The Tony Awards are part of Broadway’s biggest celebration, where actors, directors, writers, and so many more are honored for the past year’s theater productions. And like all award shows, there are many moments that are examples of impactful speaking. The award winners, and a guest presenter, showcased a variety of presentation styles that got attention. Here are the highlights from the Tony Awards.
Bette Midler’s Long Acceptance Speech
Iconic actress Bette Midler took home the Tony Award for best actress in a musical for her role in the revival of Hello Dolly! This is, believe it or not, the first time the actor has won in that category. She was not about to let the moment pass without stealing the show. Midler began a long list of thank you’s with her trophy in hand, eventually running out of time. When the orchestra attempted to play her off, she demanded that they stop playing. Her speech carried on through the press conference and on her twitter account. How’s that for impactful speaking! Midler knows how to live in the moment and take control of the situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmpARAYzbWA
Ben Platt’s Inspiring Message
Ben Platt, most recognized for his work in the Pitch Perfect movies, took home the best actor in a musical award for Dear Evan Hansen. His speech was emotional and inspiring, with a message for the young viewers. “To all young people watching at home, don’t waste any time trying to be like anybody else because the things that make you strange are the things that make you powerful,” he said. His fast paced speech was a highlight of the night, and an example of how to give an impactful speech.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOKdirRUHN0
Cynthia Nixon Gets Political
You know her as Miranda from HBO’s Sex and the City, but Cynthia Nixon is one of Broadway’s most praised actors. She decided to make a brief political statement during her acceptance speech for best features actress in The Little Foxes. Nixon quoted the author of play Lillian Hellman, saying, “Eighty years ago she wrote, ‘there are people who eat the earth and eat all the people on it and other people who just stand around and watch them do it,’” Nixon continued, “My love, my gratitude and my undying respect go out to all the people in 2017 who are refusing to just stand and watch them do it.” This was an impactful speaking moment, where subtlety is key. Nixon didn’t have to call out anyone by name to express her feelings on the current political climate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z930RxXk4Kw
Stephen Colbert Disses the President
It’s no surprise that one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken opponents made a jab at him at the Tony’s. Stephen Colbert was at the awards as a presenter. While introducing the nominees for best revival of a musical, Colbert compared the Trump administration to the lifecycle of a broadway musical, ending his joke with the hint of impeachment. “This D.C. production is supposed to have a four-year run, but reviews have not been kind,” Colbert said. “Could close early, we don’t know, we don’t know, best of luck to everyone involved.” This is a different type of impactful speaking, where there are more obvious ties to the President than Cynthia Nixon’s subtle context.
More from the Ethos3 Blog:
Speeches on Diversity and Acceptance at the MTV Movie and TV Awards
The Most Talked About Commencement Speeches of 2017
Do’s and Don’ts for Political Speeches
