanks. Don’t just list names.
Have one interesting or entertaining thing to say.
Share one little story
Focus on your audience and don’t talk about how you’re nervous or scared.

Finally, the most important tip of all: practice your short speech in advance on video as many times as it takes so that you see in advance the speech you want to give. And then once you win, you can simply deliver the speech that you’ve already practiced. Do that and you will be in absolutely great shape.

Useful reading

How to deliver a ceremonial speech? A Full Guide
How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation Without it Being Awkward?
How to Use a Teleprompter During your Speech? A Complete Guide

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I have been teaching public speaking at Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences

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Award Acceptance Speech Samples

Winning an award is quite shocking in itself, and to give an acceptance speech thereafter can fluster you thoroughly. Here, we provide some sample award acceptance speeches that will help you overcome your shock and surprise, and deliver a good speech. Take a look.

So you have been nominated for an award, and you think your chances of winning are high. Of course, every nominee has that thought and as much as they say that there’s no chance that they are going to win, everyone secretly practices their award speeches and their graceful acceptance of the award. While in your head your thoughts are clear and you know exactly what you are going to say, when you actually win the award, things are different. As much as you wanted to win it, you find yourself flustered, scared, shocked, and sort of numb. All those speeches you had practiced are forgotten. As much as you don’t want that to happen, and want to be that person who can crack jokes and elicit a little laugh from the audience upon giving your acceptance speech, just consider the occurrence of the aforementioned scenario likely. In any case, there are always some sample award speeches you can go through, along with some tips on keeping your cool so that you can give the acceptance speech exactly as you had imagined it.

How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech A little charm is all you want, to bedazzle your audience, when you go up to accept the award and follow it up with a speech. How do you go about doing that? Let’s take a look.

Start by looking good on the day. When you win an award, you will definitely be in the limelight. Whether the award is for scoring well on a subject at the year end in school, or for employee of the year, dress well.
When your name is called out, go and accept your award graciously. Then, head to the podium to make your award speech.
Your job is to make a good connection with the audience. Start by thanking the ‘jury’ for the award, followed by a thanks for everyone who has helped you win this award. This does not mean you include your pet’s name in the speech too. You can mention how shocking it is for you to receive the award, but don’t do that unless it comes from within. In some cases, it just looks forced.
Your speech has to be short. You cannot stretch it for anything longer than two minutes, else it will get boring. Think of how you would feel as a part of the audience, if an award winner would just not stop talking about what his award means to him.

While these were some basic tips on writing a good award speech, here are two samples that will give you an idea about giving an excellent speech.

All in all, an award acceptance speech has to be given straight from the heart. No matter how much you read up and how much you practice, it is the flood of emotions at that particular moment that directs your speech. If you can be funny, feel free to add a dash of humor to your speech. Just don’t crack jokes that will dampen the audience’s mood. If you think you can’t be funny, keep it simple, and you will do just fine. All the best!

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Speech Writing

Acceptance Speech

How to Write the Best Acceptance Speech for Your Audience?

What is an Acceptance Speech?

The main goal of writing the speech is to say thanks to those who've recognized your achievements.

An acceptance speech is a special occasion speech that gives a chance for the recipient to express gratitude and acknowledge the people for the honor.

It's a way to share your vision with humility, showing appreciation for those who've honored you.

How 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:

Immediately Start With a Thank You

Begin 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 are some excellent speech examples for students and working professionals:

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.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing An Acceptance Speech

Here are some things you should avoid when writing your acceptance speech:

Overwhelming Thank-Yous: While expressing gratitude is crucial, don't overdo it by individually thanking every person you've ever met. Keep it concise and focus on key supporters.
Lack of Structure: Avoid a disorganized or lengthy speech. Structure your speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end to maintain your audience's attention.
Being Negative: Stay positive and avoid any negative remarks or criticisms, whether related to the award or other aspects. Maintain a gracious and optimistic tone.
Overusing Jargon: Use language that your audience can easily understand. Avoid excessive use of technical terms or industry-specific jargon.
Inappropriate Humor: Humor is excellent if used appropriately, but steer clear of offensive or overly sarcastic jokes that might alienate your audience.
Not Rehearsing: Practice your speech before the event. Avoid reading it for the first time on stage, which can lead to stumbling or a lack of engagement.

Phrases You Can Use in Acceptance Speech Writing

Here are some useful phrases you can use in your speech:

I am deeply honored to accept this award for...
I share this recognition with...
I stand here today with a profound sense of gratitude for...
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to...
This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of...
I couldn't have achieved this without the unwavering support of...
This honor means the world to me, and it is a reflection of the incredible team I've had the privilege to work with.
I accept this award on behalf of all those who believed in our vision.
This recognition serves as a reminder that dreams can come true with perseverance and the support of loved ones.
As I stand here, I am humbled by the collective effort of our team.
I am excited to see where this award will take us in the future.
This honor encourages us to continue our mission and make an even greater impact.
I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of my colleagues, who have been instrumental in our success.
It is not just my award; it's a celebration of our shared dedication and hard work.
Whether speaking to a few or many, your words can inspire and connect with those who respect your accomplishments.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this award brings, and I pledge to use them to make a positive difference.

You can use these phrases in your acceptance speech.

Tips for Acceptance Speech Writing

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind while crafting your acceptance speech.

Start Early: Begin your speech preparations well in advance to allow time for thoughtful reflection and revisions.
Maintain a Respectful Tone: Use polite and respectful language throughout your speech to show gratitude and appreciation.
Keep It Brief: Acceptance speeches are typically short, so aim to be concise and to the point.
Adapt to the Occasion: Tailor your speech to the formality and theme of the event.
Create an Outline: Develop an outline to help you organize your speech effectively and ensure all key points are included.
Understand Special Requirements: Inquire about any specific requirements or guidelines set by the hosting organization.
Seek Inspiration: Study and learn from exceptional acceptance speeches online to gather ideas and insights.
Edit and Proofread: Carefully review and edit your speech, and consider seeking input from others to refine your content.

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.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech

April 6, 2023

We’ve all done it—imagined giving an acceptance speech for winning gold in Olympic figure skating, Album of the Year, or a Nobel Prize. We’ve watched countless examples of award acceptance speeches that begin with I’d like to thank… Maybe you’ve even practiced this speech, teary-eyed in front of your mirror, thanking all the people who helped you get to where you are today.

While you might think that giving an acceptance speech at one of these prestigious award ceremonies is a pipe dream, it can’t hurt to be prepared. There are all kinds of organizations that put on award ceremonies to honor local businesses, changemakers, excellent students—there are even awards for safe driving. You name it, there’s a prize for it.

This article will discuss several key components of giving an award speech. These include:

Famous examples of award acceptance speeches
How to write an award acceptance speech
Delivering your acceptance speech

By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to give a fantastic award acceptance speech in front of an audience (or just in the mirror).

Examples of Great Award Acceptance Speeches

Before you start putting together your own acceptance speech, find some that exemplify the genre of awards show speeches. These can serve as inspiration for your own acceptance speech. Here are a few from this year’s major awards shows that will go down in history as outstanding, unforgettable speeches, along with top keyword analysis courtesy of Yoodli .

Ke Huy Quan’s Acceptance Speech at the 2023 Academy Awards

Ke Huy Quan's speech after winning Best Supporting Actor is a great example of how to give an award acceptance speech.

Ke Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars this year for his role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, a film that swept the awards show with seven wins in the directing, acting, and best picture categories. Quan’s most frequently used keywords, according to Yoodli’s speech analytics, include thank, brother, day, love, mom, and much .

