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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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Read - Reflect - Fire for effect.
Caution - Grown-up words in the article, but I'm sure you've read this already.
http://www.jqpublicblog.com/msgts-epic-post-should-be-the-new-snco-charge/
Caution - Grown-up words in the article, but I'm sure you've read this already.
http://www.jqpublicblog.com/msgts-epic-post-should-be-the-new-snco-charge/
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Congratulations!
I agree with Col Williams...Be brief, be witty, be seated.
Other than that, focus on the family, the folks who got you where you are, and at every opportunity, put the credit on your subordinates instead of yourself.
I agree with Col Williams...Be brief, be witty, be seated.
Other than that, focus on the family, the folks who got you where you are, and at every opportunity, put the credit on your subordinates instead of yourself.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
"I want to thank everyone who has ever existed just so I dont miss anyone and hurt their feelings. I only have a small gift for you all as a way of thanks. That small gift is the end of this speech. Thankyou! Free beer, soda and snacks at the club! Dismissed!
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Congratulations!
My speech would have been like this...had I not retired three months ago and continued to try for that elusive stripe.
Look at sleeve
"That sure is a lot of stripes!" "And with them come a whole lot of responsibility."
Then simply thank all those who helped you achieve your goal.
Best wishes and strive everyday to be a CHIEF not an E9. That applies to every rank, however, it is more evident at the top. I worked everyday to be a Senior Master Sergeant and not just an E8.
My speech would have been like this...had I not retired three months ago and continued to try for that elusive stripe.
Look at sleeve
"That sure is a lot of stripes!" "And with them come a whole lot of responsibility."
Then simply thank all those who helped you achieve your goal.
Best wishes and strive everyday to be a CHIEF not an E9. That applies to every rank, however, it is more evident at the top. I worked everyday to be a Senior Master Sergeant and not just an E8.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Agreed, Sir! Great advice.
True story: I went to a very crowded Alterations with my blank blues shirt and the stripes in a package. Lady insists that they are the wrong size. I show her that they are the "small", yet she insisted that they were too big. I flashed a HUGE smile at her and said, "Ah, I see the confusion. It is because it is ALL the Enlisted stripes. They just look bigger." A few younger troops smiled too, and said "Yeah, they are! Good for you!"
It actually brought tears to my eyes as the reality washed over me more. :')
True story: I went to a very crowded Alterations with my blank blues shirt and the stripes in a package. Lady insists that they are the wrong size. I show her that they are the "small", yet she insisted that they were too big. I flashed a HUGE smile at her and said, "Ah, I see the confusion. It is because it is ALL the Enlisted stripes. They just look bigger." A few younger troops smiled too, and said "Yeah, they are! Good for you!"
It actually brought tears to my eyes as the reality washed over me more. :')
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I've heard a few promotion speeches as many here have. A resonating effect is to think of what drives you, what you personally had to overcome. Let us in, many young females and some wanting to give up and get out because their dreams of making to where you are may be longer and less desirable for whatever reason. Find that BIG setback in your life, the person that you really still want to be like. You've made it the top and this is your chance to open your heart to us. We know youve done the right things to get there. Focus on one action, maybe you drove drunk and got away with it but had a friend wreck their life, maybe you didn't get your degree(s) until late and knew that if you kept going that whatever happened you'd have the educational stability.
1. Thank everyone
2. Tell that 1 story or link two short events, provide hope in these difficult times
3. Ask to have a mic that you can wear (you'll get it). Stand in front of those NCO's or a specific group and root them on
4 you'll get a standing ovation and it'll be remembered.
1. Thank everyone
2. Tell that 1 story or link two short events, provide hope in these difficult times
3. Ask to have a mic that you can wear (you'll get it). Stand in front of those NCO's or a specific group and root them on
4 you'll get a standing ovation and it'll be remembered.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
I thank you so much for this! I definitely have a few stories, but one in particular that is my defining career moment. It wasn't a walk in the park by any stretch, and it made me who I am today as a person and a leader. :)
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TSgt (Join to see)
I think you have it then SMSgt. I'm sure you're a natural and I know it's uncomfortable but already everyone in that room will be proud and you will have their fullest attention. Give them a dream by sharing yours. Someone in that room will stay, be saved, or will look at you as their heroin. (female hero?) Don't stay behind the podium; I think everyone will like that you've reached the top and your coming back for them by walking down and standing in front of them. Grab the youngest ALS student in there and tell them your story in front of everyone.
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Congratulations Chief select! Already much good advice given; Honor, Humor, & Brevity seem to be the consistent theme.
Maybe ask someone to double check the 'VIP' list for you 'the day of', so you don't accidentally omit anyone, especially if there were last minute attendance changes?
Well Done!
Maybe ask someone to double check the 'VIP' list for you 'the day of', so you don't accidentally omit anyone, especially if there were last minute attendance changes?
Well Done!
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you, Ma'am! I love love love the idea you messaged me! I am using it. You will get a nod. ;)
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Congratulations!!
“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.” – Rosalynn Carter
Charlie
“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.” – Rosalynn Carter
Charlie
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Congratulations again! I don't think you need my advice. You can't go wrong with being genuine and speaking from your heart. After all, it's gotten you to where you are today right?
Best of luck, I'm sure you'll do great!
Best of luck, I'm sure you'll do great!
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you, Sir!! You definitely know that I am incapable of blowing smoke.. Genuine is what positively got me here.
You know that flights down are super cheap in June?? And Capt T will be there.... Just saying. Lol
:)
You know that flights down are super cheap in June?? And Capt T will be there.... Just saying. Lol
:)
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First, welcome to the club. You'll learn more in the first six months than you have in your entire career. I can relate some wisdom to you from a pilot's perspective. The move from First Officer to Captain is only 18 inches of distance, but the gained amount of responsibility is immeasurable. Think about that with the extra 1/2 of stripes you will have.
My ROEs for talks
1) Use few words -- tight DMPI tolerances and high weapons effects
2) Thank down first, then up -- down for great airmen and foundation, up for great leadership and wisdom
3) Have your opinion and will -- don't be a talking head; no buzzword bingo
4) Don't make promises you can't keep -- more character; less personality
5) Be an individual -- be true to yourself
6) Own the room; own your target
7) Smile; because you absolutely effing love what you do...no mistaking that ever
My ROEs for talks
1) Use few words -- tight DMPI tolerances and high weapons effects
2) Thank down first, then up -- down for great airmen and foundation, up for great leadership and wisdom
3) Have your opinion and will -- don't be a talking head; no buzzword bingo
4) Don't make promises you can't keep -- more character; less personality
5) Be an individual -- be true to yourself
6) Own the room; own your target
7) Smile; because you absolutely effing love what you do...no mistaking that ever
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Incredibly wise words, Chief! Thank you so much! I am jotting some mental notes as I read your list. Great stuff! :)
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CCMSgt (Join to see)
Hit me up on the global if you ever need anything. I may have gone to the orientation course with your predecessor. Until then...grace under pressure.
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