Whether you're accepting an Oscar or any other award, preparation is the key to being quotable. Toastmasters International President Chris Ford says, "Every acceptance speech should demonstrate gratitude, recognition and sincerity -- and good delivery." He offers the following tips for adding rhythm and pacing to your award acceptance speech:
-- Write your speech as a script, and memorize it!
-- Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. ("One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.)
-- Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Remember, the audience is rooting for you.
-- Practice, practice, practice! Rehearse with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.
-- Control filler words (ums and ahs; "you knows"). To do so, see above points: Practice, pause and breathe.
-- Keep names to a minimum and get them right!
-- Include a brief but touching anecdote or little-known fact regarding the role or job you are recognized for.
-- Mainly, your acceptance speech should represent you -- as a professional and as a person.
-- Concentrate on your message. You have important thoughts to convey, so focus on your speech, not on the audience.
-- Make your last line expendable, in case you are cut off.
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