writing a good award acceptance speech

How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech (With Examples)

• The Speaker Lab
• May 9, 2024

Table of Contents

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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Award Acceptance Speech

Navigate the art of delivering a heartfelt award acceptance speech with our expert guide, which includes a variety of inspiring speech examples . This comprehensive resource is designed to assist you in articulating your gratitude and joy effectively. Whether you’re acknowledging a professional honor or a personal milestone, our array of speech examples will guide you in creating a memorable and sincere acceptance speech, ensuring your words leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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If you have been nominated for an award and you are confident that your chances of winning is high or even if you are not that confident you’ll win, it is only right to prepare a speech when receiving said award. As English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge has said, “He who is best prepared can best serve his moment of inspiration.” Therefore, you should prepare a speech ahead of time regardless of uncertainty in order to avoid stuttering when accepting an award or plainly embarrassing yourself in such a momentous occasion for saying the wrong words.

Outline of an Award Acceptance Speech

When you when an award especially during prestigious events, it is most likely that you are expected to give an award acceptance speech . As the name suggests, it is a speech you give when you accept an award and mainly for expressing how honored and thankful you are to be given such recognition. In the process of writing the speech , you should also know what information you should include. Although there is no set standard on how to write the speech, here is an explanation on the outline of an award acceptance speech:

This part of your speech is basically your introduction. This will be your formal opening, the ice breaker or the attention-grabber for your speech. The main purpose of this part is to show your excitement, your shock and happiness to be given the award. This will also serve as your formal acknowledgement to the people present during the event. In some award acceptance speeches given by professionals in certain filed, this is where they insert a humorous quip. For speech example , during the Oscars in 2010, Sandra Bullock who won the Best Actress Award opened her speech with “Did I really earn this or did I just wear you all down?”

2. Expression of gratitude

This part of the speech is where you express your gratitude for the organization or institution who has given you the award. Although this can also be used to thank important people in your life, thanking the organization also expresses your respect to the body who has given you the award. Aside from that, this is also your way to talk about how thankful you are just for the nomination and how much happy and honored you are that the deciding body chose you despite of all the talented nominees.

3. Address your competition

It is only right that you acknowledge the people who were nominated alongside you. This is the part of your speech where you speak well of your competition. Although they were your competitors for the award, some of them are your close acquaintances or friends and people you have admired for a long time. This is also your time to acknowledge how brilliant they performed in their own right and how worthy they are of the nomination. In addition, you can also mention how these nominees also served as your inspiration during the process of creating your work. Through this you strengthen your friendship with some of them and creating new meaningful relationships with the others.

4. Sharing the glory

On this part of the speech you share your glory to the people who have continuously supported you. Aside from the people executives like talent scouts, directors, producers, managers, supervisors, etc. who have taken a chance on you, this is also where you thank the most important people in your life like your spouse, parents, siblings, friends, mentors and so on. When the late Robin Williams received the Best Supporting Actor during the 1998 Oscars, he humorously thanked his late father saying “Most of all, I want to thank my father, up there, the man who when I said I wanted to be an actor, he said, ‘Wonderful. Just have a back-up profession like welding.'”

5. Conclusion

The conclusion of your speech can be inspirational, funny, challenging and others. You should definitely end your speech with something you can be remembered by. For example you can pose a challenge to the audience, or your can leave with some inspirational message that the audience can ponder on, or you can end your speech with some witty, funny remarks. To end his award acceptance speech during the Mark Twain Comedy Award in 2011, actor-comedian Will Ferrell funny quipped the theater band “Now, you can play it, now you can play the music.” as they have interrupted him in the beginning of his speech.

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Scientific and Cultural Community Awards Acceptance Speech Example

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Economics Award Acceptance Speech Example

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Social Work Education Award Acceptance Speech Example

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How to Make an Award Acceptance Speech

In order to deliver an outstanding award acceptance speech you should prepared it ahead of time. Although some prepare to deliver it extemporaneously, but in order to save time you can prepare just the basic outline of what you want to say or a list of people you want to thank so as not to forget anyone. However, when you have been given prior knowledge about the award, it is much better to allot time to actually write it. Hence, here is a guide you can refer to when you write an award acceptance speech:

1. Brainstorm ideas

This part of your process will be the foundation or outline as you go along with the actual writing process. This will enable you to generate ideas on how you want your speech to go and what yu want to include in the speech. Aside from that, it will allow you to gather inspiration that you can apply in your own speech.

• Make a list of the reasons why you are thankful for receiving the award.
• Make a list of all the people you want to thank in your speech. Only name the most important ones, and thank the others in general.
• Read or watch other acceptance speeches in order to draw inspiration.

2. Write your speech

Since you already have enough ideas and basically an outline of how your speech should go, you can now proceed to the actual writing process. The writing process should be easy enough since the speech is supposed to be brief and more importantly because you already have a guide. A list of the entire writing process is listed below:

• Write a brief introduction that will set the tone of your entire speech. Make sure you try to express gratitude and connect with the audience right away. You can also start your speech with a funny quip, but try to avoid sarcasm or joking about the merits of the award itself. In addition, the length of your introduction will heavily depend on the time allotted to you to deliver the speech.
• Proceed to the body of your speech focusing on the people you want to express your gratitude to. This speech should be devoted to expressing your gratitude to the body who gave you the award, the people you enabled you to showcase your talents and all the people who have undoubtedly supported you. You can easily refer to the list of people you want to thank that you have made beforehand.
• Avoid thanking too many people. Although this is meant to express your gratitude, the audience will easily get bored if all you do is thank everyone one-by-one. It can also cause disappointments once you forget to mention someone.
• Take caution in making you speech a platform. Although this can be used to address certain controversies or social issues, be wary in doing so since saying the wrong things when you only mean well can still be interpreted badly.
• Conclude your speech on a positive note. Make sure you end your speech in a lighthearted and positive manner in order to maintain the atmosphere and also to make sure you have used up your opportunity in a good way.

Outstanding CEO Award Acceptance Speech Example

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Distinguished Service Award Acceptance Speech Example

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Alumnus of the Year Award Acceptance Speech Example

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How to Deliver an Award Acceptance Speech

Aside from having a brilliant speech, you should also be to deliver you speech in a brilliant manner. You have to make sure that your delivery is perfect to that the audience can clearly understand you and so that your message can be heard audibly. Here are some tips on how you can deliver your award acceptance speech:

• Show your personality . The delivery of your speech should come from the heart. It is okay to sound a surprised and shocked for it is only human. With that, you should show your personality through the words you say and the actions or gestures you make.
• Be gracious . Being gracious means acknowledging the good work done by your competitors and thanking the organization that selected you for the award. You show how good-natured you are by avoiding the tendency of becoming narcissistic; talk about others more thank yourself.
• Show excitement . Showing your excitement does not mean you have to do cartwheels towards the stage, but you have to make sure that the audience can recognize that you are really happy to have won the award. You can show this through words or through gestures. Some are show visible signs of excitement like getting jitters, heavy breathing, getting teary-eyed, and so on.
• Be modest . It should not be self-congratulatory however heartfelt it may be. Show modesty through avoiding talking more about you than other relevant and important people in your life.
• Practice, practice, practice . Your should prepare, rehearse with a timer, memorize key people to thank and allow time for the unexpected.

A. A. Michelson Award Acceptance Speech Example

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Children’s Peace Literature Award Acceptance Speech Example

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Tips in Writing and Delivering Award Acceptance Speech

Now that you have enough ideas and guide on how to write a brilliant award acceptance speech and how to effectively deliver it, your should also know some of the other important yet forgotten details about it. Hence, here is a list of useful tips you should know when writing and delivering an award acceptance speech:

• It is best to ask how much time you are allotted for the speech.
• Allot time to brainstorm what you want to include in your speech and which to talk about first.
• With the time constraint in mind, begin writing the introduction of your speech.
• Keep your speech short but sincere.
• Wholeheartedly acknowledge those who helped you along the way.
• Express honest appreciation.
• Include witty, humorous remarks to have an entertaining factor.
• Explain how this experience has changed your life for the better.
• End the speech with a bang.
• Aim to make the speech memorable.
• Avoid using notes.
• Give a nod to the organizers.
• Establish a personal connection.
• Be genuine.
• Stop apologizing for the past, for being speechless, for getting emotional, and so on.
• Mention and acknowledge the organization’s goals.
• Keep a lid on the jokes.One or two jokes is already enough.

Excellence in Art Education Award Acceptance Speech Example

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Lifetime Achievement Award Acceptance Speech Example

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Concluding your award acceptance speech, remember to speak from the heart, expressing genuine gratitude. Utilize our guide and examples to eloquently acknowledge those who’ve supported you, making your speech as memorable as the achievement itself. Your words have the power to inspire and resonate, leaving a lasting impact on your audience. Embrace this opportunity to shine and share your journey with grace and appreciation.

