Acceptance Speech

Opening statement

Humorous first sentence or an anecdote

It's funny: for a person who just won an award for her cooking, I found out while I was eating a bowl of Frosted Flakes.

I practically chokes when I answered the phone.

Segue into words of gratitude and humility

Seriously, I am more than honored to be here and I never thought this would be possible.

I know there was some stiff competition and I want to thank the judges and all the people who helped nominate me.

What brought me to pursue this line of work that led to the award

I would be lying if I said I didn't work hard to get here.

I have been experimenting with exotic foods and cooking since I was a teenager. It was one of the ways I escaped, rather than turning to drugs like many other people my age did.

B. The people or institutions that have helped me along the way

I can't accept this award without giving thanks to all of my friends and family members who endured horrific stews, soups, casseroles, and salads before I found my niche.

2. But I have also had some top-notch guidance bringing me to where I am now: teachers at the culinary institute and role models at my favorite restaurants throughout the world.

III. How I will use the award for the benefit of humanity as a whole and myself in particular

A. The prestige of the award

1. This is one of the most significant awards in the professional culinary community.

2. I am honored to share the podium with such greats as J. Smith and T. Nelson.

B. My future as a chef

1. This award will enable me to pursue my studies further and to pursue internship opportunities in France and Japan, both countries that have influenced me personally and professionally.

2. I want you all to know that as my career advances that I will be donating a portion of my earnings to the relief of third world debt, so that all starvation is a thing of the past.