what is the purpose of a speech of acceptance

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Speechwriting

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 1,100,396 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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Here’s How I Wrote an Acceptance Speech for My Big Day

Hrideep barot.

Speech Writing

Hey there! Before Writing an acceptance speech, we must know what it is. Ever wonder what those fancy “thank you” speeches are all about when someone wins an award or does something awesome? Well, they’re called acceptance speeches, and they’re like a way of saying, “Hey, thanks for noticing my hard work!” Let’s dive in and see what makes these speeches special.

What Is An Acceptance Speech?

What is the purpose of an acceptance speech .

Ways I Used To Write Acceptance Speech For My Big Day.

Strategies I Used To Confidently Deliver My Speech.

Examples of how i wrote an acceptance speech for my big day.

Some Iconic And Memorable Acceptance Speech Examples From Various Fields.
Conclusion.

An acceptance speech is a formal statement given by an individual or a group of individuals who have been awarded or recognized for an achievement. During an acceptance speech, the speaker typically expresses gratitude, acknowledges the efforts of those who contributed to the achievement, and may share reflections on the significance of the award.

Acceptance speeches vary in length and style, but they generally convey appreciation, humility, and sometimes the speaker’s perspective on the work or accomplishment that led to the recognition.

Acceptance speeches are prevalent in various fields, including entertainment, sports, business, and academia, among others. In the context of entertainment, for example, actors may deliver acceptance speeches at awards shows. In business, leaders may give acceptance speeches when receiving industry accolades or recognition for corporate achievements.

The purpose of an acceptance speech is multi-faceted and extends beyond the mere act of acknowledging an award or recognition. Here are some key purposes:

1. Expressing Gratitude:

One of the primary purposes of an acceptance speech is to express gratitude. Recipients use this opportunity to thank individuals, groups, or organizations that played a role in their success . This can include colleagues, mentors, family members, and supporters.

2. Acknowledging Contributions:

Acceptance speeches allow awardees to recognize the efforts and contributions of others who have contributed to the recognized achievement. This acknowledgment not only shows appreciation but also highlights the collaborative nature of many accomplishments.

3. Connecting with the Audience:

Acceptance speeches provide a platform for the recipient to connect emotionally with the audience. By sharing personal reflections, stories, or sentiments, the speaker can create a more meaningful and memorable experience for those in attendance or watching.

4. Sharing Insights:

Awardees often use acceptance speeches to share insights into their journey, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned. This can be inspirational for others facing similar challenges and can contribute to a sense of shared experience.

5. Enhancing Professional Image:

A well-delivered acceptance speech can enhance the professional image of the recipient. It provides an opportunity to showcase not only the achievements being recognized but also the recipient’s communication skills, humility, and ability to connect with an audience.

6. Inspiring Others:

Acceptance speeches can serve as a source of inspiration for others in the audience or those who may later hear or read about the speech. The speaker may offer words of encouragement or share insights that motivate others to pursue their goals.

7. Celebrating Achievements:

Ultimately, acceptance speeches are a means of celebrating achievements. They allow individuals or groups to publicly revel in their success, creating a moment of joy and recognition for the hard work and dedication that led to the award.

An acceptance speech serves as a powerful communication tool that goes beyond a simple acknowledgment of an award. It is an opportunity for the recipient to connect with others, express gratitude, share insights, and inspire, contributing to a richer and more meaningful celebration of achievement.

Ways I Used To Write An Acceptance Speech For My Big Day.

1. begin with gratitude:.

Start your acceptance speech with a genuine expression of gratitude for the honor or award you are receiving. Convey your appreciation for being recognized, and consider mentioning the significance of the accolade in your personal or professional journey. This sets a positive tone for your speech and immediately engages the audience with your genuine emotions.

2. Identify Key Thank You’s:

Make a list of the individuals, groups, or organizations you want to thank. Delve into specific reasons why each person or group is being acknowledged. Share anecdotes or instances that highlight their contributions, making your expressions of gratitude more meaningful and personal. This not only shows your appreciation but also helps the audience connect with the people who have been instrumental in your success.

3. Personalize Your Thanks:

When expressing gratitude, personalize your thanks by sharing stories or moments that illustrate the impact of the support you received. Whether it’s a mentor’s guidance, a colleague’s collaboration, or a friend’s encouragement, adding a personal touch enhances the emotional resonance of your speech and makes it more memorable.

4. Acknowledge the Team:

If your achievement is a result of teamwork, emphasize the collaborative effort that contributed to the success. Acknowledge the collective dedication and hard work of your team members. Highlight specific instances of collaboration and cooperation , showcasing the strength of working together toward a common goal.

5. Share Your Journey:

Briefly share key aspects of your journey that led to this moment. Focus on significant milestones, challenges overcome, and pivotal moments. This narrative not only provides context for the audience but also adds depth to your speech, allowing them to connect with your experiences and better understand the journey that led to your recognition.

6. Highlight the Significance:

Explain why this recognition holds particular significance for you. Connect the award to your personal or professional values, goals, or aspirations. Share how it aligns with your passions or the mission that drives you. This adds depth to your speech, allowing the audience to appreciate the meaningful connection between you and the recognition you’re receiving.

7. Inject Humor (if appropriate):

Adding a touch of humor can make your speech more engaging and endearing. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the humor is contextually appropriate for the occasion and audience. Consider incorporating lighthearted anecdotes or playful remarks that align with the celebratory atmosphere, being mindful not to detract from the significance of the moment.

8. Be Concise:

Keep your acceptance speech concise and focused. While it’s essential to express your gratitude and share insights, avoid going into excessive detail or wandering off-topic. Aim for a speech that is impactful but not overly lengthy , respecting the time constraints of the event and maintaining the audience’s interest throughout.

9. Practice Your Delivery:

Practice delivering your speech to refine your tone, pace, and pauses. This ensures a smooth and confident presentation, allowing you to connect with the audience effectively. Pay attention to your body language, gestures, and overall delivery, making adjustments as needed to enhance your communication and convey authenticity.

10. Consider Your Audience:

Tailor your speech to the specific audience and occasion. Consider the atmosphere of the event, the expectations of the audience, and the nature of the recognition. Adjust your tone, language, and content to resonate with the people in attendance, creating a speech that feels relevant and relatable to the moment.

11. End on a Positive Note:

Conclude your speech on a positive and uplifting note. Express your excitement for the future, convey your commitment to building upon the success that led to the recognition, or share inspiring words that leave a lasting impression. Ending on a positive note leaves the audience with a sense of celebration and optimism.

12. Express Genuine Emotion:

Allow your genuine emotions to come through in your speech. Whether it’s joy, gratitude, humility, or a combination of emotions, authenticity enhances the impact of your words. Share your feelings with sincerity, allowing the audience to connect with the real and human aspects of your experience. Genuine emotion creates a more profound connection and resonates with the audience on a personal level.

1. Thorough Preparation:

Confidence is rooted in thorough preparation. By extensively researching your topic, gathering relevant information, and organizing your thoughts, you build a solid foundation for your speech. Rehearsing multiple times allows you to internalize the content, ensuring that you can deliver it smoothly and with conviction. Preparedness provides a safety net, helping you feel in control and ready to address any challenges that may arise during your presentation.

2. Visualize Success:

Visualization serves as a mental rehearsal, allowing you to envision yourself delivering a successful speech. By vividly imagining positive outcomes, you create a positive mindset that counteracts anxiety. Visualizing success helps build confidence by reinforcing your belief in your ability to deliver a compelling and impactful presentation.

3. Controlled Breathing:

Deep and controlled breathing is a proven technique to manage anxiety and enhance composure. Before stepping onto the stage, practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves. During the speech, incorporate controlled breathing pauses to maintain a steady rhythm and project confidence. Controlled breathing serves as a physiological anchor, helping you stay focused and composed.

4. Effective Body Language:

Confident body language is a non-verbal communication tool that complements your spoken words. Maintain good posture to exude confidence, make purposeful gestures to emphasize key points, and establish eye contact with the audience to convey authenticity. Thoughtful and intentional body language enhances your overall presentation, fostering a sense of confidence and connection with your listeners.

5. Connect with the Audience:

Establishing a connection with your audience is pivotal for a confident presentation. Make eye contact with different individuals, smile, and gauge the audience’s reactions. Building a rapport with your listeners creates a supportive atmosphere, boosting your confidence and making your delivery more engaging and relatable.

6. Focus on the Message, Not Perfection:

Rather than striving for perfection, focus on delivering your message authentically . Embrace the natural flow of conversation and understand that minor imperfections contribute to your human appeal. Prioritizing the authenticity of your message over flawless delivery enables you to connect with your audience on a deeper level, fostering confidence in your ability to communicate effectively.

7. Know Your Audience:

Tailoring your speech to the preferences and interests of your audience is key to a confident presentation. Understanding their expectations allows you to adjust your tone and content, making it more likely that your message will resonate and be well-received. Connecting with your audience on a personal level contributes to a confident and impactful delivery.

8. Utilize Visual Aids (if applicable):

If your speech includes visual aids, ensure they are well-prepared and seamlessly integrated into your presentation. Practice incorporating them into your speech, maintaining a smooth flow, and avoiding disruptions. Confidence in handling visual aids enhances the overall professionalism of your presentation, contributing to a more assured delivery.

9. Seek Constructive Feedback:

Actively seeking constructive feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors is a valuable strategy for continual improvement. Constructive feedback provides insights into areas for refinement and enhancement, allowing you to address any concerns and refine your delivery. This iterative process contributes to increased confidence in your speaking abilities over time.

You can read this if you want powerful ways to write a speech.

Let’s imagine a scenario where you’ve won an award for your outstanding contributions to your community. Here are some examples of how you might write an acceptance speech for that big day:

Example 1: Gratitude and Community Focus

Thank you all so much! I am beyond honored to receive this award. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the amazing community that I am proud to be a part of. It’s the support and collaboration of each person here that has made all the difference. Big thanks to [Name] for believing in me and [Name] for being my constant cheerleader.

This award is not just for me; it’s for all of us who come together to make our community stronger. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this incredible honor. Let’s continue working hand in hand for the betterment of our community.

Example 2: Personal Stories and Acknowledgments

Wow, this is truly unexpected! I want to share a little story with you all. A while back, [mention a personal story or challenge]. It was your unwavering support that got me through those tough times. So, this award is as much yours as it is mine.

A massive shout-out to [Name] for being my rock and [Name] for those inspiring conversations that fueled my passion. To my family and friends, your encouragement kept me going. Thank you for being my pillars of strength.

Example 3: Humor and Appreciation

Well, well, well, this is a surprise! I’ve always dreamed of being on this stage, but I never thought I’d be holding this shiny trophy. Thanks a bunch! I have to say, this award is like the cherry on top of the sundae, and you all are the sprinkles that make it extra special.

To the incredible team I get to work with every day, you guys are the real MVPs. And to my [mention a supportive person], I owe you a lifetime supply of coffee for those late-night brainstorming sessions. Thanks for keeping me caffeinated and inspired! Cheers to us!

Feel free to mix and match elements from these examples based on the tone and style you prefer for your acceptance speech.

Some Iconic And Memorable Acceptance Speech Examples From Various Fields .

1. oprah winfrey – golden globes (2018):.

In her acceptance of the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award, Oprah Winfrey delivered a powerful and inspiring speech addressing issues of injustice, inequality, and the #MeToo movement, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against abuse.

“I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon, and when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.”

2. Steve Jobs – Stanford University Commencement Speech (2005):

While not a traditional award acceptance speech, Jobs’ commencement address is widely regarded as one of the most motivational and impactful speeches. He shared personal anecdotes, and lessons learned, and encouraged graduates to pursue their passions and stay hungry for success.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

3. Tom Hanks – Academy Awards (1995):

Tom Hanks, upon winning the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in “Forrest Gump,” delivered a heartwarming speech, expressing gratitude to his family and colleagues. He also humorously acknowledged the heavy competition and the “young man” who lost to him, suggesting he’d get another chance.

“I am standing here because the woman I share my life with has taught me and demonstrates for me every day just what love is. […] You’re a dope if you don’t steal from everybody you ever worked with, and I have stolen from the likes of the people that only need one name like Meryl, Denzel, and Meg. Even, I’m sorry, even Wilson the volleyball.”

4. Emma Watson – MTV Trailblazer Award (2013):

Emma Watson’s acceptance speech for the MTV Trailblazer Award focused on gender equality. She urged both men and women to embrace feminism and spoke about her journey as an actress and activist, emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving social change.

“I think it’s right I’m standing here because I’m an English girl and I love English weather, but I moved to America, and I did believe that I’d left all of British politeness and reserve across the Atlantic. […] This is not a game. It’s a real and important movement that is happening right now. It’s really exciting. I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

5. J.K. Rowling – Harvard University Commencement Speech (2008):

J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, delivered a commencement address at Harvard. She spoke about the benefits of failure and the importance of imagination and empathy, offering valuable life lessons to the graduating class.

These speeches stand out for their sincerity, eloquence, and often for addressing broader societal issues. They serve as examples of how acceptance speeches can go beyond simple acknowledgments and resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

Conclusion .

Alright, so when it’s your turn to step up and give an acceptance speech, think of it as your time to shine even brighter. It’s not just about saying thank you; it’s about making everyone feel the joy and excitement that comes with your achievement.

Remember, keep it short and sweet. Share a laugh if you can, and wrap it up on a positive note. Your speech is like the cherry on top of your big day, making it even more special. So, go ahead, speak from the heart, and let your gratitude and happiness light up the room. Congratulations again on your awesome accomplishment, and may your speech be the talk of the town!

Powerful speech opening lines set the tone and mood of your speech. Hence you can listen to this to learn more about ways to hook your audience-

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How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech (With Examples)

The Speaker Lab
May 9, 2024

If you’ve recently won an award — congratulations! There’s a good chance that a lot of hard work and blood, sweat, and tears went into the recognition you’re about to receive. Now, your biggest task is nailing the perfect award acceptance speed. After all, it’s important to show gratitude for the honor while also ensuring that your words will touch hearts and minds and hopefully inspire others to follow in your footsteps. But have no fear — we’re here to help.

From heartfelt gratitude to powerful storytelling, these examples showcase the key elements that make an acceptance speech unforgettable. No matter whether you’re leading a company, launching startups, writing books, teaching students, coaching teams, or giving advice as a consultant—there’s plenty for you to learn when it comes to crafting the perfect acceptance speech.

How to Give A Pitch-Perfect Award Acceptance Speech

Your award is a huge accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated. But before you start popping the champagne, there’s one more thing you need to do: prepare your acceptance speech.

While you could just say thanks and be done with it, doing so is a disservice to those who helped you get where you are. After all, an acceptance speech is so much more than just a simple thank you. It’s an opportunity to not just express your genuine gratitude, but also to acknowledge why the award is important and share the glory with those who helped you along the way.

Express Genuine Gratitude and Emotion

First and foremost, an acceptance speech is a chance to express your heartfelt appreciation for the honor you’ve received. This isn’t the time to be modest or downplay your achievements. Let your emotions shine through and show how much the award means to you.

Take a cue from Sandra Bullock’s acceptance speech at the 2010 Oscars. She was visibly moved as she thanked her mother, Helga B., along with all “the moms that take care of the babies and the children no matter where they come from.”

Acknowledge Why It Is Important

Beyond expressing gratitude, your acceptance speech should also acknowledge why the award is significant. What does it represent? Explain how the award is a reflection of your personal principles or highlights where you would like make changes professionally.

For example, when Malala Yousafzai accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, she used her acceptance speech to highlight the importance of education and the ongoing fight for women’s rights. “This award is not just for me,” she said. “It is for those forgotten children who want education. It is for those frightened children who want peace. It is for those voiceless children who want change.”

Share the Glory

Finally, a great acceptance speech shares the spotlight with those who helped make your success possible. This could be your family, your team, your mentors, or even your fans.

When Taylor Swift won Album of the Year at the 2016 Grammys, she made sure to thank her collaborators and supporters. “I want to thank the fans for the last ten years and the recording academy for giving us this unbelievable honor,” she said. “I want to thank all of my collaborators that you see on this stage.”

So as you’re crafting your own award acceptance speech, remember to express genuine gratitude, acknowledge the significance of the honor, and share the glory with those who helped you along the way. With these elements in place, you’ll deliver a speech that not only thanks the right people but inspires and uplifts your audience as well.

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Writing Your Acceptance Speech

You’ve just been honored with a prestigious award and now it’s time to give your acceptance speech. It’s crunch time to create a moment that sticks and sparks motivation in everyone. But where do you even begin?

Crafting an excellent award acceptance speech takes some planning and preparation. You want to strike the right tone, share a meaningful message, and of course, express your heartfelt gratitude. Let’s walk through crafting an acceptance speech that’ll definitely make a mark.

Brainstorm Ideas

Before you start jotting down your speech, take some time to reflect on what this award means to you. Why is it significant? What does it represent in terms of your journey, your values, or your aspirations? Brainstorm some key themes or stories you might want to touch on.

In addition, ask yourself: “What challenges did you overcome? Who helped you along the way? What lessons did you learn? What impact do you hope to make with this recognition?” Your answers to these questions will form the bulk of your acceptance speech.

Write Your Speech

With your brainstorming done, it’s time to start putting pen to paper. Begin with a strong opening line that will grab your audience’s attention. You might share a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or even a touch of humor.

As you write the body of your speech, keep in mind the time constraint you’re working with. Most acceptance speeches are fairly short, so you’ll need to be selective about what you include. Focus on a few key points or anecdotes that support your central theme.

Be Specific in Your Speech

When it comes to expressing your gratitude, it’s important to be specific. Don’t just rattle off a generic list of thank-yous. Take the time to acknowledge the individuals or organizations that have played a significant role in your success.

