Patricia Fripp Blog

Tips on How to Give an Acceptance Speech

Accepting an award is like walking a tightrope. You need to be gracious, grateful, and humble, yet not so humble or self-deprecating that the audience thinks you are trivializing the honor.

In May of 2022, Dan Maddux, my best long-time client and Executive Director of the American Payroll Association honored me with their inaugural Partner of Excellence Award. This was presented at the opening General Session. Dan told the audience, “This award is for Patricia’s 30 years of contributing to the leadership development and presentation skills of APA’s members and leaders.”

Although Dan told me I could take as long as I wanted, it was more appropriate to be short and sweet.

In my short presentation, I said, “It is a privilege to be honored for my contribution to the success of others. For decades, I have sat in the audience and felt like a proud parent as I watched APA members and leaders deliver powerful and important presentations. Thank you for the award. As long as you invite me, I look forward to being with you.”

Marketing wisdom from an unexpected source.

Robert and Patricia Fripp keynoting a conference.

My brother Robert Fripp is the founding and ongoing member of the band King Crimson. Rolling Stone magazine named him the 42nd best guitarist in the world, living or dead. One of the thrills of my life is when I have the opportunity to share the stage with him when he has not strapped on his guitar. Robert is a deep thinker. Certainly, one of the most articulate speakers I have heard.

Enjoy this excerpt from our speech, Beginner to Mastery. In most of our speeches, I ask Robert questions. His answers are brilliant and his stories amusing. His comments are well thought through.

While attending college, Robert worked in a hotel dance band.

Robert tells the audience, “In 1966-68, when I was 18-21, I paid my way through Bournemouth College, where I was studying economics, economic history, and political history with a special paper on social conditions 1850-1900, by playing at the Majestic Hotel in Bournemouth. The Majestic was a well-known Jewish hotel, run by the formidable Fay Schneider.

One January, Mark, a district sales manager from a biotech company, was preparing to moderate a panel at the Las Vegas National Sales Meeting.

He was nervous about his new role in front of a 100-person audience.

In our pre-coaching communications, I noticed his email signature line included a quote about “moving fast.” He explained that he had a new role and was “moving fast” to understand new products, clients, and products.

His panel’s task was to encourage the audience to embrace new jobs in different areas and to realize that they would have to move fast to get up to speed in different roles in new territories.

Mark did not have any idea how to set the tone for the meeting.

I asked, “What experience do you have with Las Vegas?”

He said, “After last year’s sales meeting, my wife Tammy came in for the weekend. We went to see David Copperfield, and he made her disappear.”

Congratulations! You’ve been asked to moderate a panel. This is a great opportunity to build your reputation and add value to your customers.

Moderating a panel can be more challenging than delivering a keynote speech.

As you probably realize, when you moderate a panel discussion, you have multiple responsibilities and many more elements to stay aware of. You will set the tone for the session, raise the audience’s expectations, and keep the discussion cohesive so it moves along well. These thirteen strategies can help you:

How to Make a Powerful Impact in Your Presentations

Never Make the Mistake and Underestimate the Power of a Moment to Reflect

Alan Alda says, “It is the space between the lines that make it a great performance.”

That means you must never underestimate the power of the pause. This is true in acting as well as in speaking and music.

My brother Robert Fripp, the legendary guitarist and one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists,” explains, “The music is between the notes, not in the notes.”

Your words do not simply convey your message; it is also with your pauses.

Don’t Write Out Your Complete Speech

I’m frequently asked, “What are the mistakes that speakers make?”

One is thinking they have to write out their complete speech. What I recommend you do instead is follow a logical presentation preparation process.

Think, what is the big idea of your speech, your premise, or your central theme?

True Professionals Do Not Do This

I’m frequently asked, “Patricia, what are some of the mistakes that speakers make?”

One is to act like a prima donna rather than a partner with the person who invited you to speak at the meeting.

Don’t be an ass. Be nice. Be friendly.

Remember your place. You are there to contribute to the meeting and take a problem off the meeting planner’s list, not add to it.

Some of the most famous and in-demand speakers are easy to deal with. Yes, they know how to be a success and communicate what they need in advance.

Lessons from one of my long-term clients, the American Payroll Association.

The very dynamic Executive Director, Dan Maddux has entertained me with many stories of celebrities and professional speakers who were a delight to work with and those who were really nasty.

You may be interested to know that some of their highest-rated speakers are not the best speakers; they are really nice to the audience members and happy to go to the booths of their sponsors.

Remember that at all your future meetings and conferences.

If you need help, FrippVT could be your answer. Take a trial.

“The information in FrippVT is as valuable as any college course I’ve taken. This is a resource that everyone needs.

The investment is worth ten times more than I paid and has been life-changing. My fees, recommendations, and referrals have increased dramatically. I am delighted. For the first time in my speaking career, I know exactly want I am doing when I walk on stage.”

Mitzi Perdue, author of How to Make Your Family Business Last

Create One Masterpiece; Then Personalize It

I’m frequently asked, “What are the mistakes that speakers make?”

One is thinking, “Oh, I can write four speeches.”

Why Not Set Yourself Up for Success and Write Your Own Introduction

I am frequently asked, “Patricia, what mistakes do many speakers make?” One is not writing your own introduction. Most individuals who introduce you do not know the difference between a bio and an introduction. A bio can be long; an introduction needs to be no more than one page, 16-18-point type.

When you write your introduction for somebody else to read, send it in advance as well as take a copy with you.

Always Have a Sure-Fire Opening

I’m frequently asked what mistakes most speakers make. One is thinking that once they have prepared their presentation, they don’t need to script and internalize the opening.

Very often I hear professional speakers and executives say, “Oh, when I get there, I’m going to see what’s going on and personalize it.”

You Cannot Rely on Inspiration

Expert Advice about Presentation Skills from Patricia Fripp

Tips on How to Give an Acceptance Speech

Marketing wisdom from an unexpected source.

While attending college, Robert worked in a hotel dance band.

He was nervous about his new role in front of a 100-person audience.

Mark did not have any idea how to set the tone for the meeting.

Moderating a panel can be more challenging than delivering a keynote speech.

How to Make a Powerful Impact in Your Presentations

Don’t Write Out Your Complete Speech

I’m frequently asked, “What are the mistakes that speakers make?”

Think, what is the big idea of your speech, your premise, or your central theme?

True Professionals Do Not Do This

One is to act like a prima donna rather than a partner with the person who invited you to speak at the meeting.

Lessons from one of my long-term clients, the American Payroll Association.

Remember that at all your future meetings and conferences.

“The information in FrippVT is as valuable as any college course I’ve taken. This is a resource that everyone needs.

Create One Masterpiece; Then Personalize It

One is thinking, “Oh, I can write four speeches.”

Why Not Set Yourself Up for Success and Write Your Own Introduction

Always Have a Sure-Fire Opening

You Cannot Rely on Inspiration

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