Where Kate Winslet went wrong

I have just this moment read a full transcript of Kate Winslet's speech at the Golden Globe ceremony.

And it didn't take long to identify the seven disastrous words.

Here they are:

I'm gonna try this off the cuff

I cannot recall the number of times I have heard this formulation used (or a close equivalent such as I've torn up my script) just before a speech fiasco of epic proportions.

The Winslet speech is a fresh reminder of a rule that should be internalised by all bridegrooms, fathers of brides, best men, Barmitzvah boys, award recipients and politicians.

On important occasions never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever speak off the cuff. Ever.

And if you prepare a script, do not throw it away at the last minute, deciding late in the day that it isn't quite right. If you find yourself contemplating such a course, remind yourself of the weeping Ms Winslet and repent.

Comments

[Robert]

She's an actor. She reads other people's words. What on earth made her think she could come up with her own? And on the spot.

It never ceases to amaze me how the media approach actors for their opinions (so much more than writers, poets and musicians who do at least express their own thoughts through words). It wouldn't be so bad if they turned to someone cleverer to tell them what to say, and concentrated on how to say it, but they have a habit of thinking that not only are their opinions worth something, but that they can articulate them.

[Anth.Sun]

Ms Winslet’s very moving acceptance speech, (the second one for best actress) was clearly a very traumatic experience for her, and a very happy one at the same time. In her litany of apologies, one however is still outstanding. Although the speech was clearly unprepared and from the heart, it was not the words “off the cuff”, but “on the cuff”, which I heard, and which I think, if my researches are right, is some thing to do with waiters or bartenders writing the debts of their patrons on the cuff (keeping a tab on their starched cuff), or “on credit” or sometimes “on the house”. So, it may have been appropriate for her to add, or conclude by saying “And oh, and finally, I am so sorry for saying, “on the cuff”, when I meant “off the cuff” ”, unless she was using the word in the argot as explained. Anyway, she is forgiven, and Times cross-word compilers no doubt have another string to their bow!

[Hol]

After years of being nominated and never winning, she'd probably given up preparing them.

Typical really - just like getting used to your bus always being late and then the one day you decide to take your time instead of rushing it arrives on time for once...

[Andy]

being as good actor is a little more than reading someone elses words Robert.

[Richard Young]

There's a difference between not reading a script and not being prepared. Personally, I find unscripted speeches to be much, much better - nothing worse than someone unwilling or unable to take cues from their audience because they're reading pre-prepared words. But being unready to speak or uncertain about your subjects and key points? Unforgivable.

[Eurodog]

Why? Oh, why do we have to be negative and uber critical all the time. Well done, Kate. I thought your speech was fab.

[John]

A total embarassment, no dignity or humility no class no reserve, no self restaint, just self important over the top crap.

[Nimrod]

Kate Winslet is clearly a talented actress and deserves her awards, but only in the weird world of luvviedom would people even attempt to excuse or justify such a display (not sure one would see the same thing at sports dinners or industry awards events).

Not having a "script" or a prepared speech does not excuse a speaker coming out with a mish-mash of repetitive, ill-considered and self-indulgent sentiments. In such a situation, a short, gracious and restrained speech - even a simple "this has come as a complete surprise - thank you so much" -should be within anyone's capabilities.

[Akin]

So what's the complaint?? Her speech was good. She won. What's the problem???

[kim hammill]

Did she not say "On the cuff", which was even more toe-curling?

[Karen]

How amazing it is that some people can be so harsh about a simple display of emotion. It's a throwback to earlier times when people believed sexuality and most feelings were shameful and self-indulgent. It's a prudish reaction, and sad.

[Fred]

I say give the poor girl a break. She's a fantastic actress who's finally receiving the acclaim she deserves. So her speech was not the Gettysburg address; well, frankly I've seen much worse, and guess what: who cares? There's no fault in being emotional once in a while. Even for Brits!

[Vlada]

I thought her speech was very touching and it went down well in the US. We like emotions on a display, especially, a genuine one... for once... sorry English is my not even a second language...

