Best Award Acceptance Speech Tips & Examples

The bigger the venue, the bigger you need to be on stage. The way you would communicate to a group of 10 people is very different than how you would need to communicate to a room of 10,000. Both should be an authentic version of you, but simply amplified to the setting. The bottom line is don’t try to be something you’re not on stage. On that point, as we cover in our 100 speaking tips article, you don’t need to be crude or inappropriate just for a laugh. If you deliver a killer keynote and are flawless throughout, but you make one inappropriate remark, nobody will remember anything else you said.

• Even a one-minute speech requires planning and preparation.
• Acknowledge the people who have played essential roles in your journey to success.
• Conclude with a statement, quote, or message that makes your speech memorable and thought-provoking.
• Use a tone that is genuine, humble, and celebratory while remaining professional and aligned with the event’s atmosphere.
• That’s why many opt for expert assistance and buy speech from professional writers.

Practice your speech

You challenged me to think critically, pushed me to explore new ideas, and helped me navigate the complexities of academia. Your mentorship has been invaluable, and I am forever grateful. As a young child growing up in a small town, I never imagined that I would one day be standing on this stage, accepting such a prestigious accolade. My journey has been one of perseverance, learning, and growth, and I owe so much to the people who have been by my side every step of the way. I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues and collaborators.

Standing here today, I am reminded of the countless voices that have been silenced and the lives affected by injustice. This award represents not just my work but the resilience of those who fight for dignity and equality every day. This recognition is a reminder that music has the power to connect us, to heal us, and to empower us.

This award represents not just my work, but the unwavering support of so many people who have believed in me along the way. To sum it all up, remember to respect both your audience and the time limit. A well-timed, engaging speech will leave a lasting impression without overstaying its welcome. On the other hand, a dash of humor, such as light self-deprecation, can be perfectly good at keeping your speech from sounding sanctimonious or stuffy. When you tell a joke or deliver a punchline, give the audience time to laugh. Sometimes speakers like to rush to the next point, but don’t do that.

I am blessed to be surrounded by the most amazing people, and tonight they are all here to support me. It is a momentous day when you win such a meaningful award. To everyone out there fighting for their dreams, do not stop, never give up.

You can view the transcript for “Berta Caceres acceptance speech, 2015 Goldman Prize ceremony” here (opens in new window). Tragically, Cáceres was assassinated the following year. This award isn’t just mine; it belongs to everyone who has poured their heart into their craft. To the dreamers and storytellers, remember that every story matters. We have the power to inspire, to connect, and to heal through our art. Opening up about something not widely known about you makes your speech more intimate.

Step 4: Include Humor in Your Speech

You might wonder whether or not humor is appropriate in an award acceptance speech. Generally, humor is not a bad thing to include if you want to liven up your talk. Negative jokes about the organizer, your collaborators, or others in the audience are no-nos. Some examples of stories or anecdotes that you could do well to include would be about a setback you overcame in your role, or how someone helped you in a particularly meaningful way.

I want to dedicate this to all the dreamers out there—never stop believing in your voice. Music has always been my outlet, a way to express my truth and connect with others. To everyone who has stood up for the marginalized, thank you. award acceptance speech Let’s continue to strive for a world where compassion triumphs over fear.

Step 1: Know Your Audience and the Event

If that person who helped you is one of those you want to thank, it would serve as an incredibly powerful testament to their character to include such a story. Of course, if something about that story is sensitive, it would be prudent to notify them in advance that you plan to tell that story. Even if not, it could be polite to give them a heads-up, particularly if they will be in the audience for your acceptance speech. An acceptance speech expresses gratitude, acknowledges contributions, and inspires others. It’s a way to share your story, show humility, and celebrate the support that led to success.

Your guidance and encouragement have shaped my journey and made this moment possible. Short acceptance speeches like this one are concise yet convey sincere gratitude and humility, leaving a positive impression on the audience. You just have to be straight to the point in thanking the people you need to be thinking and if there are a lot, just give them a general term like family, friends, and colleagues. Before you start putting together your own acceptance speech, find some that exemplify the genre of awards show speeches.

An acceptance speech is distinct from other types of speech in its purpose and focus. While it does share elements with special occasion speech and commemorative speech, its primary aim is to express gratitude upon receiving an award. It is good to reminisce all your struggles and hardships while you were still aiming for the award. You can get sentimental and you might even cry in front of the audience but be reminiscing all the things you’ve done in order to achieve one of your goals can be fulfilling. It can also inspire people to continue paving the path towards achieving their goals when they are starting to lose hope.

Acceptance Speech Examples for an Award

When you’re giving an acceptance speech, especially if it’s for anything in the creative field, keep in mind that you’re an entertainer. Therefore, something in your speech should be entertaining. It may sound ridiculous to practice your acceptance speech, especially considering that it’s brief. However, this is a great way to modify your speech to your liking.

• It’s a chance to express gratitude, share personal stories, and inspire others.
• So, when it’s your turn to shine, make sure you give a speech that’ll stick in people’s minds for years.
• You’ve been with me through every chapter of my life, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
• By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to give a fantastic award acceptance speech in front of an audience (or just in the mirror).
• This keeps your speech smooth and concise, while still being sincere.

Now, let’s look at a few things to avoid when giving your acceptance speech. There are many different ways of thanking people, so which one is applied in this context? Being as specific as possible when thanking individuals is the best way to go. How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech A little charm is all you want, to bedazzle your audience, when you go up to accept the award and follow it up with a speech. Use a tone that is genuine, humble, and celebratory while remaining professional and aligned with the event’s atmosphere. Conclude with a final thank you and a positive note about the value of the award and the honor it represents.

Offer Some Wisdom or Life Lessons

A well-crafted speech leaves a lasting impression by being genuine, concise, and filled with appreciation. One way to start could be watching others’ acceptance speeches, and ideally not just speeches from the Academy Awards. Award acceptance speech examples can be found on Youtube, Vimeo, and other video-sharing sites. Learn from others but don’t mimic – You’ve probably watched a lot of speakers before haven’t you?