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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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I've sat through hundreds, maybe even thousands, of promotion ceremonies, change of commands/responsibility, retirements, commissionings, graduations, etc (not to mention the thousands of weddings and funerals I've played). You might think this is a moment to wax prophetic. But I'll tell you what any military musician will tell you: Thank a few people and hasten to the reception. Seriously.
Also, Congratulations. First round is on you.
Also, Congratulations. First round is on you.
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First I would like to congratulate you.
I know it my should a bit odd but I like to read material before I do anything like that. Some of my favorite pieces to read is the NCO Creed, Soldiers Creed, and the Oath of an Officer. It puts in a place where I realize to what my I doing and what the Army wants me to be. After that I just try to reaffirm my commitment to such oaths and creed and pledge to uphold them all the way to my last breath.
I know it my should a bit odd but I like to read material before I do anything like that. Some of my favorite pieces to read is the NCO Creed, Soldiers Creed, and the Oath of an Officer. It puts in a place where I realize to what my I doing and what the Army wants me to be. After that I just try to reaffirm my commitment to such oaths and creed and pledge to uphold them all the way to my last breath.
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Congrats Chief select!
Just an idea...
Target Jr. enlisted and young NCOs... Talk to them about the choices that got you to Chief. Issue a challenge to them to strive to become a chief like you.
Just an idea...
Target Jr. enlisted and young NCOs... Talk to them about the choices that got you to Chief. Issue a challenge to them to strive to become a chief like you.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you, Sir! Most certainly! I owe everything to those around me for inspiring and challenging me. :)
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Awesome deal Stephanie. I am sure you earned and based on your inputs your leadership shows.
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CMSgt (Join to see), well you're already promoted and today (4JUN15) is/was the ceremony! I hope everything went exactly as you wished, especially your speech! Congratulations!
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CMSgt (Join to see), first of all, congratulations! Promotion is a big thing, and making the top tier (E-9) is no easy task, no matter what branch of service.
I haven't read all the comments, so I may be reiterating some already spoken points, but if I were to give you any advice at all with regard to a promotion speech, it would be to make it not about your accomplishments, but rather about the accomplishments of others.
None of our successes were achieved without standing on the shoulders of others. Your success depended in large part, on the successes of those you led...don't ever forget that. And although you've made it to the top, be prepared to have someone else stand on your shoulders, as well.
Again, congratulations...may your promotion ceremony be everything you wish it to be, Chief!
I haven't read all the comments, so I may be reiterating some already spoken points, but if I were to give you any advice at all with regard to a promotion speech, it would be to make it not about your accomplishments, but rather about the accomplishments of others.
None of our successes were achieved without standing on the shoulders of others. Your success depended in large part, on the successes of those you led...don't ever forget that. And although you've made it to the top, be prepared to have someone else stand on your shoulders, as well.
Again, congratulations...may your promotion ceremony be everything you wish it to be, Chief!
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Be brief, humble, thankful and genuine. Don't say anything you cannot or won't follow through on. You can say all you want about taking care of the troops but you darn well better be all about taking care of the troops. Long after the words you say in your speech are forgotten people will respect you for how concerned you are for those below you than those above you. Your actions will show that your all about the troops. Congratulations on this significant milestone in your career. It took a lot of hard work, sacrifice and dedication. Remember be a Chief not an E-9.
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(C)hief! Congrats and good luck! I have to concur with the majority. Out of all the ones I witnessed when I still wore the uniform the most significant impression is left by acknowledging those that helped you achieve the success you are accepting. Be brief and acknowledge that your colleagues have entrusted you with the responsibility and honor of being a Chief.
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Sorry it took so long to actually reply. The thought that stands out to me would be a quick (and I do mean quick) success and failure at each rank or tier. While Chiefs walk on water, it is nice to reenforce that stumbles happen are recoverable at every level.
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