Kim Petras’s Acceptance Speech at the 2023 Grammy Awards

On February 5th, 2023, Kim Petras made history by becoming the first transgender woman to win a Grammy. Yoodli’s AI speech coach identifies her top keywords from this speech as award, believed, transgender, hit, go, and home .

Beyoncé’s Acceptance Speech at the 2023 Grammy Awards

The 2023 Grammy Awards was a historic event across the board: on February 5th, 2023, Beyoncé made history as the most awarded artist in the history of the Grammy Awards. The Yoodli speech app identifies five top keywords from Beyoncé’s acceptance speech: thank , like , beautiful , much , and trying .

In all of these speeches, notice how top keywords reflect something about the speaker, their work, or the award they are receiving. Examining other successful speeches’ top keywords can help you when coming up with your own acceptance speech. Think about what keywords you want to feature when you accept your award.

Last but not least, there is, of course, Will Smith’s infamous award acceptance at the 2022 Oscars. This speech is not particularly noteworthy in itself—rather, it’s notorious because of what happened before Smith’s acceptance speech. We just couldn’t discuss well known award acceptances without mentioning The Slap.

How to Write an Award Acceptance Speech

How you structure your acceptance speech can differ depending on the event you’re speaking at. Some award shows have strict time limits for award acceptances. Luckily, you can avoid the embarrassment of orchestral music playing you off stage with some simple preparation. For that type of event, you need to prioritize people you want to acknowledge . Next, determine what keywords you want to feature during your speech. When writing your speech, you need to incorporate these people and keywords in as little text as possible.

Not all award ceremonies have such limited time slots, though. If you aren’t concerned about keeping your speech down to 45 seconds, you’ll have a bit more freedom in structuring your speech. Again, you should use keywords and significant people as the guideposts for structuring your script. One strategy you can use to fill the time and captivate your audience is incorporating anecdotes . One way to do this is thinking of a personal story that illustrates how someone helped you on your path to success. That person should be one of the people who contributed to your winning this award. An anecdote like this can serve both to acknowledge someone important to you and to share a more personal side of you with your audience.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of how much time you are allotted, the ability to express yourself concisely is essential when delivering a powerful speech. Tools like Yoodli ‘s AI speech coach are great resources for developing the skill of speaking as concisely as possible. Yoodli gives you automatic feedback on your use of fillers and redundant words. We often use unnecessary fillers without being conscious of them. This is why getting quantitative feedback— you used seven ums in your introduction —is a gamechanger. Minimizing repetition and filler words can not only help you deliver an excellent speech under a time crunch, but also make you a stronger speaker overall.

For most award ceremonies, you won’t need to completely memorize your speech; it’s perfectly acceptable to read from a notecard. However, memorizing a speech can help you deliver it to your fullest potential and reduce nerves. Check out our blog for advice on how to memorize a speech .

The difficulty in delivering one of these speeches is in finding the balance between confidence and humility. You need to be prepared, but not too prepared. If your speech isn’t well-structured and rehearsed, the audience might assume you don’t deserve the award. On the other hand, if your speech is too polished, you run the risk of coming off as arrogant, as if you knew you would win over the other nominees. There is a level of performance and theatricality required for this—maybe this is why great actors give such great acceptance speeches. You don’t have to be an award-winning thespian to find the balance between appearing confident and humble; all you need to do is prepare well and practice. Again, watching examples of famous award acceptance speeches is a great strategy for deciding how to deliver your speech.

A straightforward way to ensure you come across as humble is acknowledging your fellow nominees . For example, say a few words about how honored you feel to be in the same category as such inspiring people as (insert names here). However, there are many awards that only have one nominee. In this case, research the past recipients of the award. You can then express how honored you are to carry on their legacy.

Practice Makes Perfect

Once you’ve written your speech and contemplated how you want to deliver it, all that’s left to do is practice. Practicing a speech is all about becoming comfortable presenting it. The more at ease you are with your material, the more effectively you’ll be able to deliver it. The end goal is for you to feel 100% relaxed while giving your speech. While any amount of practicing will help you improve your delivery, there are three strategies you should implement to make your practice time worthwhile.

First, time your speech . You should always have a stopwatch or timer at hand during your practice sessions. This is to make sure that your speech fits into the time constraints of your award ceremony. Additionally, it helps you ensure your delivery is consistent—if your speech comes in at four and a half minutes one time you deliver it, and seven minutes the next time, something is wrong and you may have missed a section of your script. Every time you rehearse your speech, it should become more routine and feel more comfortable.

Second, you should record yourself practicing your speech. Practicing in front of a mirror is convenient, but it’s difficult to catch presentation pitfalls in the moment. This can more easily be accomplished by taking a video of yourself giving your acceptance speech and watching it back.

Third, it’s essential that you get feedback when you’re practicing. There’s only so much you can notice about your own speech patterns without getting an outside opinion. Recording your rehearsal sessions can make this process easier. If you have a video, you can send it to people in your circle and ask for their constructive criticism.

Finally, you can integrate these three strategies—timing your speech, recording yourself, and getting feedback—seamlessly into your practice time on Yoodli . Yoodli’s AI speech coach can not only time and record your speech for you, it also automatically provides a transcription. Getting feedback on a speech has never been easier: the AI-powered coach provides suggestions on your presentation, including your rate of eye contact, how concise your language is, and potential follow-up questions to your talk in a matter of seconds. Our platform also makes it easy to share recordings you make in the app with colleagues and friends to get their feedback.

In this article, we’ve discussed the ins and outs of giving an award acceptance speech. We covered famous examples of award acceptance speeches, writing a speech, and delivering it. We hope you feel prepared to graciously accept any award. Whether it’s a Pulitzer Prize or employee of the month, the next award you receive is an opportunity to dazzle the world with your elegance and humbleness. Now go out and get your EGOT.

Start practicing with Yoodli.

Getting better at speaking is getting easier. Record or upload a speech and let our AI Speech Coach analyze your speaking and give you feedback.

Acceptance Speech Thanks Those Who Made Excellence Possible

Anne Hathaway Oscar Acceptance Speech for Les Miserables

When achievements are acknowledged with an award or accolade, the recipients should respond with a gracious acceptance speech. A well-delivered acceptance speech conveys thanks, identifies people instrumental in the speaker’s success, and inspires others to strive toward their goals.

Whether it’s Meryl Streep and one of her many Academy Awards or John F. Kennedy and his nomination for president, knowing how to deliver the right acceptance speech is an essential skill.

Table of Contents

What Is An Acceptance Speech

An acceptance speech is an address given by an individual recognized for their achievements or contributions in a particular field. It serves as a way for the recipient to express gratitude and appreciation for their recognition.

Examples of these speeches can be seen at Hollywood awards shows , such as the Academy Awards (otherwise known as the Oscars) or Golden Globes. In these ceremonies, achievements like Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, or Motion Picture of the Year are examples of awards given.

But acceptance speeches are given in many fields for many types of achievement s. Academic achievements, sports, career advancements, and even political events like the Republican or Democratic conventions, when presidential nominees are named, require people to give acceptance speeches.

Anytime a formal recognition of success is announced, an acceptance speech should be given. The purpose of an acceptance speech is to acknowledge those who have helped you achieve your success, whether it be family members, colleagues, mentors, or fans. It also allows you to share any insights or advice you gleaned with others.

An effective acceptance speech should be concise and heartfelt, conveying humility, confidence, and gratitude . The speaker should avoid being overly boastful or self-centered and instead focus on expressing gratitude and acknowledging the contributions of others.

Nominees at these events come prepared with an award acceptance speech that allows them to thank those involved with their success and the organization honoring them.

Awards are given as early as kindergarten, though responding with acceptance speeches might not start till high school.

Teen giving acceptance speech after award

How Do You Write A Speech About Accepting An Award?

