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Speeches of Acceptance

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A speech of acceptance is made in response to receiving an award. Its purpose is to express gratitude for the honor bestowed on the speaker. The speech should reflect that gratitude.

Prepare in advance. If you know or even suspect that you are to receive an award, decide before the event what you will say.
Express what the award means to you. Convey to the audience the value you place on the award. Express yourself genuinely and with humility.
Express gratitude. Thank by name each of the relevant persons or organizations involved in giving you the award. Acknowledge any team players or others who helped you attain the achievement for which you are being honored.

Upon winning an Academy Award in 2011 for his role in the film The King’s Speech, actor Colin Firth expressed elation at receiving the award with humility and humor:

I’m afraid I have to warn you that I’m experiencing stirrings somewhere in the upper abdominals which are threatening to form themselves into dance moves. Joyous as they may be for me, it would be extremely problematic if they make it to my legs before I get offstage.²