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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 1,099,698 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

• 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.

• 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."

• 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.”

• 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.

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.

• Notice how your voice sounds. Make sure you're speaking loud enough and that what you're saying is clear and understandable.

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

You Might Also Like

• ↑ 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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How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech to Thank, Inspire and Impress

Let’s say you got nominated for an award and now you have to give an acceptance speech. It’s pretty important to give a good speech, no matter what you’re being awarded for. Looking good doesn’t hurt either!

So, how do you give a good acceptance speech for your award? First off, you should ask yourself what message you would like to convey to your audience.

Generally, an acceptance speech provides the speaker with an opportunity to not only thank the individuals who helped you win the award but also highlight ideas and issues that you care about and even inspire people to do something even bigger.

Which is why it’s important that you don’t mess up.

Writing a good speech, any kind of speech, requires a lot of time and preparation, in order to ensure that you are well prepared and have included any important details that you would prefer to not leave out.

Here are a few practical tips on how you can draw up your award acceptance speech.

What is an Award Acceptance Speech? 

This is a type of speech given by an individual who’s receiving a prize, honor or an award. It is an unwritten tradition to share gratitude to individuals who you’d like or acknowledge or thank by giving a few words.

Your audience may be made up of your family and friends but also individuals in your industry who you respect and admire, so when giving an acceptance speech, ensure you make the best of it. 

As compared to other speeches, an acceptance speech does not include a beginning , body or conclusion and doesn’t need a PowerPoint display. In addition to this, acceptance speeches aren’t allotted a lot of time as you would with a keynote speech, so you will have to make it short.

Acceptance speeches also provide you, the speaker who’s accepting the award, an opportunity to either make a great impression , no impression or a terrible one. So, you have to be careful with how you write up and give your speech.

What are the m ain Goals of an Acceptance Speech?

Your goals with regard to this speech should be to;

• Thank the individuals who helped you in whatever you did or in your career
• Center on one idea that you want to leave your audience with, whether it’s motivating them to work hard or inspiring them to follow their dreams
• Make a great impression

Since you’ll only have a few minutes to give your speech, focusing on one point or one of the most important lessons you’ve learnt in life is a good way to go.

Additionally, your speech should give your audience a favorable impression about you while also letting them know that you’ve thought about what you’ve said and that you’re respectful.

How to Write a Great Acceptance Speech

Most individuals who win an award start by thanking the individuals who helped them when they accept it.

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.

Therefore, you should start by:

Be Specific

Thank people by telling them exactly what they did that assisted you

You should do this in a way that is meaningful. Saying “Thank you for your support” doesn’t really mean anything.

So instead, you should look at the individuals you mention and while addressing them by their names, thank them while telling them what exactly you are thanking them for.

For instance, you can say, “Lisa, you encouraged me after being rejected by 7 different publishing houses, you were there for me.”

This will make your speech much more interesting to your audience while also appearing sincere.

Pro-Tip: Make eye contact when thanking every individual while mentioning their name, as it will not only convey respect but also sincerity.  

Tell a story

Great award acceptance speeches usually tell stories. While the time allotted to give your speech may be short, 30 seconds is enough time to give a short story.

You can either;

• Recount an actual conversation you had with someone; be it a family member colleague or friend, about a challenge you had, how you conquered it and its relevance to the award you’re accepting.
• Talk about an encounter that happened

Keep in mind though that if you’ll be telling a story , ensure that its relevant to the award, it’s brief and that you tell it in a way that captivates your audience.

Now that we’ve discussed how to prepare for and write your acceptance speech, we can now look into how you will deliver that speech.

How to Prepare for an Award Acceptance Speech?

Nothing is worse than having no speech prepared when you win a major award; fumbling on stage in front of an audience is not a good thing for anyone.

It also shows the individuals who nominated you that you do not respect them, so take some time and prepare.

First and foremost,

Make your speech memorable

Many of the speeches given at award shows are short, so if it isn’t memorable, it can easily be forgotten.

Good thing is you have a lot of resources at your disposal, the biggest being the internet. Thank heavens for technology! Everyone, including yourself, wants to give a great speech . Looking up great acceptance speeches on YouTube will provide you with amazing examples of great speeches.

Most of these examples are short, as acceptance speeches should be. Besides this, they also seen genuine, contain an emotional moment and are funny.

You may not have a funny bone in your body, which is okay as being funny will entirely be dependent on what you’ll be talking about in your speech. So, no pressure.

Rehearse your speech

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.

You can do this by recording yourself giving your speech using your camera or phone.

Looking through the recording will help you pick out what you don’t like and what you like about it. This allows you to repeat your speech as many times as you want while implementing the changes you’d like until you feel happy and comfortable with its final form.

Once you are satisfied with your final take, know you already have it in the bag; you’re going to give a great speech!

Pro-Tip: Practicing helps get rid of the jitters and helps you feel more confident in both yourself and your speech.

How To Deliver Your Acceptance Speech

When delivering your acceptance speech, ensure that it’s at least entertaining . It doesn’t have to make the audience laugh so much that their ribs hurt. However, it also shouldn’t be so boring that people doze off or make conversation while you address them.

So, first off,

Don’t Be Boring

If your speech doesn’t have a few jokes in it or isn’t funny, at least try to include some emotion or a dramatic moment. Boring speeches make people want to gorge their eyes out and seal their ears, so they don’t have to look at you and hear you drone on. Don’t subject your audience to unnecessary torture.

Be entertaining. At the very least, say something entertaining, interesting or amusing, even if you’ll be making fun of yourself.

If you are going to show emotion, don’t go overboard

Blubbering through your speech isn’t interesting, so try to keep it together. This is where practicing your speech comes in, it helps you show just the right amount of emotion while still conveying your message to the audience.

Pro-Tip: A little emotion goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.

Using what we have so far discussed, you should be able to not only write a great speech but also present your speech to your audience in a memorable way.

Now, let’s look at a few things to avoid when giving your acceptance speech.

What to avoid in an Award Acceptance Speech

• Do not tell your audience you don’t have a lot of time

This only uses up more time. Instead, use the time you’ve been given to the maximum advantage.

• Do  not tell your audience that you’re nervous

Even though you might be nervous , other people may not recognize that you are. So, there’s no need to waste valuable time.

By the way, deliberately pausing or speaking slowly helps you overcome any jitters you may have. Thank me later once you try this trick of the trade.

• Do  not thank too many people

Given that you’ll only have a few minutes to give your speech (at most), try to thank no more than five individuals.

You can send the people you didn’t thank on stage personal notes; that’s why such notes exist.

• Do  not read your speech from a piece of paper

Not only is this devoid of sincerity, emotion and personality but it also looks scripted . Again, practicing helps you capture your main points in mind.

In conclusion, it all comes down to being genuine when thanking individuals, entertaining and leaving your audience with a good life lesson or something that inspires them. Show your audience that you, indeed, were worthy of getting that award!

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How to Accept an Award

The best acceptance speeches are gracious and full of heart..

By Emily Sachs

It’s your moment of triumph. So you grab the closest pen or hairbrush and launch into an overdramatic thanking of the Academy, declaring “You like me!” and telling your kids to go to bed as the invisible orchestra drowns you out.

We’ve all played out that imaginary moment. But maybe we should stop, says San Francisco speech coach Patricia Fripp . Those famous televised award speeches are actually a “what not to do” when receiving an honor. In their brief time in the literal spotlight, most winners resort to over-the-top gushing and false modesty. Or they breeze through an uninspiring laundry list of verbal gratuities.

“Most Academy Award speeches are pathetic,” says Fripp, a frequent speaker at Toastmasters conferences and a former Toastmaster herself. “You want the emotional connection. Paint the picture. Inspire passion in others.”

If you are active in Toastmasters or your community, or are a generous philanthropist or a dedicated team member, chances are you will eventually be recognized for your time and efforts. And you might be expected to make some remarks in front of your peers when you do. Fear not, fellow Toastmaster: A good acceptance speech has the same objective as every good speech—to be gracious, powerful, and memorable—only in less time than a typical speech.

“You can have more impact with a well-crafted three- to five-minute speech than you can with 45 minutes,” Fripp says. “However, every word must count.”

Practice in Pathways

The “Deliver Social Speeches” project in the Pathways learning curriculum gives all Toastmasters the opportunity to practice receiving honors—and bestowing them—through a choice of two social occasion speeches. These are designed to be delivered in three to four minutes each. This unique project has endless real-life applications—from offering a toast at a family celebration to honoring a retiring coworker or even getting public recognition.