For example, in her Golden Globes acceptance speech , Oprah Winfrey specifically thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association as well as several other key individuals by name.

The Power of Storytelling in Your Acceptance Speech

One of the most effective ways to make your acceptance speech memorable is by incorporating storytelling. Share a personal anecdote or experience that relates to your journey or the significance of the award.

Again, consider Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globes acceptance speech. In it, she opens with a story from her childhood, when she sat on the floor watching Sidney Poitier become the first African American to ever win a Golden Globe. As she states in her speech, “I have tried many, many times to explain what a moment like that means to a little girl…and it is not lost on me that at this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this same award.” With the power of storytelling, Winfrey highlights the men and women who have sought truth and justice no matter the personal cost.

As you craft your award acceptance speech, remember to brainstorm ideas, be specific in your gratitude, and harness the power of storytelling. Remember, just like the acceptance speech examples we’ve looked at, your words have the power to touch hearts and spark change in those listening.

Preparing to Deliver Your Speech

You’ve written a fantastic award acceptance speech, filled with heartfelt gratitude and inspiring stories. Now, it’s showtime. However, public speaking can be nerve-wracking, even for the most seasoned professionals. That’s why the key to a successful speech delivery is preparation. You want to be confident, polished, and engaging when you step up to the podium. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your big moment.

Rehearsing Your Speech

One of the best ways to calm your nerves and boost your confidence is by practicing your speech beforehand. Read it out loud several times, paying attention to your pacing, tone, body language , and emphasis. Consider practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself so you can see and hear how you come across. In addition, grabbing a buddy or work pal to listen in can provide you feedback for improvement. Remember, the more familiar you are with your speech, the more natural and effortless it will feel when you deliver it for real.

Making Your Speech Memorable

When it comes to making your speech memorable, it’s all about connecting with your audience. Use eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures to engage them and convey your emotions.

You might also consider incorporating a memorable phrase or tagline that encapsulates your message. For example, in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. repeated the phrase “I have a dream” eight times, driving home his vision for a more just and equal society.

Respecting the Audience and the Clock

When delivering your acceptance speech, it’s important to be mindful of your audience and the time allotted. Express your gratitude sincerely, but avoid gushing or going overboard with your thank-yous. Similarly, respect the time limit you’ve been given. A short award acceptance speech is often more impactful than a long, rambling one. Aim to deliver your message concisely and powerfully, leaving your audience wanting more.

As you prepare to deliver your award acceptance speech, remember to rehearse thoroughly, focus on making it memorable, and respect your audience and the clock. With this game plan ready, stepping up to speak will feel a lot less daunting.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in an Acceptance Speech

As you’ve seen from the examples above, a great award acceptance speech has the power to move and inspire an audience. But what goes into crafting and delivering a truly impactful speech? Here are a few final tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your big moment.

General Guidelines

While it’s important to express your gratitude and share your story, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid in your acceptance speech:

Don’t ramble or go off-topic. Stay focused on your central message.
Avoid clichés or generic platitudes. Be specific and authentic in your language.
Don’t forget to thank the important people, but keep your list of thank-yous concise.
Avoid inside jokes or references that may not resonate with your entire audience.

By steering clear of these pitfalls, you’ll ensure that your speech is clear, meaningful, and memorable.

Avoid Going Overboard with Emotions in Your Speech

When that award is finally in your hands, feeling a rush of emotions isn’t just common; it’s expected. This is particularly true if the honor marks a major highlight in either your work or personal journey. However, it’s important to strike a balance between showing genuine emotion and maintaining your composure.

While a few tears or a quavering voice can be powerful, going overboard with your emotions may distract from your message or make your audience uncomfortable. Aim to express your feelings in a way that is authentic but still allows you to deliver your speech effectively.

Remember, your award acceptance speech is an opportunity to share your gratitude, your story, and your vision with the world. By avoiding common pitfalls and finding the right emotional balance, you’ll be able to deliver a speech that truly resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impact.

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Examples of Inspiring Award Acceptance Speeches

Need some inspiration as you craft your own award acceptance speech? Look no further than these powerful examples from some of the world’s most influential figures.

Literature Award Acceptance Speech Example

In his 1962 Nobel Prize acceptance speech , writer John Steinbeck used the opportunity to discuss the purpose of literature. He says, “[A writer] is charged with exposing our many grievous faults and failures, with dredging up to the light our dark and dangerous dreams for the purpose of improvement.”

Best Actress Award Acceptance Speech Example

When Emma Stone won the Oscar for Best Actress in 2024 , she used her speech to pay tribute to her fellow actors and the power of cinema. “It’s not about me,” she said. “It’s about a team that came together to make something better than the sum of its parts. And that’s the best part about making movies.”

Distinguished Service Award Acceptance Speech Example

In her acceptance speech for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award , Angelina Jolie spoke about the importance of giving back and making a difference in the world. “I have never understood why some people are lucky enough to be born with the chance that I had,” she said, “to have this path in life and why across the world, there’s a woman just like me, the same abilities, the same desires, same work ethic and love for her family, who would most likely make better films and better speeches—only she sits in a refugee camp.”

These are just a few examples of the many inspiring award acceptance speeches out there. When the spotlight hits you for advancing science, creating art masterpieces, or bettering lives, that moment is more than just applause—it’s a platform. Use it wisely; light a fire under others to follow suit and make waves of their own.

FAQs on Award Acceptance Speeches

What do you say in an acceptance speech.

Start by thanking the giver, mention key people who helped along the way, and highlight what this award means to you.

What is an example short award acceptance speech?

“Thank you to everyone who played a part in this award. This honor isn’t just mine; it belongs to all who stood by me. Let’s keep pushing forward.”

How do you format an acceptance speech?

Kick off with thanks, weave in personal stories or a nod to your team, then wrap up on a hopeful note.

What do you say when accepting an award at work?

Acknowledge the recognition with gratitude, shout out those who supported you, and express excitement for future challenges and opportunities.

Crafting an impactful acceptance speech is an art that requires genuine emotion, storytelling, and a touch of inspiration. Through these examples of amazing award acceptance speeches, we’ve shared some great tips on how to say thanks, share your story, and make an impact on your audience.

Remember, your big moment with that microphone isn’t just for saying thanks for the trophy. It’s also about shouting out those that helped you get there and inspiring anyone listening to follow their own path towards success. So, when it’s your turn to shine, make sure you give a speech that’ll stick in people’s minds for years.

Last Updated: May 8, 2024

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How to Give an Acceptance Speech

Last Updated: May 18, 2021 Approved

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . 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. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 291,595 times.

Giving an acceptance speech can be a daunting task when you're naturally humble, especially if you've been working so hard earning the accolades that you haven't brushed up on your public speaking skills! Luckily, with the right planning and execution, an acceptance speech can be an opportunity to shine, rather than something that must be suffered through. By following a few basic rules of thumb during the writing and polishing stages of your preparation process and knowing basic standards of speech-giving etiquette ahead of time, you can make your acceptance speech as painless as possible — fun, even!

Sample Speeches

Writing a Great Speech

As a general rule, the smaller your audience and the more intimately you know its members, the more casual your speech may be.

Step 3 Start your speech by introducing yourself.

"Hello. Thank you for honoring me this evening. As you've just heard, my name is Jane Smith. I joined this company in 2009, and since then, I've worked with the marketing, content, and analytics departments in varying capacities. Earlier this year, I had the honor of collaborating with my boss, John Q. Public, on a new data processing system, which is why we're here today."

Step 4 State a clear, defined goal early in your speech.

"I'm here today to offer my sincerest gratitude to the dozens of people without whom this experience wouldn't have been possible. I'd also like to briefly discuss the role that the idea of "going the extra mile" has played in setting this company apart from the others in the tech field."

Step 5 Explain how the honor you’re receiving has personal meaning.

“As much as I appreciate this award and as grateful as I am for it, the greatest reward I’ve ever been given is the simple opportunity to help generations of kids learn how to think critically about the world around them.”

Step 6 Wrap up with a concise, powerful ending.

"As we leave here today, I'd like to ask the members of the audience to take a moment to think about the importance of educating the children of this generation. Tomorrow's problems demand bright, hard-working individuals to solve them, and the only way we can create these individuals is by acting as a community to support our schools, our teachers, and the countless people that they depend on for their continued strength."

Step 7 Be sure to thank anyone who helped you succeed.

When you're thanking people, it's a wise idea to end with something along the lines of, "and finally, I'd like to thank everyone else who supported me during my work — there are too many people to list, but I want to thank you all personally." This covers your bases in case you forget anyone who played a minor role in your success.

Step 8 Look for inspiration from the greats.

As a positive example, consider Jimmy Valvano's phenomenal acceptance speech at the 1993 ESPY awards. Just eight weeks before his premature death from cancer, the famed college basketball coach delivered an immensely moving speech to an ecstatic standing ovation from the crowd. [2] X Research source
As an example of what not to do, consider Hilary Swank's Oscar acceptance speech for "Boys Don't Cry" in 2000. Swank accepted her award gratefully, doling out thanks to all of her supporters, with the major exception of her husband , whom the cameras famously caught crying tears of joy during Swank's speech. [3] X Research source
As an oddball example, consider Joe Pesci’s Oscar acceptance speech. After taking the podium at the 1991 Oscars for his work in "Goodfellas," Pesci said simply, "It's my privilege. Thank you." Pesci was both praised and lampooned for his five word speech.

Polishing Your Speech to Perfection

Knowing the outline of your speech ahead of time is useful for multiple reasons. For instance, not only will this prevent certain technical snafus (for instance, a breeze carrying your speech away) from derailing your speech, but it can also help you deliver your speech more confidently. After all, if you know basically what you need to say ahead of time, what need is there to worry?

Also, don’t forget that there may be people in the audience who were in the running for the honor you ended up receiving. Because of this, you won’t want to demean the organization that’s honoring you or jokingly imply that you were a bad choice. Maintain respect for yourself, the organization honoring you, and the audience as you accept your award.

As you practice, time yourself. You may be surprised how much longer (or shorter) your speech is than you thought it would be. If you have a hard time limit for your speech, use the results of your timed practice to edit your speech as necessary.

Delivering your Speech with Dignity

Step 1 Manage your anxiety with stress-fighting techniques.

Rapid heartbeat: Breathe deeply and slowly. Concentrate on someone in the room you're comfortable around, like a friend or family member. Start delivering the words of your speech — you'll naturally relax once you start talking.
Racing, panicked thoughts: Take deep breaths. Look out into the audience and see the humor in their blank, expressionless faces. Alternatively, imagine that the members of the audience are somehow unimportant or laughable (e.g., that they're all in their underwear, etc.)
Dry mouth: Bring a bottle of water with you onstage to drink as you need it. Consider also chewing gum before (but not during) your speech. Mimicking the process of eating can have a calming effect on the emotions. In addition, it can stimulate saliva production, preventing a dry mouth.
Trembling: Breathe deeply and slowly. If necessary, try slowly tensing and releasing the muscles in the trembling body part to work out the excess energy from your adrenaline high.
Above all, relax . You've prepared, so you have no reason to worry about how the speech will turn out. Worrying will only make it harder to deliver the great speech that you're perfectly capable of giving.

Hurrying or rushing through your speech.
Fidgeting or messing with something in your hands
Swaying from side to side.
Coughing/sniffling excessively

If you can remember to do so, try to gradually move your gaze from side to side as you look at your audience. Sweeping your eyes back and forth gives the members of the audience the impression that you're addressing them all individually. If this "sweeping" motion is tricky for you, try randomly picking individuals in the audience to look at for a few seconds at a time as you talk.

Step 5 Remember that everyone in the room is a human being.

Expert Q&A

Keep any jokes clean and flattering. Don't debase yourself or anyone else. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
When writing your speech, stay mindful of the audience. Your knowledge of the attire and the age group should dictate your vocabulary. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
At all costs, avoid forgetting to mention someone. It is always better to mention groups, or teams, and avoid speaking about individuals, than it is to disregard someone unintentionally. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
↑ http://www.jimmyv.org/about-us/remembering-jim/jimmy-v-espy-awards-speech/
↑ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-acceptance-speech-flubs-422360
↑ http://www.cypressmedia.net/articles/article/19/overcome_your_fears_and_become_a_great_speaker
http://www.sideroad.com/Public_Speaking/acceptance_speech.html
http://www.write-out-loud.com/acceptance-speeches.html

About this article

To give an acceptance speech, start by introducing yourself, then get right to the main theme of your speech. Keep your words simple, speak slowly and clearly, and try to center at least part of your speech around thanking those who helped you get to where you are. Explain what personal meaning the honor holds for you, then wrap up your speech with a concise, powerful ending! For tips on polishing and practicing your speech, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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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.

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What’s the purpose of an acceptance speech?

Subscribe to governance weekly, william a. galston william a. galston ezra k. zilkha chair and senior fellow - governance studies.

July 21, 2016

Editor’s note: This post originally appeared in Democracy Journal .

Successful acceptance speeches at national party conventions accomplish two tasks: they lay out what is at stake in the forthcoming election in clear, unmistakable terms; and they do what is necessary in the circumstances of the times to build majority support, not only for the nominee personally, but also for the nominee’s strategy for surmounting the most urgent and important problems of the day. Although not every presidential candidate enters the general election contest with realistic prospects of victory, each has the opportunity to play the hand they’ve been dealt either well or badly, and, typically, we can judge which is which.

There are, then, three possible political situations nominees can face as they craft their acceptance speeches. They may enjoy the luxury of already existing majority support, in which case their task is to mobilize their supporters and maximize their victory. They may face a closely divided nation, in which case they must decide on the best course for building a majority and structuring their address to reinforce their strategy. Or they may know, even if it is imprudent to admit publicly, that their chances of success are minimal. Their task then is to do the best they can for their party, to prevent personal defeat from turning into a broad-based electoral rout that leaves all institutions of government in the hands of the other party.

The best example I know of the first case is Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech at the 1936 Democratic convention. The central issue, FDR declared, was to move the country from political equality to economic democracy, and overcome the opposition of the captains of industry and finance he dubbed “economic royalists.” At one time, small businessmen, workers, and farmers could enjoy independence through their own efforts, but, in a mass production society, this was no longer possible. As the colonists overthrew the dominion of the British to achieve self-governance, so the citizens oppressed by concentrations of capital must overthrow the economic royalists to regain control over their own destiny. “These economic royalists complain that we seek to overthrow the institutions of America,” FDR said, but their real complaint is that “we seek to take away their power.” This is a war for the future of democracy, and there can be no compromise: If the people are to win, the economic royalists must lose. And finally, he promised, “I am enlisted for the duration of the war.”

President Roosevelt could not have drawn a brighter line. In doing so, he mobilized an unprecedented outpouring of public support and achieved what was, at the time, the largest landslide in American history.

As for the second case—a majority to be forged rather than mobilized—the best example is Ronald Reagan’s acceptance speech at the 1980 Republican convention. Reagan and his advisors knew that he was perceived as narrowly ideological, even threatening. Although President Carter had lost his grip on the American people, it was anything but clear that Reagan could seize the Oval Office.

Reagan responded to this challenge with a masterfully constructed address. Explicitly addressing Democrats and independents, as well as Republicans, he talked in soothing tones about national unity. In the face of widespread pessimism about our economy and our global leadership, he insisted that America’s best days still lay ahead while promising to restore the “values and virtues handed down to us by our families,” as well as the American spirit of “voluntary service, of cooperation, of private and community initiative.” Countering the Democrats’ effort to depict him as a reckless warmonger, he—in terms reminiscent of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address—responded by saying: “We must always stand ready to negotiate in good faith, ready to pursue any reasonable avenue that holds forth the promise of lessening tensions and furthering the prospects of peace.” Rather than offering an astringent doctrine of limited government, he remarked that “we must have the clarity of vision to see the difference between what is essential and what is merely desirable” and then “the courage to bring our government back under control and to make it acceptable to the people.” Beyond a bracing critique of the Carter Administration’s performance on every front, he outlined a set of alternative policies consistent with his vision of America’s society and government.

It would be an exaggeration to say that Reagan’s acceptance speech secured the victory he went on to achieve in November; it took the presidential debate to do that. But the speech did much to strengthen, and nothing to undermine, the image of reasonableness and common sense that he drove home in his eventual fateful encounter with Jimmy Carter. In so doing, it laid the foundation for the substantial margin of victory he eventually achieved.

Contrast these two successes with Barry Goldwater’s spectacular failure to cut his party’s losses in 1964. With Lyndon B. Johnson wrapped in the shroud of his martyred predecessor, the Arizona Senator had no chance of prevailing. But by doing the opposite of what Ronald Reagan would do 16 years later, by turning an ideological candidacy for the presidential nomination into a hard-edged general election campaign, he ensured that his party would remain divided and that few Democrats or independents would join forces with him. The result was one of the epic electoral defeats in American history.

Many Americans of a certain age can recall the most notorious lines from Goldwater’s address: “extremism in defense of liberty is no vice…[and] moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.” But few of us remember that these phrases came at the end of a speech littered with overwrought and divisive rhetoric. Following a root-and-branch rejection of the Kennedy-Johnson Administration’s policies as statist denials of individual liberty, he warmed to his task: “Those who seek absolute power, even though they seek it to do what they regard as good, are simply demanding the right to enforce their own version of heaven on earth. And let me remind you, they are the very ones who always create the most hellish tyrannies.” Translation: the difference between contemporary liberalism and Communist despotism is one of degree and not of kind. At the very least, liberal Democrats are culpably indifferent to the fate of oppressed peoples around the world. “And I needn’t remind you, but I will,” said Goldwater, “it has been during Democratic years that a billion persons were cast into Communist captivity and their fate cynically sealed.”