[James]

Wonderful to someone really, really enjoying the moment and genuinely appreciative. Heart warming and moving. Particularly as Kate is an exceptional actress who might easily have adopted the cool and above-all-this sneery approach favoured by many who can never hope to receive such an award.

[Rebecca]

typical Brits. Bitter, critical, recoil at any kind of sensitive emotion...

Oh well, you'll be dead soon, and I can emigrate.

[Link]

Ugh. Give me a break. Kate Winslet never wins anything. Ever. And now when she does you rip her speech apart? PLEASE. Kate's speech was beautiful, moving, heartfelt, and genuine. It was wonderful to see an actress excited about winning an award other than the Oscar. I do not care if she mangled the English language and started speaking pig latin. Give it a rest and be happy for her. I'm rooting for her to win the Oscar she deserves and when she does I hope she speaks off the cuff and right into the history books dear.

[Tom Farrell]

Her reaction and speech were more like a hormonally confused teenager accepting a Student of The Year award than the reaction of a mature (she is, isn't she?)woman.

[amstaffbru]

Actors are just what they read.So why is it that "THINK"they can set the standards for the American way of life?

[Rod]

The last time I did a speech I prepared a few lines. And trust me, having snorted them I felt a whole lot better.

[Phil]

Gush,gush,gush - What a numpty

[Nikki]

Aren't we normally complaining about actors being FAKE with the media? Then Kate shows some humanity and vulnerability and all of the sudden we're criticizing her for being overly emotional and "self-indulgent". She was being real, and I think that's worth something. I think that's worth a lot.

[Pistachio Wildebeast]

I saw the Globes live, and I really don't think her performance was bad enough to deserve the level of vitriol in the press. She's a good actress, seems like a decent person, and was in an emotional situation. I don't find her speech embarrassing at all; what I do find embarrassing is the spiteful, empty headed, schoolboy-level mockery which is all too typical of the British public witnessing success.

[Lance Monotone]

To all of you: who cares?

[dc]

"A total embarassment, no dignity or humility no class no reserve, no self restaint, just self important over the top crap."

John, a little constipated, perhaps? Your stiff upper lip is showing...

[Lissa]

Prepared speeches are boring, uninspiring. I found it emotionally real and from the heart which is how speeches should be, especially from actors whose very job it is to feel. Life is so stylized these days that it really is sickening. Here's to old-fashioned "on the cuff."

[Toni S Hargis]

And of course, it wouldn't have been anything to do with the Magnums of Moet in the middle of all the tables?

[john]

good for kate ithink she looks great ,so what if she made a mistake life is about give and take so lets give her a break, and congratulate her

[Raymond]

Didn't she say "I'm gonna try this ON the cuff"?

[Donny The Trumpet]

Maybe she was acting ? Hang on..hows about an award ceremony for awardees ? I have great respect for the recipients of Golden Raspberries-well, those that have the guts to be seen & heard accepting them-mind you, maybe they are acting as well, in which case they should be up for ...oh I give up.

[scv]

an inspiring moment for millions across the world who have dedcated their lives to the world of cinema. Many of them might never ever get the recognition that they deserve, but it is these moments which bring about a smile on their faces. See someone recieve an award.
It gives them Hope...makes them dream to make it someday in their lives...make them confident to go on and put in more hard wrok...become more creative...
well done kate..!!!!

"typical Brits. Bitter, critical, recoil at any kind of sensitive emotion...

Oh well, you'll be dead soon, and I can emigrate."

Rebecca, please grow up and stop trying to use shock tactics in a message to try and get your point across. It is grotesquely stupid and immature.

[KV IN LONDON]

Typically British responses here -- you people really do begrudge success.
She is a fantastic actress, and finally got the recognition she deserves, and all that her countrymen/women can do is poke fun at her for showing genuine emotion.
Why don't you all trudge back to the council pub and talk about each other's mistakes? Or is that too difficult?

[Wil]

Well, if you are skilled, it may work.

And a good speaker always adjust his speach according to his audience.

[Clive Porthouse]

I think it was better than the one made by Halley Berry!

[Roberto]

Come on, it is simply not on to bash a girl from Reading!!!!!!