Pathways offers the following guidelines for award-acceptance speeches:

• Express your gratitude and be genuine.
• Demonstrate why you are deserving of the honor.
• Recognize those who helped you achieve success.
• Personalize your speech with anecdotes.
• Respect the audience and the clock.

Fripp’s failproof approach to a winning acceptance speech is to tell a story about the organization or group giving the honor If it’s a college alumni award, for instance, talk about the awe you felt the first time you visited the campus in person. For a workplace award, speak about a manager who encouraged you to stay during a difficult period. Or, in the case of a named award, reference the namesake and describe your lifelong admiration of their achievements.

When it comes to pitfalls, Fripp says to avoid these two things: trying too hard to be funny and speaking without preparation. Even her own coaching clients, many of whom are business executives, are steered wrong by award shows. “Be profound, be wise, be gracious. But don’t try to be funny if you aren’t; otherwise, it will backfire,” she says. Even an innocent, self-deprecating remark can bomb. Declaring that you don’t deserve an award or that anyone could have done what you did is not only an insult to the other nominees, but also to the prior winners and especially to those who nominated and selected you.

Will Heeman knows well the careful balance required to be both funny and respectful. The “Chief Daymaker” of Heeman’s, his family’s garden and farm business in Ontario, Canada, he has accepted three business awards in the last five years at the London (Ontario) Chamber of Commerce gala, before 1,500 other community leaders. Business events can be especially dry, and he says that industry puns—“dad jokes,” if you will—can find a receptive audience at them. In 2019, he accepted the chamber’s Environmental Leadership award on the first day of spring. “We’re so excited today,” he told the audience, “that we wet our plants!” The quip hit the mark and still gets repeated.

Preparation Is Key

As for using the big event as your “Evening at the Improv,” Fripp instead suggests being “perpetually prepared” in order to be gracious in front of your peers. We all have the opportunity on a regular basis to practice publicly expressing appreciation—whether on conference calls at our jobs, in committee huddles for our community work, or at our Toastmasters meetings.

For example, if you are asked to present a status update on a project, Fripp suggests you try saying something like, “On behalf of the dedicated three-person public relations team, thank you for the opportunity to report on our progress. You will be pleased to hear that our extra hours and late-night emails enabled us to complete our website redesign two weeks ahead of schedule. This feat wouldn’t have been possible without the generous technical assistance of the treasurer, as well as your support.” If you work this type of phrasing into your everyday speaking, it won’t be difficult to do so when called up to receive formal recognition, Fripp says. It might even plant the seed that you are a leader worthy of recognition.

Of course, being prepared also means drafting a speech ahead of any awards ceremony and practicing it with others enough times that you won’t need notes. You never know if you will have your hands full with a microphone or the award or if the lectern is unwieldy. Fripp also advises confirming ahead of time if you are expected to deliver remarks. “If you know you are going to accept an award, prepare, script, and rehearse,” she says. “If you believe you may be called to accept an award, prepare in case.”

Aaron Lee of Oxford, England, was a tuxedoed finalist sitting at the 2017 Museums + Heritage Awards ceremony when he discovered that the winners were giving speeches. A few categories later, he was doubly surprised to hear his name called as a Volunteer of the Year winner. In front of a room of 350 others, the then- university student delivered his first-ever formal remarks.

“Before I was called, I had a mental idea of what I would say,” he says, “and then you get called and that goes out the window.”

Lee admitted to the audience that he hadn’t even known he was nominated until he was short-listed. His shock quickly settled and he expressed appreciation to the audience, the sponsors, his nominators, and even the event staff serving the dinner. He won the award for his work at the Museum of Oxford, a gem of a civic museum that gets overshadowed by those of neighboring Oxford University—“which are alright,” he deadpanned to the crowd representing many of the U.K.’s most notable institutions.

These award winners agree that being honored is only the beginning. Immediately after the ceremony, you will have a room full of people waiting to congratulate you, so make it easy for them. Lee says he got positive feedback after speaking and was also invited to later do a radio interview. Heeman, the Canadian awardee with the agricultural business, says that such a speech might be your only chance to make a first impression to a room of potential customers or connections.

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How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech?

• Filed under: Featured articles , Public speaking articles , Public speaking tips and tricks , Speech preparation

You’ve been nominated for an award and now you have to give an acceptance speech. It might be an Academy Award where the whole world is watching or it might be an award for the best coach in your little league. Regardless, it’s still important and you would like to look good while giving this speech.

So, how to give an award acceptance speech? It is an opportunity to put a spotlight on ideas you care about, to thank the people who helped you win the award and to give your audience at least one take away.

Therefore, don’t blow it. Don’t wait until the last minute with the preparation and don’t make excuses.

And if you don’t win… well, maybe you will use the acceptance speech next year or next time. So, today I am going to give you practical tips on how you can prepare for your award acceptance speech.

But there’s a lot more to public speaking you should know so I wrote an article about best public speaking books to read. Check out these books here .

Table of Contents

What is an acceptance speech?

An award acceptance speech is a speech given by a person who is receiving an award, honor or prize. When you win something, then it is a tradition to say a few words and share some gratitude toward those you would like to thank or acknowledge.

In the audience are your friends, family and perhaps people in your industry who you respect, so make the best of it.

Let’s start off by focusing on your goals for this speech because, after all, an award acceptance speech is still the same as any other speech. Now, it might be a short one. It might only be 60 seconds long before that music comes in and you’re asked to get off stage…but it’s still a speech.

How is award acceptance different from other speech types?

Well, it is different in a lot of ways. For example: you’re not going to have a PowerPoint display. You’re not going to have a beginning, middle and end, and you’re not going to share funny stories.

Also, you’re not going to walk around the stage and talk for 50 minutes like you would in a keynote speech.

Acceptance speech gives you an opportunity to make:

• A great impression
• An awful impression
• No impression.

Main goals of the acceptance speech

Your goals are not to just get through this. Also, your goal is not to thank your tax attorney and 29 other service providers.

Therefore, your goal should be to:

• Make a great impression
• Thank the people who were relevant in helping you in your career or whatever it is you did
• Try to focus on just one idea that you want to leave people with, whether it is inspiring people to follow their dreams or maybe motivating people to work hard, etc.

This is not an opportunity to communicate five points or more. Instead, it is an opportunity to focus on one of life’s lessons or on one really important idea.

Give people a favorable impression of you and let them know that you’re respectful and that you’ve thought about this and planned.

Recommended books

How to Deliver a TED Talk: Secrets of the World's Most Inspiring Presentations

Jeremy Donovan

Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences

Nancy Duarte

Confessions of a Public Speaker

Scott Berkun

Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds

Carmine Gallo

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right

Atul Gawande

The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything... Fast!

Josh Kaufman

Throughout your short award speech, let them know that you’ve got a particular idea you want to communicate and that you thank the people who helped you get to the point where you’re getting this award.

How to prepare for an acceptance speech?

There’s nothing worse than someone winning a major award (whether it is an Emmy Award or just a local club member of the year award) and sort of getting up and fumbling around, “Oh, God – I never thought I would win. So, I didn’t prepare anything…”

Show the people who took the trouble of nominating you a little respect. Do them justice and prepare. It doesn’t really take that long.

Learn from the best

Let’s face it – most acceptance speeches are not memorable. They’re instantly forgotten and they’re perfunctory.

That shouldn’t be your role model. Your role model should be great speeches. Here’s what I want you to do. I want you to go to YouTube and type in “great acceptance speeches” or “great Academy Award acceptance speeches.”

You’ll find tremendous speeches. Most of them are brief because they are acceptance speeches on TV. They’re usually always funny. They have an emotional moment and they seem genuine.

Now, you might be receiving a speech for the best accountant in your county and therefore you might not feel the need or the ability to be wildly funny, but you can still learn from the masters.

Practice your speech

I know, now you want to say, “What? It is ridiculous to practice an acceptance speech!” But actually, it is not. The best way to practice your speech is by recording yourself.

Therefore, grab a phone or camera and record yourself. Next, take a look at the recording and write down everything you liked about it and everything you didn’t like about it.

After, repeat this process as many times as needed until you’re feeling comfortable and happy. If you do that, I guarantee you’re going to deliver a great speech.

Also, don’t be afraid of jinxing yourself. Prepare to accept the award and prepare to give the speech.

How to write an acceptance speech?

The first thing most people do when they win an award is to thank the people who helped them. Of course, you should thank people but remember that there is a particular way of thanking people.

Thank people in a meaningful way

Thank people in as specific a way as possible and tell them exactly what they did that helped you. Don’t just say, “Thank you for your support.” Support is too generic. It’s abstract and doesn’t really mean anything.