When it comes to writing a speech about accepting an award, there are a few key elements that you should keep in mind. You will have limited time, so being prepared and precise is essential.

Create an outline. A well-organized speech will have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Introduction. The introduction should express your gratitude for the honor you’ve received. You do so by thanking the organization or individual presenting the award and any colleagues or supporters who have helped you along the way.
Body. In the body, you’ll want to reflect on what the award means to you personally and professionally. Consider how it aligns with your values and goals and how it will impact your future endeavors.
Conclusion. During the conclusion, you’ll share some words of inspiration with your audience. Whether encouraging others to pursue their passions or reminding them of the importance of hard work and dedication, your speech should leave a lasting impression on those who hear it.

What Is The First Step In An Acceptance Speech?

The first step in an acceptance speech is to express gratitude . Whether it is an award, a promotion, or any other form of recognition, expressing gratitude is essential.

It’s crucial to thank the organization or individual who bestowed the honor on you and acknowledge the efforts of those who helped you achieve it.

Thanking family, friends, and colleagues for the support and encouragement they provided is also crucial. No one achieves success alone, and recognizing everyone (or as many as possible in the given time) who has played a role in your achievement demonstrates your understanding.

Additionally, if time permits, this is an excellent time to share your perseverance and hard work story . Your circumstances can inspire and encourage others to pursue their dreams and never give up on themselves.

Business award recipient ready to give acceptance speech

What Should An Acceptance Speech Include?

A well-written acceptance speech should have a clear introduction that captures the audience’s attention, a body that conveys the message effectively , and a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

An acceptance speech can be tricky, so preparing ahead of the event ensures you can deliver the right message quickly, even if you don’t expect an award. For someone feeling humbled and brimming with emotion, the inclination can be to talk extensively about the journey and stumble over the right people to thank.

A good acceptance speech must be both thorough and concise. This can be a tricky balance to strike.

When preparing your acceptance speech, be sure to include the following:

A sincere expression of gratitude towards the organization or individuals who have bestowed the award.
Recognition of family, friends, colleagues, mentors, and anyone else who has played a significant role in their success.
An inspiring message that motivates others to pursue their dreams and work hard to make them a reality.
Personal experiences highlight the importance of perseverance, dedication, and never giving up.

It’s also vital to end positively by expressing hope for the future and thanking everyone again for this recognition. A well-crafted acceptance speech can leave a lasting impression on its audience and inspire others to strive towards excellence.

What Is The Most Important Part Of An Acceptance Speech?

The most important part of an acceptance speech is undoubtedly its message of gratitude.

The proper expression of appreciation and thanks to those who supported and participated in your success creates a personal connection with the audience. Appearing entitled or ignoring the contributions of others will be off-putting to the audience and those who are bestowing the award.

Family, friends, and colleagues involved in another’s success may feel slighted if they are not mentioned in an acceptance speech. Nominees should come with cue cards to refer to if they win and need to give the speech!

How Do You Write A 5-Minute Acceptance Speech?

Writing a 5-minute acceptance speech can be daunting, especially if you are not used to public speaking or if it’s your first time.

Five minutes is incredibly long, yet not nearly enough time when you find yourself needing to prepare an acceptance speech.

However, with careful planning and preparation, you can create an impactful speech that will leave a lasting impression and be appreciated by your audience.

The steps below can be used as a guide when crafting your acceptance speech:

Brainstorm . Write down everyone you think you need to thank. This may be a long list, including family members, friends, colleagues, or mentors. Acknowledging the organization or institution giving you the award is also important.
Create a priority order of thanks. You have limited time, so arrange your list in priority order with those essential to thank those that you can thank personally later if time doesn’t permit.
Determine the key message that you want to convey in your speech. You might include an inspiring story about overcoming challenges or achieving success in your field. Alternatively, it could be a call to action for others to follow in your footsteps and positively impact their own lives.
Create a strong closing statement. The best closing statement leaves a lasting impression on your audience. You could use a quote or personal anecdote that summarizes your message and inspires others to take action.
Edit. With all of these elements created, put them together and edit.
Practice. You have 5 minutes, so you’ll need to practice. Knowing what you’d like to say and speaking eloquently will give you the most opportunity to include all the elements you’d like to in your speech.

Writing a 5-minute acceptance speech requires careful planning and preparation . By thanking those who have helped you along the way, conveying an inspiring message, and ending with a strong closing statement, you can create an impactful speech that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Kailash Satyarthi (R) and Malala Yousafzai accept Noble laureate awards

What Is An Example Of A Short Speech About Accepting An Award?

Accepting an award is a moment of great pride and honor for any individual. It is an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation toward those who have supported and encouraged us throughout our journey. A short speech about accepting an award should be concise, heartfelt, and gracious.

An excellent example of a short acceptance speech is the one given by Denzel Washington in 1990 when he won the first Oscar of his career for best male actor in a supporting role. His Oscar speech went as follows:

I want to thank the Academy. I’m gonna thank Ed Zwick, and Freddie Fields, who did a fantastic job, who made what I consider to be at least one of the best five films of the Year. I’d like to thank my friend and manager, Flo Allen. Fabulous Ed Limato. And Todd Smith and George Freeman. And God bless you, my mother. I love you. My beautiful wife Pauletta, the kids. My son said he was gonna make one of these out of clay for me; now I got the model for him. I want to thank my first agent, the late Ruth Aronson, who believed in me. I’d also like to pay homage to the 54th, the black soldiers who helped to make this country free. I thank God. I thank you.

Lorin Harrott

After years as a professional speaker and corporate trainer,Lorin Harrott has turned her attention to sharing her knowledge through writing. She's currently a writer, photographer, and mom in Sacramento, CA, with occasional speaking engagements related to education and STEM topics in the public school system.

7 ways to rock your next acceptance speech

Your audience will thank you if you skirt the predictable – and instead give them something to think about or act upon after the evening is over..

First, the good news:

“Congratulations! You’ve won an award for your outstanding achievements!”

(And now the bad news):

“You’ll have about five or 10 minutes to deliver an acceptance speech after receiving your award.”

Yikes! Five or 10 minutes?

How will you start? What will you say? How will you say it? Whom will you thank? How will you end?

To calm your fears, event planners sometimes make light of their request for your remarks by telling you something like this:

“Don’t worry, Joe. We’ll start out with a video highlighting your accomplishments. So your acceptance speech is really more of a ‘thank you’ to whomever you see fit.”

But is it really?

Unfortunately, we’ve all sat through way too many awards nights where the acceptance speeches have been … well … downright boring. Predictable. Forgettable.

Don’t get me wrong. Winners try. They try really hard. But they get stuck in a loop of what they think an acceptance speech should be. Not what it could be.

When you think about what could be, the possibilities are endless!

Acceptance speeches can be an opportunity to change the way people think by persuading them to consider something they’ve never considered before.

Or, they can be an opportunity to change the way people behave by inspiring them – (based on the road you’ve traveled) – to do something even greater.

Now. Are you feeling a little more jazzed?

Here are seven tips to get you thinking differently about your next acceptance speech.

1. Be truly grateful. And mention others.

So think long and hard about this.

Who in your circle deserves your authentic mention – and more importantly – why ?

A few years ago, when a chief technology officer accepted a competitive business award on his company’s behalf, his humility shone forth. Why? Because he named specific people – and thanked them one by one – for their specific contributions to the company’s success:

He thanked the awarding organization for taking the time to recognize manufacturing innovation.
He thanked his 63 employees “for your genius that drives us forward.”
He thanked his majority partner for “believing in us to invest in us.”
He thanked his organization’s founder “for risking it all to start the company in 1995.”
And he thanked his wife “for being my rock on our journey to improve people’s lives with laser processing technology.”

But gratitude’s only part of it.

