Acceptance Speech Etiquette – Kanye vs. Taylor Swift Debauchery

How to Avoid Making a Jerk of Yourself at an Awards Ceremony

It was a night Kayne West will likely never forget.  The night he put his foot in his mouth and choked on it.  Actually, it was more like his whole leg, arm and every extremity.  He stole the thunder away from poor, sweet Taylor Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards recently, and no one can forget the shame he brought on to himself as being the most crass celebrity of all time.

Although he did apologize, it just brings to light how footloose these award ceremonies have become in recent years.  We’ve seen parts of Janet Jackson we never expected and trip ups by even the most famous of emcees and award recipients.

Maybe it just goes to show – do people have any idea what to say in their acceptance speeches?  Perhaps not.  Here are things NOT to do:

TOP 5 DON’TS FOR AN ACCEPTANCE SPEECH –

1. Ramble on and on

Do you really need to tell your whole life story, or that of your friends and family who the audience has never seen, heard of or care about?  Keep your speech relevant to the event.

2. Avoid Politics and Religion

A huge no-no is voicing your opinion – whether it is for, or against – a particular candidate, politician, belief, religious view or anything controversial that may be susceptible to criticizing later on.

3. Make the Thank-yous to long

While thanking the little people might be nice, you don’t need to mention every single name.  No, really.

4. Be Unprepared

It can be awkward to stand up there and receive an award, especially for someone who is shy or who has never spoken in front of the public.  While it may seem kind of silly to bring a drawn-out speech planned ahead, there are simple ways to become prepared without needing to do this.  Practicing in front of a mirror is a tried and true way to be prepared without the acceptance speech seeming contrived.

5. Tell a dumb story, or two

Along with this, don’t tell bad or distasteful jokes that may offend a certain race, sex or individual.  Don’t tell long stories that will put people to sleep.  It’s best to think of witty one-liners to add a dash of humor to your acceptance speech.  If you do tell a story, keep it short and significant to the occasion or event for which you are celebrating.

Take it from Kayne West, who already knows what NOT to say at an awards ceremony.  Trophies2go.com has everything you need to plan your next recognition award event!  We specialize in award plaques, crystal trophies, acrylic awards and yes, even Oscar replica awards!

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