How to Write a Speech to Accept an Award

Anyone who has watched the Academy Awards --- the annual evening-long presentation of Oscars, presented for achievement in motion pictures --- knows that an acceptance speech can be a moment characterized by great grace or awful awkwardness. Faced with the likelihood --- or even the remote possibility --- that you are the designated recipient of an award and that an acceptance speech is expected if not required, be prepared.

Instructions

1. Acknowledge everyone present either individually or by group.

2. Thank the presenter and anyone whose contributions enabled you to earn the award.

3. Laud the work of your colleagues. Use your time in the spotlight to shine the spotlight on others.

4. Express gratefulness for the recognition, but accept the award on behalf all who played a role in the success that the award recognizes.

5. Be brief. Avoid an acceptance speech that overvalues the award or the achievement it represents.

Tips & Warnings

• Review your acceptance speech critically in an effort to identify any comment that might be misinterpreted or taken out of context.

References

• HuffPost Entainment: Colin Firth Oscar Acceptance Speech
• Speech Topics Help, Advice & Ideas