Just seven years before Richard Nixon’s historic trip to Beijing, the conservative hero was still invoking the “Who lost China?” debate of the late 1940s and early 1950s. This message helped turned what was sure to be a substantial defeat into the smallest share of the popular vote a candidate in a two-person race has ever received—and one of the biggest across-the-board defeats for his party, opening the door to the transformative legislation of the Great Society.

Today, Donald Trump faces a divided Republican Party and uncertain prospects for an electoral majority. His task is not to mobilize his core supporters, but to heal his party and to broaden his support beyond its usual ranks. He cannot do that by recycling the rhetoric of his primary campaign. Instead, he must present his signature issues in their least threatening and most persuasive light.

Suppose, for a minute, he were to grasp the nettle and say:

My fellow Americans, I know my views on trade and immigration have created some consternation, and I know that I’ve depicted my views in ways many of you find too vivid. Despite what you may think, it has given me no pleasure to describe the situation as starkly as I have. But I had had no choice. We were drifting in the wrong direction, and no one was standing up to resist. I had to get your attention, and I guess I did. If I thought that the trade treaties of the past quarter-century had served the interests of American workers and manufacturers, I would never have spoken up. But they haven’t, and more and more Americans are becoming aware of this fact every day. Because I have helped destroy the elite consensus that was destroying our economy, we can begin discussing how to negotiate more strongly for trade agreements that create jobs and raise wages here at home.

And yes, I know my famous wall on our southern border seems harsh and divisive. But let me ask you: What is the alternative? How else can we halt—not just slow down, but stop in its tracks—the illegal immigration that threatens American jobs and America’s security? We’ve tried everything else, and nothing has worked. If anyone has a different idea, the presidential campaign would be a great time to debate it. Believe me, I’m ready for that debate. But I will not settle for phony solutions that leave things as they are. And you know what, I don’t think most Americans will either.

It is in any way conceivable that his speech could resemble something like this? Well, we will soon learn whether Donald Trump has the foresight and self-restraint to present himself to the American people in such a way as to expand his support beyond the 40 percent of the population that already supports him, and will continue to do so, come what may. If he doesn’t, the Republican Party had better be ready to wander in the wilderness for quite some time.

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.

Learn How to Write an Acceptance Speech like Experts

Published on: Mar 27, 2022

Last updated on: Mar 25, 2024

Acceptance Speech Definition

An acceptance speech is a type of speech given by someone receiving an award or prize. However, not all awards have speeches.

Some are other forms such as trophies and certificates that can be used to give thanks for achievements in fields like academics, engineering, science, and medicine.

When you're accepting a prestigious award, it's important to give a speech that is both concise and engaging.

However, you need to create a basic outline and a list of people you want to thank for a great speech.

Also, it is better that you take time and write a perfect speech that impresses the audience.

How to Start an Acceptance Speech?

Starting a speech can be hard when there are many different thoughts in your mind. You may not know where to start or what points should go into the introduction of your speech. Don't panic!

Follow these simple steps, and you'll get on stage with confidence:

Think hard about what you are thankful for. Then, write down a few reasons why you are grateful. The people who gave you the award want to know that you appreciate it. They want to hear your thoughts on this honor, so tell them.

Make a list of people you want to thank in your speech. Put their names on the list. You can thank organizations, people who worked on the project with you, and family and friends that supported you.

Read other people's speeches for inspiration. You can find those on the Internet or in your local library. It is important to read speeches from people who received awards similar to those you will be getting.

An outline is a plan for the speech. It will have all the ideas and headings you need. Also, follow the proper format for the outline. Therefore, you can easily write a great speech.

You can also check out this video guide on how to give an acceptance speech!

How to Write an Acceptance Speech?

A public speaking opportunity is a golden moment for any award winner. But you need to plan and work on your writing skills before the big day comes.

Here are some steps that you should follow and write a perfect speech.

1. Write an Introduction

The introduction sets the tone of your entire speech. It is also important to connect with the people in the audience at first.

You could start by telling a light-hearted joke, but do not talk about how great you are or why you deserve this award.

Also, start by thanking people who helped you in achieving your goals. The length of your introduction depends on how much time you have to speak, but try not to keep it too long.

2. Write the Main Body

The body of the speech focuses on those who deserve recognition. The bulk of your speech should be devoted to thanking those people that helped you get this award.

Reference the list you made of people who deserve recognition and thank them by name in a heartfelt way.

However, you don't need to thank everyone in your life, just the people who deserve it. Therefore, make sure you only give thanks to those involved with your award and family/friends close to you.

Also, you can add humor to your speech and make it interesting. However, do not make your speech humorous; it will lose its real expression.

3. Write the Conclusion

Conclude your speech with a positive message that makes a great impact on the audience. Also, keep the speech conclusion short and brief.

Summarize the group of people who have helped you in accomplishing the goal. You can also suggest a call to action to inspire the audience.

Highlight the few organizationâs achievements if you received an award for your work from an organization. Also, thank the audience in your last sentence for their time and efforts.

4. Rehearsing and Proofread

After writing the speech, proofread it and remove all the mistakes. The most important thing to remember when giving a speech is to practice.

Reading your speech is important because it tells you to see what the listener will hear. You should read aloud while noting any sections that sound awkward or confusing.

To make it easier to pronounce, remove words and phrases which are hard.

Ask someone you trust, such as your friend or partner, to help you rehearse and give constructive feedback. Then, keep practicing until both of you feel that it is perfect with no flaws at all.

Acceptance Speech Examples

Examples are always helpful, and they can help give you some ideas for writing an acceptance speech. Therefore, for your help, we gathered some professionally written examples that make your writing phase easy.

Acceptance Speech Sample

Acceptance Speech for Student Council President

Acceptance Speech As President Of An Organization

Acceptance Speech After Election

These are some Nobel Prize acceptance speech examples:

Acceptance Speech For The Nobel Peace Prize

Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech Summary

Martin Luther King Jr. Acceptance Speech

You can check out our descriptive list of acceptance speeches for award examples here:

Jennifer Coolidge Acceptance Speech

Brendan Fraser Acceptance Speech

Will Smith Acceptance Speech Oscars 2022

Austin Butler Acceptance Speech

Ke Huy Quan Acceptance Speech

Troy Kotsur Acceptance Speech

Jamie Lee Curtis Acceptance Speech

Sheryl Lee Ralph Acceptance Speech

Michelle Yeoh Acceptance Speech

Acceptance Speech Writing Tips

The following are the tips that you should follow to create a well-written speech that impresses the audience.

Know your audience: Research the audience and occasion to get a sense of the tone and expectations. Understanding your audience can help you tailor your speech to their interests and needs.
Keep it concise and focused: Avoid going off-topic or rambling. Keep your speech concise and focused on the message you want to convey.
Practice, practice, practice: Practice your speech multiple times to get comfortable with the content and delivery. This will also help you identify areas where you may need to revise or clarify your message.
Be authentic and sincere: Speak from the heart and convey genuine emotion. Authenticity and sincerity can help you connect with your audience and make your message more impactful.
Acknowledge and thank others: Don't forget to acknowledge and thank those who have supported you along the way. This can help you demonstrate humility and gratitude and show that you recognize the contributions of others to your success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in an Acceptance Speech

When delivering an acceptance speech, it's important to remember that the audience is not only interested in your achievements. But also in your ability to convey gratitude, humility, and inspiration.

To ensure that your acceptance speech hits the right notes, it's important to avoid these common mistakes:

1. Focusing solely on oneself and neglecting to thank others:

An acceptance speech is not just about you; it's also about the people who have supported you along the way.

Failing to acknowledge their contributions and express gratitude can make you appear self-centered and ungrateful.

2. Rambling or going off-topic:

While it's important to convey your gratitude and address the occasion, it's equally important to keep your speech concise and focused.

Going off-topic or rambling can make your speech difficult to follow and leave your audience disengaged.

3. Using inappropriate language or humor:

An acceptance speech should be professional and respectful, regardless of the occasion.

Using inappropriate language or humor can offend or alienate your audience. It detracts from the message you are trying to convey.

Now, you get all the information about the acceptance speech. You can start crafting your own with the help of our essay writer !

But sometimes, not every good speaker is a great writer. So many people hire professional writers to do their work for them.

CollegeEssay.org is the place where you can get professional help for your college essay and professional speeches.

So, contact us now and avail the best online essay writing service at affordable rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should acceptance speeches be.

Acceptance speeches can vary in length. But typically they're pretty short because everyone wants to turn their attention back to what's really important.

How do you end a speech?

When ending a speech, it's important to summarize the main points of your message. Don't just repeat what was said earlier; paraphrase the key themes and arguments you have just presented.

What do you say in an acceptance speech?

Here are some key points that will help you and give you a better idea of what you need to say in your speech.

Be genuine.
Keep your remarks short.
Don't apologize.
Conclude with an inspirational note.

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

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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

Reason and Meaning

Philosophical reflections on life, death, and the meaning of life, summary of faulkner’s nobel prize speech.

William Faulkner’s speech at the Nobel Banquet at the City Hall in Stockholm, December 10, 1950 * (My brief summary followed by the transcript of the speech.)

Faulkner’s Main Ideas – Good writers want to create something new, but this is difficult. And existential threats (especially the possibility of nuclear war) make the writer’s job—to uncover the secrets of the human heart—even harder. Yet writers must put aside their fear, and remember good things like love and compassion and sacrifice. If they forget the good, they write of despair and of the impending doom of our species. But Faulkner believes that we will survive and prosper. So the role of the writer is to inspire humanity by reminding them of what we are capable of. In this way the writer helps us to “endure and prevail.”

Ladies and gentlemen,

I feel that this award was not made to me as a man, but to my work—a life’s work in the agony and sweat of the human spirit, not for glory and least of all for profit, but to create out of the materials of the human spirit something which did not exist before. So this award is only mine in trust. It will not be difficult to find a dedication for the money part of it commensurate with the purpose and significance of its origin. But I would like to do the same with the acclaim too, by using this moment as a pinnacle from which I might be listened to by the young men and women already dedicated to the same anguish and travail, among whom is already that one who will someday stand here where I am standing.

Our tragedy today is a general and universal physical fear so long sustained by now that we can even bear it. There are no longer problems of the spirit. There is only the question: When will I be blown up? Because of this, the young man or woman writing today has forgotten the problems of the human heart in conflict with itself which alone can make good writing because only that is worth writing about, worth the agony and the sweat.

He must learn them again. He must teach himself that the basest of all things is to be afraid; and, teaching himself that, forget it forever, leaving no room in his workshop for anything but the old verities and truths of the heart, the old universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed—love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice. Until he does so, he labors under a curse. He writes not of love but of lust, of defeats in which nobody loses anything of value, of victories without hope and, worst of all, without pity or compassion. His griefs grieve on no universal bones, leaving no scars. He writes not of the heart but of the glands.

Until he relearns these things, he will write as though he stood among and watched the end of man. I decline to accept the end of man. It is easy enough to say that man is immortal simply because he will endure: that when the last dingdong of doom has clanged and faded from the last worthless rock hanging tideless in the last red and dying evening, that even then there will still be one more sound: that of his puny inexhaustible voice, still talking.

I refuse to accept this. I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. The poet’s, the writer’s, duty is to write about these things. It is his privilege to help man endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past. The poet’s voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail.

___________________________________________________________________

From Nobel Lectures , Literature 1901-1967 , Editor Horst Frenz, Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1969

* The speech was apparently revised by the author for publication in The Faulkner Reader. These minor changes, all of which improve the address stylistically, have been incorporated here.

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15.1: Understanding Special Occasion Speeches

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Kris Barton & Barbara G. Tucker
Florida State University & University of Georgia via GALILEO Open Learning Materials

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Often the speaking opportunities life brings our way have nothing to do with specifically informing or persuading an audience; instead, we are commonly asked to speak during special occasions in our lives. Whether you are standing up to give a speech at an awards ceremony or a toast at a wedding, knowing how to deliver speeches in a variety of different contexts is the nature of special occasion speaking. In this chapter, we are going to explore what special occasion speeches are as well as a number of types of special occasion speeches ranging from humorous to somber.

In broad terms, a special occasion speech is a speech designed to designed to address and engage the context and audience’s emotions on a specific occasion. Like informative or persuasive speeches, special occasion speeches should communicate a clear message, but the manner of speaking used is typically different. The word “special” in the term “special occasion speeches” is somewhat subjective in that while some speaking occasions truly are special occasions (e.g., a toast at a wedding, an acceptance speech at an awards banquet, a eulogy for a loved one), they can also be given at more mundane events, such as the hundreds of public relations speeches that big companies give every day. The goal of a special occasion speech is ultimately to stir an audience’s emotions and make them feel a certain way in response to the situation or occasion.

Of all the types of speeches we are most likely to have to give during our lives, many of them will fall into the special occasion category. These often include speeches that are designed to inspire or motivate an audience to do something. These are, however, different from a traditional persuasive speech. Let’s say you’re the coach of your child’s Little League team or a project leader at your work. In both cases you might find yourself delivering a speech to motivate and inspire your teams to do their best. You can imagine how giving a motivational speech like that would be different from a traditional persuasive speech, focusing on why a group of 50-somethings should change their investment strategy or a group of your peers to vote for a certain candidate for Student Senate.

To help us think through how to be effective in delivering special occasion speeches, let’s look at four key ingredients: preparation, adaptation to the occasion, adaptation to the audience, and mindfulness about the time.

Be Prepared

First, and foremost, the biggest mistake you can make when standing to deliver a special occasion speech is to underprepare or simply not prepare at all. We’ve stressed the need for preparation throughout this text, so just because you’re giving a wedding toast or a eulogy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think through the speech before you stand up and speak out. If the situation is impromptu, even jotting some basic notes on a napkin is better than not having any plan for what you are going to say.

Adapt to the Occasion

Not all content is appropriate for all occasions. If you are asked to deliver a speech commemorating the first anniversary of a school shooting, then obviously using humor and telling jokes wouldn’t be appropriate. But some decisions about adapting to the occasion are less obvious. Consider the following examples:

You are the maid of honor giving a toast at the wedding of your younger sister.
You are receiving a Most Valuable Player award in your favorite sport.
You are a sales representative speaking to a group of clients after a mistake has been discovered.
You are a cancer survivor speaking at a high school student assembly.
You are giving an after-dinner speech to the members of your fraternity.

How might you adapt your message and speaking style to successfully convey your message to these various audiences?

Remember that being a competent speaker is about being both personally effective and socially appropriate. Different occasions will call for different levels of social appropriateness. One of the biggest mistakes entertaining speakers can make is to deliver one generic speech to different groups without adapting the speech to the specific occasion. In fact, professional speakers always make sure that their speeches are tailored for different occasions by getting information about the occasion from their hosts. When we tailor speeches for special occasions, people are more likely to remember those speeches than if we give a generic speech.

Adapt to Your Audience

Once again, we cannot stress the importance of audience adaptation enough in this text. Different audiences will respond differently to speech material, so the more you know about your audience, the more likely you’ll succeed in your speech. One of our coauthors was once at a conference for teachers of public speaking. The keynote speaker stood and delivered a speech on the importance of public speaking. While the speaker was good and funny, the speech really fell flat. The keynote speaker basically told the public speaking teachers that they should take public speaking courses because public speaking is important. Right speech, wrong audience!

Be Mindful of the Time

The last major consideration for delivering special occasion speeches successfully is to be mindful of your time. Different speech situations have their own conventions and rules with regard to time. Acceptance speeches and toasts, for example, should be relatively short (typically under two minutes). A speech of introduction should be extremely brief—just long enough to tell the audience what they need to know about the person being introduced in a style that prepares them to appreciate that person’s remarks. In contrast, commencement speeches, eulogies, and speeches to commemorate events can run ten to twenty minutes in length, depending on the context.

It’s also important to recognize that audiences on different occasions will expect speeches of various lengths. For example, although it’s true that graduation commencement speakers generally speak for ten to twenty minutes, the closer that speaker heads toward twenty minutes the more fidgety the audience becomes. To hold the audience’s attention, a commencement speaker would do well to make the closing minutes of the speech the most engaging and inspiring portion of the speech. If you’re not sure about the expected time frame for a speech, ask the person who has invited you to speak.

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.

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18.2 Special-Occasion Speeches

Learning objectives.

Identify the different types of ceremonial speaking.
Describe the different types of inspirational speaking.

A man giving a birthday speech for his friend

M+MD – Birthday Speech – CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Many entertaining speeches fall under the category of special-occasion speeches. All the speeches in this category are given to mark the significance of particular events. Common events include weddings, bar mitzvahs, awards ceremonies, funerals, and political events. In each of these different occasions, speakers are asked to deliver speeches relating to the event. For purposes of simplicity, we’ve broken special-occasion speeches into two groups: ceremonial speaking and inspirational speaking.

Ceremonial Speaking

Ceremonial speeches are speeches given during a ceremony or a ritual marked by observance of formality or etiquette. These ceremonies tend to be very special for people, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they are opportunities for speech making. Let’s examine each of the eight types of ceremonial speaking: introductions, presentations, acceptances, dedications, toasts, roasts, eulogies, and farewells.

Speeches of Introduction

The first type of speech is called the speech of introduction , which is a minispeech given by the host of a ceremony that introduces another speaker and his or her speech. Few things are worse than when the introducer or a speaker stands up and says, “This is Joe Smith, he’s going to talk about stress.” While we did learn the speaker’s name and the topic, the introduction falls flat. Audiences won’t be the least bit excited about listening to Joe’s speech.

