Toastmasters International Picks 6 Most Memorable Oscar® Speeches

Toastmasters International Picks 6 Most Memorable Oscar® Speeches

Presentations that left a lasting impression with the audience and television viewers

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Feb. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Aside from the winners and the glitz and glamour of all that's Hollywood, the most memorable part of the Academy Awards® is the acceptance speeches. Good or bad, what is said on stage will be remembered and live eternally on YouTube. In advance of Sunday's Oscar ceremony, Toastmasters International, the global organization devoted to communication and leadership skills development, selects the six speeches below (in chronological order) as the most memorable in Oscar history:


-- Seemingly unfazed by the orchestra's walk-off music, Cuba Gooding Jr.'s
excitement brought his fellow actors to their feet as he accepted the
Best Supporting Actor award in 1997 for his role in "Jerry Maguire."
http://bit.ly/15QFsB4
-- Accepting the Best Original Screenplay trophy for "Good Will Hunting" in
1998, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon made the most of the short time they
had to give their joint speech. The pair thanked those involved with the
film, including their families and the city of Boston, all in about one
minute. http://bit.ly/1wJS6HQ
-- When Robin Williams won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Good Will
Hunting," he displayed both enthusiasm and sincerity. The late comedian
closed his speech by thanking his father, who, when Williams said he
wanted to be an actor, told him, "Wonderful, just have a back-up
profession like welding." http://bit.ly/1oYOYrP
-- Roberto Benigni went wild, climbing over and standing on audience seats
as he made his way to the stage when he won the Best Foreign Language
Film Oscar for "Life is Beautiful" in 1999. When he arrived at the
podium, he inspired the audience with his passion and graciousness.
http://bit.ly/1kpf9qw
-- As she accepted her third Academy Award - second for Best Actress - for
her work in "The Iron Lady" in 2012, Meryl Streep quipped, "When they
called my name I had this feeling I could hear half of America going,
'Oh no! Oh, c'mon why? Her? Again?'" She later went on to thank her old
and new friends for her wonderful career. http://bit.ly/1CkfIer
-- When Matthew McConaughey won the Best Actor Oscar in 2014 for his
performance in "Dallas Buyers Club," he described the three things he
needs each day: 1. Something to look up to. 2. Something to look forward
to. 3. Someone to chase. http://bit.ly/1pmmnyL
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20130222/MM64912LOGO

Toastmasters International offers these proven tips for delivering a powerful acceptance speech for any type of award:


1. Show your personality. Your acceptance speech should come from the heart.
2. Be gracious. Acknowledge the good work done by your competitors and thank
the organization that selected you for the award.
3. Show excitement. You don't have to climb over chairs like Roberto
Benigni, but the audience should recognize that you're happy to have won
the award.
4. Be modest. Your acceptance speech should be heartfelt but not
self-congratulatory.
5. Practice, practice, practice. Rehearse with a timer, memorize key people
to thank and allow time for the unexpected.
To find a local club where you can improve your next presentation, visit www.toastmasters.org/findaclub.

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization's membership exceeds 313,000 in more than 14,650 clubs in 126 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130222/MM64912LOGO



SOURCE Toastmasters International

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130222/MM64912LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Toastmasters International

CONTACT: Dennis Olson, 949-835-1305, dolson@toastmasters.org

Web Site: http://www.toastmasters.org


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