What you should do is:

• Look at the people you mention
• Address them by name
• Thank them and tell them what you’re thanking them for. For example: “John, you were there for me when no one else was and when I couldn’t raise a penny to get this idea going. You wrote the first check.”

If you do that then it’s going to be so much more interesting to everyone. It will be meaningful and it will come across as sincere. That’s much more effective than just rattling off a long list of names.

Tell people exactly what you’re thanking them for. Look them in the eye if they’re around. Give specific examples; this way, your thanks has real meaning.

Make a point, tell a story

The best award acceptance speeches always tell a story. Now you may ask, “Well…how is there time for a story?” But I assure you that you can tell a story in 30 seconds.

• Talk about something that happened
• Recount a real conversation (with a friend, a colleague or a family member) about a challenge, how you overcame it and how it’s relevant to the award.

Main rules for the story you’re going to tell:

• Make it brief
• Make sure it’s relevant
• Tell it in a compelling way

If you do that, you have a good story for your acceptance speech.

How to give an acceptance speech?

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.

Don’t be dull – be entertaining

Now, ideally your speech should be funny but if it’s not, at least have a dramatic moment or something with a little emotion . It’s always disappointing when people who are known as world-class entertainers seem, during their acceptance speech, about as entertaining as if an accountant were reading the phonebook to you.

Remember who you are and what your strengths are. Use those strengths to entertain. You’re not going to give a humorous speech for an hour, but you do have a minute where you can say at least something amusing, interesting or entertaining.

So, plan on having something entertaining even if you’re just making fun of yourself.

Show some emotion but don’t overdo it

A little emotion goes a long way. If you’ve had a tough life and now you win some important award it’s understandable to have some emotion…but you need the right amount.

It is not very interesting if you’re out there blubbering. So, keep it together. This is one of the beauties of having rehearsed your acceptance speech – you can show the right amount of emotion and the words can still come out rather easily because you thought of it, you planned it and you rehearsed it.

But if you just take the attitude of, “Oh, I don’t want to jinx myself. I’m not going to plan anything to say – I’ll just get up there,” and then the actual emotion of the moment may overwhelm you and you just can’t say anything. Instead you kind of look like an idiot – especially if it’s on TV for the whole world to see.

So, you want emotion but not so much that you’re just blubbering.

What to avoid while giving an acceptance speech?

Here are a few things that you really need to avoid when giving an acceptance speech.

#1 Don’t read your speech

One thing I would suggest you do is to avoid reading your speech from a piece of paper. It’s just awful – it’s devoid of personality, emotion, and sincerity. So don’t read.

It’s OK to have some notes, but you certainly should not have a word for word scripted out.

#2 Don’t thank more than five people

Also, I really don’t think you should thank more than five people. If you have more people than that to thank then send them a personal note.

Don’t give a long laundry list of names and don’t read because those are the two biggest blunders that people make in the major awards shows when they are receiving awards.

#3 Don’t tell people you’re nervous

You may not know this but no one even recognizes that you’re nervous. You can tell your family and friends later that you were nervous but don’t waste valuable time.

#4 Don’t tell people that you don’t have much time

Speaking of time – don’t waste your time by telling people that you don’t have much time. “Oh my gosh, I don’t have much time. I don’t know where to start because…”

Don’t ever comment on the time. Simply use your time to maximum advantage. Use every second. Say something interesting to the audience and don’t waste time talking about the fact that you don’t have much time because now you have even less time.

So, if you avoid these pitfalls, it gives you more time to focus on saying something interesting. Perhaps something lighthearted or thanking people in a sincere way.

Final thoughts: What to say in an acceptance speech?

If I got to vote for you, I would. I’m pulling for you. I hope you win this award so you can show off your public speaking skills and give a great award acceptance speech.

It really all comes down to:

• Be genuine in your thanks. Don’t just list names.
• Have one interesting or entertaining thing to say.
• Share one little story
• Focus on your audience and don’t talk about how you’re nervous or scared.

Finally, the most important tip of all: practice your short speech in advance on video as many times as it takes so that you see in advance the speech you want to give. And then once you win, you can simply deliver the speech that you’ve already practiced. Do that and you will be in absolutely great shape.

Related questions

How long is an acceptance speech? It depends on the event but usually, it is between 45 and 60 seconds.

How do you outline a speech? Have your speech ready with nice gigantic text so you don’t have to memorize anything. Ideally, it fits on a single sheet of paper. That way you can simply glance down, scoop up a few words and keep going. This keeps you on track. (Full article here)

Useful reading

• How to deliver a ceremonial speech? A Full Guide
• How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation Without it Being Awkward?
• How to Use a Teleprompter During your Speech? A Complete Guide

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I have been teaching public speaking at Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences

Here, I am sharing the wisdom of how to cope in different public speaking situations.

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I have been teaching and blogging about public speaking since spring 2007. Here, I am sharing the wisdom of how to cope in different public speaking situations.

Send me an e-mail: [email protected]

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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

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.

Written Samples

10 short acceptance speech samples.

An acceptance speech is more than a mere formality following an award or honor. It’s a unique opportunity to express gratitude, share values, and inspire others, all while acknowledging the collective effort that led to the individual achievement.

The speeches compiled here represent a range of scenarios — from industry awards to community honors, and personal achievements.

Short Acceptance Speech Samples

Each is crafted to not only express thanks but to resonate with the audience, leaving a lasting impression of the occasion and the individual honored.

Speech 1: Accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award

“a journey of persistence and passion”.

As I stand before this distinguished gathering, my heart swells with gratitude. This Lifetime Achievement Award is not just a recognition of my individual efforts but a testament to the enduring spirit of perseverance and dedication. I remember starting out in this field, fueled by nothing but a dream and an unwavering resolve. Today, as I look back at the decades of challenges and triumphs, I am reminded of the countless individuals who supported me — my mentors who believed in me, my team who stood by me, and my family who sacrificed alongside me. This award is yours as much as it is mine.

Speech 2: Accepting an Industry Innovator Award

“innovation: a collective endeavor”.

Thank you for this honor. Being recognized as an Industry Innovator is a humbling experience. Innovation is not born in a vacuum; it is the outcome of relentless questioning and collaborative problem-solving. I stand here because of a culture that values bold ideas and the freedom to pursue them. This award reflects our shared commitment to pushing boundaries and creating something truly remarkable. To all aspiring innovators, let this be a reminder: your ideas have the power to shape the future.

Speech 3: Accepting a Community Service Award

“service: the fabric of our community”.

Today, I am deeply honored to accept this Community Service Award. Service, to me, is the very fabric that holds our community together. It’s about seeing a need and responding with compassion and action. This recognition is not for me alone but for all who have worked tirelessly to uplift and support our community. From organizing local drives to advocating for change, every effort counts and reflects our collective commitment to making a difference. This award is a celebration of our united spirit of service.

Speech 4: Accepting a Courageous Leadership Award

“leading with courage and conviction”.

Receiving the Courageous Leadership Award is a profoundly humbling experience. Leadership is not about titles or accolades; it’s about making decisions that are guided by courage and conviction, especially in the face of adversity. It’s about standing up for what is right, even when it is not easy. This award is a tribute to all the unsung heroes who lead by example every day, making our world a better place. I accept this with a promise to continue leading with integrity and courage.

Speech 5: Accepting an Artistic Excellence Award

“art as a mirror of society”.

Art is not just a form of expression; it’s a mirror of society, reflecting its beauty and complexities. As an artist, I am deeply honored to receive this Artistic Excellence Award. This journey has been one of constant exploration and expression, driven by an insatiable desire to evoke emotion and provoke thought. This recognition belongs to everyone who has ever dared to dream and create. May we continue to use our art to inspire, challenge, and bring about change.

Speech 6: Accepting a Best Educator Award

“educating for a better tomorrow”.

I am truly honored to accept the Best Educator Award. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and as educators, we have the privilege and responsibility to shape minds and nurture dreams. This award is not mine alone but belongs to all the educators who spend countless hours preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Together, we are building a brighter future, one student at a time.

Speech 7: Accepting a Sportsmanship Award

“the true spirit of competition”.

Today, I stand here honored to accept the Sportsmanship Award. In the realm of sports, competition is intense, but the true spirit lies in how we play the game. It’s about respect, integrity, and fairness, both on and off the field. This award is a reminder that while winning is celebrated, how we conduct ourselves is what truly defines us. To my fellow athletes, let’s continue to uplift each other and honor the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Speech 8: Accepting a Breakthrough Scientific Award

“science: a beacon of hope and innovation”.

Receiving the Breakthrough Scientific Award is a moment of great pride and responsibility. Science is our beacon of hope and innovation, guiding us towards a better understanding of the world and opening doors to new possibilities. This award is a recognition of our collective quest for knowledge and our commitment to improving lives through discovery and innovation. To the scientific community, let this fuel our continued pursuit of answers and solutions.