Just like any other speech, a speech of introduction should be a complete speech and have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion—and you should do it all in under two minutes. This brings up another “few things are worse” scenario: an introductory speaker who rambles on for too long or who talks about himself or herself instead of focusing on the person being introduced.

For an introduction, think of a hook that will make your audience interested in the upcoming speaker. Did you read a news article related to the speaker’s topic? Have you been impressed by a presentation you’ve heard the speaker give in the past? You need to find something that can grab the audience’s attention and make them excited about hearing the main speaker.

The body of your introductory speech should be devoted to telling the audience about the speaker’s topic, why the speaker is qualified, and why the audience should listen (notice we now have our three body points). First, tell your audience in general terms about the overarching topic of the speech. Most of the time as an introducer, you’ll only have a speech title and maybe a paragraph of information to help guide this part of your speech. That’s all right. You don’t need to know all the ins and outs of the main speaker’s speech; you just need to know enough to whet the audience’s appetite. Next, you need to tell the audience why the speaker is a credible speaker on the topic. Has the speaker written books or articles on the subject? Has the speaker had special life events that make him or her qualified? Lastly, you need to briefly explain to the audience why they should care about the upcoming speech.

The final part of a good introduction is the conclusion, which is generally designed to welcome the speaker to the lectern. Many introducers will conclude by saying something like, “I am looking forward to hearing how Joe Smith’s advice and wisdom can help all of us today, so please join me in welcoming Mr. Joe Smith.” We’ve known some presenters who will even add a notation to their notes to “start clapping” and “shake speakers hand” or “give speaker a hug” depending on the circumstances of the speech.

Now that we’ve walked through the basic parts of an introductory speech, let’s see one outlined:

Specific Purpose: To entertain the audience while preparing them for Janice Wright’s speech on rituals.

Introduction: Mention some common rituals people in the United States engage in (Christmas, sporting events, legal proceedings).

Main Points:

Explain that the topic was selected because understanding how cultures use ritual is an important part of understanding what it means to be human.
Janice Wright is a cultural anthropologist who studies the impact that everyday rituals have on communities.
All of us engage in rituals, and we often don’t take the time to determine how these rituals were started and how they impact our daily routines.

Conclusion: I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Wright at the regional conference in Springfield last month, and I am excited that I get to share her with all of you tonight. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Wright (start clapping, shake speaker’s hand, exit stage).

Speeches of Presentation

The second type of common ceremonial speech is the speech of presentation . A speech of presentation is a brief speech given to accompany a prize or honor. Speeches of presentation can be as simple as saying, “This year’s recipient of the Schuman Public Speaking prize is Wilhelmina Jeffers,” or could last up to five minutes as the speaker explains why the honoree was chosen for the award.

When preparing a speech of presentation, it’s always important to ask how long the speech should be. Once you know the time limit, then you can set out to create the speech itself. First, you should explain what the award or honor is and why the presentation is important. Second, you can explain what the recipient has accomplished in order for the award to be bestowed. Did the person win a race? Did the person write an important piece of literature? Did the person mediate conflict? Whatever the recipient has done, you need to clearly highlight his or her work. Lastly, if the race or competition was conducted in a public forum and numerous people didn’t win, you may want to recognize those people for their efforts as well. While you don’t want to steal the show away from winner (as Kanye West did to Taylor Swift during the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards, for example http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/435995/taylor-swift-wins-best-female-video.jhtml#id=1620605 ), you may want to highlight the work of the other competitors or nominees.

Speeches of Acceptance

The complement to a speech of presentation is the speech of acceptance . The speech of acceptance is a speech given by the recipient of a prize or honor. For example, in the above video clip from the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards, Taylor Swift starts by expressing her appreciation, gets interrupted by Kanye West, and ends by saying, “I would like to thank the fans and MTV, thank you.” While obviously not a traditional acceptance speech because of the interruption, she did manage to get in the important parts.

There are three typical components of a speech of acceptance: thank the givers of the award or honor, thank those who helped you achieve your goal, and put the award or honor into perspective. First, you want to thank the people who have given you the award or honor and possibly those who voted for you. We see this done every year during the Oscars, “First, I’d like to thank the academy and all the academy voters.” Second, you want to give credit to those who helped you achieve the award or honor. No person accomplishes things in life on his or her own. We all have families and friends and colleagues who support us and help us achieve what we do in life, and a speech of acceptance is a great time to graciously recognize those individuals. Lastly, put the award in perspective. Tell the people listening to your speech why the award is meaningful to you.

Speeches of Dedication

The fourth ceremonial speech is the speech of dedication . A speech of dedication is delivered when a new store opens, a building is named after someone, a plaque is placed on a wall, a new library is completed, and so on. These speeches are designed to highlight the importance of the project and possibly those to whom the project has been dedicated. Maybe your great-uncle has died and left your college tons of money, so the college has decided to rename one of the dorms after your great-uncle. In this case, you may be asked to speak at the dedication.

When preparing the speech of dedication, start by explaining how you are involved in the dedication. If the person to whom the dedication is being made is a relative, tell the audience that the building is being named after your great-uncle who bestowed a gift to his alma mater. Second, you want to explain what is being dedicated. If the dedication is a new building or a preexisting building, you want to explain what is being dedicated and the importance of the structure. You should then explain who was involved in the project. If the project is a new structure, talk about the people who built the structure or designed it. If the project is a preexisting structure, talk about the people who put together and decided on the dedication. Lastly, explain why the structure is important for the community where it’s located. If the dedication is for a new store, talk about how the store will bring in new jobs and new shopping opportunities. If the dedication is for a new wing of a hospital, talk about how patients will be served and the advances in medicine the new wing will provide the community.

At one time or another, almost everyone is going to be asked to deliver a toast . A toast is a speech designed to congratulate, appreciate, or remember. First, toasts can be delivered for the purpose of congratulating someone for an honor, a new job, or getting married. You can also toast someone to show your appreciation for something they’ve done. Lastly, we toast people to remember them and what they have accomplished.

When preparing a toast, the first goal is always to keep your remarks brief. Toasts are generally given during the middle of some kind of festivities (e.g., wedding, retirement party, farewell party), and you don’t want your toast to take away from those festivities for too long. Second, the goal of a toast is to focus attention on the person or persons being toasted—not on the speaker. As such, while you are speaking you need to focus your attention to the people being toasted, both by physically looking at them and by keeping your message about them. You should also avoid any inside jokes between you and the people being toasted because toasts are public and should be accessible for everyone who hears them. To conclude a toast, simply say something like, “Please join me in recognizing Joan for her achievement” and lift your glass. When you lift your glass, this will signal to others to do the same and then you can all take a drink, which is the end of your speech.

The roast speech is a very interesting and peculiar speech because it is designed to both praise and good-naturedly insult a person being honored. Generally, roasts are given at the conclusion of a banquet in honor of someone’s life achievements. The television station Comedy Central has been conducting roasts of various celebrities for a few years.

In this clip, watch as Stephen Colbert, television host of The Colbert Report , roasts President George W. Bush.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSE_saVX_2A

Let’s pick this short clip apart. You’ll notice that the humor doesn’t pull any punches. The goal of the roast is to both praise and insult in a good-natured manner. You’ll also see that the roaster, in this case Stephen Colbert, is standing behind a lectern while the roastee, President George W. Bush, is clearly on display for the audience to see, and periodically you’ll see the camera pan to President Bush to take in his reactions. Half the fun of a good roast is watching the roastee’s reactions during the roast, so it’s important to have the roastee clearly visible by the audience.

How does one prepare for a roast? First, you want to really think about the person who is being roasted. Do they have any strange habits or amusing stories in their past that you can discuss? When you think through these things you want to make sure that you cross anything off your list that is truly private information or will really hurt the person. The goal of a roast is to poke at them, not massacre them. Second, when selecting which aspects to poke fun at, you need to make sure that the items you choose are widely known by your audience. Roasts work when the majority of people in the audience can relate to the jokes being made. If you have an inside joke with the roastee, bringing it up during roast may be great fun for the two of you, but it will leave your audience unimpressed. Lastly, end on a positive note. While the jokes are definitely the fun part of a roast, you should leave the roastee knowing that you truly do care about and appreciate the person.

A eulogy is a speech given in honor of someone who has died. (Don’t confuse “eulogy” with “elegy,” a poem or song of mourning.) Unless you are a minister, priest, rabbi, imam, or other form of religious leader, you’ll probably not deliver too many eulogies in your lifetime. However, when the time comes to deliver a eulogy, it’s good to know what you’re doing and to adequately prepare your remarks. Watch the following clip of then-Senator Barack Obama delivering a eulogy at the funeral of civil rights activist Rosa Parks in November of 2005.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRsH92sJCr4

In this eulogy, Senator Obama delivers the eulogy by recalling Rosa Parks importance and her legacy in American history.

When preparing a eulogy, first you need to know as much information about the deceased as possible. The more information you have about the person, the more personal you can make the eulogy. While you can rely on your own information if you were close to the deceased, it is always a good idea to ask friends and relatives of the deceased for their memories, as these may add important facets that may not have occurred to you. Of course, if you were not very close to the deceased, you will need to ask friends and family for information. Second, although eulogies are delivered on the serious and sad occasion of a funeral or memorial service for the deceased, it is very helpful to look for at least one point to be lighter or humorous. In some cultures, in fact, the friends and family attending the funeral will expect the eulogy to be highly entertaining and amusing. While eulogies are not roasts, one goal of the humor or lighter aspects of a eulogy is to relieve the tension that is created by the serious nature of the occasion. Lastly, remember to tell the deceased’s story. Tell the audience about who this person was and what the person stood for in life. The more personal you can make a eulogy, the more touching it will be for the deceased’s friends and families. The eulogy should remind the audience to celebrate the person’s life as well as mourn their death.

Speeches of Farewell

A speech of farewell allows someone to say good-bye to one part of his or her life as he or she is moving on to the next part of life. Maybe you’ve accepted a new job and are leaving your current job, or you’re graduating from college and entering the work force. Whatever the case may be, periods of transition are often marked by speeches of farewell. Watch the following clip of Derek Jeter’s 2008 speech saying farewell to Yankee Stadium, built in 1923, before the New York Yankees moved to the new stadium that opened in 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJrlTpQm0to

In this speech, Derek Jeter is not only saying good-bye to Yankee Stadium but also thanking the fans for their continued support.

When preparing a speech of farewell, the goal should be to thank the people in your current position and let them know how much you appreciate them as you make the move to your next position in life. In Derek Jeter’s speech, he starts by talking about the history of the 1923 Yankee Stadium and then thanks the fans for their support. Second, you want to express to your audience how much the experience has meant to you. A farewell speech is a time to commemorate and think about the good times you’ve had. As such, you should avoid negativity during this speech. Lastly, you want to make sure that you end on a high note. Derek Jeter concludes his speech by saying, “On behalf of this entire organization, we just want to take this moment to salute you, the greatest fans in the world!” at which point Jeter and the other players take off their ball caps and hold them up toward the audience.

Inspirational Speaking

The goal of an inspirational speech is to elicit or arouse an emotional state within an audience. In Section 18.2.1 “Ceremonial Speaking” , we looked at ceremonial speeches. Although some inspirational speeches are sometimes tied to ceremonial occasions, there are also other speaking contexts that call for inspirational speeches. For our purposes, we are going to look at two types of inspirational speeches: goodwill and speeches of commencement.

Speeches to Ensure Goodwill

Goodwill is an intangible asset that is made up of the favor or reputation of an individual or organization. Speeches of goodwill are often given in an attempt to get audience members to view the person or organization more favorably. Although speeches of goodwill are clearly persuasive, they try not to be obvious about the persuasive intent and are often delivered as information-giving speeches that focus on an individual or organization’s positives attributes. There are three basic types of speeches of goodwill: public relations, justification, and apology.

Speeches for Public Relations

In a public relations speech, the speaker is speaking to enhance one’s own image or the image of his or her organization. You can almost think of these speeches as cheerleading speeches because the ultimate goal is to get people to like the speaker and what he or she represents. In the following brief speech, the CEO of British Petroleum is speaking to reporters about what his organization is doing during the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCfa6AxmUHw

Notice that he keeps emphasizing what his company is doing to fix the problem. Every part of this speech is orchestrated to make BP look caring and attempts to get some amount of goodwill from the viewing public.

Speeches of Justification

The second common speech of goodwill is the speech of justification, which is given when someone attempts to defend why certain actions were taken or will be taken. In these speeches, speakers have already enacted (or decided to enact) some kind of behavior, and are now attempting to justify why the behavior is or was appropriate. In the following clip, President Bill Clinton discusses his decision to bomb key Iraqi targets after uncovering a plot to assassinate former President George H. W. Bush.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mpWa7wNr5M

In this speech, President Clinton outlines his reasons for bombing Iraq to the American people and the globe. Again, the goal of this speech is to secure goodwill for President Clinton’s decisions both in the United States and on the world stage.

Speeches of Apology

The final speech of goodwill is the speech of apology. Frankly, these speeches have become more and more commonplace. Every time we turn around, a politician, professional athlete, musician, or actor/actress is doing something reprehensible and getting caught. In fact, the speech of apology has quickly become a fodder for humor as well. Let’s take a look at a real apology speech delivered by professional golfer Tiger Woods.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs8nseNP4s0

When you need to make an apology speech, there are three elements that you need to include: be honest and take responsibility, say you’re sorry, and offer restitution. First, a speaker needs to be honest and admit to doing something wrong. The worst apology speeches are those in which the individual tries to sidestep the wrongdoing. Even if you didn’t do anything wrong, it is often best to take responsibility from a public perception perspective. Second, say that you are sorry. People need to know that you are remorseful for what you’ve done. One of the problems many experts saw with Tiger Woods’s speech is that he doesn’t look remorseful at all. While the words coming out of his mouth are appropriate, he looks like a robot forced to read from a manuscript written by his press agent. Lastly, you need to offer restitution. Restitution can come in the form of fixing something broken or a promise not to engage in such behavior in the future. People in society are very willing to forgive and forget when they are asked.

Speeches for Commencements

The second type of inspirational speech is the speech of commencement , which is designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a graduating class or other group of people. The most typical form of commencement speech happens when someone graduates from school. Nearly all of us have sat through commencement speeches at some point in our lives. And if you’re like us, you’ve heard good ones and bad ones. Numerous celebrities and politicians have been asked to deliver commencement speeches at colleges and universities. One famous and well-thought-out commencement speech was given by famed Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling at Harvard University in 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkREt4ZB-ck

J. K. Rowling’s speech has the perfect balance of humor and inspiration, which are two of the main ingredients of a great commencement speech.

If you’re ever asked to deliver a commencement speech, there are some key points to think through when deciding on your speech’s content.

If there is a specific theme for the graduation, make sure that your commencement speech addresses that theme. If there is no specific theme, come up with one for your speech. Some common commencement speech themes are commitment, competitiveness, competence, confidence, decision making, discipline, ethics, failure (and overcoming failure), faith, generosity, integrity, involvement, leadership, learning, persistence, personal improvement, professionalism, reality, responsibility, and self-respect.
Talk about your life and how graduates can learn from your experiences to avoid pitfalls or take advantages of life. How can your life inspire the graduates in their future endeavors?
Make the speech humorous. Commencement speeches should be entertaining and make an audience laugh.
Be brief! Nothing is more painful than a commencement speaker who drones on and on. Remember, the graduates are there to get their diplomas; their families are there to watch the graduates walk across the stage.
Remember, while you may be the speaker, you’ve been asked to impart wisdom and advice for the people graduating and moving on with their lives, so keep it focused on them.
Place the commencement speech into the broader context of the graduates’ lives. Show the graduates how the advice and wisdom you are offering can be utilized to make their own lives better.

Overall, it’s important to make sure that you have fun when delivering a commencement speech. Remember, it’s a huge honor and responsibility to be asked to deliver a commencement speech, so take the time to really think through and prepare your speech.

Key Takeaways

There are eight common forms of ceremonial speaking: introduction, presentation, acceptance, dedication, toast, roast, eulogy, and farewell. Speeches of introduction are designed to introduce a speaker. Speeches of presentation are given when an individual is presenting an award of some kind. Speeches of acceptance are delivered by the person receiving an award or honor. Speeches of dedication are given when a new building or other place is being opened for the first time. Toasts are given to acknowledge and honor someone on a special occasion (e.g., wedding, birthday, retirement). Roasts are speeches designed to both praise and good-naturedly insult a person being honored. Eulogies are given during funerals and memorial services. Lastly, speeches of farewell are delivered by an individual who is leaving a job, community, or organization, and wants to acknowledge how much the group has meant.
Inspirational speeches fall into two categories: goodwill (e.g., public relations, justification, and apology) and speeches of commencement. Speeches of goodwill attempt to get audience members to view the person or organization more favorably. On the other hand, speeches of commencement are delivered to recognize the achievements of a group of people.
Imagine you’ve been asked to speak before a local civic organization such as the Kiwanis or Rotary Club. Develop a sample speech of introduction that you would like someone to give to introduce you.
You’ve been asked to roast your favorite celebrity. Develop a two-minute roast.
Develop a speech of commencement for your public speaking class.

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What It Means to Be a Writer: John Steinbeck’s Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech About Slicing Through Humanity’s Confusion

By maria popova.

Six months after Carson delivered her poignant and prescient commencement address, another writer of rare courage and humanistic idealism took another stage to deliver a kindred message that reverberates across the decades with astounding relevance today.

