The Oscars: Worst Acceptance Speech at the 2010 Academy Awards

Surprisingly, even the best actors and actresses cannot act their way through a great speech when accepting an award. This was evident once again at the 2010 Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars.

In years past, there have been several memorable acceptance speeches given at the Academy Awards. According to Sharon Waxman of the Washington Post, these are some of the worst:

1988- Cher, Best Actress for "Moonstruck" said, "I'd like to thank everyone I worked with on the movie. They were really fabulous. It was really a great experience for me. My makeup man, who had a lot to work with. My hairdresser. My assistant..." And on and on.

1992- Director Jonathan Demme, accepting for "Silence of the Lambs," used the word 'uh' almost 40 times in a 5-minute speech.

1943- Greer Garson, Best Actress for "Mrs. Miniver, gave the longest Academy Award acceptance speech at 7 minutes. (In her entire film career, she never received another Academy Award).

During the 2010 Academy Awards, there were several who were in the running for Worst Acceptance Speech, as some had numerous 'ums' or 'ahs.' (I counted up to 8 in one short speech). However, Elinor Burkett earned the title of Worst Acceptance Speech for her discourteous behavior onstage. As Roger Ross Williams was making an acceptance speech for having won Best Documentary Short for "Music by Prudence," Burkett took over the microphone, interrupting him with, "Let the woman talk." She then proceeded to ramble on until Williams leaned into the mic and noted that Prudence was in the audience. This took the attention from Burkett and onto Prudence and ended Burkett's ramblings.

Burkett, as well as several other Oscar winners, should read Patricia Fripp's article, Accepting an Award With Class (Toastmasters Magazine), and take note of the tips she offers. Fripp gives 5 questions that will help future Oscar winners craft their next acceptance speech and make it memorable.

Truly, people judge us by our words and how we use them. It's important to realize this and not only increase our vocabulary but pay attention to the way we put our words together and how we deliver them.