2. Be a tad unpredictable.

What else might you say to change the thoughts or behaviors of the particular people expected to be in your particular audience?

Are they clients?
Potential customers?
Stakeholders?
Industry colleagues?
Business associates?

When planning your acceptance remarks , think strategically about One Big Idea you want to share that has real meaning to the unique audience you will address at the awards event.

Earlier this year, Oprah Winfrey did just that by tying One Big Idea to a current event. When she became the first African-American woman to receive the Cecil B. De Mille Award at the Golden Globes, she indeed thanked people: Dennis Swanson, Quincy Jones, Gayle King and Stedman Graham.

But she did something else.

In the end, Oprah seized the groundswell of the #MeToo movement, passionately inviting entertainers in the audience to be the “magnificent women” and “phenomenal men” fighting hard to become “the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.”

3. Decide what your acceptance speech needs to do .

If you want to change the way people think , then persuade your audience to consider something they may have never considered before.

In his acceptance speech for a Business Hall of Fame award , Rick Schwartz of Winsupply suggested that business leaders in the audience renew their commitment to our nation’s free enterprise system because it gives people with desire the chance to earn their own success:

I believe that Dayton’s continued prosperity – in every economic, cultural or civic program we undertake – depends on people who believe in free enterprise and are willing to help others participate in it.

As business leaders in Dayton, all of us need to do whatever it takes to create jobs and opportunities for others so they have the chance to work hard, pursue happiness and earn their own success.

• It is this difference that has defined the course of Dayton’s history. • It is this difference that has molded Dayton’s heritage, tradition and success. • It is this difference that helps everyday, ordinary people flourish.

In his acceptance speech for the Julian Marcus Lifetime Achievement Award given by Employment for Seniors, Chad Delligatti of InnoSource told his own story to inspire the audience to “make a choice to advocate for the mature job seeker” over the age of 50 by getting connected – or reconnected – to Employment for Seniors:

A minute ago, I told you the reason I said “yes” to Rocky Parker and decided to help Employment for Seniors in the first place.

It’s because I have a soft heart for people facing difficult circumstances through no fault of their own.

Plus, my company, InnoSource, has human resources expertise that I could bring to the table.

But that’s not the whole story.

Rocky’s 2003 invitation came two years after the September 11 terrorist attacks. By then, 2.5 million people in this country, many over the age of 50, had lost their jobs.

That included members of my family, and fathers of my friends.

So I saw what happens to people over the age of 50 who were displaced, but still wanted to work. In fact, they still needed to work – not only to support their families but also to keep a meaning and a purpose in their lives.

I saw for myself the havoc that a job loss can wreak on breadwinners and families through downsizings and rightsizings, mergers and acquisitions. Circumstances beyond a person’s control.

I felt a deep compassion for these men and women who were stunned, lost, alone and afraid, paralyzed with fear by their own new fork in the road.

Many of them had worked at the same place for 30 years, so they had no resume. No interviewing skills. And often no experience with new technology.

As we know, many people identify themselves based on what they do. So if they lose what they do, they also lose who they are.

That’s why I decided it was worth the fight to help keep Employment for Seniors whole and healthy.

4. Share something about yourself that your audience does not know.

To connect heart to heart with the people in the audience who are coming to cheer you on, give them a window to your world.

Several years ago, when executive Barbara Hayde received a YWCA Dayton Women of Influence Award, she wanted people to know the impact you can have on someone with just a few simple words of encouragement. So she shared this :

Back in the 1980s, when I ran the Dayton operation of Ohio Works – a program that moved women from welfare to work – I hired a young African-American man by the name of Robert E. Johnson.

After a year, I told Robert I wanted to promote him to my second-in-command – quite a well-deserved promotion!

He just stared at me.

His slow-to-arrive response was, “I just don’t think I can do that job.”

I said, “Robert – I know you. When you try hard enough, there isn’t anything you can’t do.”

Today Robert E. Johnson is not only a Ph.D., but he’s the president of Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Not long ago I caught up with Robert, who told me something I’ll never forget.

He said to me:

“You are the reason I have advanced to this point. “You are the person who told me I could do whatever I wanted to do. “Your encouraging words changed my life.”

5. Give your remarks a title that embodies your theme.

Even though the title of your award acceptance speech will never be revealed during the event, coming up with just the right title is still a good idea.

Here’s why:

A title will not only help you solidify that One Big Idea in your head (see tip 2) but also help you focus on your message as you deliver your remarks on the big night.

Here are a few examples of award acceptance speech titles that helped executives get more clarity on their message:

“When You Come to a Fork in the Road, TAKE IT!”
“Where Will Our New Leaders Come From?”
“Aunt Peg Would be Proud”
“Imagine the Impact You Can Have”
“We Must Give Everyday, Ordinary People the Chance to Earn Their Own Success”

6. Link your remarks back to the organization and the event.

If you are truly grateful to the organization for bestowing this honor upon you, show it.

Then decide what you can say about one or more of these threads. This is classy and shows profound respect for the people who are putting you in the limelight.

During his acceptance speech for a prestigious civic award, businessman Ron Budzik told a story about Jim “Mac” McSwiney, a mentor of his and CEO at the former Mead Corp. (now MeadWestvaco). Mac had won the same award from the same organization 28 years ago:

In 1985, Mac stood on this stage and accepted the Citizen Legion of Honor award.

I remember that day well, and I remember what Mac spoke about.

Servant Leadership.

It’s a concept that Mac brought to us at Mead – he was just so passionate about it! – and one that continues to encourage and inspire me, in the work that I do alongside so many of you, to help create opportunities for others with very few resources to succeed.

I remember the day Jesse Phillips, one of Dayton’s great business owners and philanthropists, came to Mead seeking a million dollars for a community project.

Mac asked me, “Ron – can we do a million bucks?”

I told him flat out, “Mac – we don’t have it.”

And then Mac said to me, “But Ron – we just can’t walk away from this.”

And we didn’t.

We identified other funders – other leaders willing to step up – and together with the Mead Foundation came up with a million dollars for Jesse’s project.

That was Mac: He’d put you on the spot, persuade you to get engaged and compel you to figure out a solution – no matter what the problem was.

He pushed. And by continuing to ask me, he empowered me …

7. Talk like a real person.

Like any speech, a great acceptance speech requires spending time in thought well ahead of the big event. So devote some time to just thinking. Map out your thoughts. Then draft your script.

When it’s time to rehearse, make it conversational, like you’re chatting over cocktails with a tableful of trusted friends.

Practice in front of your spouse or a colleague – someone who will be honest with you if you’re coming across less than humble, and more like a preachy preacher or an executive droid.

So to wrap up, remember these seven ways to rock your next acceptance speech:

Be truly grateful. And mention others.
Be a tad unpredictable.
Decide what your acceptance speech needs to do.
Share something about yourself that your audience does not know.
Give your remarks a title that embodies your theme.
Link your remarks back to the organization and the event.
Talk like a real person.

Do you have more ways to rock an acceptance speech? Let’s chat! Email me at [email protected]

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Written Samples

10 short acceptance speech samples.

An acceptance speech is more than a mere formality following an award or honor. It’s a unique opportunity to express gratitude, share values, and inspire others, all while acknowledging the collective effort that led to the individual achievement.

The speeches compiled here represent a range of scenarios — from industry awards to community honors, and personal achievements.

Short Acceptance Speech Samples

Each is crafted to not only express thanks but to resonate with the audience, leaving a lasting impression of the occasion and the individual honored.

Speech 1: Accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award

“a journey of persistence and passion”.