On December 10, 1962, John Steinbeck (February 27, 1902–December 20, 1968) took the podium at the Swedish Academy to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature “for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humour and keen social perception.” Two decades after he contemplated the contradictions of human nature and our grounds for lucid hope , the sixty-year-old Steinbeck proceeded to deliver a stunning, sobering, yet resolutely optimistic acceptance speech, later included in Nobel Writers on Writing ( public library ) — the collection that gave us Bertrand Russell on the four desires driving all human behavior , Pearl S. Buck on the nature of creativity , and Gabriel García Márquez’s vision of a world in which “no one will be able to decide for others how they die, where love will prove true and happiness be possible.”

After some endearing and strangely comforting opening remarks, indicating that even he — one of the world’s most celebrated minds, standing at the podium to receive the Nobel Prize — is bedeviled by impostor syndrome, Steinbeck considers the abiding role of storytelling in human life:

Literature was not promulgated by a pale and emasculated critical priesthood singing their litanies in empty churches — nor is it a game for the cloistered elect, the tin-horn mendicants of low-calorie despair. Literature is as old as speech. It grew out of human need for it and it has not changed except to become more needed. The skalds, the bards, the writers are not separate and exclusive. From the beginning, their functions, their duties, their responsibilities have been decreed by our species.

In a sentiment Iris Murdoch would echo a decade later in her insistence that throughout history “the artist has tended to be a revolutionary or at least an instrument of change in so far as he has tended to be a sensitive and independent thinker with a job that is a little outside established society,” Steinbeck bows to the lineage of great truth-tellers but raises the artist’s duty to a higher plane of humanism, tasked with more than merely exposing fault:

Humanity has been passing through a gray and desolate time of confusion. My great predecessor, William Faulkner, speaking here , referred to it as a tragedy of universal physical fear, so long sustained that there were no longer problems of the spirit, so that only the human heart in conflict with itself seemed worth writing about. Faulkner, more than most men, was aware of human strength as well as of human weakness. He knew that the understanding and the resolution of fear are a large part of the writer’s reason for being. This is not new. The ancient commission of the writer has not changed. He is charged with exposing our many grievous faults and failures, with dredging up to the light our dark and dangerous dreams for the purpose of improvement. Furthermore, the writer is delegated to declare and to celebrate man’s proven capacity for greatness of heart and spirit — for gallantry in defeat, for courage, compassion and love. In the endless war against weakness and despair, these are the bright rally flags of hope and of emulation. I hold that a writer who does not passionately believe in the perfectibility of man has no dedication nor any membership in literature.

Having witnessed the devastation of the atomic bomb — a gruesome turning point in our civilization’s balancing act of technological ascent and moral grounding — and speaking at the peak of the Cold War, Steinbeck offers a sentiment that has only swelled with poignancy in the half-century since, as we have continually let our technological capacities run unconsidered, outpacing our ethics:

The present universal fear has been the result of a forward surge in our knowledge and manipulation of certain dangerous factors in the physical world. It is true that other phases of understanding have not yet caught up with this great step, but there is no reason to presume that they cannot or will not draw abreast. Indeed, it is part of the writer’s responsibility to make sure that they do. With humanity’s long, proud history of standing firm against all of its natural enemies, sometimes in the face of almost certain defeat and extinction, we would be cowardly and stupid to leave the field on the eve of our greatest potential victory.

With an eye to the dark backstory of how the Nobel Prize was founded, Steinbeck reflects:

Understandably, I have been reading the life of Alfred Nobel; a solitary man, the books say, a thoughtful man. He perfected the release of explosive forces capable of creative good or of destructive evil, but lacking choice, ungoverned by conscience or judgement. Nobel saw some of the cruel and bloody misuses of his inventions. He may have even foreseen the end result of all his probing — access to ultimate violence, to final destruction. Some say that he became cynical, but I do not believe this. I think he strove to invent a control — a safety valve. I think he found it finally only in the human mind and the human spirit. To me, his thinking is clearly indicated in the categories of these awards. They are offered for increased and continuing knowledge of man and of his world — for understanding and communication, which are the functions of literature. And they are offered for demonstrations of the capacity for peace — the culmination of all the others.

Echoing Carson, Steinbeck considers the choice before humanity half a century after Alfred Nobel’s death — a choice that remains the same, though posed with exponentially greater urgency, yet another half a century hence:

The door of nature was unlocked and we were offered the dreadful burden of choice. We have usurped many of the powers we once ascribed to God. Fearful and unprepared, we have assumed lordship over the life and death of the whole world of all living things. The danger and the glory and the choice rest finally in man. The test of his perfectibility is at hand. Having taken God-like power, we must seek in ourselves for the responsibility and the wisdom we once prayed some deity might have. Man himself has become our greatest hazard and our only hope. So that today, saint John the Apostle may well be paraphrased: In the end is the Word, and the Word is Man, and the Word is with Man.

Couple with the visionary scientist and poet Lewis Thomas, writing another two decades later, on the wonders of possibility of this very choice — a choice that is still before us, and it is not too late for us to make wisely — then revisit Steinbeck on kindness , the discipline of writing , the crucible of creativity , and his timeless advice on falling in love .

— Published April 29, 2019 — https://www.themarginalian.org/2019/04/29/john-steinbeck-nobel-speech/ —

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Types of Speeches: The Acceptance Speech

Sometimes, when you receive an award or recognition for something you’ve done, you are expected to say a few words of gratitude for the recognition. The challenge of the acceptance speech is in balancing your speech with the right amount of gratitude, modesty, and humility without erring on the side of condescension, self-deprecation, and arrogance. In addition, you are supposed to do all this in a short amount of time so the event can move on to the next item on the agenda!

If you decide to become a professional speaker or use speaking as an integral part of your marketing strategy, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various types of speeches you might be asked to give. In this series of posts, I’ll give you the basics of a variety of types of presentations you can prepare. At the end of this post, I’ve listed previous articles in this series.

Tips for good acceptance speeches

Be brief: You want to express your thanks without boring your audience. It is better to leave them wanting more than to have them wishing there was giant hook dragging you away.
Be thankful: Be sure to recognize those who are giving you the award, as well as those who you were competing against.
Be generous: You probably didn’t earn this award on your own. Be sure to mention those who helped you achieve this recognition.

Options if more time

Put things in context: Give a little background as to how you accomplished what you did or how your point of view helped you achieve this recognition
Be inspirational: Share words of encouragement so that others can follow in your footsteps

And finally …

Be yourself! Well … at least be the best version of yourself.

Resources for developing your acceptance speeches

How to Write an Acceptance Speech
9 Acceptance Speech Topics
How To Give A Great Acceptance Speech by Thomas Murrell
Video: How To Write an Acceptance Speech

Did you miss these? Here are the previous posts in this “Type of Speeches” series:

The Keynote Address
The Training Session
The Motivational Speech
The Entertaining Speech
The Demonstration
The Information Dump
The Inspirational Speech
The Q & A
The Persuasive Speech
The Impromptu Speech

The next post in this series is The Commencement Speech .

Did you like this post? Please share!

About the author

Carma Spence, is author of Public Speaking Super Powers. She is fiercely committed to guiding women to Owning their Superpowers and turning their knowledge and interests into a profitable business. She is masterful at helping her clients see what is possible for them and supporting them on the journey from where they are to where they want to be, releasing the Mind Goblins of self-doubt, self-sabotage and second-guessing that keep them stuck.

With 20+ years experience in marketing communications and public relations, natural intuitive skills and certification in using some of the most effective transformational coaching tools available, Carma’s mission and commitment is to unleash the inner power every woman entrepreneur possesses so they can boldly go out into the world, transforming the fabric of people’s lives in meaningful and positive ways.

You can find her on Facebook , Twitter , Google+ and LinkedIn . Her website is CarmaSpence.com .

Analysis of a Speech

Analysis of a speech by Oprah Winfrey

Mannerofspeaking.

January 8, 2018

The 2018 Golden Globe Awards were handed out last night (7 January 2018). There were several highlights and many winners, but the overwhelming consensus is that Oprah Winfrey stole the show.

Winfrey, a talk show host, actress and philanthropist was honoured as the first black woman to win the Cecil B DeMille lifetime achievement award. She used her acceptance speech to repudiate racial injustice, abuse against women and attacks against the press.

It was a powerful speech that brought the audience to its feet for prolonged applause on more than one occasion. The speech, in full, is below. My thoughts follow.

Oprah had clearly prepared for this moment. Of course, she knew that she was being honoured with the award, but it is obvious that she had worked hard on her speech.
And yet, as prepared as she was, her speech felt natural and conversational. That is the result of good preparation. You know what you want to say, but you are not tied to a memorized script.
She grabbed the audience’s attention from the start. When you begin a speech, you only have a few moments to hook the audience’s attention, so you want to make those moments count. Psychologists talk about the learning principles of primacy and recency. People tend to remember the first and last things they hear. So the openings (and closings) of your presentation are important.
How did Oprah grab the audience’s attention? With a story . Note the details: the year; the linoleum floor (not a chair or a rug, but cold linoleum); the elegance of Sidney Poitier; his white tie and black skin.

In 1964, I was a little girl sitting on the linoleum floor of my mother’s house in Milwaukee watching Anne Bancroft present the Oscar for best actor at the 36th Academy Awards. She opened the envelope and said five words that literally made history: “The winner is Sidney Poitier.” Up to the stage came the most elegant man I had ever seen. I remember his tie was white, and of course his skin was black, and I had never seen a black man being celebrated like that.

She neatly concludes the story that began in 1964 by stating, “… it is not lost on me that at this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this same award.” (2:15) Circularity is a powerful thing in a speech.
There was a good pace to her voice, with many pauses (often helped by applause). And yet, she also knew how to quicken her pace, when appropriate, such as when she thanks a number of people by name (2:50) or recounts the women who have been abused over the years (5:00).
Because Oprah did not need notes, she was able to maintain eye contact with the audience throughout, sweeping the room from left to right.

She was firm but tactful in her rebuke of Donald Trump’s attacks on the press. She never mentioned the President by name, but everyone knew about whom she was speaking. (There has even been some speculation that Trump might have to contend with another TV Star in the next election.) And that made her words all the more powerful (3:08).

[W]e all know the press is under siege these days. We also know it’s the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to corruption and to injustice. To tyrants and victims, and secrets and lies. I want to say that I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times, which brings me to this: What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have that.

Oprah also spoke passionately and eloquently about the abuse and harassment and assaults that women have faced for too long. I especially appreciate how for her, the entertainment industry was only one part of society that has been affected (4:20).

But it’s not just a story affecting the entertainment industry. It’s one that transcends any culture, geography, race, religion, politics or workplace. So I want tonight to express gratitude to all the women who have endured years of abuse and assault because they, like my mother, had children to feed and bills to pay and dreams to pursue. They’re the women whose names we’ll never know. They are domestic workers and farm workers. They are working in factories and they work in restaurants and they’re in academia and engineering and medicine and science. They’re part of the world of tech and politics and business. They’re our athletes in the Olympics and they’re our soldiers in the military.

The story about Recy Taylor , and her connection with Rosa Parks , was very powerful and moving (5:20).

At 6:10, Oprah misspoke. She said that the men who had tried to destroy Recy Taylor were never “persecuted”. I am sure that she meant to say “prosecuted”. There’s a big difference.
She used rhetorical devices.

Polysyndeton

“To tyrants and victims and secrets and lies.” (3:28)

“They are working in factories and they work in restaurants and they’re in academia and engineering and medicine and science.” (5:05)

“Amen, amen, amen, amen.” (2:02)

“But their time is up. Their time is up. Their time is up.” (6:40)

“… they, like my mother, had children to feed and bills to pay and dreams to pursue.” (4:45) (Note that this is also polysyndeton.)

She had a powerful conclusion circling back to little girls who might be watching Oprah’s speech on television and also calling for the day when nobody will have to say “Me too.” (8:30)
Oprah had a well-structured speech (logos). With her humble beginnings, her well documented career struggles and her undeniable success, she was 100% credible (ethos). She spoke with passion and told moving stories (pathos). Aristotle would have approved .

For two excellent analyses of Oprah’s speech, see:

(a) Sam Leith’s article in the Financial Times . (If you are blocked from reading the article by the FT’s firewall, the first link on this Google search might work for you.

(b) Nick Morgan’s post in Public Words .

Like this article?

Excellent analysis for a powerful, powerful speech. Thank you John for your insights and for sharing this!

Thanks Adam! Much appreciated.

Love this, John, but you might want to know that “Sam Leith’s excellent article in the Financial Times” is hidden behind a paywall. I would have loved to have read more. Can you repost excerpts from it here, perhaps?

Glad you like the post and thanks for letting me know about the Leith article. Odd because I was able to access it without a subscription. I’ll look into this tomorrow and see what I can do. It’s late here and I have a full day with a client tomorrow. Cheers!

Hi again. When I got home this evening, I clicked on the FT link in the post and found that I too was now blocked by their firewall. But then I Googled “Sam Leith Oprah” and the article popped up and I could read it. Give that a try. If it doesn’t work, I have copied the entire article and pasted it below. I am going to trust that the FT is OK with me sharing it here.

Oprah Winfrey’s speech was a masterstroke of delivery Financial Times, 8 January 2018 “Their time is up,” Oprah Winfrey said. The applause gathered. A handful of people got to their feet. “Their TIME is UP!” she repeated, louder, and more chairs emptied. She left a long pause, and when she repeated the phrase a third time she did so quietly, almost as an afterthought, a calm restatement of what was now an obvious truth: “Their time is up.”

That was a little masterstroke of delivery. A tricolon whose third term — calm, reflective, not so much a call to action as the confident reflection on a done deal — bespoke power, control and certainty. Here was what will be looked back on as a defining speech of the #MeToo moment; and, perhaps it’s not too much to speculate, on the history of the Winfrey presidency.

For a speech to work well, a speaker has to have personal authority, or ethos, and they have to hit the right moment in time — what the Greeks called kairos. Ms Winfrey’s acceptance speech for her Cecil B DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globes last night hit both of those targets centre-bull.

Kairos-wise, here was an awards ceremony in a room filled with Hollywood liberals in revolt against a profoundly illiberal presidency, and vibrating with the energy of a movement whose origins were in Hollywood misogyny but which has broadened into a worldwide campaign. It does not do Ms Winfrey down to say that she was playing to a friendly crowd.

And Oprah is ethos on a stick. Here was a woman, and a woman of colour at that; a woman of colour who made her own success from a poor background; a woman of colour whose breakthrough role was in The Color Purple, a film about triumphing over racism and sexual abuse; a woman of colour whose career as a talk-show host has centred on the sharing of personal stories (“Speaking your truth”, as she put it) and who has been saying “Me Too” for decades. Her speech did everything she could have hoped it would. No barn was left unstormed. It was a speech about storytelling (“Each of us in this room is celebrated because of the stories that we tell, and this year we became the story”) and bearing witness — themes that unite the political moment with what Hollywood exists to do.

And she told stories herself. She opened with a description of her as a child in 1964, sitting “on the linoleum floor” watching Sidney Poitier becoming the first black man to win an Oscar. That linoleum is a brilliant touch: a metonym for her humble origins (not carpet; no couch) and an enargia, putting the listener in the room. And in invoking Poitier — who as she points out went on to win the very award she was now accepting — she aligned herself with the moral and cultural bona fides of a strong ancestor. She even quoted him: “Amen, amen, amen, amen.”

She brought in another spiritual ancestor, Recy Taylor — whom she placed in a lineage that runs directly, and personally, through Rosa Parks to the present day, deftly weaving the civil rights struggle with the theme of sexual abuse and implying their essential identity. The pathos of being able to say that Recy had died 10 days ago just added to the effect.

She shaped her audience like a champ — asserting the sisterhood of the women in Hollywood who suffered and spoke out against harassment with unnamed millions in any number of industries, and giving the phrase force with a well turned tricolon: “all the women who have endured years of abuse and assault because they, like my mother, had children to feed and bills to pay and dreams to pursue”. And she included men as allies: “[Recy’s truth] is here with every woman who chooses to say, ‘Me too’. And every man — every man — who chooses to listen.”

She used lists effectively — and hit cadences like the award-winning film star she is: “How we experience shame, how we love and how we rage, how we fail, how we retreat, persevere and . . . How. We. Overcome.”

She also — as with that sotto repetition of “Their time is up” — played that very effective trick of looking at the moment both in and out of time: moving her speech from the moment of change here and now to an image of the future as if inevitable: “A new day is on the horizon!”

Was it an accident that this section of her speech echoed Martin Luther King’s “I Have Been To The Mountaintop” speech? Was it an accident that the story of Taylor — the living witness to a century-long change in history — echoed Barack Obama’s invocation of Ann Nixon Cooper in his 2008 election night speech? If so, these were happy accidents. And if I were Donald Trump, there’s one rival TV star I’d be eyeing with particular nervousness as 2020 approaches. Sam Leith is author of ‘Words Like Loaded Pistols: Rhetoric from Aristotle to Obama’

You’re spot-on as usual, John – terrific analysis! I didn’t watch the ceremony, but watched the video this morning, and again while reading your article. I also caught the “persecuted” mistake, and wonder how many others did. That said, her speech was quite powerful, and was even better the second time around around.

Many thanks, Matt. It certainly was a gem of a speech. Cheers!

Reblogged this on BARBARA OLIVIERI and commented:

John Zimmer è colui che si può definire un “professional speaker” (figura professionale non ancora pienamente nota da noi).

Il suo blog è stato menzionato come uno dei blog più interessanti (ed influenti) relativi al “public speaking”. Ed essendo un argomento (quello della comunicazione in pubblico) che mi interessa molto, lo seguo e lo leggo con una certa assiduità.

Ebbene, questo articolo che “re-bloggo” è una analisi molto interessante ed approfondita del discorso di Oprah Winfrey alla premiazione dei Golden Globe.

