The Speech of Presentation or Acceptance

When you think of an acceptance speech, you might think of actress Sally Field clutching her Oscar award shouting into the microphone: "You like me! You really, really like me!"

Often, these speeches are far more humble.

The Acceptance Speech

If you've been nominated for an award or honor, you may be asked to prepare some remarks in the event you win the award. Other times, you may know that you have won, making it substantially easier to prepare. Acceptance speeches may vary in length. For a multi-award event, such as the Academy Awards, winners are given a brief ninety seconds to make their remarks. At other times, a person could be the single awardee of the evening and have substantially more time to speak, often doubling as keynote speaker.

Acceptance speeches thank the awarding individual or organization. Depending on the award, the awardee may speak about their experience and emotions of getting that award or the work to achieve that award. If others have helped you in your endeavors, you may give them a quick thanks by name as well. If you're partnered, you may thank your spouse, partner, or children. And if it's a benefit for the Humane Society, it might even be appropriate to thank your pets!

Like any speech, consider your audience and the context of the speech. While being mindful of your time, get your thanks in while being gracious and humble.

Even if you are one of many in a field of nominees, it's always a good idea to prepare an acceptance speech so that if you are named the winner, you won't be fumbling for your words on stage.

The Speech of Presentation

Similar to the introductory speech, presentation speeches are typically prepared in advance and may describe the awardee before naming them, or describe the circumstances for their awarding.

If the award is named or in memory of someone, you may describe why that award was named in that person's honor, such as the Pulitzer or Nobel Prize. You may talk about the criteria for selecting the award and how the awardee met that criteria for their specific work.

The speech of presentation is one that is particularly enjoyable to give, as the awardee is often honored to have received the award in the first place!

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