Episode #77: How To Destroy Our Reputation In One Minute

Why do smart leaders freeze during a 1-minute award speech?

In many award ceremonies, even confident executives suddenly go silent, look like a “deer in the headlights”, and lose their words in front of a big crowd. Their throat feels dry, their mind goes blank, and they panic.

The main cause is simple: no preparation. They never thought about what to say until they are already standing at the microphone.

Mini-summary: Even strong leaders fail on stage when they do not prepare for a short award speech.

Many award winners:

• Say only “Um, ah, thank you…” with long, awkward silences

• Speak in a weak, nervous, or confusing way

• Miss the chance to promote their organization and their team

• Sometimes even refuse to speak at all

In less than one minute, they move from hero to zero in front of their industry. The audience judges not only them, but their whole organization, as unprofessional.

Mini-summary: A bad speech damages both personal brand and company brand in front of customers, partners, and competitors.

Why is a 1–2 minute award speech so difficult?

A short speech is often harder than a long one. You have:

• Very little time

• Only room for a few key points

• No chance to “warm up”

This means you must plan and rehearse. You cannot “think while speaking” in front of the room. It must be “all killer, no filler” — only clear, strong, simple messages.

Mini-summary: Short speeches demand clear structure and practice. You must choose only the most powerful points.

How can I prepare a strong 1–2 minute acceptance speech?

Before the event, prepare a simple structure:

1. Open with energy

   • Hit your first word strongly to remove hesitation.

   • Example: “Tonight, I accept this award on behalf of an amazing team…”

2. Thank and promote

   • Thank the team, customers, and key stakeholders.

   • Briefly promote your company’s mission and impact.

   • Connect to your leadership, sales, or innovation culture.

3. One clear message

   • Share one idea or value that matters (e.g., teamwork, customer focus, innovation, DEI).

   • No stories that are too long, no technical detail.

4. Strong close

   • End with a clear, positive line.

   • Example: “Thank you for trusting us — we will keep earning that trust every day.”

Then rehearse out loud several times. Even 10–15 minutes of practice makes a big difference.

Mini-summary: Use a simple structure: strong opening, short thanks, one key message, and a clear close — and rehearse it.

What delivery skills make me look confident, even if I am nervous?

You may feel fear, but the audience does not need to see it. Use these simple techniques:

• Posture and presence

  • Stand straight, shoulders relaxed.

  • Move to the microphone with calm, controlled steps.

• Voice and pace

  • Speak a little louder than normal to show confidence.

  • Keep your pace steady; pause briefly after key points.

  • Add extra emphasis to important words.

• Eye contact

  • Look at one person at a time at each table, for about six seconds.

  • Then move your eyes to someone at another table.

  • In one minute, you can connect with about ten tables.

• Gestures and facial expression

  • Do not grip the lectern. Use your hands to support key points.

  • Show energy and warmth in your face to drive the message.

Mini-summary: Strong body language, voice control, and focused eye contact make you look confident and professional on stage.

In Japan, many leaders in 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (foreign/global companies in Japan) must speak at award ceremonies, town halls, client events, and global conferences in 東京 (Tokyo) and across Japan.

Dale Carnegie Training has over 100+ years of global experience and more than 60 years in Tokyo helping leaders speak with clarity and confidence. We support:

• プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation skills training)

• リーダーシップ研修 (leadership training)

• 営業研修 (sales training)

• エグゼクティブ・コーチング (executive coaching)

• DEI研修 (DEI training)

We train executives and managers to:

• Deliver powerful 1–2 minute acceptance speeches

• Represent their brand with confidence in front of any audience

• Turn “fear moments” into high-impact leadership moments

Mini-summary: Dale Carnegie Tokyo helps leaders in Japan turn short speeches into strong brand moments, using global methods adapted for the Japanese business context.

• A 1–2 minute award speech is a high-risk, high-impact leadership moment.

• Most failures come from zero preparation, not from lack of intelligence.

• A simple, practiced structure and basic delivery skills can change everything.

• Dale Carnegie Tokyo helps leaders in 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (global companies in Japan) speak with confidence and imp

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.