Accepting an Award

Whether you’re accepting an Oscar or receiving community recognition, you want your words to be memorable and meaningful. Here are some proven tips for delivering a gracious acceptance speech for any type of award:

• Show your personality. Your ­acceptance speech should be authentic and come from the heart.

• Be gracious. Acknowledge the good work done by your fellow nominees and thank the organization that ­selected you for the award.

• Show excitement. You don’t have to climb over chairs or even cry, but the ­audience should recognize that you’re happy to have won the award.

• Be modest. Avoid the trap of being self-congratulatory; instead acknowledge in a heartfelt manner what the honor means to you.    

• Practice, practice, practice. Before the event, rehearse with a timer, memorize key people to thank, and allow time for the unexpected.