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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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Don't be typical. Doing that will make you just like everyone else who's been promoted before you. I understand the Military is all about tradition, but you're also an individual.
And keep it short. No one likes a long winded promotion speech.
And keep it short. No one likes a long winded promotion speech.
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1SG Michael Blount
Get to the point and don't tell me how squared away you are, because I know better. Then, sit down and shut up
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I have stood in many formations listening to speeches over the years. The one thing I would recommend, on behalf of everyone in the formation, begin it with "Group (detachment, whatever), attention", followed by "rest". :)
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Absolutely true! Thankfully, though, it is in the HQ Commander's auditorium, so fully seated and air-conditioned (June in Florida--grueling!).
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Drake - Started From The Bottom (Explicit)
Music video by Drake performing Started From The Bottom (Explicit). : 2013 Cash Money Records
CMSgt (Join to see) I would say, make this your entrance song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RubBzkZzpUA with this as background, then pick any of the other great advices here on this discussion :)
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
CMSgt (Join to see) that would be a whole production!! You should start selling tickets for the ceremony!
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
Rocky Balboa's Inspirational Speech To His Son [HD]
Rocky Balboa's Inspirational Speech To His Son [HD] You ain't gonna believe this, but you used to fit right here. (He gestures to the palm of his hand). I'd ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JAHAFvcr2o CMSgt (Join to see) and finish with this.
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Congrats, Chief!
My apologies that I don't have any words of wisdom, I had a fairly decent speech that I drafted for my retirement...but once I thanked my wife and kids for their service, it went South and I spent the rest of the moment composing myself :)
My apologies that I don't have any words of wisdom, I had a fairly decent speech that I drafted for my retirement...but once I thanked my wife and kids for their service, it went South and I spent the rest of the moment composing myself :)
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you, Sir! I completely hear you!! Those onion-cutting ninjas are going to get me too!! I need to try really hard to keep it short mainly due to the fact that there's no crying in Chiefdom! Lol.
Congrats on your retirement! :)
Congrats on your retirement! :)
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Congrats! The only advice I would give is be authentic. If you say your humble, be humble in your presentation. It's also OK to be emotional during this significant step in your career. Just be emotional truthful to yourself and your audience. They will love you for it!
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Congratulations!!
Comic relief, never forget a few humorous anecdotes! Be proud of where you came from, give some insight of where you are going and thank the folks that helped you get there.
Comic relief, never forget a few humorous anecdotes! Be proud of where you came from, give some insight of where you are going and thank the folks that helped you get there.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Yes, Sir! I am great at the stories. Boy, I have quite a few. ((some to be saved since it is mixed company.. Lol)) Thank you for your guidance! :)
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