At the Order of Honour induction ceremony on Friday, November 29, 2024, you will have the opportunity to deliver a brief acceptance speech. Prior to being introduced and welcomed onstage, a video that highlights your PEO volunteer history and accomplishments will be played.
With that in mind, here are some tips for writing and delivering your Order of Honour acceptance speech.
- Be brief: Keep your speech under two minutes (approximately 250 words). This time limit is critical to keep the event on schedule.
- Be sincere: Focus on thanking those who supported you along the way.
- Make it personal: Consider sharing a short anecdote from your time as a PEO volunteer. (Remember: the video played prior to your speech will already tell your volunteer story.)
- Be prepared: Rehearse your speech ahead of time by standing in a quiet room and recording yourself delivering your speech. Check the video to see how long your speech took to deliver, if it meets the two-minute rule and how your speech could be improved.
Need more guidance? Read Toastmasters International’s “How to Accept an Award”
Speech Template
Below is a sample template of an award acceptance speech.
Good evening, everyone.
It is my honour and privilege to accept the [title of the Award].
I sincerely thank Professional Engineers Ontario for initiating the award and hosting this event, my nominators [name of nominators] for nominating me, and the members of the selection committee for selecting me.
It is certainly a very proud and humbling moment for me. [Share a personal anecdote from your time as a PEO volunteer]
I especially want to thank my mentor [name of the mentor], who always helped and guided me with their knowledge, experience, expertise, and kept me motivated to achieve my goals.
I also extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to my fellow volunteers, engineering colleagues, and family. Without their help and support, this honour would not have been possible.
This award will always have a special place in my memory.
Thank you, again.