Un discorso che ho guardato ieri (ma lo riguarderò anche nei prossimi giorni, con occhio via-via sempre più tecnico) e che considero come forse uno dei discorsi più potenti che io abbia mai ascoltato.

Dicevo che me lo sono guardato/ascoltato/osservato ieri. E sebbene sia partita con un atteggiamento analitico e di studio della struttura e della “delivery”, sono finita con le lacrime agli occhi. Ho pensato a come mai. Che cosa stava facendo questo discorso su di me? Perché non è un discorso recitato, teatrale, o in forma di arringa.

E un discorso colloquiale, ma che ha una potenza emotiva che arriva da una grande profondità ed entra in profondità. E che va in crescendo (come un’onda lunga, come scriveva Sara a commento del mio post su Facebook)

Qui sotto invece il reblog dal sito “Manner of spaeking” di John Zimmer (testo in inglese).

Mille grazie, Barbara. Era un piacere per me di leggere il tuo messaggio. Sono contento che hai trovato il mio post utile.

Thanks to you John!

It is always inspirational read your blog: it’s full of interesting suggestions.

And a big thank you (and applause also!) for your italian!

Grazie. Ho studiato l’italiano quando ero nel liceo. Però, qui a Ginevra, parlo più francese che italiano ed allora quando ho l’opportunità di parlare o di scrivere, io prendola.

A million thanks for this John. What a wonderful analysis! I’ll be sharing this with all of my speaker friends. 🙂

Many thanks, Juanita. Glad that you enjoyed the post.

John, what an excellent review of a brilliantly executed speech!

Regarding your mention of Oprah’s use of the word “persecuted” as opposed to “prosecuted”: the definition of “persecuted” is “subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their race or political or religious beliefs.” So, I would argue that she could have said (and perhaps meant) either word, as by definition, both are quite true!

Many thanks for the comment, Kayla. I am glad that you enjoyed the post. It was a pleasure to listen to Oprah’s speech and go through it line by line.

I respect your view on the persecution / prosecution issue, but there are two reasons why I am confident that Oprah meant to say “prosecution”:

1. In the sentence and a half before the operative sentence, Oprah talks about how Recy Taylor and Rosa Parks were seeking justice but that it just was not possible given the social realities of the time. Here is the precise language: “… Rosa Parks became the lead investigator on her case and together they sought justice. But justice wasn’t an option in the era of Jim Crow. The men who tried to destroy her were never persecuted.” Persecution is not justice; indeed, it is the antithesis of justice. Prosecution of a crime, on the other hand, is justice.

2. I don’t think that Recy Taylor or Oprah Winfrey are the kind of people who would subject someone, anyone, to hostility or ill-treatment because of their race, politics or religion. Thus, while I have no doubt that they would have liked to see the rapists prosecuted, I do not believe that they would have liked to see them persecuted. So I stand by my original statement that Oprah misspoke. But it doesn’t take away the fact that she delivered a wonderful speech.

Totally right on the persecution gaffe, for all the reasons you listed. I’m a little surprised that Oprah made that mistake, but at the same time I’m glad that anyone can err, even Oprah!

Thanks, Sarita. Yes, there is no such thing as perfect public speaking. Everyone can improve. And everyone makes mistakes.

Enjoyed your analysis which I think is as good if not better than the Financial Times. I found it sounded scripted and used well used lines. It was a great show and one of the first awards show I didn’t fall asleep half way through!!!

Hi Mom. I appreciate the comment even though you are clearly biased!

I really enjoyed your analysis and also greatly appreciated that you linked the rhetorical devices to pages that defined the device and provided examples. Really helped me with my english assignment!

– a junior in high school

Hi Keerthi. Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I am glad that you enjoyed the post and found it helpful with your English assignment. Best of luck with the rest of your academic year!

Amazing and super talented writer, currently doing a university assignment on Oprah’s amazing speech, really helped alot , thankyou!

Hi Pete. Glad that you found the post helpful. Good luck with the assignment!

your website is amazing and just saved me in my next exam.

Hi Georgia. Many thanks for the comment. I love being a superhero and saving people! 😉 I wish you the best of success with your other exams and with your future speaking.

thank you so much! georgia and i are doing the same exam and this has saved us! georgia says thanks again! :))

Hi Amy. Thanks for the comment. Glad to have been of assistance. Regards to you and Georgia.

Thanks for the analysis – I agree with a lot of what you say and Oprah certainly raises a lot of important issues in her speech – some points can be looked at more closely I think – firstly, I really question whether her ethos is 100% – she is worth 2.7 billion dollars, can she really claim to speak for poor people? Her humble origins would seem to be merely a distant memory at this point – if she is going to be taken seriously, she needs to address that elephant in the room because people must be able to reconclie stories about her extremely wealthy lifestyle with her ethos to speak for poor people.

Secondly, it seems that this speech is highly influenced in style by Barack Obama to an amazing degree actually – it is difficult not to notice how presidential in tone it is rather than being a speech for an audience at an awards ceremony audience.

Thirdly, her vested interest as the owner of a media corporation raises an issue for her ethos to speak on the topic of media and perceived limitations on media in the modern era.

Fourthly, on the issue of features of style, you quite rightly point out the presence of polysyndeton, epizeuxis, tricolon, anaphora and alliteration – perhaps I missed the clarifications, but I don’t see where you discussed the purpose of having each of these in her speech – if the principle behind using features of style is that they serve the speech or more precisely augment the meaning of the words they are applied to in some important way, then we must always be on the look out for a very good reason why any given feature of style was used – if there isn’t a good reason, then the speech is serving that feature of style rather than the other way round and something is wrong structurally with the speech.

Thanks for your analysis of the speech and please take these comments as part of a dialogue from a fellow analyser of speeches.

Great comment! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Always great to have a dialogue. To respond, briefly to your points:

1. I disagree (respectfully) with your position on her ethos. Her difficult childhood and the many hurdles she faced when starting out on TV are well documented. Those experiences leave lasting marks, even when the person overcomes them and rises to a much higher status. I’ve talked with many people who are doing well and it is always fascinating to hear their origin stories and how deeply they affected them. Further, given that Oprah has done so well, and given her philanthropic work, she has the ethos to speak to the issue of helping the underprivileged.

2. I agree that the tone was political and we can debate whether that was the appropriate tone to strike, but Oprah clearly knew that she was being given a platform and would be watched by millions, so she chose to take advantage of that platform for something in which she believed.

3. Her ownership of a media company doesn’t bother me when she speaks on issues related to the media. After all, whenever anyone speaks on a subject, it is almost always because they have some interest (financial, intellectual, emotional) in the subject. If her ownership were somehow a secret that just came out, one could question her bona fides but that is certainly not the case here.

4. I take your point on the use of rhetorical devices. I did not go into the details of the rationale for the use of each one in this post; however, if you click the links to the different devices, it will take you to the original posts in which I discuss, generally, the effects of using the devices and how they can enhance the speech.

Thanks again!

I think you may be using the strawman on me there in point one – my question was about whether she had 100% ethos, not that she has no ethos at all – and in all fairness, anyone could be forgiven for thinking that given she was a millionaire at 32 and on the Forbes 400 list since she was 41, 23 years ago, her ethos is surely dented in terms of really connecting with the poverty she experienced as a child. Whether she likes it or not, whatever the circumstances of her youth, her life has been a wealthy life and this is going to be an elephant in the room the moment she talks about poverty, even if the success story is attractive to those trying to follow in her footsteps.

The second point you make actually highlights how she hijacked the occasion to give a political message – this is where I have a problem with her ethos – listening to actors and celebrities talking about politics is like listening to politicians talking about acting – and in her case, this is not the first team she has been political – her celebrity status has been used even more explicitly to push political agendas in the past – she’s a democrat who actively campaigned for Barack Obama – whatever you think about Donald Trump, it is inappropriate for a media person affiliated to an opposing party to hijack an awards ceremony with a political message. But even if we allow that, it’s her effort to be another Obama that raises even more questions about her ethos – watch her speeches ten years ago and watch her speeches now and you might agree.

Bias may not bother you, but it bothers a lot of people – in fact whole areas of law such as administrative law are centred on trying to stop it – I think you confuse the idea of public knowledge v secrecy in this context with the legal idea of undeclared interests (which effects employment law for example in so many ways e.g. job applications/financial interests/conflicts of interest), but bias whether it is kept secret or public in the context being discussed here is still bias and the moment it is realised is the moment ethos is affected – and the truth in my experience is that people who are biased are not really good at keeping it secret anyway – would you not agree that an objective listener listening to a person making a biased speech will not be so impressed with the ethos of that particular speaker and certainly not credit that ethos as 100%?

I consider you a good analyst of speeches – I’ve read a number of your breakdowns at this stage, but are you not seeing what you want to see in this case?

Thanks for the comment.

If we are looking for 100% ethos, that is not an easy thing to find in any speaker, but let’s accept that for some (like yourself) the fact that Oprah is wealthy hurts her ethos when talking about poverty. I don’t agree. Imagine someone from a developed nation who lived in difficult conditions in a third world country for five years, working with local people on some project. That person then returns to her first world country. Does she not have ethos when speaking about life in the developing country? I would say she does, based on her experience. True, she would have less ethos than those who have lived there all their lives, but much more than those who have never been there. In the same way, Oprah has much more ethos when speaking about poverty than anyone in the middle class, for example, who have never known poverty but who do not have the great wealth that Oprah has. A person’s present circumstances do not, ipso facto, detract from a person’s ability to speak with ethos about a past condition.

The flaw in your second point — in my respectful opinion — is that it is somehow inappropriate for actors to talk about politics. If we go down that road, the logical conclusion is that dentists and teachers and scientists and nurses and … should not talk about politics because that is not their profession. But politics is a special animal, one that affects us all. In a democracy, we can hold rallies and have debates and challenge political leaders and vote, because politics affect our lives. In other words, we have a say. The only reason actors (or athletes or big business people) receive so much attention when they speak about politics is because they have a big platform. But many people discuss politics on their own, smaller, platforms. Also, this was a lifetime achievement award so she had, in my view, more latitude to talk about her life, how she achieved what she did and how she would like others to have the same opportunity.

As a lawyer who did lots of administrative law in the past, I am well familiar with the concept of bias and why it is a pernicious thing from a legal perspective. However, in a political speech — and we agree that this was a political speech even though we disagree on whether it was appropriate for that occasion — taking a clear position on an issue is an inherent part of the process. It’s not bias, an key aspect of which is prejudice against a particular group. Political speeches are all about taking a stand on an issue and letting people judge whether that stand is warranted or not. That is the essence of democratic politics. I confess that I don’t follow your point on public vs secret.

I don’t seem to be able to reply to your comment below except through this way – on the issue of 100% ethos, I am happy you finally concede the point that she doesn’t have it – just to remind you of your original quote ‘she was 100% credible (ethos)’ – everything else you say in the first part of your response actually agrees with what I said initially and completely changes your original position – Look back carefully and you’ll see I’ve never questioned that she has some level of ethos, I just questioned your 100% claim – so I guess I should say thank you for reconsidering and accepting my point on that.

The second point you make is a distraction, another straw man – of course everyone is entitled to speak about politics and have opinions about politics – this I would never question – but if, using the examples you provide, ‘dentists and teachers and scientists and nurses’ (nice polysyndeton by the way) are being given awards for their work in their professions and they launched into a political speech on behalf of some political party they are affiliated with, then surely you would concede it is not the correct moment regardless of the fact that they have a platform. If you walked into a toastmasters club and spoke about politics, it is not appropriate there either – not every platform is suitable for political speeches.

To clarify the secrecy issue – it was in response to the point you made that since her ownership of the newspaper was not a secret, it sort of overturned the bias issue – my point was that bias rarely manages to keep itself secret and even if it did, by conceding bias, you are also conceding that ethos is not 100% – a concession which you have made in far more explicit terms in this response, albeit from all appearances unknowingly.

Thank you so much for this entertaining thread and sorry for rattling you so much as it appears in this last response. I would have loved to have come across you in the courtroom, but I’m not so sure you would like to have met me.

I’m signing out form this thread now completely happy with the fact you conceded my main point.

I am mystified as to how you come to the conclusion that I have somehow conceded that Oprah did not have credibility on the issue of living in poverty. My precise words were: “… let’s accept that for some (like yourself) the fact that Oprah is wealthy hurts her ethos when talking about poverty. I don’t agree.” I suppose I could have said, “let’s accept for the moment” or “let’s assume you are correct” but I have not backtracked on her credibility.

I think you are getting hung up on the 100% figure which, by the way, makes me curious as to what % of credibility you would give her and on what basis. Perhaps had I phrased my statement to say she was “completely credible”, much of this discussion could have been circumvented. Then again, perhaps not.

My second point can hardly be called a distraction when it was made in direct response to a point that you made. I appreciate that you felt it inappropriate for her to give a political speech at the event. I disagree. Let’s also not forget that the award ceremony was for lifetime achievement. Lifetime. That automatically gives the recipient license to talk about their life’s trajectory and the things that they did to overcome the obstacles they encountered. The fact that Oprah decided to make it about more than herself was a positive thing. You didn’t like; I did.

Thanks for the clarification on the secrecy issue. I still don’t think that bias is the correct term here. Bias is ingrained / institutionalized unfair prejudice against a particular group. That is different from taking a political stand against someone promoting policies with which you disagree.

So I am glad that you are happy, but please rest assured, I have not conceded your point. And as to your assumption that I would not have liked to meet you in court, it can only be for one of two reasons: (1) You are not a nice person, in which case I say, don’t be too hard on yourself; or (2) You think that I would have somehow been at a disadvantage (intellectually, emotionally, etc.) doing battle with you, which case I say, don’t think too much of yourself. I cut my teeth going up against tough lawyers and I always relished the jousting. The trick, of course, is being able to leave the jousting in the courtroom.

By the way, throughout this discussion, you have had me at a disadvantage for I do not know who you are, only that you belong to Artful Orators.

What point in her life motivated her to deliver this speech?

I don’t believe that it was one single point; rather, it was the journey from where she started to where she ended up.

Hi there. I’m doing an assignment and there is a question asking what the long and short term effects of Oprah’s speech had on the audience. I was just wondering if you could help me clarify some of the long and short term effects on the audience?

Hi James. I never followed up on Oprah’s speech to see what effect it had. Clearly, one can see the immediate effect given the reaction of the audience. Beyond that, however, you would have to research what impact she had, if any. I’m sure you can find something on the Internet.

I suggest writing down the key themes or subjects that she referenced in her speech and then Googling to see whether her words had an impact beyond her immediate audience. Good luck with your assignment.

Hi there. I was wondering if there were any repercussions the speech had on Oprah?

Hi Adam. No idea, but I am sure you could find something on the Internet. Let us know if you do.

Hi, I am currently an English student in the UK and have just come across this analysis. I just wanted to thank you for it and it’s simply brilliant eloquence and focus.

I am looking into finding connections between Oprah’s views on tearing down archetypal patriarchal ideals, and the effects of such views in dystopian fiction such as 1984 and The Handmaids Tale, so this will help me tremendously.

I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Hi James. Many thanks for the comment. Your research sounds fascinating. I have read both 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale. I wish you the best of success with it.

Near the end of the speech, Winfrey mentions “me too” for the first time. What effect does this have on the audience and why?

Testimonials

John delivered a keynote address about the importance of public speaking to 80 senior members of Gore’s Medical Device Europe team at an important sales event. He was informative, engaging and inspirational. Everyone was motivated to improve their public speaking skills. Following his keynote, John has led public speaking workshops for Gore in Barcelona and Munich. He is an outstanding speaker who thinks carefully about the needs of his audience well before he steps on stage.

Karsta Goetze

TA Leader, Gore and Associates

I first got in touch with John while preparing to speak at TED Global about my work on ProtonMail. John helped me to sharpen the presentation and get on point faster, making the talk more focused and impactful. My speech was very well received, has since reached almost 1.8 million people and was successful in explaining a complex subject (email encryption) to a general audience.

CEO, Proton Technologies

John gave the opening keynote on the second day of our unit’s recent offsite in Geneva, addressing an audience of 100+ attendees with a wealth of tips and techniques to deliver powerful, memorable presentations. I applied some of these techniques the very next week in an internal presentation, and I’ve been asked to give that presentation again to senior management, which has NEVER happened before. John is one of the greatest speakers I know and I can recommend his services without reservation.

David Lindelöf

Senior Data Scientist, Expedia Group

After a morning of team building activities using improvisation as the conduit, John came on stage to close the staff event which was organised in Chamonix, France. His energy and presence were immediately felt by all the members of staff. The work put into the preparation of his speech was evident and by sharing some his own stories, he was able to conduct a closing inspirational speech which was relevant, powerful and impactful for all at IRU. The whole team left feeling engaged and motivated to tackle the 2019 objectives ahead. Thank you, John.

Umberto de Pretto

Secretary General, World Road Transport Organization

I was expecting a few speaking tips and tricks and a few fun exercises, but you went above and beyond – and sideways. You taught me to stand tall. You taught me to anchor myself. You taught me to breathe. You taught me to open up. You taught me to look people in the eye. You taught me to tell the truth. You taught me to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. I got more than I bargained for in the best possible way.

Thuy Khoc-Bilon

World Cancer Day Campaign Manager, Union for International Cancer Control

John gave a brilliant presentation on public speaking during the UN EMERGE programme in Geneva (a two days workshop on leadership development for a group of female staff members working in the UN organizations in Geneva). His talk was inspirational and practical, thanks to the many techniques and tips he shared with the audience. His teaching can dramatically change our public speaking performance and enable us as presenters to have a real and powerful impact. Thank you, John, for your great contribution!

