The acceptance speech

One of the most complex types of speeches that exist are those of acceptance. This communicative act involves a scenario where a series of concise strategies must be put into play if an effective message is to be conveyed. Acceptance speeches are elaborated to be exposed in a scenario where we must receive a praise, award or recognition.

Sometimes the importance of elaborating a well-structured acceptance speech is underestimated, which has led many artists or personalities to end up involved in controversies that threaten their public image. Mastering the technique that revolves around this type of speeches will require practice and constant study.

Taking into account the complexity behind the elaboration of an acceptance speech, we will be offering you a series of guidelines to follow for its effective execution.

Don't improvise: One of the most common mistakes when it comes to receiving recognition is to leave the speech to improvisation. Regardless of how good you think you are at improvising, never present yourself on such a stage without having a series of prepared lines.

It is not the same to improvise in an environment of security and confidence as it is to improvise in one where you will be the center of attention and every word you say will be judged or measured by your audience. It is enough that your emotional state is not the best or that your nerves get the better of you, for you to make mistakes that can be costly later on.

Prepare your speech in advance, make it sound natural and if the environment allows it, you can add small improvised lines. However, make sure you can support your presentation time with a previously prepared speech.

Why is this recognition important?

Keep in mind that when you go to receive recognition, you are being honored in some way for something you have done. If you are not able to express why this recognition is important, you will also be undermining the importance of those acts that today have led you to be recognized by other people.

Always dedicate a space to make clear what this appreciation means to you. Show humility, but do not fail to point out that you are very proud of what you have achieved.

Don't limit yourself in your thanks: It will always be better to be more thankful than less thankful. Any great feat will be accomplished by the joint effort of a large number of people. Don't take all the credit, show that you are a grateful person and that you will always remember those who in one way or another have influenced your current results.

If you are going to mention names, try to be as inclusive as possible and always close with a general phrase of thanks. Keep in mind that thanking some and forgetting others can be very detrimental to your public image.

Close with a positive message: Take advantage of the stage, we are not always the center of attention of an audience. The fact that you are receiving an award is no reason not to communicate a positive message to others. Taking part of your recognition space to convey an idea of benefit to others shows generosity and reciprocity on your part. You should outline a message that is clear, understandable and preferably away from controversy or misunderstanding.

Those who share your gratitude towards you, can become a very varied audience in tastes and opinions. It is recommended that you spend some time researching who will be present and what their main concerns are.