Episode #20: Showtime Are you Ready Part Two

Are you ready for the moment your name is called?

Picture this: the room goes quiet, the emcee (MC) announces the winner, and you realize it’s you. You walk to the stage, the lights hit, and thousands of eyes lock on. In that instant, do you feel prepared—or do you feel your mind blanking out?

Many talented professionals experience a “whiteout” the moment they reach the microphone. Their knees wobble, their mouths fill with “um” and “ah,” and what should be a career-defining win turns into a painfully public stumble.
Mini-summary: Winning an award is a leadership moment—if you prepare for it, you can elevate your personal and company brand in under two minutes.

It usually isn’t lack of ability. It’s lack of preparation.

Most people spend weeks crafting the award application, but never think through the consequence of winning. They attend the ceremony relaxed, celebrating with colleagues, and assume they won’t need to speak. Then the win happens—and panic follows.

In Japan-based business settings, this moment carries extra weight. Audiences often judge a company by the leaders and representatives they see on stage. If you appear composed, the organization looks strong. If you appear scattered, the organization absorbs the reputational damage.
Mini-summary: Freezing is predictable when you don’t plan for success; audiences connect your stage presence to your company’s credibility.

What is the best way to prepare an acceptance speech in Japan?

Start by expecting to win. That mindset immediately clarifies what you must do in advance.

Next, confirm your time limit by asking the organizers. In most corporate awards, you’ll get about two minutes. Two minutes is tight—but enough to create real impact if you structure it well.

A simple, powerful structure is:

1. Thank the judges and organizers

2. Recognize colleagues with a vivid story

3. Recognize clients with a meaningful story

4. Recognize family/supporters

5. Close with a short brand message

This approach works across 日本企業 (nihon-kigyō / Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (gaishikei-kigyō / multinational companies) because it balances humility, gratitude, and confidence—qualities respected in Tokyo business culture.
Mini-summary: Expecting to win, knowing your time, and using a five-part structure gives you clarity and calm.

How do you thank judges without sounding generic?

Your opening should be polite, concise, and formal—especially in Japanese corporate contexts.

Example opening:
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you to the judging panel for selecting us. I know this was demanding work, and we are deeply grateful. Thank you also to the organizers for running today’s event. On behalf of all candidates, thank you for your efforts.”

This segment is the “set piece” that establishes professionalism and respect.
Mini-summary: A short, formal thank-you sets a respectful tone and instantly raises your credibility.

How do you recognize colleagues in a way people remember?

Avoid vague praise like “Thanks to everyone for your hard work.” Instead, share one short story that shows sacrifice and commitment.

Example:
“Inside our company, Taro and his team regularly took the last train home in the coldest winter nights, then returned early the next morning to complete the Z Project. Thank you for going the extra mile with loyalty, perseverance, and belief when others doubted us.”

In Japan, concrete examples of effort resonate deeply because they honor the group’s contribution without sounding self-centered.
Mini-summary: One vivid story about effort beats ten generic compliments—especially for team-oriented audiences.

Clients want to feel respected, not “used.” Anchor your gratitude in a real, meaningful business moment.

Example:
“We wouldn’t be here tonight without Tanaka-san (Ms. Tanaka) at XYZ Company. She gave us the chance to prove we could deliver on schedule, on budget, and at the right quality. She supported us through tough internal meetings last fall. Thank you, and we’re honored you’re here tonight.”

This shows humility, loyalty, and business seriousness—strong signals in Tokyo markets.
Mini-summary: Thank clients through a specific episode that highlights trust and shared success.

How do you thank family without sounding sentimental?

Keep it grounded in reality.

Example:
“We often spend more hours with colleagues than with our families. When we return home exhausted, we lean on them for support. Tonight, I want to thank my family—and the families of every team member—for carrying that sacrifice with us. This prize belongs to the people who keep us going at home.”

This works across cultures because it recognizes sacrifice without drifting into melodrama.
Mini-summary: Thanking families is powerful when it’s honest, brief, and tied to real sacrifice.

How do you close an acceptance speech to strengthen your brand?

Your final lines should connect the win to your mission and clients’ value.

Example:
“Finally, I want to say how proud I am of our work. We’re committed to making our clients’ businesses easier, stronger, and more effective. Their success is our success, and that belief drives us every day. Thank you.”

In a sales and leadership context, this is your subtle “brand moment.”
Mini-summary: Close with mission and client value—short, confident, and forward-looking.

An acceptance speech usually has no slides and nowhere to place notes. That means delivery matters as much as content.

Key delivery practices:

• Make eye contact in sections. Mentally divide the room into six zones (like a baseball diamond: left, center, right × near, far). Speak to one person in each zone for about six seconds before moving.

• Use purposeful gestures. Keep hands visible and expressive, not hidden in pockets.

• Stand tall with balanced posture. Use a 50/50 weight stance. Avoid casual leaning.

• Control pace with pauses. Pauses let your audience absorb meaning and help you reset your breathing.

• Adjust the microphone. Lift it, unhook it, or raise the stand—don’t bend down and lose presence.

• Practice at least 20 times. Record yourself, watch for monotone voice, nervous habits, or a “serious face.” Smile.

Remember: the only person who knows your exact script is you. If you miss a line or reorder sections, keep your poker face and continue.
Mini-summary: Strong delivery is simple: eye contact, posture, pacing, and repetition-based practice.

What does a full two-minute acceptance speech sound like?

Here’s a complete model you can customize:

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you to the judging panel for selecting us. I know this was demanding work, and we’re deeply grateful. Thank you also to the organizers for putting on today’s event. On behalf of all candidates, thank you for your efforts.

Inside our company, Taro and his team regularly took the last train home through the coldest winter nights, then returned early the next morning to finish the Z Project. Thank you for going the extra mile with loyalty, commitment, and perseverance when others doubted us.

We wouldn’t be standing here tonight without Tanaka-san (Ms. Tanaka) at XYZ Company. She gave us the chance to prove we could deliver on time, on budget, and at the right quality. She supported us through tough internal meetings last fall. Thank you, and we’re honored you can be with us tonight.

We often spend more hours working with colleagues than with our own families. When we return home exhausted, they support us. Tonight, I want to thank my family, and the families of all our team members. This prize belongs to the people who keep us going at home.

Finally, I want to say how proud I am of our work. We’re committed to making our clients’ businesses easier and more effective. Their success is our success, and that belief drives us every day. Thank you.”

Mini-summary: A two-minute speech can thank, honor, and sell—without rushing or rambling.

• Always prepare an acceptance speech before the ceremony—expect to win.

• Use a tight five-part structure and add short stories to honor people meaningfully.

• Delivery depends on practice, posture, pausing, and eye contact—not slides.

• A calm two-minute speech can strengthen your leadership image and company brand.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and companies worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, has been empowering both Japanese and multinational corporate clients ever since.