Types of Speeches: The Acceptance Speech

By General Speaking Tips, ,

Sometimes, when you receive an award or recognition for something you’ve done, you are expected to say a few words of gratitude for the recognition. The challenge of the acceptance speech is in balancing your speech with the right amount of gratitude, modesty, and humility without erring on the side of condescension, self-deprecation, and arrogance. In addition, you are supposed to do all this in a short amount of time so the event can move on to the next item on the agenda!

Types of Speeches: The Acceptance Speech

If you decide to become a professional speaker or use speaking as an integral part of your marketing strategy, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various types of speeches you might be asked to give. In this series of posts, I’ll give you the basics of a variety of types of presentations you can prepare. At the end of this post, I’ve listed previous articles in this series.

Tips for good acceptance speeches

The Basics

  • Be brief: You want to express your thanks without boring your audience. It is better to leave them wanting more than to have them wishing there was giant hook dragging you away.
  • Be thankful: Be sure to recognize those who are giving you the award, as well as those who you were competing against.
  • Be generous: You probably didn’t earn this award on your own. Be sure to mention those who helped you achieve this recognition.

Options if more time

  • Put things in context: Give a little background as to how you accomplished what you did or how your point of view helped you achieve this recognition
  • Be inspirational: Share words of encouragement so that others can follow in your footsteps

And finally …

  • Be yourself! Well … at least be the best version of yourself.

Resources for developing your acceptance speeches

Did you miss these?
Here are the previous posts in this “Type of Speeches” series:

The next post in this series is The Commencement Speech.

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About the author

Carma Spence, is author of Public Speaking Super Powers. She is fiercely committed to guiding women to Owning their Superpowers and turning their knowledge and interests into a profitable business. She is masterful at helping her clients see what is possible for them and supporting them on the journey from where they are to where they want to be, releasing the Mind Goblins of self-doubt, self-sabotage and second-guessing that keep them stuck.

With 20+ years experience in marketing communications and public relations, natural intuitive skills and certification in using some of the most effective transformational coaching tools available, Carma’s mission and commitment is to unleash the inner power every woman entrepreneur possesses so they can boldly go out into the world, transforming the fabric of people’s lives in meaningful and positive ways.

You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Her website is CarmaSpence.com.