Will you have to give a wedding speech this year? Are you like me and does simply thinking about it make you wilt just slightly? Really who amongst us doesn’t feel just a wee bit queasy when it comes to public speaking? I for one am not a fan. Stuff happens and sometimes we have to do the things that make us the most uncomfortable. In the past year I have had to say something at three count them three different weddings. Truthfully, I do it but only because I have to. And if someone asks you to participate in their wedding and give a wedding speech, to them it’s a big deal.
So often speaking in public is noted as one of our greatest anxieties. And then before we know it, we’re at a wedding in front of a group of folks and expected to be funny, captivating, charismatic and touching. Talk about a stressful challenge. While each is different in their own way, a winning wedding speech is meant to be as unique as the happy couple while including some basic info as well. And even with the fear and uncomfortableness that comes with public speaking and giving a wedding speech, there are a few tricks of the trade that will help to make your wedding speech experience a memorable one.
Giving Good Wedding Speech – Tip One … Be Prepared!
It has been said that a good public speaker always writes their speech ahead of time but never reads from when it comes time to convey it. Meaning write your speech down, every single word and give yourself lots of time to compose it. Some say that for every minute of the wedding speech, one should allow one hour of prep time. And remember to include proper grammar and punctuation and be sure to not duplicate your words. By being prepared and writing out the speech you will ensure to dodge any last minute hitches and guarantee the wedding speech is the exact opposite of boring, humorless and mind-numbing.
Giving Good Wedding Speech – Tip Two … Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you do indeed have a fear of public speaking or like me are just not a fan, don’t try and improvise and fly by the seat of your pants. To be successful and effective it is imperative to think things through, so first of all decide on what you actually want to say, write it done and then practice, practice, practice. Once you have completed writing that speech for success practice it whenever possible until the big day arrives. We all know it, the more times you say it the more comfortable you will become with it. Use whatever you think you need to feel at ease with the situation on hand; a mirror, props, index cards and the like. By saying it out loud, staging and timing the speech and including gestures that will be utilized speech time, you will feel like a public speaking star.
Giving Good Wedding Speech – Tip Three … Two Drinks MAX!
In an effort to calm the anxiety and tension it can be so easy to handle it with some false bravado, alcohol. But when the time comes ALL eyes will be on you and the last thing you want is to be seen tipsy and stumbling, slurring and forgetting words and making a spectacle of yourself for all the wrong reasons. Having some wine and drinks can easily help to squash the dreaded stage fright. Imbibing in a drink or two is okay and can soothe ones nerves and stress, but having too many beverages beforehand is a disaster waiting to happen. When it comes to wedding speeches, the ultimate goal is to have the guests on your side laughing with you, NOT at you.
Giving Good Wedding Speech – Tip Four … Keep it Simple and Short (KISS)
Wedding speeches are meant to be short, concise and to the point keeping all eyes on the bride and groom. No guest wants to sit through long drawn out speeches. Keep your speech refreshing, appealing and of interest to all with a bit of humor thrown in. The name of the game is to include funny antidotes, enjoyable background info and share lots of amusing tales. Never and I do mean never embarrass the happy couple or make anyone uncomfortable when sharing your bride and groom stories and tales. Stick to the notion of keep it simple and short and be sure your narrative will be appreciated by guests of all ages.
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