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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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First, CONGRATULATIONS.
Be brief
Be humble
Be focused
Only things worse than super long speech is super long, rambling, "ain't I special" speech
You have succeeded by being yourself. Carry on with that.
Be brief
Be humble
Be focused
Only things worse than super long speech is super long, rambling, "ain't I special" speech
You have succeeded by being yourself. Carry on with that.
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Be brief, Promise(and mean it) to work harder than you've ever worked to insure your troops have what they need to accomplish the Mission. And to do, that You will be in front leading and at the same time be in the back helping those to become leaders. Bill Reed
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you so much, Sir. I will continue to dedicate myself to my troops. Of that, I emphatically promise. :)
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CMSgt William Reed
Good Luck, the AF is a challenge today, your every move will be watched not just by the troops in your unit but across the whole Base. Esp. Because you are woman. Bill
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CMSgt (Join to see)
I am not that interesting. If working out and going to the movies is deemed scandalous, they will have plenty to say about me. Lol
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CCMSgt Bill R.
"Scandalous" has nothing to do with it, Chiefs who are women automatically get watched, just cause. But, one of the first things I learned as a Chief was the fact that people watch Chiefs - how do they talk, walk and act on/off duty. You are a role model for all who know you and they are rating you on everything you do. It's the truth - I was a Chief for more than 13 years on active duty, I know these fact to be true. Good Luck. Bill
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Chief,
First of all, a big congratulations on reaching a pinnacle that only is reserved for the best of the best. I like your thought process for the promotion speech and would poke fun at myself in the humor part. If you have family and or a spouse, ensure they get mentioned and mentioned often (LOL). Real world experiences and fun and mentors and family with fun thrown in always wins the hearts of the attendees. Good luck and God Speed.
Respectfully, George
First of all, a big congratulations on reaching a pinnacle that only is reserved for the best of the best. I like your thought process for the promotion speech and would poke fun at myself in the humor part. If you have family and or a spouse, ensure they get mentioned and mentioned often (LOL). Real world experiences and fun and mentors and family with fun thrown in always wins the hearts of the attendees. Good luck and God Speed.
Respectfully, George
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you so much, Sir! Indeed! I truly know that I will cry, so I have to keep the sentiment at low tilt, otherwise I become crying Chief. Lol. I told my family already how very much that their support got me here and to expect a heartfelt but exceptionally brief thank you on the day of the ceremony. :)
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I like the idea of a linear path, where you came from, those that helped alone the way, struggles you over came, mistakes made and yet here you are.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
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Congratulations @SMSgt Stephanie McGirr on your promotion. I am sure you will do great. There have been a lot of good suggestions here. You are a role model to younger enlisted, I really like the suggestion of the choices you've made that have gotten you this far. You arean outstanding person from what I know of you on here, I think you will nail it! Many congratulations again!
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you so much! Your kind words really mean to much to me! Keep it rocking, sister!! :)
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Congratulations, CMSgt (Join to see)! There's nothing more for me to add to what's been suggested. Of course, you have your own thoughts as well.
However, when is the big day?!
However, when is the big day?!
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LTC Stephen C.
Well, CMSgt (Join to see), I guess I should have read your post. The date is right there!
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First off, congratulations are in order. I would recommend addressing your dignitaries that are present, your significant other, and concentrate on the airmen and airwomen that got you where you are at. Tell one specific story to your audience that you recall that taught you the ethos and drive to continue on your venture culminating into becoming an E-9.
Practice the three Bs of public speaking. Be brilliant, be bold, and be brief. Praise those troops!
Again, congrats to you...
Practice the three Bs of public speaking. Be brilliant, be bold, and be brief. Praise those troops!
Again, congrats to you...
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you so much, 1SG! I have JUST the story to tell. It doesn't paint the picture of my brilliant up-ramping career. It illustrates my pitfalls and my lessons learned as well as my mentors that made me the leader that I am. I owe my mentors and my troops everything. :)
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My first piece of advice is "BE YOURSELF"... Those who know you will see right through anything less. Second, "BE HONEST".. The last thing you want is the younger crowd catching a false comment or even the impression of a false comment. I retired in 1999, and there were 3 groups I focused on-the young airmen I knew and mentored.. Then the officers who had earned my respect.. Then, my fellow Sr NCO's who I respected and who I knew respected me. Most Importantly my FAMILY who not only put up with me gone, but also rallied and supported me through it all..
My favorite quote: "I try to take one day at a time, Unfortunately, several attack me at the same time".. ONE LAST and VERY VERY Important comment:
CONGRATULATIONS! Now BE a Chief!
My favorite quote: "I try to take one day at a time, Unfortunately, several attack me at the same time".. ONE LAST and VERY VERY Important comment:
CONGRATULATIONS! Now BE a Chief!
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you so much, Sir! I am nothing if I am not honest--I have low filter setting. :)
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