As I stand before this distinguished gathering, my heart swells with gratitude. This Lifetime Achievement Award is not just a recognition of my individual efforts but a testament to the enduring spirit of perseverance and dedication. I remember starting out in this field, fueled by nothing but a dream and an unwavering resolve. Today, as I look back at the decades of challenges and triumphs, I am reminded of the countless individuals who supported me — my mentors who believed in me, my team who stood by me, and my family who sacrificed alongside me. This award is yours as much as it is mine.

Speech 2: Accepting an Industry Innovator Award

“innovation: a collective endeavor”.

Thank you for this honor. Being recognized as an Industry Innovator is a humbling experience. Innovation is not born in a vacuum; it is the outcome of relentless questioning and collaborative problem-solving. I stand here because of a culture that values bold ideas and the freedom to pursue them. This award reflects our shared commitment to pushing boundaries and creating something truly remarkable. To all aspiring innovators, let this be a reminder: your ideas have the power to shape the future.

Speech 3: Accepting a Community Service Award

“service: the fabric of our community”.

Today, I am deeply honored to accept this Community Service Award. Service, to me, is the very fabric that holds our community together. It’s about seeing a need and responding with compassion and action. This recognition is not for me alone but for all who have worked tirelessly to uplift and support our community. From organizing local drives to advocating for change, every effort counts and reflects our collective commitment to making a difference. This award is a celebration of our united spirit of service.

Speech 4: Accepting a Courageous Leadership Award

“leading with courage and conviction”.

Receiving the Courageous Leadership Award is a profoundly humbling experience. Leadership is not about titles or accolades; it’s about making decisions that are guided by courage and conviction, especially in the face of adversity. It’s about standing up for what is right, even when it is not easy. This award is a tribute to all the unsung heroes who lead by example every day, making our world a better place. I accept this with a promise to continue leading with integrity and courage.

Speech 5: Accepting an Artistic Excellence Award

“art as a mirror of society”.

Art is not just a form of expression; it’s a mirror of society, reflecting its beauty and complexities. As an artist, I am deeply honored to receive this Artistic Excellence Award. This journey has been one of constant exploration and expression, driven by an insatiable desire to evoke emotion and provoke thought. This recognition belongs to everyone who has ever dared to dream and create. May we continue to use our art to inspire, challenge, and bring about change.

Speech 6: Accepting a Best Educator Award

“educating for a better tomorrow”.

I am truly honored to accept the Best Educator Award. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and as educators, we have the privilege and responsibility to shape minds and nurture dreams. This award is not mine alone but belongs to all the educators who spend countless hours preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Together, we are building a brighter future, one student at a time.

Speech 7: Accepting a Sportsmanship Award

“the true spirit of competition”.

Today, I stand here honored to accept the Sportsmanship Award. In the realm of sports, competition is intense, but the true spirit lies in how we play the game. It’s about respect, integrity, and fairness, both on and off the field. This award is a reminder that while winning is celebrated, how we conduct ourselves is what truly defines us. To my fellow athletes, let’s continue to uplift each other and honor the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Speech 8: Accepting a Breakthrough Scientific Award

“science: a beacon of hope and innovation”.

Receiving the Breakthrough Scientific Award is a moment of great pride and responsibility. Science is our beacon of hope and innovation, guiding us towards a better understanding of the world and opening doors to new possibilities. This award is a recognition of our collective quest for knowledge and our commitment to improving lives through discovery and innovation. To the scientific community, let this fuel our continued pursuit of answers and solutions.

Speech 9: Accepting a Philanthropy Award

“philanthropy: a commitment to humanity”.

It is with a profound sense of gratitude that I accept this Philanthropy Award. Philanthropy is about more than just giving; it’s a commitment to humanity, to easing suffering and creating opportunities for those in need. This award is a testament to what we can achieve when we channel our resources and energy towards the greater good. Let us continue to work together, for together, we can build a world of hope and shared prosperity.

Speech 10: Accepting a First Responder Bravery Award

“bravery in the face of adversity”.

Accepting the First Responder Bravery Award is an honor that I share with all first responders who put their lives on the line every day. Bravery is not the absence of fear but the strength to confront it, to run towards danger when every instinct tells you to run away. This award is dedicated to the courageous men and women who face adversity with valor and determination, ensuring safety and providing hope in our most critical moments. Your bravery is an inspiration to us all.

These speeches serve as templates, each reflecting the essence of its respective award while offering a personal touch that resonates with audiences. The goal is to inspire, to celebrate, and to remind us of the values that bring us together in recognition and gratitude.

A Conversation with Atlanta's Own Wes Gordon

T he fashion-obsessed in Atlanta have long known that Wes Gordon had what it took to make it big time in the industry. So when he was handed the reigns of Carolina Herrera in 2018 as its creative director, it was only fitting, and something for all his local fans to celebrate. Last week he received the prestigious SCAD Étoile Award, which is given to those in the industry who have shown exemplary career accomplishments. It's especially poignant as Gordon is only in his 30s.

After a few days at SCAD Atlanta and SCAD Savannah, Gordon was smitten with the school. "I knew of SCAD, obviously," says Gordon, "But now I know it in-depth. It's really extraordinary, It's an oasis for kids to come and dream and create. Had it been here when I was growing up, I would have been obsessed." We sat down with The Lovett School graduate for a quick catch-up.

What does winning an award like SCAD's Étoile Award, given to the biggest and brightest in the business, mean to you?

Getting an award period is funny to me, I still grapple with imposter syndrome and insecurities. I think a lot of creative people do. To think I'm at a stage in my career where my body os work is award-worthy is something I have trouble accepting. But what makes this particularly exciting and proud is that Mrs. Herrera was a past recipient. So Herrera is the first house to receive this award twice. Going to a legacy house as a young designer is a big responsibility so this is a beautiful validation that I've done something right.

How do you balance your POV and the gravitas with a heritage house?

It took some time. When I arrived, I was very much award of the fact that Mrs. Herrera herself would be sitting front row and seeing every show. And I was walking into a business-a large business. It wasn't a dormant fashion house being resurrected. There's the challenge of making sure everyone who loved Herrer could still love her, but also getting that woman where maybe it wasn't on her radar.

It took time for me to get comfortable and to, for better or worse, understand this is my Herrera now, this is my vision. My vision is that this woman comes from a place of the codes I've chosen to embrace. I give myself the confidence to make gut decisions, when at fittings or looking at fabrics or picking out buttons or styling earrings. I don't second-guess is this right for me or Herrera? Instead, I know what's right for me is now right for Herrera.

It's quite the undertaking.

I now do six full complete collections. At any moment in time, I'm working on a lot. For example, I'm working on our resort collection. A collection called Chalet. The Spring collection to be shown in September. On top of that, I do our eyewear licenses, handbags. We're opening multiple stores, so I'm overseeing the interior design and architecture. There are also about 10 custom projects for celebrities and clients purchasing extraordinary gowns.

I try to approach it all as a million little decisions throughout the day, and the decision is as simple as ‘Is this beautiful or not? And if not, how can I make it more beautiful?' I go through my day asking myself that. It's the most fun question in the world.

What's one of your proudest moments so far?

My answer always surprises people, because they expect an answer about a big runway show or red carpet moment. But nothing makes me prouder than when I'm at a party or dinner or on the sidewalk and I see a woman that I don't know wearing a piece of clothing I created. That's my ultimate goal. This brand is about making beautiful clothes that women want to buy and wear. The process doesn't end at the show, or when it's being sold or hanging in a store.

A woman falls in love with it-over the 10,000 other options-she pays for it, takes it home, and chooses to spend some of her life in that dress. And be happy and look amazing. That's the coolest feeling, the ultimate validation. You can get a great review or have a celebrity wear a dress, but there's no truer test of your work than that.

How did Atlanta influence you and help you to where you are today?

