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Good morning, RP!
As some know, I am drawing closer to my promotion to Chief (E-9) on 1 June. I am so truly honored and humbled.
I have written about 2 pages of ideas for my speech (not my speech, just random thought jotted down), but wanted to work towards fine-tuning it. I turn to you all for your pearls of wisdom and suggestions. I do not like the spotlight, so I would love to keep it genuine, effective, a little fun (that's my battle rhythm), and pointed. Start with thanking the endless people that truly own that stripe that I am honored to receive, then hit some Chiefly nuggets and bow out gracefully. :)
In addition to those I tagged, please, ALL are more than welcome to share thoughts on speeches that they have given or enjoyed.
Thank you in advance!
CSM (Join to see) , CSM Michael J. Uhlig Uhlig, SGM (Join to see) , 1LT Scott Doyle , MSG (Join to see) , CMSgt Robert Gates , CMSgt (Join to see) , CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 , MAJ (Join to see) , CPT (Join to see), CSM (Join to see) , 1LT John Martin , CSM (Join to see) , Lt Col (Join to see) l, CCMSgt (Join to see) , SFC Mark Merino , CSM Michael Evans , SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas Thomas, CMSgt (Join to see)
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EDIT: (5/25/2015) Thank you so much for all the replies! If I didn't get to respond directly, I apologize.
I am one week from promoting (6/1); Ceremony to follow (6/4). I have drilled my speech down to three short paragraphs. First, thanks to the DVs and mostly family. Second, my anecdotal journey "here", paved with graveled road and razor ribbon. Third, what I will bring back to the troops. Oh, and an invite to local joint for plenty of food on me. (Drinks are not my thing.) :)
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EDIT: (6/5/2015)
The speech went incredibly well! I was super nervous, but there wasn't a dry eye in the room. I got rave reviews. I would post the speech, but I won't bore you all. :)
Thank you all again!! I am so grateful to you.
As some know, I am drawing closer to my promotion to Chief (E-9) on 1 June. I am so truly honored and humbled.
I have written about 2 pages of ideas for my speech (not my speech, just random thought jotted down), but wanted to work towards fine-tuning it. I turn to you all for your pearls of wisdom and suggestions. I do not like the spotlight, so I would love to keep it genuine, effective, a little fun (that's my battle rhythm), and pointed. Start with thanking the endless people that truly own that stripe that I am honored to receive, then hit some Chiefly nuggets and bow out gracefully. :)
In addition to those I tagged, please, ALL are more than welcome to share thoughts on speeches that they have given or enjoyed.
Thank you in advance!
CSM (Join to see) , CSM Michael J. Uhlig Uhlig, SGM (Join to see) , 1LT Scott Doyle , MSG (Join to see) , CMSgt Robert Gates , CMSgt (Join to see) , CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 , MAJ (Join to see) , CPT (Join to see), CSM (Join to see) , 1LT John Martin , CSM (Join to see) , Lt Col (Join to see) l, CCMSgt (Join to see) , SFC Mark Merino , CSM Michael Evans , SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas Thomas, CMSgt (Join to see)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EDIT: (5/25/2015) Thank you so much for all the replies! If I didn't get to respond directly, I apologize.
I am one week from promoting (6/1); Ceremony to follow (6/4). I have drilled my speech down to three short paragraphs. First, thanks to the DVs and mostly family. Second, my anecdotal journey "here", paved with graveled road and razor ribbon. Third, what I will bring back to the troops. Oh, and an invite to local joint for plenty of food on me. (Drinks are not my thing.) :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EDIT: (6/5/2015)
The speech went incredibly well! I was super nervous, but there wasn't a dry eye in the room. I got rave reviews. I would post the speech, but I won't bore you all. :)
Thank you all again!! I am so grateful to you.
Promotions
Ceremony
Air Force
Public Speaking
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 87
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You got this. I have no doubt you a half dozen versions you could do and they would all be great and work. Don't stress and overthink this - go with shorter, lighter and first thoughts. Congratulations Stephanie - from my interactions here on RP with you, your promotion is well deserved!
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Congratulations. And I wish you all the luck and wisdom in your continuing Career.
I really don't have any good speech advice except make it personal. The best words come from the heart.
