What To Include In An Award Winning Acceptance Speech
Yes it is a very good idea to have an acceptance speech ready for when you win. Accepting an award and giving an acceptance speech is a golden opportunity for you to leverage the win and to shine.
Wow – you’ve just heard you have been nominated for an Award and the invite is there to go to the awards ceremony. Time to think about your acceptance speech and yes it is a very good idea to have an acceptance speech ready for when you win. Accepting an award and giving an acceptance speech is a golden opportunity for you to leverage the win and to shine.
Here are seven things to consider when crafting that acceptance speech.
- Prepare: It’s okay to anticipate winning and to prepare a concise, thoughtful speech. You only have a short time and a prepared speech will allow you to make the most of that short time. I’m sure you have seen several impromptu acceptance speeches that really did not leverage the occasion.
- Be Concise: This is dictated by the short amount of time that you will be allocated. Keep it to the point – preparing will allow you to include the points you want to include without going over time. You will look professional and confident.
- Structure: Even though the speech is short it still needs structure. Using the right word to connect with your audience can mean the difference between an ordinary speech and an exceptional effective speech.
- Harness Your Emotions: Yes it is an emotional time – you have achieved something you have worked for. Yes express your emotions but watch that you don’t let your emotions overshadow what you want to say.
- Be Genuine: Authenticity and passion will get you a long way. You don’t have to be polished – just be ready, concise, coherent and genuine. Let you shine and let your passiona and message shine.
- Know Your Audience. This impacts on what you say and if you want to add humour how that will work with your audience. Be aware of who is in your audience. Make sure your speech reflects the award you have won.
- Ums and Ers. These are what I call vocal pauses for thought. A few ums and ers will not impact; it is when nearly every second word is an um that it starts to detract from your message. Slow down, pause, breathe then speak.
Bonus: There may be an opportunity to be videoed. If it is available do it – make sure you have your sound bites ready highlighting your business, your message and expertise. Keep it short and to the point – look directly at the lens and speak to that one person listening to you. Ask for a copy of the video.
Most of all relax, breathe and enjoy the moment. You deserve it!
What would you include in your acceptance speech?