When people ask me about Atlanta, I always say I'd be hard-pressed to name a city that's more aesthetically oriented than Atlanta, and I say that with the highest respect. Houses, gardens, how people are dressed-people care here. That's beauty. It's not about money or snobbery, it's about self-respect, respect for your friends.

There's so much we can't control, but to exert control over things and try to make them beautiful and nice and pretty…I love that in Atlanta you can go street after street and look at the most love-filled, beautiful houses, and there's just a sense of optimism in this world that can be so dark and scary. It's very powerful.

Photography by: SCAD

A Conversation with Atlanta's Own Wes Gordon

Nicole Scherzinger wins Olivier Award for ‘Sunset Boulevard,’ thanking family in Hawaii

Nicole Scherzinger, winner of the best actress in a musical award for "Sunset Boulevard",...

LONDON (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii’s Nicole Scherzinger can add Olivier Award winner to her resume.

Scherzinger won Sunday night for best actress in a musical for her performance in “Sunset Boulevard.”

The Olivier Awards is Britain’s version of the Tony Awards.

The 45-year-old plays the lead role in the West End revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.

In her acceptance speech, Scherzinger thanked her family in Hawaii.

“As a little girl from Hawaii, and growing up in Kentucky, from humble beginnings, I always wanted to be a singer and do musicals, and I dreamed of so many roles I wanted to do. And honestly this role, Norma Desmond, was not one of those roles,” she said.

“Sunset Boulevard” racked up seven awards, including best director and actor in a musical.

The London production of the musical will open on Broadway in the fall.

Watch the Olivier Awards highlights program on BritBox for those in North America.

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Rice Speechwriting

Mastering thank you speech for award: winning techniques, how to write a winning thank you speech for award.

Winning an award is a great accomplishment that deserves recognition and appreciation. One of the best ways to do this is by delivering a thank you speech that expresses your gratitude to those who have supported, encouraged, and contributed to your success. In this blog post, we will take you through the key elements of a winning thank you speech, step-by-step guide to writing one, tips to make your speech stand out, examples of thank you speeches for awards, and common mistakes to avoid. We’ll also explain why a thank you speech is important and how it impacts the audience. So whether you’re preparing for an upcoming award ceremony or just want to be ready for future events, this guide will help you write a memorable thank you speech that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Understanding the Importance of a Thank You Speech for Award

Acknowledging appreciation for the recognition received through an award is crucial. It conveys sincere gratitude for the prestigious award, highlighting its significance in one’s journey. A good thank you speech for an award not only expresses gratitude but also sets the tone for future endeavors. The nervousness associated with public speaking can be eased by genuinely expressing gratitude. Additionally, the acceptance speech at an award ceremony holds great importance, as it is a specific type of speech award that is anticipated and valued.

The Role of Gratitude in Speeches

In award speeches, expressing gratitude is essential. Sincere thanks fosters encouragement and acknowledgment, especially when receiving a leadership award or recognition at work. A good way to deliver the speech is with dedication and sincerity, recognizing the awarding body and supporters. It’s crucial to understand that a thank you speech is a type of speech that demands genuine appreciation. In India, expressing gratitude after receiving the best employee award holds great importance. Therefore, incorporating personal stories and a touch of humor can make the speech stand out and ease any public speaking jitters.

The Impact of a Thank You Speech

Expressing gratitude in a professional setting is a good way to appreciate team members for their hard work. A thank you speech for receiving an award at work holds great importance as it recognizes various challenges faced and highlights the dedication of the team. Eye contact during an award speech enhances its impact, conveying sincerity and acknowledgment. Crafting a great speech of thanks for an award ceremony is crucial, as it acknowledges the efforts of the team and fosters encouragement. Sincere gratitude expressed in a thank you speech for a professional award plays a significant role in acknowledging the support and dedication of the team members.

Key Elements of a Winning Thank You Speech

An effective award speech should encapsulate the essential details of the recognition, conveying sincere gratitude for the honor received at work. Acknowledging the awarding body is crucial in an acceptance speech, emphasizing the genuine nature of the appreciation expressed. Sincerity is a key element of a compelling thank you speech for an award, resonating with the audience and leaving a lasting impression. The speech should articulate the significance of the award and how it has personally impacted the recipient, reinforcing the depth of gratitude.

Recognizing the Awarding Body

When accepting an award, it’s essential to sincerely acknowledge the organization or individual presenting the honor. A good way to express gratitude is by recognizing the awarding body and the hard work they’ve put into the recognition process. Whether it’s a professional award or a personal achievement, the type of speech used to thank the awarding body should convey genuine appreciation. Moreover, in India, acknowledging the efforts of the awarding body in a speech award greatly impacts the audience’s perception of the recipient’s gratitude.

Expressing Gratitude to Supporters

Expressing gratitude to supporters in a thank you speech for an award is essential. It’s important to convey sincere thanks to the individuals who have shown unwavering support. Additionally, acknowledging their encouragement for future endeavors is crucial. A good way to do this is by recognizing the impact of their support on your journey towards the award. This type of speech should reflect genuine appreciation and gratitude, especially when receiving an award at work. The speech award acceptance should be heartfelt, recognizing the role of supporters in your success. By expressing gratitude to supporters in a meaningful manner, you can effectively convey the impact of their support on your achievement.

Sharing the Journey towards the Achievement

Recognition of team members’ dedication plays a key role in an award thank you speech, emphasizing the collaborative journey towards achievement. Sharing important details of this journey during the type of speech awarded adds depth and sincerity to the expression of gratitude. A good way to express appreciation is by recognizing the contribution of individuals who have been part of the journey. This acknowledgment not only reflects the significance of the award but also highlights the collective effort that led to it. Incorporating personal experiences and specific examples can further enhance the impact of the speech, making it relatable and engaging for the audience. Expressing gratitude for an award in India or any other location should encompass the journey’s milestones and the team’s unwavering support, truly capturing the essence of the achievement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Thank You Speech for an Award

Starting with a captivating opening is imperative when crafting a thank you speech for winning an award at work. The body of the speech should be carefully constructed, conveying sincere gratitude and appreciation. Writing an acceptance speech for a prestigious award requires authenticity and a good way of expressing gratitude. For a great honor speech at an award ceremony, it’s essential to ensure that the speech is not only sincere but also engaging. Crafting a type of speech that resonates with the audience, especially in India, where appreciation for formalities plays a significant role, can make a speech award-winning.

Starting with a Captivating Opening

Commencing the address with an engaging anecdote or a thought-provoking question instantly captures the audience’s attention. Setting the tone for the speech and establishing a connection with the audience right from the start is crucial. A well-crafted opening sets the stage for a captivating delivery, ensuring that the audience remains attentive throughout the entirety of the speech. Engaging the audience from the beginning creates a conducive environment for conveying gratitude effectively.

Building the Body of the Speech

When crafting a thank you speech for an award, it’s crucial to structure the body thoughtfully. Start by expressing gratitude genuinely, highlighting the significance of the honor. Incorporate personal anecdotes to connect with the audience emotionally, making the speech relatable and engaging. A good way to maintain the flow is by acknowledging the efforts of those who contributed to the achievement, such as mentors, colleagues, or family members. This type of speech should also emphasize the impact of the award, both personally and professionally, underscoring the value of the recognition. Additionally, considering the cultural context, especially in a diverse country like India, can add depth to the speech. Crafting the body of the speech with these elements ensures that the message resonates authentically and leaves a lasting impression.

Ending with a Memorable Conclusion

End your speech with a compelling call to action or an inspiring thought, leaving the audience with a deep sense of appreciation. Express hope for future endeavors and challenges, ensuring a lasting impact. Conclude with genuine gratitude for the award and recognition, reflecting your dedication and sincerity. Crafting a powerful ending that resonates with the audience is a good way to wrap up this type of speech, ensuring that your message lingers long after the speech award ceremony. India has a rich tradition of recognizing achievements, making it essential to close your speech on a memorable note.