Speech 9: Accepting a Philanthropy Award

“philanthropy: a commitment to humanity”.

It is with a profound sense of gratitude that I accept this Philanthropy Award. Philanthropy is about more than just giving; it’s a commitment to humanity, to easing suffering and creating opportunities for those in need. This award is a testament to what we can achieve when we channel our resources and energy towards the greater good. Let us continue to work together, for together, we can build a world of hope and shared prosperity.

Speech 10: Accepting a First Responder Bravery Award

“bravery in the face of adversity”.

Accepting the First Responder Bravery Award is an honor that I share with all first responders who put their lives on the line every day. Bravery is not the absence of fear but the strength to confront it, to run towards danger when every instinct tells you to run away. This award is dedicated to the courageous men and women who face adversity with valor and determination, ensuring safety and providing hope in our most critical moments. Your bravery is an inspiration to us all.

These speeches serve as templates, each reflecting the essence of its respective award while offering a personal touch that resonates with audiences. The goal is to inspire, to celebrate, and to remind us of the values that bring us together in recognition and gratitude.

• EXPLORE Random Article

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 291,594 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.

• "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."

• "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."

• “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.”

• "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."

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

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

You Might Also Like

• ↑ 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?

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So, you have achieved an award. Congratulations! Now you have to deliver an acceptance speech in front of an audience.

Writing an acceptance speech may not seem important initially, but it becomes challenging once you begin writing it. 

When you're in the spotlight, receiving an award or recognition, giving a great acceptance speech may seem tough. But with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

This guide is here to help you craft an outstanding acceptance speech that conveys your gratitude and connects with your audience. 

Whether it's an award, honor, or any form of recognition, these tips will make your speech shine.

So, let’s begin!

• 1. What is an Acceptance Speech?
• 2. How to Write an Acceptance Speech?
• 3. Acceptance Speech Examples 
• 4. Mistakes to Avoid When Writing An Acceptance Speech
• 5. Phrases You Can Use in Acceptance Speech Writing
• 6. Tips for Acceptance Speech Writing

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.

Nonetheless, being a good speaker doesn't always translate to being a good writer. That's why many opt for expert assistance from professional writers.

MyPerfectWords.com stands as a reputed essay writing company , offering genuine support for your academic assignments and professional speeches.

Just reach out to our customer service to buy speech of the best quality!

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

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

• Skip to main content

How to Write Great Acceptance Speeches

by Jezra on August 2, 2023

For the past few years, I’ve had the honor of writing speeches with some of America’s greatest (American) football players.

And I’ve also had the honor of being featured in a New York Times article about that work.

How can that be? (you might ask), when I know almost nothing about football or, in fact, any sport besides lying on the couch reading romance novels?

It can be because we are writing acceptance speeches

Are All Acceptance Speeches Created Equal?

A speech that you would give to accept an Academy Award or enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is not the same as a speech you would give to accept an honorary degree or thanks from a local charity.

But they’re not that different, either, because they’re all about the gratitude you feel toward the community that’s honoring you .

So—at the risk of making myself obsolete by sharing these professional secrets—I’ve sketched out an approach to expressing that gratitude in an organized way, in a limited amount of time.

The Elements of Good Acceptance Speeches

You don’t need to hit all of these beats, and you don’t need to deliver them in this order. But if (like my clients who are being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, you have dozens and dozens of people to thank), this outline will help you pull that off.

1. “Housekeeping”

(So called because it’s not part of the body of your speech)

• Greet the audience. Let them know how much you appreciate their presence.
• Thank the organization that’s honoring or recognizing you.
• If this is relevant, comment on how proud you are to be part of the long tradition of exceptional people who’ve received this honor before you.
• And if you’re inclined to thank God, this is a good place to do that, too.

2. Share a Little Background

• If it’s appropriate and you have time, share a little bit about what started you on the path to this award.
• This could be as short as 30 seconds or as long as several minutes.
• If you have a charming or funny story about your early involvement with the topic, now is the time to tell it.

3. Acknowledge Your Debt to Others

• Let the audience know that you know that you couldn’t have made it this far without help from many, many other people—some of whom are present today. (Don’t list them all right now, that will come soon. 🙂
• Lots of people thank and/or talk about their parents at this point in their acceptance speeches. Whether your folks drove you to football practice or gave you a moral foundation that helped you excel, they helped put you on the road to success.

4. Now Talk About the People Who Helped You Develop and Grow

• Begin with the people who helped mold you into the person you are today. They deserve the most recognition, and if you have time, a brief comment about what makes them so special to you.
• Then, as you go down the list, you can start putting slightly less important people into groups (“all of the great line coaches I worked with, including…”). Here, you’re mostly listing people, since you don’t have time to share a personal detail about each one.
• Finally, thank people in categories (“the great back office team,” “all of our fine training staff,” etc.)
• And don’t forget your audience members, fans, or volunteers who helped you achieve your success . (You wouldn’t anyway! :-)) Without them, you would literally be nowhere.

5. Finally, Thank Your Family

• Your spouse, your children (if any), maybe your siblings, your parents (if you haven’t already spoken about them), and again, God, if God is central to your life, all deserve public gratitude.
• Say a few words about what your family members have sacrificed, how they’ve stood by you during the hard times, and how they are the best spouse/kids/siblings anyone could ever have! (Assuming that all of this is true. If it’s not, don’t say anything! :-))

6. If You Want, Get Big Picture

• If you want to share advice, or a philosophy of success, now’s a good time to do that.
• And if you told a personal story at the beginning, does it tie back to your advice? (“Watching my Dad work in the fields helped me understand how to be a success in life…”)
• Make your advice (or the values you’re recommending) simple and to the point.

7. Close with More Thanks

• “So I just want to say again how much I appreciate being part of this great community. Thank you for being here with me today; I’ll never forget it.”
• “All of you are the reason I’m getting this award, and I wish I could share it with each and every one of you. So thank you again, and let’s keep winning together.”

Ready to Write Your Acceptance Speech?

Even though acceptance speeches generally hit these traditional beats, they should still be highly individual. Your speech should convey your feelings , and your thoughts, in a way that nobody else but you could express.

Writing acceptance speeches isn’t rocket science— but it is a skill that, as the New York Times pointed out, speechwriters like me have worked hard to perfect.

So if you find out that you’re going to be honored, congratulations!

And if you want a hand with your acceptance speech, just give a yell.

You May Also Want to Read...

• Your Complete Guide to Making Public Speaking Notes Work for YOU
• Public Speaking Tip 4: Writing "Rules" Aren't for Public Speaking
• Public Speaking: Give a Great Wedding Toast

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Award Acceptance Speech Samples

Winning an award is quite shocking in itself, and to give an acceptance speech thereafter can fluster you thoroughly. Here, we provide some sample award acceptance speeches that will help you overcome your shock and surprise, and deliver a good speech. Take a look.

So you have been nominated for an award, and you think your chances of winning are high. Of course, every nominee has that thought and as much as they say that there’s no chance that they are going to win, everyone secretly practices their award speeches and their graceful acceptance of the award. While in your head your thoughts are clear and you know exactly what you are going to say, when you actually win the award, things are different. As much as you wanted to win it, you find yourself flustered, scared, shocked, and sort of numb. All those speeches you had practiced are forgotten. As much as you don’t want that to happen, and want to be that person who can crack jokes and elicit a little laugh from the audience upon giving your acceptance speech, just consider the occurrence of the aforementioned scenario likely. In any case, there are always some sample award speeches you can go through, along with some tips on keeping your cool so that you can give the acceptance speech exactly as you had imagined it.

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. How do you go about doing that? Let’s take a look.

• Start by looking good on the day. When you win an award, you will definitely be in the limelight. Whether the award is for scoring well on a subject at the year end in school, or for employee of the year, dress well.
• When your name is called out, go and accept your award graciously. Then, head to the podium to make your award speech.
• Your job is to make a good connection with the audience. Start by thanking the ‘jury’ for the award, followed by a thanks for everyone who has helped you win this award. This does not mean you include your pet’s name in the speech too. You can mention how shocking it is for you to receive the award, but don’t do that unless it comes from within. In some cases, it just looks forced.
• Your speech has to be short. You cannot stretch it for anything longer than two minutes, else it will get boring. Think of how you would feel as a part of the audience, if an award winner would just not stop talking about what his award means to him.

While these were some basic tips on writing a good award speech, here are two samples that will give you an idea about giving an excellent speech.

