You might be called upon to give a thank you speech if you've received an award.It's a chance to say how grateful you are to the people who helped you along the way, as well as share a funny story or two to make your audience smile.If you want to learn how to compose a great thank you speech and deliver it in a way that shows you really mean it, see Step 1.
Step 1: Start with an expression of gratitude.
Say thank you for the award or honor you're receiving.The most natural way to start is with an acknowledgement of why you're giving the speech.The tone of your speech will be set by your expression of gratitude.The type of honor you're receiving should be taken into account as you decide what to say.Say something like "I'm so grateful to be the recipient of this award" to give thanks for an award or professional honor.The event was formal.If it's a more casual event, like an anniversary party thrown by your friends and family, your expression of thanks can be a bit warmer.You could say "I can't express how grateful I am to all of you here with us tonight."
Step 2: Talk to the people who are honoring you.
You can make the people who are responsible for giving you an award feel good by going a little deeper.If you're being honored by your company, another organization or people you know, take a few minutes to express your gratitude.When you're being honored by your company, talk about the great work the organization does and what it's like to work there.Talk about how honored you are to be recognized by such a great organization, if you're receiving an award from an outside party, like an arts organization awarding you for a film you directed.Say a few words about what a special group of people you're lucky to have in your life if you are giving a speech to thank friends and family.
Step 3: Tell a story that is funny or sad.
In a thank you speech, it's nice to tell an anecdote or two about something that happened.Since thank you speeches are often given at dinners and festive events, saying something to keep the mood light and bring smiles to people's faces will be appreciated.It's possible to tell a story about an obstacle you had to overcome to accomplish your goals, or about a funny accident that happened while you worked on a big project.Instead of just talking about yourself, try to bring other people into the story.Talk about something that involves people in the audience.You can start your speech with this story and build up to your thank yous.
Step 4: Mention people who helped you.
It's nice to honor the people who supported you.If you want to receive this honor, you need to create a short list of people.The list can be introduced by saying, "I'm especially grateful to a few amazing people who support me right now."The list of people who helped you should be read.Take the audience into account as well.If your boss is sitting in the front row, you might want to say thank you.This part of thank you speeches can be tiring.Don't list everyone you know, even if they are important to you.Limit it to people who helped you.If you want to learn how to thank multiple people, watch speeches from award shows.
Step 5: End it on a high note.
The speech is over when you list people you want to thank.Say thanks once more, and repeat how grateful you are.If you want your speech to be memorable, you could include an additional flourish.Say something that is inspiring."Our work is far from over, but what we've accomplished together has made a difference in hundreds of people's lives," you could say if you accepted an award for achievements you made for the nonprofit.We need to continue this journey with more dedication than ever.Think what we can do in three if we've made this much progress in a year.Donate the honor.Dedicated awards can be given to a loved one or a mentor.I want to dedicate this award to my mother.She told my teachers that I would be a brilliant writer one day, even though they thought my dyslexia would prevent me from ever learning to read.I'm up here today accepting my first Pulitzer because of her faith.I adore you, mom.
Step 6: Take your notes and write them down.
You should be able to memorize a short thank you speech.Having a note card or piece of paper with a general outline will help you remember the names you want to mention.Don't use the speech word for word.You will look down at the paper the whole time instead of addressing the audience when you deliver it.You will come off as nervous and stiff.If there is a phrase or sentiment you want to make sure you get absolutely right, write it out in full.You can say it smoothly if you practice this part.Try to write out the first line of each paragraph.The first line of your card will jog your memory.
Step 7: You have to time yourself.
There is a time limit for the acceptance speeches at a formal award ceremony.Ask the organization that gives the awards if there are any guidelines you should take into account.If you don't have a time limit, you can find out how long other people have taken for their speeches.Acceptance speeches are short.Acceptance speeches for Academy Awards are limited to 45 seconds.No matter what, aim to keep it to the point because going over two or three minutes is boring.If you want to see how long it takes, set a timer.If your speech is too long, you might want to record yourself so you can listen to it.The expression of gratitude is the most important part of the speech.
Step 8: Practice in front of someone who is nervous.
If you're not good at public speaking, try giving a speech to a group of people who make you want to vomit.If you want to be able to deliver the speech without your heart beating fast and your breath quickening, practice giving it four or five times.When you give it to your real audience, you'll be less likely to get stage fright.People are listening to your speech.If there's anything you didn't say that should be included, ask them.To give you honest feedback, make sure you deliver the speech to at least one person you trust.
Step 9: The words should be replaced with pauses.
The majority of people fill in awkward moments with "um," "uh" or "like."These words should be eliminated from your speech.Stop and be silent for a moment, instead of using a word.Your speech will sound well prepared, rather than thrown together.Listen to a recording of yourself speaking.You tend to fill in the blank with "um" or "uh"Don't say those lines until you can deliver the whole speech in that way.
Step 10: Look and sound natural.
Helping your audience feel the depth of your gratitude is the whole point of a thank you speech, and it's very hard to make that happen if you seem stiff, or worse, arrogant or ungrateful.It's a good idea to practice smiling, pausing and laughing when you're having a conversation.It's important to convey the emotion you're feeling.
Step 11: Before the speech, calm your nerves.
Take some time to calm yourself down before you speak in public.The nerves don't go away for some people when they have to speak in public.Try to visualize yourself delivering the speech without stumbling, one of the tried and true methods you can use to prepare yourself to speak clearly and calmly.The room should be as detailed as you can imagine.Pretend that they are in the audience as you practice.You can deliver the whole thing in your head.When it comes to the real thing, this technique can help you feel less anxious.Before giving a speech, some people find it helpful to laugh heartily.It makes you feel more relaxed.It's a great way to release nervous energy if you have the chance to do some vigorous exercise before the event.
Step 12: Eye contact with audience members is important.
Look at your note cards now and then to remind yourself of what you want to say.Pick two or three different people in the audience, seated in different areas, and make eye contact with them in rotation as you're talking.You can deliver the speech with more feeling if you make eye contact.You can pretend like you're giving it to a friend, rather than a bunch of people.It's important to rotation between more than one person.The whole group will feel included in what you're saying when you look at more than one spot in the audience.
Step 13: As you're talking, remember your gratitude.
You may be so worried about forgetting part of your speech that you forget why you're up there.Think about the meaning behind your words as you say them and deliver your speech with your true emotions in mind.All the people who helped you along the way, think about the hard work you did to earn the award.Your speech will be more sincere if you do this.Try to look at the people you're thanking as you say their names.If you can focus on her while you're talking, your gratitude will be more apparent.If you tear up, don't be embarrassed.It happens all the time during thank you speeches.
Step 14: Say thoughtful words that will make people emotional and make them feel good.
To express yourself honestly is to be yourself.It will sound genuine and sincere if you do that.
Step 15: The stage should be left on cue.
When you're done speaking, smile at the audience and leave the stage.It's a classic move to hog the stage for extra time during acceptance speeches, but it leaves less time for the next person up for an award.After your allotted time is up, please leave the stage and return to your seat.