Tips to Make Your Speech Stand Out

Make meaningful eye contact with your audience to communicate sincerity and genuine gratitude. It’s essential to recognize and thank the team members and mentors who have been instrumental in your journey to success. When delivering your speech, incorporate pertinent details about the award, emphasizing its significance and impact on your life and career. To ensure a memorable and impactful acceptance speech, employ effective public speaking techniques, such as engaging storytelling and confident body language. Utilizing an appropriate tone and language, sharing personal anecdotes, and incorporating a touch of humor can further elevate your speech and captivate your audience.

Use of Appropriate Tone and Language

When delivering a thank you speech for an award, it’s crucial to choose an appropriate tone that reflects sincerity, gratitude, and encouragement. The language used should convey genuine appreciation for the prestigious award and maintain a good balance of sincerity and gratitude. It’s important to express thanks in a way that truly resonates with the audience and adopt a tone and language that reflect the significance of the award. By recognizing the type of speech and the impact it can have, one can convey heartfelt gratitude in a good way. Incorporating personal stories and adding a touch of humor can also enhance the speech, making it more relatable and impactful.

Incorporating Personal Stories

Incorporating personal stories in a thank you speech for an award adds a touch of authenticity and emotion to your delivery. By sharing personal narratives that highlight the impact of receiving the award, you create a genuine connection with the audience. Anecdotes showcasing dedication and perseverance not only make the speech relatable but also inspire and uplift the listeners. Additionally, illustrating the importance of the award through personal experiences underscores its significance and value to you. Weaving in stories that convey the challenges you overcame and emphasizing the role of encouragement and acknowledgment further enriches the speech, making it a type of speech that resonates deeply with the audience.

Adding a Touch of Humor

Infusing your speech with a tasteful, light-hearted humor that resonates with the audience can be a good way to engage and delight them. Adding a touch of humor to your speech will lighten the atmosphere and build rapport, making it a type of speech that is memorable and enjoyable. Remember to use humor sparingly and appropriately to enhance the impact of your speech. Incorporating light-hearted anecdotes or witty remarks can be a good way to add humor to your thank you speech for award, ensuring that it is well-received by the audience in India.

Examples of Thank You Speeches for Awards

Crafting a type of speech that conveys sincere gratitude for the honor and recognition bestowed upon you is a good way to start. Delivering a heartfelt acceptance speech that reflects genuine appreciation for winning the prestigious award is crucial. Expressing thanks in a manner that reflects sincerity, dedication, and gratitude is vital. Incorporating personal anecdotes and elements of encouragement will add depth to your speech. Your aim should be to convey sincere appreciation for receiving the award, expressing gratitude for the recognition while sharing the positive impact it has had on your life.

Short Thank You Speech Example

Expressing profound gratitude for this esteemed honor and extending my heartfelt thanks to everyone present. The recognition I’ve received today serves as a motivating force, propelling me to persist in my unwavering commitment to excellence. Accepting this award is an immense privilege, and I am genuinely appreciative of the encouragement it signifies. My gratitude knows no bounds for this recognition, and I eagerly anticipate making further meaningful contributions in the future. I sincerely appreciate this award and the acknowledgment of my dedication and effort.

Long Thank You Speech Example

Receiving such a prestigious award is truly an honor, and I want to express my sincere gratitude for this recognition. The significance of this award deeply touches me, and I am truly moved by the acknowledgment of my dedication and hard work. I am immensely grateful for this recognition, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in all my endeavors. The encouragement and support I have received from everyone here have played a crucial role in my journey, and I extend my heartfelt thanks for this prestigious award. I am truly appreciative of the recognition of my efforts and dedication, and it inspires me to contribute even more in the future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Thank You Speech

When writing a thank you speech for an award, it’s important to steer clear of overly formal language that may detract from the sincerity of your gratitude. Refrain from delivering a speech that lacks an appropriate tone of sincerity and gratitude while avoiding speaking at length without conveying genuine appreciation. Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid using language that may undermine the significance of the award and recognition, as well as to steer clear of overusing jargon or technical terms that may dilute the sincerity of your speech. Ensuring that your speech strikes the right balance between formality and sincerity is a good way to make it impactful and memorable.

Avoiding Overly Formal Language

In crafting your type of speech for an award, it’s crucial to find a good way to strike a balance between formality and approachability. By doing so, you can avoid an overly formal tone that may hinder the genuine expression of gratitude. Focus on using language that is sincere and earnest, steering clear of excessively formal or stiff speech patterns. This will ensure that your speech award acceptance is heartfelt and free from overly formal, stilted language. Essentially, aim for an acceptance speech that is both warm and genuine, reflecting the heartfelt appreciation you feel towards the awarding body and your supporters.

Should a thank you speech only express gratitude?

A thank you speech should go beyond expressing gratitude. It can acknowledge the hard work of team members, convey sincerity, and inspire future endeavors. A winning speech at an award ceremony should encompass gratitude, appreciation, and recognition of challenges overcome.

If you want to give a memorable thank you speech for an award, it’s important to take the time to craft a message that is both heartfelt and authentic. Start by reflecting on what the award means to you and why you are grateful to receive it. Use specific examples to illustrate your appreciation and show your audience how much the recognition truly means to you. Remember that your speech isn’t just about you – it’s also an opportunity to thank the people who helped you get to where you are today. From mentors and colleagues to friends and family members, be sure to acknowledge everyone who has played a role in your success. By doing so, you’ll not only create a winning speech, but you’ll also leave a lasting impression on your audience.

In conclusion, a winning thank you speech for an award is not just about expressing gratitude, but also about recognizing the awarding body, sharing your journey towards the achievement, and connecting with your audience on a personal level. Use appropriate tone and language, incorporate personal stories, and add a touch of humor to make your speech stand out. Remember to avoid overly formal language and to go beyond just expressing gratitude. A well-crafted thank you speech has the power to leave a lasting impact on your audience and create a memorable moment. So, take the time to prepare and deliver a speech that truly reflects your appreciation and showcases your personality.

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Rhiannon Giddens to give keynote speech at Oberlin’s commencement ceremony

Published: Apr. 16, 2024, 3:15 p.m.

Rhiannon Giddens will give the keynote address at her alma mater Oberlin College and Conservatory in May. Her she performs during rehearsal for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in Boston, Tuesday, July 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) AP

Malcolm X Abram, cleveland.com

OBERLIN, Ohio - Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens will deliver the keynote address at the Oberlin College and Conservatory’s commencement ceremony that will send the Class of 2024 into the working world on Monday, May 27. The critically acclaimed artist will also receive an honorary Doctor of Music Degree from her alma mater.

Giddens who studied as an operatic soprano and graduated from Oberlin in 2000, has racked up numerous awards and accolades for her prodigious talent in a variety of fields.

As a co-founder of the traditional string band The Carolina Chocolate Drops , Giddens won her first Grammy for the band’s album, “Genuine Negro Jig.” She took home another Grammy for her collaborative album, ”They’re Calling Me Home,” with composer Francesco Turrisi.

Giddens has also won a MacArthur “Genius Grant,” in 2016 and the opera “Omar” she wrote with composer Michael Abels earned the pair the Pulitzer Prize in 2023. Giddens has also won the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass and the Greensboro native was inducted into the North Carolina Hall of Fame in 2016.

Giddens work can also be heard in the popular video game Red Dead Redemption II and on the CBS television drama “Nashville.”

Giddens most recent album solo album, “You’re The One,” her third under her own name, adds classic R&B and soul grooves and melodies to her already wide musical palette that includes traditional mountain and string music, traditional folk, opera, Celtic and African and pop music. The album earned her another Grammy nomination for best Americana album.

