Winning an Oscar
When it’s your turn to give an acceptance speech, here are a few tips that will help you: An acceptance speech is a short, pointed and appropriate speech.
Well, that's what the audience is hoping for when they watch programmes like the Oscars. It’s strange that many actors fear and dislike public speaking as much as anyone else. Many high-stakes award acceptance speeches fall flat, go on too long, or consist of just a long list of I would like to thank my Barber and the bookmaker as well as great aunt Bessie. And the problem with a list is you always leave someone out which really offends them.
Take a leaf out of Colin Firths book not only did he promise us a short speech last night he delivered on his promise. I think Franklin D Roosevelt said it best when he was asked about speaking. His reply; Be Sincere, Be Brief, Be seated.
But how else can a winner (at the Oscars or industry gathering or sports club award) use the acceptance speech to make a positive impact?
Continuing on the Oscars theme, use the mnemonic OSCARS:
This works for any speech. It might be funny, humble or touching, but just like a great speech or presentation, a short award acceptance needs to begin well to have impact.
Say thank you your host or to the awarding group.
Awards don't fall from on high. Make sure you thank the group giving you this honour, first and foremost. Believe me organisers get brassed of when you forget about them.
Categorize, rather than specify. This is where sweeping generalisations work best. Thank "every single person whose heart and mind and work went into helping you get to this point." And remember that the list with the barber and your great aunt Bessie is not the one for this occasion.
Avoid fillers. "There are too many people to thank," "I'm sure I'll forget someone," and similar time-buyers (time-wasters, in the audience's mind) just use up precious seconds.
Rember -A little practice helps If you don't like speaking and there's a good chance you'll win, practice is your friend. Remember: Practice can help you deliver great words even when you're emotional and surprised, as many types of winners are. However a quick word of caution here. Over practice can trip you up. Practise just enough to know where your speech will take you.
Something the Audience doesn’t know. Whether it's how you got started. It could be what that teacher said that spurred you on. Tell your audience something specific about you and this award that will make us remember you and your speech. And remember Franklin D Roosevelt!
Now you have a template when you go to an awards function that lets you deliver any awards speech.
Paul Johnstone is a Speaker, Trainer and Paradigm Shaker. Founder of The Paradigm Shakers and a Subject Matter Expert.
Paradigm SHakers - Providers of Thought Provoking Training
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©Paul Johnstone
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