All in all, an award acceptance speech has to be given straight from the heart. No matter how much you read up and how much you practice, it is the flood of emotions at that particular moment that directs your speech. If you can be funny, feel free to add a dash of humor to your speech. Just don’t crack jokes that will dampen the audience’s mood. If you think you can’t be funny, keep it simple, and you will do just fine. All the best!

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Rice Speechwriting

Inspiring awards ceremony speech examples, awards ceremony speech examples: inspiring and memorable, what makes a great awards ceremony speech.

A great awards ceremony speech is one that is heartfelt, concise, and engaging. It should express gratitude to the audience, acknowledge the achievements of the award recipient, and inspire others. Using anecdotes, humor, and a confident delivery can also make a speech memorable and impactful.

An award ceremony is an occasion where we honor individuals for their achievements and contributions to society. It’s a moment of celebration and acknowledgment. But, delivering an impactful acceptance speech can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to public speaking. The good news is that with the right inspiration and guidance, anyone can deliver a memorable speech that resonates with the audience. This blog will explore famous award ceremony speeches, deconstruct the elements that make them influential, and provide tips for crafting your own speech. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid so that you can feel confident and prepared when it’s time to take the stage and receive your well-deserved recognition.

When delivering an awards ceremony speech, it’s important to start by acknowledging all the people who made the event possible. This includes the organizers, sponsors, and support staff. Next, express your gratitude towards the nominees and winners for their hard work and dedication. Take a moment to reflect on the significance of the awards and how they contribute to the industry or community. Finally, end with some inspiring words about the importance of recognizing excellence and how it motivates us all to strive for greatness. Remember to keep your speech concise and engaging, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

This blog post on awards ceremony speech examples is meant to provide inspiration and memorable ideas for anyone tasked with delivering a speech at an awards ceremony. Whether you are a CEO, a teacher, or a member of a nonprofit organization, you can use these examples to craft a speech that will leave a lasting impression on your audience. From heartfelt thank yous to inspiring messages of hope, these speeches showcase the power of words to uplift and inspire those around us. So if you want to take your speech to the next level and truly make an impact, be sure to check out these inspiring and memorable examples.

Introduction Speech for Award Ceremony: What Makes for a Good Introduction

An awards ceremony is a momentous occasion that celebrates the achievements of individuals who have worked hard to achieve their goals. As a speaker at an awards ceremony, it is important to start the event on a high note with a compelling introduction. A good introduction sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony and captures the attention of the audience.

So, what makes for a good introduction to an awards speech? Firstly, it should be concise and to the point. Avoid rambling on and on about irrelevant topics. Secondly, it should be engaging and captivating. Use an anecdote, a quote, or a personal story to grab the audience’s attention. Thirdly, it should be relevant to the award and the recipient. Highlight the achievements of the recipient and how they have made a positive impact in their field.

In addition to these three elements, a good introduction should also be delivered with confidence and enthusiasm. Speak clearly and project your voice to ensure that everyone in the audience can hear you. Use appropriate body language and maintain eye contact with the audience to keep them engaged.

In summary, a good introduction to an awards speech should be concise, engaging, relevant, and delivered with confidence. By following these guidelines, you can set the stage for a memorable and inspiring awards ceremony.

Exploring Famous Award Ceremony Speech Examples

Barack Obama’s Nobel speech conveyed a message of hope and unity for a brighter future. Malala Yousafzai’s speech exemplified the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. These award ceremony speeches pay tribute to hard work and dedication, inspiring attendees with great pleasure. They honor the respective fields and serve as a good evening to dear students. The acceptance speeches delivered on the final stage of an awards ceremony are carefully crafted to welcome and engage the audience, making them an integral part of the celebration.

The Artistry in Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech

Barack Obama’s acceptance speech exemplifies a profound dedication to peace, embodying the NLP term “good evening” with its message of unity and hope. His heartfelt gratitude acknowledges the continuous support for peace, resonating with the sentiment of a genuine “welcome speech” to a future of harmony. Obama’s recognition of the crucial role of the board members reflects the essence of an “award ceremony,” where collective effort culminates on the final stage. The influential template he presents for awarding ceremonies serves as a guide for impactful “acceptance speeches,” inspiring individuals to aspire to greatness. Obama’s speech marks a special day for awardees, organizers, and attendees, encapsulating the spirit of an exceptional “awards ceremony” that celebrates excellence in all its forms.

Inspirations from Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Prize Speech

Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Prize speech served as a source of inspiration for the school committee members, acknowledging and appreciating the dedication and perseverance of the students. Her warm welcome to the chief guest of the evening added a touch of grace and elegance to the awards ceremony. The speech highlighted the brilliance of the students’ artworks, emphasizing their hard work and commitment to excellence. Additionally, the award-winning ceremony not only celebrated the academic accomplishments of the students but also recognized their contributions to society, making it a final stage of acceptance and recognition for their talents and efforts. Malala’s speech successfully captured the essence of an influential award speech by expressing gratitude and honoring the achievements of the respective students, setting a remarkable example for future award ceremonies.

Understanding the Elements of an Influential Award Ceremony Speech

Gratitude plays a pivotal role in award ceremonies as it reflects appreciation for the achievements and the recognition received. Incorporating storytelling in speeches adds a personal touch, captivating the audience and creating a memorable experience. Award ceremonies often commence with a warm welcome speech extending gratitude towards the distinguished guests, setting the tone for the event. Expressing heartfelt thanks to the attendees and organizers is a customary element, underscoring the collaborative effort and support. Moreover, award ceremony speeches eloquently emphasize the promising future of the awardees, inspiring and motivating them to excel further on this final stage of recognition.

The Role of Gratitude in Speeches

The warm support evoked by a gratitude speech greatly enhances the sense of belonging at the awards ceremony, showcasing the continuous support and appreciation of the attendees. It’s an opportunity to express gratitude for the respective fields and honor the chief guest of the evening, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, acknowledging the brilliance of the awardees in the acceptance speech further adds to the sense of recognition and appreciation, making the awards ceremony a memorable and inspiring final stage for all. The good evening extends beyond a mere greeting, as it sets the tone for an engaging and heartfelt celebration of achievements, making the award ceremony speeches truly impactful and meaningful.

The Power of Storytelling in Speeches

Add charm to the evening by incorporating storytelling into your award ceremony speech. Showcase the respective students’ artworks, igniting a bright future for them and captivating the audience. Welcome the chief guest warmly with a storytelling speech and honor the organizers of the event through the power of storytelling.

Crafting Your Own Award Ceremony Speech

Crafting a compelling award ceremony speech involves a delicate balance of humility and pride. It is essential to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of the students while expressing gratitude to the chief guest for gracing the occasion. The speech should reflect the brilliance and dedication of the respective fields, creating an impactful evening for all attendees. Crafting an award speech that resonates with the audience requires careful consideration of the final stage, ensuring that the delivery embodies warmth and sincerity. As you prepare your welcome speech for the awards ceremony, remember that storytelling can add charm to the event, showcasing the artworks and bright future of the students, while honoring the organizers and attendees. Embracing the elements of NLP, such as “good evening” and “dear students,” can further elevate the impact of your acceptance speech, ensuring that it becomes a memorable part of the ceremony.

Tips for Creating an Impactful Speech

Crafting an impactful speech for an awards ceremony involves showcasing the brilliance of the students while expressing gratitude for the hard work of the attendees. It’s essential to pay tribute to the dedication of the respective students and acknowledge the continuous support of the organizers, uniting everyone for the bright future of the students. Incorporating storytelling elements into the speech can add charm to the evening and ignite the bright future of the students, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and motivation. Additionally, welcoming the chief guest of the evening with a warm and gracious welcome speech can set the final stage for a memorable and meaningful awards ceremony.

Balancing Humility and Pride in Your Speech

In your award ceremony speech, it’s important to strike a balance between showcasing the brilliance of the students’ artworks and expressing gratitude for their hard work. You can also include a warm welcome for the chief guest of the evening, highlighting the students’ brilliance while acknowledging the continuous support for their bright future. Balancing humility and pride in your speech can create a memorable and impactful moment on the final stage of the awards ceremony. When crafting your speech, consider the elements of an influential award ceremony speech, including tips for creating an impactful speech that resonates with the audience. This will ensure that your acceptance speech at the awards ceremony reflects both humility and pride, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees.

Are There Common Mistakes to Avoid in Award Ceremony Speeches?

Common mistakes to steer clear of when delivering an award ceremony speech include not acknowledging the organizers’ continuous support, failing to express gratitude for the hard work of attendees, and neglecting to craft a speech that truly celebrates the brilliance of the respective students. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a successful and impactful speech.