Giddens also appears on Beyonce’s recent single “Texas Hold “Em,” from her album “Cowboy Carter.”

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Speech by Prime Minister Rutte at presentation International Four Freedoms Award

Speech | 11-04-2024

Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands held this speech in Middelburg at the presentation of the International Four Freedoms Award to Save Ukraine.

Ladies and gentlemen,

One of the best-known people in Dutch history is Anne Frank. Just an ordinary Jewish girl. No doubt you’re familiar with her.

Or rather: you’re familiar with her diary, in which she described her life in hiding with her family during the Second World War. Many millions of copies have been sold worldwide. And the reason is that Anne’s story is not simply about the horrors of war. Above all, it’s a story of hope. It’s about seeing light in the darkness. Or, as Anne herself put it: “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”

Those words have lost none of their wisdom in the years since they were written. Because today, in our time, there is still darkness in many places around the world. The reason I’m here today, is to shine a light on 1 of the places it is needed most: Ukraine.

Since Russia’s brutal invasion, over 2 years ago now, thousands of Ukrainian children have been abducted and taken to Russia, or to areas occupied by Russia. Thousands of children, ripped away not only from their parents, but from everything that made them who they are. Their language. Their country. Their identity.

With their abduction, their identities have been erased. Or made invisible. After all, the victims are still alive. Physically, at least.

It’s 1 of the worst war crimes we can imagine. Targeting the most vulnerable people: children and their parents. And in this dark reality, Save Ukraine is a candle defying the darkness.

In 2014, when Russia began its aggression against Ukraine, Mykola Kuleba decided that he would not stand idly by. He would not just wait and see what happened. He would do all he could, to fight back. He would give everything he had. With anyone who would join him.

And as so often happens with people who stand up to evil, he was soon joined by others willing to help. To bring kidnapped children back home. To evacuate vulnerable people from the most dangerous areas.

And so, that one flickering candle grew into what it is now: A blazing beacon of hope for Ukrainian parents. A rescuer of vulnerable people on the frontlines of the war.

Already, over 100,000 vulnerable people have been evacuated from combat zones. Thanks to Save Ukraine, 282 children have been safely returned to their homeland. And together with their parents, they can find respite in 1 of the organisation’s 7 Hope and Healing Centers. There, they can heal from their psychological wounds. Or at least, they can start to heal.

But we can all draw hope from these acts of resistance, big and small

Of course, more needs to be done. Unfortunately, the end of this terrible war is not yet in sight. But we can all draw hope from these acts of resistance, big and small. Every child saved, is living proof of Putin’s war crimes. And he knows that.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Where do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.” Save Ukraine demonstrates the truth of those words. By taking a stand when human rights are violated. By turning despair into hope. But above all, by showing in practice that everyone can be human rights defenders. Everyone. Even when peace and justice seem a long way away. Especially then.

Mykola and James: the importance of defending human rights is a strong thread running through your lives and your families. So let me now ask you both to come to the stage, so that James can present Mykola with the International Four Freedoms Award for Save Ukraine.

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Tony Leung Chiu Wai wins Best Actor for a record sixth time at Hong Kong Film Awards

HONG KONG –There were no major surprises at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA) on April 14, as hot favourites Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Jennifer Yu clinched the top acting awards at the ceremony held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

Leung, 61, won Best Actor for a record sixth time for his role as flamboyant con man Henry Ching in crime drama The Goldfinger, which is set in the 1980s and also stars Andy Lau, Charlene Choi and Simon Yam.

This was Leung’s 12th nomination for Best Actor at the HKFA. He notched his last win in 2005 for his role as a cynical writer in director Wong Kar Wai’s romance movie 2046 (2004).

The Goldfinger was also the biggest winner of the night with six awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best Costume & Makeup Design.

Leung, sporting a crew cut, was featured via video link as he is filming in Germany. The star half-covered his face before smiling when his name was announced by the presenters, actress Anita Yuen and actor Louis Koo.

Leung’s wife, Hong Kong actress Carina Lau, accepted the award on stage on his behalf.

“When Tony Leung wins awards, I know many people will say it’s him again, and that he should give the chances to other people,” Lau, 58, said. “But I feel that he is really a great actor after being with him for so many years.”

Leung reacted to his wife’s compliment by saying: “Don’t say it this way. I am just a good actor.”

Yu, 30, won Best Actress for the social-themed drama In Broad Daylight, where she played an investigative journalist who goes undercover to expose the abuse taking place in a nursing home.

This was her first win at the HKFA and her fourth award for the role after nabbing Best Actress at the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards, Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild Awards and Hong Kong Online Film Critic Highlight Awards. She was also nominated for Best Leading Actress for the role at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards in November 2023.

In Broad Daylight also won Best Supporting Actor for David Chiang, 76, and Best Supporting Actress for Rachel Leung, 30.

Chiang, a former child actor who has been in the entertainment industry for more than 70 years, received a standing ovation when he went on stage to receive the award.

This was Chiang’s first award at the HKFA, and he beat strong contenders in the category, such as Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-jen (for Fly Me To The Moon), who won Best Leading Actor at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards in November 2023 (for Abang Adik).

The Best Film award was given to legal drama A Guilty Conscience, while the Best Director gong went to Soi Cheang for mystery crime thriller Mad Fate.

Hong Kong action star Sammo Hung, 72, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Best New Performer went to Yoyo Tse, 22, for coming-of-age drama Fly Me To The Moon.

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Beyoncé thanks Stevie Wonder, reveals he plays harmonica on 'Jolene' at iHeartRadio Music Awards

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter spoke about the challenges of innovating and revealed another legendary "Cowboy Carter" collaborator during her acceptance speech for the iHeartRadio Innovator Award on Monday.

Legendary artist Stevie Wonder presented Beyoncé with the award, one of the night's top honors. Beyoncé thanked him for "making a way" for others and for playing harmonica on her re-recording of "Jolene."

"Whenever anyone asks me if there's anyone I could listen to for the rest of my life, it's always you," she said about Wonder.

He commended her for changing the way music was released with the surprise drop of her self-titled album in 2013 and for making history as the first Black American woman to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.

"Now Beyoncé is once again changing music and culture, climbing in the saddle as a bona fide country music sensation with her latest masterpiece 'Cowboy Carter,' which may end up being the most talked about album this century ," Wonder said.

Beyoncé attended the iHeartRadio Awards show at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on the heels of the release of her new album, which came out Friday .

More: Top artists rave about Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' at iHeartRadio Awards

"Being an innovator often means being criticized, which often will test your mental strength," she said in her acceptance speech. "My hope is that we're more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art with no preconceived notions."

She thanked Linda Martell (who she featured on "Cowboy Carter"), Tracy Chapman , Rosetta Tharpe, Prince, Wonder, André 3000, Tina Turner and Michael Jackson.

She wore an all-black Versace ensemble , from her cowboy hat to her leather jacket to her towering heels. She was accompanied by her husband, Jay-Z.

The Innovator Award is given each year to one artist who continuously contributes to pop culture and the music industry, according to iHeartRadio.

"Few artists in the course of history have taken creative risks, successfully transformed their music and influenced pop culture on the level that Beyoncé has," an iHeartRadio news release stated. "Throughout the years, the global cultural icon has created music that has topped the charts across multiple formats , while also architecting groundbreaking tours, including last year’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR — the highest-grossing tour in history for both an R&B artist and a Black female artist."

Ludacris hosted the awards show that aired on Fox and was also broadcast on iHeartMedia radio stations worldwide and the iHeartRadio app.

Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram , TikTok and X as @cachemcclay .

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Award Acceptance Speech
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