What Is in a Good Acceptance Speech?

Accepting an award at an event often warrants an acceptance speech.

An acceptance speech gives you the opportunity to express your appreciation for people in your lives who helped you get where you are. Many people prefer to write an acceptance speech ahead of time as long as there is a possibility of winning or being recognized. This way, they are prepared. Each acceptance speech should consist of a few basic elements.

Modesty

Without the prize, there is nothing for which to make an acceptance speech. Begin your speech by expressing your gratitude for being in the position you now find yourself. The key to a good acceptance speech is to show what it means to you while keeping it modest. Show your appreciation to the organization that is recognizing your accomplishments and your gratitude that they chose you. Directly thank the organization for giving you the opportunity to receive this award.

Thanks

Some acceptance speeches have a strict time limit that encourages you to keep your list of people to thank short. A broader thanks that covers a larger amount of people is preferred over one that names every person you ever came into contact with in life. However, if there is someone who has played a big role in who you are and what you have accomplished, name him. The main focus of whom you thank should be on those people who had a direct or significant impact on the award you are receiving.

Emotion

Depending on the type of award you are receiving and for what you are recognized, emotions can run high. Don't be afraid to exhibit those emotions in your acceptance speech. Showing that you are thrilled with the recognition and overwhelmed by the support you received helps the audience see that you truly appreciate the award. If you give your acceptance speech in a monotone voice with little vocal or facial expression, you appear ungrateful to the audience.

Acknowledgement

Expressing the importance of what you do and what the organization that is recognizing you with an award does is an important aspect of an acceptance speech. Without the organization, you wouldn't have received the recognition. If you point this out in your speech, others will realize what the organization provides and continue to support it. This acknowledgement also provides a way of thanking the organization and, if the organization provides a noble service, mentioning its cause can encourage others to help.

Closure

As you conclude your acceptance speech, it is important to give closure. End your speech by thanking everyone again. This is not the place to thank anyone individually. Instead, a general thank-you is sufficient. Just before you walk off the stage, it is a nice gesture to wish the audience a pleasant evening or nice afternoon. Share your good fortune with the audience by displaying a congenial disposition.

References

• Speech Topics Help, Advice & Ideas: Acceptance Speech: Nine Topic Ideas
• "Forbes"; Top 10 Tips on How to Give a Good Oscar Acceptance Speech; T.J. Walker; February 2011
• Speech Guru: Acceptance Speech