HR Specialist, World Health Organization

John is a genuine communication innovator. His seminars on gamification of public speaking learning and his interactive Rhetoric game at our conference set the tone for change and improvement in our organisation. The quality of his input, the impact he made with his audience and his effortlessly engaging style made it easy to get on board with his core messages and won over some delegates who were extremely skeptical as to the efficacy of games for learning. I simply cannot recommend him highly enough.

Thomas Scott

National Education Director, Association of Speakers Clubs UK

John joined our Global Sales Meeting in Segovia, Spain and we all participated in his "Improv(e) your Work!" session. I say “all” because it really was all interactive, participatory, learning and enjoyable. The session surprised everybody and was a fresh-air activity that brought a lot of self-reflection and insights to improve trust and confidence in each other inside our team. It´s all about communication and a good manner of speaking!"

General Manager Europe, Hayward Industries

Thank you very much for the excellent presentation skills session. The feedback I received was very positive. Everyone enjoyed the good mix of listening to your speech, co-developing a concrete take-away and the personal learning experience. We all feel more devoted to the task ahead, more able to succeed and an elevated team spirit. Delivering this in a short time, both in session and in preparation, is outstanding!

Henning Dehler

CFO European Dairy Supply Chain & Operations, Danone

Thanks to John’s excellent workshop, I have learned many important tips and techniques to become an effective public speaker. John is a fantastic speaker and teacher, with extensive knowledge of the field. His workshop was a great experience and has proven extremely useful for me in my professional and personal life.

Eric Thuillard

Senior Sales Manager, Sunrise Communications

John’s presentation skills training was a terrific investment of my time. I increased my skills in this important area and feel more comfortable when speaking to an audience. John provided the right mix between theory and practice.

Diego Brait

Director of the Jura Region, BKW Energie AG

Be BOLD. Those two words got stuck in my head and in the heads of all those ADP leaders and associates that had the privilege to see John on stage. He was our keynote speaker at our annual convention in Barcelona, and his message still remains! John puts his heart in every word. Few speakers are so credible, humble and yet super strong with large audiences!

Guadalupe Garcia

Senior Director and Talent Partner, ADP International

A Summary and Analysis of William Faulkner’s Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘The Agony and the Sweat’ is the title sometimes given to one of the most memorable Nobel Prize acceptance speeches: the American novelist William Faulkner’s acceptance of the Nobel Prize for Literature at Stockholm in 1950. In his speech, Faulkner makes his famous statement about the ‘duty’ of writers: that they should write about ‘the human heart in conflict with itself’, as well as emotions and themes such as compassion, sacrifice, courage, and hope.

You can read Faulkner’s acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize in full here before proceeding to our summary and analysis of the speech below. (The speech takes around five minutes to read.)

William Faulkner begins his speech by stating that the award has been given to him for his writing, which he produced in ‘the agony and sweat of the human spirit’. He sought to create something out of this ‘agony and sweat’ which did not exist in literature before. In a memorable phrase, Faulkner states that his award is only his ‘in trust’: that is, he is merely keeping hold of the award on behalf of other people, in this case the whole human race.

Faulkner sees the Nobel Prize acceptance speech as an opportunity to use his profile, and the media attention that is being focused on him at that moment, to address the young writers who are currently undergoing the same ‘anguish and travail’, or hard work, every writer goes through.

He asserts that present problems in the world – such as the threat of being ‘blown up’ by nuclear war – has eclipsed the real subject matter which writers should dedicate themselves to: namely, ‘the human heart in conflict with itself’. This subject, and this subject alone, is worth the agony and the sweat of writing, which is hard work.

Faulkner then draws a contrast between the writer who sets themselves the task of writing about this topic – the human heart in conflict with itself – and the writer who settles for other subjects. The latter kind of writer will only ever produce ‘ephemeral’ or fleeting works, if they do not address the conflict within the individual human heart. It is like writing about lust rather than the deeper emotion, love, which humans are capable of.

Faulkner ends his speech by declaring that he refuses to accept that humankind is doomed to die out – but man will only survive if writers relearn the importance of writing about deeper things. Indeed, humankind will not merely continue to exist, but will prevail and thrive. It is not the ‘voice’ or invention of language which guarantees that man will prevail, but the ‘soul’: that spirit which is capable of compassion, sacrifice, and endurance.

The writer’s ‘duty’ is to write about these things: to remind those who read their work that courage, honour, hope, pride, and compassion, among other things, have always been a feature of the human race.

William Faulkner (1897-1962) delivered his Nobel Prize acceptance speech at Stockholm, Sweden on 10 December 1950. AMAZON tells us that Faulkner bought his first dress suit specially for the occasion because he wanted to travel to Stockholm, the home of the Nobel Prizes (except for Peace, which is awarded at Oslo).

By 1950, when Faulkner was awarded the prestigious award, he had published many of the works which most clearly define him: the novels The Sound and the Fury (1929), As I Lay Dying (1930), Light in August (1932), and Absalom! Absalom! (1936) had all helped to establish him as one of the leading writers of twentieth-century American literature.

In addition to this, he is widely considered the greatest writer of Southern literature, and Southern Gothic , a genre he helped to create through his work – see, for example, his short story ‘ A Rose for Emily ’ – is a defining feature of his writing.

In his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, Faulkner makes several key points about writing as a profession and a career. These may be summarised as follows:

First, writing is hard work . The phrase he uses twice in the speech, with slightly different wording, is ‘the agony and the sweat’: if an author wishes to make a significant contribution to the field of literature then they must be prepared to put in the labour (‘sweat’) but also undergo the suffering (‘agony’).

Second, writing is about what it means to be human . Setting, landscape, and other local detail are important to a work of literature, but fundamentally Faulkner sees literature as being about people, and specifically, about ‘the human heart’. In a memorable phrase, Faulkner sees the human heart as in conflict with itself: we may disagree or fight with other people, but most people are also far more divided inside themselves than they usually care to admit. This makes human beings emotionally and psychologically complex and this is subject matter is the stuff from which great literature is made.

Third, writing is about reminding people about what makes humankind so glorious . Faulkner was giving his speech against the backdrop of the growing threat of nuclear war: the Cold War between the USA and the Soviet Union was becoming the dominant global political narrative of the time (just four years earlier, Winston Churchill, in another memorable speech, had used the phrase ‘ iron curtain ’ to describe the partition between the Eastern and Western blocs), and it was just five years earlier, in 1945, that the atomic bombs had been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing an end to the Second World War.

This may have given many people, especially writers, pause for thought. Was humanity all that humane, when it was capable of creating an atomic bomb that could kill thousands and potentially millions of people? Faulkner’s reference to people worrying about when they might be ‘blown up’ is an allusion to this worrying new global threat.

And yet it is the indomitable nature of the human spirit – our potential to be courageous, to hope for a better future, to exercise compassion for others, and to experience love – that most impresses Faulkner about the human race. And so, finally, writing is a duty : the writer’s duty is to remind readers that such things are possible and achievable.

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Trump receives NRA endorsement as he vows to protect gun rights

Former President Donald Trump speaks during the National Rifle Association Convention, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Former President Donald Trump gestures as he is applauded before speaking at the National Rifle Association Convention, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Supporters cheer for former President Donald Trump before he speaks at the National Rifle Association Convention, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Former President Donald Trump stands on stage before speaking during the National Rifle Association Convention, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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DALLAS (AP) — Former President Donald Trump urged gun owners to vote in the 2024 election as he addressed thousands of members of the National Rifle Association, which officially endorsed him just before Trump took the stage at their annual meeting in Texas on Saturday.

“We’ve got to get gun owners to vote,” Trump said. “I think you’re a rebellious bunch. But let’s be rebellious and vote this time.”

Trump, in his speech, said the Second Amendment “is very much on the ballot” in November, alleging that, if Democratic President Joe Biden “gets four more years they are coming for your guns, 100% certain. Crooked Joe has a 40-year-record of trying to rip firearms out of the hands of law-abiding citizens.”

Supporters cheer for former President Donald Trump before he speaks at the National Rifle Association Convention, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The Biden administration has taken a number of steps to try to combat gun violence , including a new rule that aims to close a loophole that has allowed tens of thousands of guns to be sold every year by unlicensed dealers who do not perform background checks.

Trump has pledged to continue to defend the Second Amendment, which he claims is “under siege,” and has called himself “the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House” as the United States faces record numbers of deaths due to mass shootings. Last year ended with 42 mass killings and 217 deaths, making it one of the deadliest years on record .

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during the Libertarian National Convention at the Washington Hilton in Washington, Friday, May 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee has been criticized by Biden, specifically for remarks that Trump made this year after a school shooting in Iowa . Trump called the incident “very terrible” only to later say that “we have to get over it. We have to move forward.”

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Trump, during his speech, also laced into independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , calling him “radical left” and “a disaster,” and noting that Kennedy had once called the NRA a ”terror group .”

Former President Donald Trump stands on stage before speaking during the National Rifle Association Convention, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

“Don’t think about it. Don’t waste your vote,” he said. “He calls you a terrorist group, and I call you the backbone of America.” (Kennedy later said in a Fox News interview that he didn’t remember his 2018 tweet. “I don’t consider them a terror group, and I support the Second Amendment,” he said.)

Trump noted he will be speaking next week at the Libertarian Party’s convention and said he will urge its members to vote for him.

“We have to join with them,” he said. “We have to get that 3% because we can’t take a chance on Joe Biden winning.”

Earlier Saturday, Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee announced the creation of a new “Gun Owners for Trump” coalition that includes gun rights activists and those who work in the firearms industry.

Biden has made curtailing gun violence a major part of his administration and reelection campaign, creating the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden also has urged Congress to ban so-called assault weapons — something Democrats shied from even just a few years ago.

“Tonight, Donald Trump confirmed that he will do exactly what the NRA tells him to do — even if it means more death, more shootings, and more suffering,” said Biden spokesman Ammar Moussa.

When Trump was president, there were moments when he pledged to strengthen gun laws. After a high school mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 people and wounded 17 others, Trump told survivors and family members that he would be “very strong on background checks.” He claimed he would stand up to the NRA but later he backpedaled, saying there was “not much political support.”

On Saturday, Trump also brought up the criminal cases against him as his hush money trial heads into the final stretch next week and accused Democrats of being behind these cases because he is Biden’s opponent.

“Never forget our enemies want to take away my freedom because I will never let them take away your freedom,” he said.

Trump criticized Biden’s border policies, repeating his pledge that he will order the largest domestic deportation operation. He spoke about abortion and warned Republicans not to be so extreme on abortion to remain electable.

“In my opinion, Republicans have not been talking about it intelligently. They haven’t been talking about it with knowledge,” he said. “Remember, speak from your heart. But you also have to get elected again.”

Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report. Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2024 election at https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024 .

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3 Sam Altman Stocks to Buy Now: May 2024

InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is perhaps one of the greatest visionaries of the artificial intelligence (gen AI) age. He’s also an investor in several innovative tech firms that could reshape the world of tomorrow. Undoubtedly, some of his past and current investment holdings may be unable to top OpenAI’s disruptive capabilities with its ChatGPT, Dall-E and, most recently, Sora innovations. That said, Altman stocks are worth keeping tabs on, whether or not they have ties to the future of gen AI.

Altman is a man who skates to where the puck is going next. That alone makes the OpenAI leader worth paying careful attention to, whether he gives a speech, Tweets or discloses an investment.

Here are three Sam Altman stocks that look intriguing for investors who aspire to invest just a bit more like the AI visionary himself. Of course, you won’t be able to obtain the same lower cost basis he enjoyed. Regardless, his portfolio certainly offers plenty of food for thought!

Reddit (RDDT)

Social platform firm Reddit (NASDAQ: RDDT ) enjoyed quite a hot IPO earlier this year, peaking in late March at a high just north of $65 per share before swiftly plunging below $40. More recently, RDDT stock has been climbing higher, up around 19% in the past month. Sam Altman is reportedly one of the company’s biggest post-IPO winners, with his stake reported to be in the ballpark of 8.7% .

Such newfound momentum in RDDT stock is thanks in part to exciting licensing deals with various AI companies, including Sam Altman’s OpenAI.

Though RDDT stock may be a tad too hot to chase today at 10.12 times price-to-sales (P/S), I find it very intriguing that Altman has such a large interest in a firm that now finds itself licensing content to makers of AI models.

Indeed, Reddit isn’t just a social network; it’s also a high-quality AI data play. Altman’s early investment in the firm is a testament to his genius and long-term AI vision.

Oklo (OKLO)

The Sam Altman portfolio is not all about generative AI. Nuclear technology startup Oklo (NYSE: OKLO ) recently went live in the public market via Sam Altman’s special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The firm hopes to raise money to further its mission of producing clean and affordable energy for the planet. Indeed, Oklo boasts quite an ambitious mission, but one that could entail significant gains for earlier investors should the firm get things right.

Upon landing on the NYSE, OKLO stock experienced quite a May meltdown , shedding more than 60% of its value from its recent peak to trough. Though last Friday’s 33% pop is sure to garner the attention of high-risk momentum investors, I think long-term investors should be careful with the name, given the likelihood of massive double-digit percentage moves in both directions.

Undoubtedly, nuclear power generation is a decades-old industry and one that’s due for some serious technological advancements. As the firm progresses toward nuclear fission, the company is a must-watch, especially for Altman fans.

Asana ( ASAN )

Asana (NASDAQ: ASAN ) may be the most interesting Altman-backed technology company. The work management platform has been making big strides in recent quarters, even though the stock’s recent action doesn’t suggest such. Moving ahead, I suspect Asana could really begin to grow its market shares as it embeds AI across the platform at a greater pace.

The company has already rolled out numerous “smart” features across the board, from smart summaries to smart fields, to save employees ample time in their workday. In many ways, it seems like Asana is the “workplace automation” company to own for the long haul. As its offerings get “smarter” with time, I wouldn’t hesitate to consider buying at less than five times P/S.

Finally, Sam Altman’s vote of confidence is another reason to prefer Asana over its rivals. Of course, investors must understand they’ll be paying a much higher price of admission than OpenAI’s top boss.

On the date of publication, Joey Frenette did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines .

Joey Frenette is a seasoned investment writer specializing in technology and consumer stocks. Contributing to the Motley Fool Canada, TipRanks, and Barchart, Joey excels in spotting mispriced stocks with long-term growth potential in a fast-paced market.

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Carlos F. Chamorro’s Golden Pen of Freedom acceptance speech

2024-05-27. “journalism done from exile remains the last reserve of all our freedoms.” carlos fernando chamorro received the golden pen of freedom during the 75th wan-ifra world news media congress – read his acceptance speech..

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by Andrew Heslop [email protected] | May 27, 2024

Media in exile under dictatorship, the last reserve of freedom

Carlos F. Chamorro,

Copenhagen, May 27, 2024

( Spanish )

Dear Martha Ramos, World Editors Forum president, thank you for your kind words.

Many thanks and gratitude to the members of the World Association of News Publishers board for awarding me the Golden Pen of Freedom 2024.

Dear colleagues, friends, and my wife Desiree who is here tonight.

I am deeply honored to receive the Golden Pen of Freedom 2024 award from the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) at a time when freedom of the press and freedom of expression are under brutal attack in my country Nicaragua, while there is a process of criminalization of independent journalism in several other countries of Latin America.

It is an honor that I receive together with my colleagues of Confidencial, who make it possible for us to continue doing quality journalism in exile; and I share it with all the independent media from Nicaragua, whose resistance also in exile, represents the last reserve of freedom under a totalitarian dictatorship.

I dedicate this award to all Latin American journalists facing political persecution and imprisonment such as:

Victor Ticay, Nicaraguan journalist sentenced to 8 years in prison for disseminating images of a religious procession on his Facebook account.

José Rubén Zamora, director of El Periódico in Guatemala, a world press hero, sentenced to 6 years in prison for investigating and denouncing corruption.

Cuban journalist Mayelín Rodríguez, sentenced to 15 years in prison for broadcasting a video of the protests in Camaguey in 2022

And to all the journalists who are seriously threatened, such as

Gustavo Gorriti and the team of IDL Reporteros in Peru;

The team of Armando.Info, in Venezuela;

And my colleagues of El Faro in El Salvador.

The Golden Pen of Freedom belongs to all of them. This recognition encourages us not to give in to censorship and self-censorship, and to do more and better journalism, which is the only defense we have to protect freedom and democracy.

——–

A year ago, on February 15 2023, my wife and I, along with other 92 Nicaraguan citizens were stripped of our nationality, rendered stateless by the dictatorial regime of Daniel Ortega.

We were declared traitors to the homeland, deprived of our political rights, our names and identities were erased from the civil registry, and our property was confiscated by the state, including our social security pensions.

The list of 94 includes civic leaders, human rights defenders, several catholic priests, and 11 journalists and directors of exiled media outlets, including myself from Confidencial.

Our only crime has been to do journalism, to investigate and denounce corruption, state crimes, and serious human rights violations in Nicaragua. And above all, not to remain silent, despite censorship.

Six days earlier, on February 9, 2023, another 222 people, all political prisoners, were released from prison, deported to the United States, and stripped of their Nicaraguan nationality.

Among those released from prison were the seven aspiring presidential candidates, whom Ortega imprisoned to annul the November 2021 elections, in which, like Vladimir Putin in 2024, he reelected himself without political competition.

Among the political prisoners were also 12 people linked to the media, a sports writer and blogger, the general manager of the newspaper La Prensa, the founder of cable news channel 100 % Noticias, and my brother Pedro Joaquín Chamorro, winner of this prestigious award the Golden Pen of Freedom in 1982, now a politician and also a columnist and board member of La Prensa.