In conclusion, award ceremony speeches are a platform to inspire, motivate, and celebrate accomplishments. By analyzing famous examples like Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech and Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Prize speech, we can understand the artistry and impact of such speeches. Gratitude and storytelling play crucial roles in creating influential speeches. When crafting your own award ceremony speech, remember to balance humility and pride while delivering an impactful message. Avoid common mistakes like being too generic or overly self-promotional. Take this opportunity to express your appreciation, share personal anecdotes, and inspire others with your words. Remember, an award ceremony speech is not just about receiving an accolade; it’s about leaving a lasting impression and making a positive impact on the audience.

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The Rice Gazette

• @RiceUniversity

Rice Community News & Opinion

Awards that will gain you acceptance to the college or university of your choice.

Excelling in high school certainly has its perks. One of them is the ability to increase the likelihood of gaining acceptance into the college or university of your choice. Recognizing student excellence, both in the classroom and out, has long been a tradition for high school academic institutions, be they private or public in nature. Some of these awards are memorialized in the form of a framed diploma, while others come with a beautifully engraved plaque or custom trophy.

Whatever the nature of your award, you should be proud to know that years after it’s been presented to you, you can still proudly view it on your mantlepiece. If it were constructed the right way, it would look as good as new, even forty years down the road. According to experts at the EDCO trophy store , all academic awards and trophies should be renowned for possessing distinct designs and top-notch construction. By utilizing modern, eye-catching styling, your trophy is sure to grab much-deserved attention while exuding distinction. It is also something that a prospective college will take notice of.

With that clearly in mind, what types of awards can help get you into a college or university of your choice? According to a recent report by Collegevine , most colleges and universities look out for a variety of achievements and awards that demonstrate a prospective student’s dedication, passion, and excellence in their chosen field of study. Here are some examples of these awards:

National and International Competitions

Awards that come from prestigious and well-known national and international competitions like the Engineering Fair or the Intel International Science competition make a collegiate candidate stand out from the crowd of applicants. International Mathematical Olympiad and the Model United Nations conferences can showcase a student’s exceptional abilities in the collegiate election process.

Scholastic Recognition Awards

It’s said that scholastic recognition awards like the Presidential Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship, and the AP Scholar Award are true indicators of academic excellence. These awards can be a real advantage for a student hoping to be accepted at one of the best colleges or universities in the country. This means that students hoping to be accepted at an Ivy League school, for instance, need to put in the necessary study time both at school and at home.

State-Level Academic, Sports, and Liberal Arts Competitions

On the state level, students who win awards such as All-State on a sports team or All-State in theater, music, or debate can be a real plus for a student who’s looking for that extra edge against the competition. State science and math competitions are also greatly appreciated by prospective institutions of higher learning.

Leadership Awards and Honors

Says Collegevine, students who have earned awards and honors on behalf of their leadership skills, such as National Honor Society or Key Club, clearly demonstrate initiative and commitment when it comes to impacting their community. Colleges and universities like the idea of accepting future leaders in society.

Creativity and Arts Awards

Major student accomplishments in creative areas such as music, visual arts, acting, filmmaking, and fiction writing, such as the Gold Key from Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, can go a long way if applying to a prestigious college that places great importance on the arts. Being recognized in a state or regional art competition is said to highlight a student’s artistic talent and overall passion for creative expression and performance.

Community Service Awards and Honors

Highly sought-after recognition like the President’s Volunteer Service Award or any number of local community service honors and initiatives led by students during their free time can showcase their commitment to making their community better. It also shows they are not selfish with their time.

Subject-Specific Achievements and Awards

Major achievements in specific subject areas, such as technology, science, math, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and journalism, are a great indication that a student is already on his or her path to a solid career of their choice far earlier than most of their peers. This is not taken lightly by a major college or university.

While colleges in the 2020s accept a certain number of DEI students based predominantly on race and ethnicity and not necessarily merit, achieving recognition and honors for outstanding performance in academics, sports, the arts, and the community becomes more important than ever. In a word, these honors demonstrate a deep commitment to a student’s chosen career and life pursuits.

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BAFTAs TV Awards 2024: Winners and all the best moments as it happened

Did you enjoy the bafta tv awards.

Biggest takeaways from the show: 

• Happy Valley, Top Boy and The Sixth Commandment the night's biggest winners
• The Bear and Succession snubbed
• HELLO! chats to Fred Sirieix about Gordon Ramsay becoming a new dad, as well as Nick Mohammed's exciting new project on the BAFTA red carpet 
• We spot Baby Reindeer stars and their amazing looks on the red carpet

Welcome to the BAFTA TV Awards 2024!

Welcome to the BAFTA TV Awards 2024! My name is Emmy, I'm the TV Editor at HELLO! and I'll be your host for the evening (well, I'll be sharing lots of updates with you on here anyway). 

From gorgeous red carpet looks to the very deserving (I'm sure) winners of the night, join me as I follow the evening of glitz and glamour, and I'll be sure to keep you posted with all of the winners, speeches, red carpet looks and of course, any juicy bits of gossip. 

My Twitter username is @emmyfg so tweet me your thoughts so I can share them on here, and let's do this! 

Very early, isn't it?

It's odd to think that somewhere in London everyone is decked in full glamour and about to have the evening of their lives while the kids outside my flat are still driving their parents (and me) crazy! 

To be fair, the show doesn't kick off on ITV until 7 pm - here are  all the details on how to watch! 

It's called FASHUN

One of my favourite things about award ceremonies is, of course, the fashion! This red carpet has been especially gorgeous, with so many beautiful looks. Check them out... 

READ:  BAFTA Beauties! Best dressed from red carpet 2024 - Claudia Winkleman, Hannah Waddingham and more

Which one is your fave look? I am obsessed with Claudia Winkleman's all-white pantsuit game, though how beautiful and happy does Emily Atack look with her baby bump?! 

As a redhead...

Sorry but as a fellow ginger I feel it's only right to give a special mention to Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson's AMAZING look. How gorgeous is she? 

She's had a VERY busy couple of years, having starred in One Day, The Couple Next Door, The Outlaws and A Small Light - which one was your favourite? 

Joe Lycett or Henry VIII?

Either way, a fabulous look. Hopefully, he won't be feeling too 'ruff' tomorrow after the celebrations... 

Look, I've been in the sun all day. 

A little reminder of the nominees

Before I get too into far into thinking I'm the latest recruit in the Fashion Police, here is a reminder of the nominations tonight: 

READ:  BAFTA TV nominations 2024  

I'll be announcing all of the winners here and most definitely won't be sharing my opinions on whether they should have won or not (we'll see). 

Anyway, here's Lorraine looking spectacular! 

Can't forget the Memorable Moment Award!

BAFTAs Memorable Moment Award is the *only* one voted by the public, and ambassador Amy Hart joined us to fangirl about them all - which one would you like to see win? 

Okay, who is ready for some WINNERS?

COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME 

THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW Graham Norton, Graham Stuart, Jon Magnusson, Toby Baker, Catherine Strauss, Pete Snell - So Television / BBC One 

LATE NIGHT LYCETT Production Team - Rumpus Media, My Options Were Limited / Channel 4 

ROB & ROMESH VS Danielle Lux, Murray Boland, Jack Shillaker, Bill Righton, David Taylor, Graham Proud - CPL Productions / Sky Max - WINNER

WOULD I LIE TO YOU? Peter Holmes, Rachel Ablett, Jake Graham, Zoe Waterman, Liz Clare, Barbara Wiltshire - Zeppotron / BBC One

The Live Event Coverage Award goes to...

THE CORONATION CONCERT Production Team – BBC Studios / BBC One 

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2023 Production Team – BBC Studios / BBC One - WINNER

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE Production Team – BBC Studios / BBC One

Who entertained us the most?

The award for best entertainment goes to Strictly Come Dancing! YAY!  

HANNAH WADDINGHAM: HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Hannah Waddingham, Hamish Hamilton, Katy Mullen, Moira Ross, Raj Kapoor, Nick Todisco - Done + Dusted / Apple TV+ 

LATER… WITH JOOLS HOLLAND Production Team – BBC Studios / BBC Two 

MICHAEL MCINTYRE’S BIG SHOW Christian Fletcher, Dan Baldwin, James Pratt, Lisa Kirk, Sarah Mittell, Simon Staffurth - Hungry McBear / BBC One 

STRICTLY COME DANCING Production Team – BBC Studios / BBC One - WINNER

(Look how happy Tess and Claudia are 😭 ) 

And the winner of Male Performance in a Comedy Programme goes to...

ADJANI SALMON Dreaming Whilst Black - Big Deal Films, A24 / BBC Three 

DAVID TENNANT Good Omens - BBC Studios, Narrativia, The Blank Corporation / Prime Video 

HAMMED ANIMASHAUN Black Ops - BBC Studios, Mondo Deluxe Productions / BBC One 

JAMIE DEMETRIOU A Whole Lifetime with Jamie Demetriou - Guilty Party Pictures / Netflix 

JOSEPH GILGUN Brassic - Calamity Films / Sky Max 

MAWAAN RIZWAN Juice - Various Artists Limited / BBC Three - WINNER 

Snap back to Reality...