As a Chief remember respect. While you have it because of the stripes on your shoulder, you will still have to earn it in the eyes of the people. I had dozens of Chiefs in my time. There are only a couple I truly remember. Those were the ones I respected the most because they respected us and what we did.
Good luck.
Congratulations. And I wish you all the luck and wisdom in your continuing Career.
I really don't have any good speech advice except make it personal. The best words come from the heart.
As a Chief remember respect. While you have it because of the stripes on your shoulder, you will still have to earn it in the eyes of the people. I had dozens of Chiefs in my time. There are only a couple I truly remember. Those were the ones I respected the most because they respected us and what we did.
Good luck.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Indeed, Sir. I have every intention of being a kick-a$$ Chief, never an E-9. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
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As I also said to the LTC getting promoted:
"Beer's on me"
Also congratulations!
"Beer's on me"
Also congratulations!
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CMSgt (Join to see)
I don't know, Sir. I work at SOCOM, that may mean something different. I could have silky smooth hair after a beer-bath! Lol.
Thank you, Sir! I wish I could buy a round for all you wonderful RP folks. :)
Thank you, Sir! I wish I could buy a round for all you wonderful RP folks. :)
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In over 40 years of association with the military, I've sat through many promotion and retirement ceremonies involving all 5 armed services and government civilians. My advice: be humble, be humorous, be brief, be gone.
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Stephanie,
Congratulations on your upcoming promotion! Continue to be a servant of others and you will do yourself and the stripes justice. Hold on to the love you have for your country and the sacrifice you make for it. Finally, what you tolerate, is what you deserve. Not sure if all of this is worthy for the upbeat speech, but certainly words and actions I follow. You will be a great Chief for many years to come!
Congratulations on your upcoming promotion! Continue to be a servant of others and you will do yourself and the stripes justice. Hold on to the love you have for your country and the sacrifice you make for it. Finally, what you tolerate, is what you deserve. Not sure if all of this is worthy for the upbeat speech, but certainly words and actions I follow. You will be a great Chief for many years to come!
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you so much, Chief! Words of inspiration. I follow a very similar code and expect that from others as well. :)
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Congratulations! I'm sure it is well deserved. Keep your speech short and brief. Remember those who got you there. Thank them and move on. Speech shouldn't be more than 15 - 20 min. max.
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Your attitude and desire to be right in this endeavor shows why you are having the opportunity to make this speech. Congratulations.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you so much, Sir. There are so many directions that I feel I can go with it. None of them is to showcase my successes, yet to focus in on what I can give back.
It is like a lot of notes in my head and I want to make it a short song! :)
It is like a lot of notes in my head and I want to make it a short song! :)
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Capt (Join to see)
I am sure you are track with this, but don't neglect to thank the troops that helped you succeed.
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SMSgt McGirr, first, congrats on making Chief. Second, 2 pages is too much. You've sat/stood at attention through many occasions were the speaker went on too long. Think about that as you prepare. Next, regardless who you thank, even though it is YOUR promotion, your troops had to have had some affect on your career and maybe mentioning them would be a classy touch. Even if it's BS they will respect the fact that you remembered that they had a positive contribution to your promotion. Lastly, if you have immediate family that waited for you during deployments and exercises and endured a certain amount of neglect while you were away.
Good luck,
Dave
Good luck,
Dave
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Oh, sorry for the misunderstanding. My 2 pages are just my notes as things pop into my head. That is why I threw out this question since I am starting the editing process and drilling down to my no-kidding speech. Thank you for the input!
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I'm not sure why this thread resurfaced nearly a year after your promotion, but I looked at your profile as was somewhat surprised to see that you started in the Army. Do you think you would have enjoyed the same success as a Soldier rather then an Airman? That is to say, how much do you attribute your having reached this rank to switching over?
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CMSgt (Join to see)
People often ask me, "which one was/is better?" or "Are you glad you switched?" My reply is simple: both made me the leader that I am. I don't attribute the Branch to my advancement, yet the tools that I learned and applied them diligently.
If you are asking me "was it easier to make rank in the AF?", then I think no. The journey was long, but I made it and I am delighted. :)
If you are asking me "was it easier to make rank in the AF?", then I think no. The journey was long, but I made it and I am delighted. :)
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Make your speech honest. Enlisted, when we are done with you go to hell. Officers, we will protect you as always and provide for you. Just don't let future enlistees know.
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