He was imprisoned after the television networks CNN and Univision asked him in an interview if he would be willing to accept a nomination as a presidential candidate of the opposition, after all aspiring candidates were already in prison. For the dictatorship, his crime was to have answered affirmatively.

All the 222 political prisoners had been convicted without any evidence for alleged crimes of “conspiracy against national sovereignty”, “money laundering”, or “spreading fake news.” Most of them were held in a maximum security prison for up to 600 days.

How can a dictatorship, in an act of political vengeance, strip more than 300 hundred citizens of our nationality, something that is prohibited by the Constitution of Nicaragua, and by United Nations international conventions?

The truth is it cannot. I am, and will always be Nicaraguan, despite this crime against humanity. Thanks to the immense solidarity of the international community, Spain granted me its nationality, and now I am a Nicaraguan traveling with a Spanish passport.

The severe human rights crisis I’m describing began in April 2018, when a national protests exploded across Nicaragua, with citizens demanding justice and free elections. The April rebellion meant 100 days of civic insurrection: large demonstrations, university occupations, barricades, and thousands of citizens armed only with their cell phones, demanding the ousting of dictator Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo.

The dictatorship’s response was a bloody massacre that left more than 350 people murdered with impunity, thousands of arbitrary detentions, and tens of thousands of exiles. There were also two National Dialogues, in which the government committed to restoring freedom, but never fulfilled that commitment.

From the moment Daniel Ortega returned to power in 2007, through elections, he imposed a relationship of blockade and harassment against the independent media. Ortega attacked and intimidated the press but tolerated its existence.

However, when the protests broke out in 2018, and he felt his power under threat, he turned the independent press into an enemy to destroy.

The repression against journalists included the assassination of Angel Gaona; physical assaults against reporters and the destruction of media outlets by paramilitary groups; television censorship; and customs blockades to prevent newspapers from getting paper and other materials.

All this culminated in the closure and confiscation of media outlets, the imposition of new repressive laws, and the imprisonment of journalists.

My newsroom, Confidencial , was confiscated and seized by the police twice. First, in December 2018, and second in May 2021, when the Police once again stole all our personal documents, computers and TV equipment. Despite all that, we never stopped reporting and broadcasting, not even a single day, by using digital platforms and social media.

Daniel Ortega also confiscated the cable TV channel 100% Noticias and the newspaper La Prensa. But he has never been able to silence journalism itself, and the media continue to report from exile.

The regime has also shut down more than 50 local radio and television stations, many of them related to the catholic church, and more than 200 journalists have been forced into exile.

Some of them have reorganized around some 25 digital media outlets, mainly in Costa Rica, the United States, and Spain. However, more than a third of exiled journalists have had to take on other jobs to survive, or have left the profession for fear of reprisals against their families.

—–

For 6 years now, in Nicaragua we have been living under a police state, which has crushed all democratic freedoms.

There is no freedom of assembly or association, nor freedom of religion in Nicaragua. In 2021, the regime erased the possibility of holding free elections, and since 2022 it has increased its relentless persecution against civil society, shutting down more than 3800 non-governmental organizations, including religious organizations, private universities, and business associations.

Once again, the jails are full with more than 140 political prisoners and more than a 100 citizens are under a system of de facto house arrest.

Under this totalitarian system, journalism done from exile remains the last reserve of all our freedoms.

In Nicaragua, there are no longer foreign correspondents or independent sources to whom facts, data or analysis can be attributed. All news sources, without exception, request anonymity as a condition to inform or give their opinion to the press.

This double-sided criminalization of both freedom of the press and freedom of expression with the purpose of silencing journalists, news sources, and freedom of opinion, represents the latest stage in a long process of demolishing the rule of law in the last 15 years.

Our television programs have been banned from broadcast and cable television, but we continue to reach a growing audience through our YouTube channel and Facebook.

Social media represents an extraordinary vehicle for overcoming censorship, but it has also become a space for disinformation and political polarization that competes against the independent press.

I faced the agonizing dilemma of being illegally detained and silenced in prison while being innocent, or to escape to another country to continue practicing journalism and to be the voice of many others.

One is never prepared to go into exile. But on June 15, 2021, my wife and I decided to cross over to Costa Rica, through blind spots, to escape an imminent capture, and to preserve my freedom. Now my entire newsroom, and practically all independent media, are working from exile.

Exile is no longer a temporary or emergency situation that forces us to leave and relocate to another country. It’s now a permanent, long-term condition that poses immense challenges for journalism.

I’ll mention five:

First, the challenge of preserving security; physical security, internet security, and providing security to our sources in the country.

Reporting on Nicaragua from outside the country requires cultivating sources that are actively at risk under the police state. We must guarantee secure channels of communication to protect our sources.

Second, we also have to raise the standards of verification and corroborating anonymous sources in order to continue publishing reliable information.

We are journalists, not activists. And our main mission is to maintain the credibility of the press at all costs, even during the worst conditions of political polarization.

Our main challenge, every day, is not to immerse ourselves in the bubble of exile, but rather to continue investigating and recounting the crisis of a totalitarian family dictatorship. The public corruption and extortion against businesses and citizens; the persecution against the Catholic Church; the erosion caused by the regime’s political vigilance against public officials; the mass exodus of Nicaraguans; and the stories of pain and hope in our daily lives.

Third, we also face the challenge of continuing to innovate in digital platforms to strengthen our relationship with our audiences. When the rule of the law has collapsed, we only depend on our audiences to defend journalism and our own credibility.

Fourth , we must continue to promote collaborative journalism and transnational investigations with the regional and international press.

Last, but not least, we face the challenge of the financial sustainability of journalism in exile. The crisis forces us to look for new models of economic management to finance the independence of our media through international grants, audience contributions, and commercial monetization.

But this also demands a paradigm shift for philanthropic foundations and international aid agencies that support independent journalism. It becomes necessary to recognize that the survival of the press in exile, not only in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, but also in Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other countries is a democratic imperative that requires long-term support strategies.

None of our journalistic investigations about corruption and violations of human rights produced any change in the public policies of Daniel Ortega’s autocratic regime, which is not designed to be held accountable. However, many of these stories are valuable inputs for the report on crimes against humanity in Nicaragua produced by the Group of Experts on Human Rights of the United Nations.

Together with the families of the victims of the repression, and human rights defenders, we journalists are documenting the facts and the truth to lay the foundations of memory and justice as one of the pillars for the restitution of democracy in Nicaragua.

The resistance of the press in exile under a dictatorship is not enough to clear the way for democratic change, but as long as we continue to do good journalism, it will keep the flame of freedom of the press, as the first and the last of all freedoms.

As my father, the journalist Pedro Joaquín Chamorro, assassinated in 1978 by the dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza proclaimed, when we recover our freedom “Nicaragua volverá a ser República”. “Nicaragua will be a Republic again.”

Thank you very much. Buenas noches.

Andrew Heslop

[email protected]

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NYU Nurse Is Fired After Calling the Gaza War a ‘Genocide’ in Speech

NYU Langone Health gave the nurse, Hesen Jabr, an award for her work. She said hospital officials then fired her because she made pro-Palestinian remarks in an acceptance speech.

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By Joseph Goldstein

Earlier this month, NYU Langone Health bestowed an award on a labor and delivery nurse for providing compassionate care to mothers who had lost babies. But shortly after, the nurse said, the hospital fired her over the speech she gave when she accepted the award.

In it, she spoke of the suffering of Palestinian women amid the Israel-Hamas war, which she called a “genocide.” The nurse, Hesen Jabr, is not the first medical worker to be fired at NYU Langone, a major New York hospital system, over commentary about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The hospital is currently embroiled in a lawsuit by a prominent cancer researcher, who was fired from his job as the director of its cancer center after he posted a variety of anti-Hamas political cartoons. Some included offensive caricatures of Arab people.

A young doctor-trainee was also “removed from service” at an NYU Langone hospital on Long Island, according to the hospital, after being accused of posting a message on Instagram defending the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel — though he was later quietly reinstated.

In her speech, according to a video she posted on social media , Ms. Jabr drew a connection between her work with grieving mothers in New York and the war in Gaza.

“It pains me to see the women from my country going through unimaginable losses themselves during the current genocide in Gaza,” said Ms. Jabr, who is Palestinian-American. “This award is deeply personal to me for those reasons.”

She added , “Even though I can’t hold their hands and comfort them as they grieve their unborn children and the children they have lost during this genocide, I hope to keep making them proud as I keep representing them here at NYU.”

Ms. Jabr said that these remarks led to her firing on May 22 after she returned to work following the ceremony. “As soon as I walked into the unit, I was dragged into an impromptu meeting with the President and Vice President of Nursing at NYU Langone to discuss how I ‘put others at risk’ and ‘ruined the ceremony’ and ‘offended people’ because a small part of my speech was a tribute towards the grieving mothers in my country,” she wrote in a post on Instagram. She said that she then worked most of her shift before being summoned to an office where she was fired and escorted off the premises.

Israel has categorically denied the accusation that it is carrying out a genocide in Gaza .

A spokesman for NYU Langone, Steve Ritea, confirmed that Ms. Jabr was fired following her speech, saying that there had been “a previous incident as well.”

“Hesen Jabr was warned in December, following a previous incident, not to bring her views on this divisive and charged issue into the workplace,” Mr. Ritea said in a statement. “She instead chose not to heed that at a recent employee recognition event that was widely attended by her colleagues, some of whom were upset after her comments."

“As a result, Jabr is no longer an NYU Langone employee,” he added.

Mr. Ritea did not say what the “previous incident” was. On Facebook, Ms. Jabr suggested there had long been workplace tensions. Her postings described heated political arguments on the labor and delivery floor. “The pure psychological warfare NYU has waged on me as a nurse, Muslim, Palestinian, and woman, has only left me resolute,” read one message she posted on Facebook.

Ms. Jabr’s activism dates back to her childhood: When she was in fifth grade in Louisiana, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on her behalf after she was forced to accept a Bible from her school principal. “This is not my first rodeo,” she said in an interview Tuesday evening.

Ms. Jabr, who had worked at NYU Langone since 2015, said that in recent months she had been questioned repeatedly by hospital administrators about her social media postings about Israel and the war in Gaza. She described her speech at the awards ceremony as “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Other employees around the country have been fired , suspended or investigated for their comments about the Israel-Hamas war. While some states, such as Connecticut, have restricted the ability of employers to fire workers for their opinions or speech, New York’s protections for workers are more limited .

In Ms. Jabr’s case, she had been invited to the lectern and delivered a brief speech at the awards ceremony, where, according to the hospital , she had received an award given to “a nurse who exemplifies what it means to provide compassionate care to patients and their families during perinatal bereavement.”

Before turning to the war in Gaza, Ms. Jabr expressed gratitude to her co-workers, saying the award belonged to them: “Truthfully, it does belong to all the nurses on labor who have held the hands of a grieving mother.”

In the interview, Ms. Jabr defended her speech and said talking about the war “was so relevant” given the nature of the award she had won.

“It was an award for bereavement; it was for grieving mothers,” she noted.

Joseph Goldstein covers health care in New York for The Times, following years of criminal justice and police reporting. More about Joseph Goldstein

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Israel’s military said its troops were pressing on with their ground assault of Rafah , even as international outrage over its operation there intensified in the wake of a deadly airstrike on a camp for displaced Palestinians.

The temporary pier that the U.S. military constructed and put in place to provide much-needed humanitarian aid for Gaza has broken apart in rough seas , the Pentagon said.

Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognized an independent Palestinian state . The previously announced moves by the three European nations are largely symbolic , but serve as a rebuke to Israel.

U.S. Military Aid Project: The Pentagon predicted that a stream of humanitarian aid would be arriving in Gaza via the floating pier, but little relief has reached the besieged strip .

Ari Emanuel’s Condemnation: The media executive condemned Netanyahu for his leadership since the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, a conspicuous statement from one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures.

Amal Clooney Weighs In: The prominent human rights lawyer was on a panel that recommended arrest warrants for leaders of Israel and Hamas. She had been criticized earlier for not speaking out on the war.

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George lucas just reminded everyone what star wars is all about.

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The Strangest Midi-Chlorian Detail Proves Why Darth Vader Was Less Powerful Than Anakin Skywalker

Every member of the skywalker family in star wars canon & legends, 10 star wars moments we desperately need to see on screen.

George Lucas reminds fans that diversity & equality are central in Star Wars, emphasizing the acceptance of all beings, be they human or alien.
The Rebellion and more Star Wars heroes fight for a free galaxy and unite together against oppression, regardless of race or alien species.
The Empire in Star Wars represents discrimination, highlighting the importance of inclusivity overall in the franchise.

George Lucas' new comments about the Star Wars franchise are a great reminder of what the galaxy far, far away is truly all about. Having begun in 1977, Star Wars possesses a vast, multi-generational fanbase that's more often than not split over various elements seen throughout its movies, shows, and more content as one of the biggest transmedia franchises of all time. However, it's good to step back and be reminded of the core truth at the heart of Star Wars and Lucas' enduring vision.

While speaking at the Cannes Film Festival ahead of receiving the festival’s honorary Palme d’Or, Variety reports that Lucas reflected on the ideas of discrimination, race, and gender in Star Wars and the criticisms he's heard over the years. To that end, Lucas provides a great reminder about the heart of Star Wars and the ideals its heroes are fighting for:

“They would say, ‘It’s all white men,'” Lucas said of the films’ critics. “Most of the people are aliens! The idea is you’re supposed to accept people for what they are, whether they’re big and furry or whether they’re green or whatever. The idea is all people are equal.”

Lucas also went on to speak about the powerful women in his films such as Leia Organa who became a key Rebellion general as well as her mother in the prequels, Queen Padmé Amidala who refused to give up fighting for her people and the galaxy at large. As such, it's a great reminder that Star Wars is all about the battle for a free galaxy where everyone is equal and on the same level.

The Heroes Of The Rebellion Champion Diversity & Equality

Fighting for the cause of a free galaxy (for everyone).

In both the original and prequel trilogies helmed by Lucas, it's not hard to see how many different races and species of aliens are featured coming together in the name of fighting for a free galaxy. Wanting to be rid of the Empire and its grip over the entire galaxy, it doesn't matter what or who is fighting the regime. What matters is that anyone and everyone is fighting the same cause in the name of creating a better galaxy for anyone and everyone. This idea is at the heart of George Lucas' Star Wars .

This core truth still prevails in the modern era of Star Wars , even under Disney. Lucas' underlying vision and the cause of what was being fought for in the overall Skywalker saga still exists , especially as characters and casts for upcoming Star Wars shows and movies continue to become more inclusive and diverse, alien or human. On the most basic level, it doesn't matter who or what someone is if the goal in-universe is to make a better galaxy where everyone is equal.

It Is The Villains - The Empire - Who Stand For Discrimination

Oppressing the star wars galaxy.

This is why the villains of Star Wars , particularly the Empire, are predominantly human. Wearing the same white armor, Imperial stormtroopers and the vast majority of the Empire's officers are all human, representing a regime that stands for discrimination and tyranny. The same is true even as villains like the blue-skinned Grand Admiral Thrawn are reintroduced to the canon. Even Thrawn faced his share of discrimination among the ranks of his fellow Imperials. As such, Lucas' reminder about what Star Wars is really all about is most welcome, especially as Lucasfilm strives to uphold that truth in the current era.

Source: George Lucas/Variety

Star Wars (Franchise)

george lucas

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How to Write an Acceptance Speech: 12 Steps (with Pictures)
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How to Write an Acceptance Speech

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Writing Your Speech

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Here’s How I Wrote an Acceptance Speech for My Big Day

What Is An Acceptance Speech?

Strategies I Used To Confidently Deliver My Speech.

1. Expressing Gratitude:

2. Acknowledging Contributions:

3. Connecting with the Audience:

4. Sharing Insights:

5. Enhancing Professional Image:

6. Inspiring Others:

7. Celebrating Achievements:

Ways I Used To Write An Acceptance Speech For My Big Day.

2. Identify Key Thank You’s:

3. Personalize Your Thanks:

4. Acknowledge the Team:

5. Share Your Journey:

6. Highlight the Significance:

7. Inject Humor (if appropriate):

8. Be Concise:

9. Practice Your Delivery:

10. Consider Your Audience:

11. End on a Positive Note:

12. Express Genuine Emotion:

1. Thorough Preparation:

2. Visualize Success:

3. Controlled Breathing:

4. Effective Body Language:

5. Connect with the Audience:

6. Focus on the Message, Not Perfection:

7. Know Your Audience:

8. Utilize Visual Aids (if applicable):

9. Seek Constructive Feedback:

Example 1: Gratitude and Community Focus

Example 2: Personal Stories and Acknowledgments

Example 3: Humor and Appreciation

Some Iconic And Memorable Acceptance Speech Examples From Various Fields .

2. Steve Jobs – Stanford University Commencement Speech (2005):

3. Tom Hanks – Academy Awards (1995):

4. Emma Watson – MTV Trailblazer Award (2013):

5. J.K. Rowling – Harvard University Commencement Speech (2008):

Conclusion .

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How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech (With Examples)

Table of Contents

How to Give A Pitch-Perfect Award Acceptance Speech

Express Genuine Gratitude and Emotion

Acknowledge Why It Is Important

Share the Glory

Writing Your Acceptance Speech

Brainstorm Ideas

Write Your Speech

Be Specific in Your Speech

The Power of Storytelling in Your Acceptance Speech

Preparing to Deliver Your Speech

Rehearsing Your Speech

Making Your Speech Memorable

Respecting the Audience and the Clock

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in an Acceptance Speech

General Guidelines

Avoid Going Overboard with Emotions in Your Speech

Examples of Inspiring Award Acceptance Speeches

Literature Award Acceptance Speech Example

Best Actress Award Acceptance Speech Example