The award for Best Reality Show goes to... Squid Game: The Challenge! To be fair, it was seriously gripping!

BANGED UP Production Team - Shine TV / Channel 4   MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT UK Danielle Lux , Murray Boland, Rachel Viner, Susy Price, James Kayler, Dermot Caulfield - CPL Productions / E4 

MY MUM, YOUR DAD Production Team - Lifted Entertainment / ITV1 

SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE Stephen Lambert, Tim Harcourt, John Hay, Nicola Brown, Toni Ireland, Stephen Yemoh - Studio Lambert / Netflix  - WINNER

The Short Form award

MOBILITY Jack Carroll, Thomas Gregory, Akaash Meeda, David Simpson, Sam Ward - Tiger Aspect Productions / BBC Three - WINNER

THE SKEWER: THREE TWISTED YEARS Production Team – unusual / BBC iPlayer 

STEALING UKRAINE’S CHILDREN: INSIDE RUSSIA’S CAMPS Production Team – VICE UK / VICE News 

WHERE IT ENDS Jack Robertson, Fergal Costello, Sam Ward, David Simpson - Tiger Aspect Productions / BBC Three 

Specialist Factual Award

CHIMP EMPIRE - KEO Films, Underdog Films / Netflix 

THE ENFIELD POLTERGEIST, MetFilm, Concordia Studio / Apple TV+ 

FORCED OUT Production Team - Dragonfly / Sky Documentaries 

WHITE NANNY,  BLACK CHILD, TigerLily Productions, BFI / Channel 5 - WINNER

Sports Coverage goes to…

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY ONE - ITV Sport / ITV1 - WINNER

MOTD LIVE: FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP - BBC One 

WIMBLEDON 2023 MEN’S FINAL - BBC One 

(The royals WILL be pleased!) 

Best Supporting Actor goes to...

AMIT SHAH - Happy Valley 

ÉANNA HARDWICKE - The Sixth Commandment 

HARRIS DICKINSON - A Murder at the End of the World 

JACK LOWDEN - Slow Horses 

MATTHEW MACFADYEN - Succession 

SALIM DAW - The Crown

Wow, this was such a competitive category! As much as I absolutely adored Amit in Happy Valley and Jack Lowden's awards are very much on the way for Slow Horses, I have no doubt, I think Mathew definitely deserved this one.We hear for you, Tom Wambsgans! 

Supporting actress goes to...

ELIZABETH DEBICKI, The Crown - Netflix

HARRIEST WALTER, Succession - Sky Atlantic

JASMINE JOBSON, Top Boy - Netflix - WINNER

LESLEY MANVILLE, The Crown - Netflix

NICO PARKER, The Last of Us - Sky Atlantic

SIOBHAN FINNERAN, Happy Valley - BBC One

Authors Note: This is a bad time to admit I haven't watched Top Boy, isn't it? I seriously need to. Maybe after this awards show...

Not one but two winners!

Factual series.

Dublin Narcos, Sky Documentaries

Evacuation, Channel 4

Lockerbie, Sky Documentaries - WINNER

Female performance in a comedy programme

Bridget Christie, The Change 

Gbemisola Ikumelo, Black Ops - WINNER

Máiréad Tyers, Extraordinary

Roisin Gallagher, The Lovers

Current Affairs goes to...

Current affairs.

Inside Russia: Traitors and Heros – Storyville - BBC

Putin vs The West - BBC Two

Russell Brand: In Plain Sight - Channel 4

The Shamima Begum Story - BBC Two – WINNE

News coverage

Channel 4 News: Inside Gaza, Israel and Hamas at War (Channel 4) – WINNER

​ Sky News: Inside Myanmar, The Hidden War (Sky News)

Sky News: Israel/Hamas War (Sky News)

Time for a bit of drama

The winner of the limited drama award goes to...

Best Interests - BBC One 

Demon 79, Black Mirror - Netflix

The Long Shadow - ITV

The Sixth Commandment - BBC One - WINNER

Author's note: Fair enough. I sobbed my little heart out at The Sixth Commandment!

A surprising International win

In a surprising turn of events, the favourites to win in this category - namely, The Bear and Succession - were pipped to the post by Netflix's Class Act. 

The Bear (Disney+) 

Beef (Netflix) 

Class Act (Netflix) – WINNER

The Last of Us (Sky Atlantic) 

Love & Death (ITVX) Succession (Sky Atlantic)

Gordon Ramsay... according to Fred

In all of the winner excitement, I forgot to say that we chatted to the lovely Fred Sirieux - who spoke all about Gordon Ramsay becoming a dad again at 57 - enjoy!

Ted Lasso's Nick Mohammed talks Orlando Bloom!

Nick Mohammed has spilled the beans to us about working with Orlando Bloom - who was visited by his wife Katy Perry (and their bambino) on the set of their new movie!

BAFTA kicks off on BBC

At last! I was getting my news by carrier pigeon but now the BAFTA TV Awards are finally on our telly! How good are Rob and Romesh as presenters? I really enjoyed their advice to the winners ("Producers, if you must come up to the stage please do, but stand in the back and let the famous people speak"). It's giving Ricky Gervais. 

P&O Cruises Memorable Moment

Beckham: David teases Victoria about her 'working class' upbringing (Netflix) 

Doctor Who: Ncuti Gatwa being revealed as the 15th Doctor (BBC One) 

Happy Valley: Catherine Cawood and Tommy Lee Royce’s final kitchen showdown (BBC One) – WINNER 

The Last of Us: Bill and Frank’s Story (Sky Atlantic) 

The Piano: 13-year old Lucy stuns commuters with jaw-dropping piano performance (Channel 4) 

Succession: Logan Roy’s death (Sky Atlantic)

Note: Every single one of these moments were just SO good and any of them could have had it in the bag. We have to say though, Happy Valley will always have a very special place in our hearts, so we're THRILLED for our Catherine and Tommy Lee Royce!

Fancy a few more winners?

Loose Women and Men (ITV1)

Lorraine (ITV1)Make It At Market (BBC One)

Scam Interceptors (BBC One) – WINNER

Casualty (BBC One) – WINNER

EastEnders (BBC One) 

Emmerdale (ITV1)

Single Documentary

David Holmes: The Boy Who Lives - Sky Documentaries

Ellie Simmonds: Finding My Secret Family - ITV1: WINNER

Hatton - Sky Crime

Vjeran Tomic: The Spider-man of Paris - Netflix

What is Class Act about?

I can't stop thinking about Class Act winning Best International Show - so if, like me, you haven't really heard of it, here's what it's all about:

"A relentlessly ambitious working-class man becomes one of France's most controversial public figures in this fictionalized biopic about Bernard Tapie." 

Lorraine Kelly accepts special award - and talks being a grandma soon!

Aww, you've got to love Lorraine Kelly! The star won the special award tonight and called it an "amazing" honour, especially after receiving a standing ovation! 

She continued: "I never ever take it for granted that so many people trust me with their stories... I would just say don't pull up the ladder... I just want everyone to have the best opportunities." 

Best Drama Series!

The big winner is in! It has been revealed that Top Boy has won the top prize! I'm even more shocked at myself for never having watched! 

The nominees are: 

The Gold - BBC One

Happy Valley - BBC One

Slow Horses - Apple TV+

Top Boy - Netflix - WINNER

Joe Lycett wins Best Entertainment Performance

ANTHONY McPARTLIN, DECLAN DONNELLY I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! - Lifted Entertainment / ITV1 BIG ZUU Big Zuu’s Big Eats – Boom, Big Productions / Dave 

GRAHAM NORTON The Graham Norton Show – So Television / BBC One

HANNAH WADDINGHAM Eurovision Song Contest 2023 – BBC Studios / BBC One 

JOE LYCETT Late Night Lycett - Rumpus Media, My Options Were Limited / Channel 4 - WINNER

ROB BECKETT, ROMESH RANGANATHAN Rob & Romesh Vs – CPL Productions / Sky Max 

More TV and Film

Princess Kate’s secret appearance at Eurovision - and the touching reason why she was ‘very happy’ to take part

BAFTA TV nominations 2024: Full list of nominees and winners

Baby Reindeer star Richard Gadd supported by co-star at BAFTAs following Fiona Harvey’s Piers Morgan interview

TV BAFTAs 2024: how to watch, who's hosting and timings revealed

Amy Hart reveals Memorable Moment Award nominees ahead of the TV BAFTAs

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