Wedding Speeches without the Panic

Are you getting sick to your stomach just thinking about giving your big Wedding Speech at the wedding reception? Don't worry. There is a panic-free approach to writing and delivering incredible wedding speeches.



How to Deliver Wedding Reception Speeches with No Fear

It's not just about the delivery, it's also about the preparation. So, rule #1.

• Write It Down
  
  Winging it is never a good idea. You need to do the proper research on speeches for weddings. Figure out what you want to say and WRITE IT DOWN! If you need a jumpstart, here is a handy little wedding speech guide you can download to help you out.



• Memorize It
  
  This isn't mandatory, but how many wedding toast speeches have you witnessed where the speechgiver whipped out a sheet of paper and read from it word for word. It just doesn't look heartfelt. The audience is bored, and even worse, the bride and groom are bored. At the very least, read off of 3 x 5 notecards that have little helpers to jog your memory. Here is a good example of a best man who memorized his wedding reception speech.



• Practice It
  
  All the work you've done to write and memorize the speech won't do you any good if you don't put yourself in front of a mirror and practice the heck out of it. Shoot, get yourself and audience too. Find out what they think. Practice over and over until you are comfortable with the speech and know it inside and out.



• Keep It Short
  
  If you are the type of wedding speech giver that is comfortable in front of an audience and can keep them riveted for more than five minutes, more power to you. I am surprised you are even reading this. But if you are the other 99.9% of us who are scared out of our wits to get up in front of an audience, why prolong your agony? Keep your wedding speech short and sweet. Say what you came to say and don't digress. Besides, other people will wish to speak as well. You don't want to hog the spotlight. For pointers on short wedding toast speeches, check this out.



• Who Are You?
  
  Some of the wedding reception guests will know you, but many may not. So don't forget to explain who you are and how you know the bride or groom. Lots of people get up to give wedding toast speeches these days. Don't assume everyone will know who you are.



• Best Wishes to the Bride and Groom
  
  Part of the reason you give a wedding speech is to actually toast the bride and groom. So don't forget to actually do a wedding toast at the end of your speech. Go here to download a list of appropriate wedding toasts.



• Speak Slowly
  
  When you are nervous, you are inclined to speak as though you've just consumed five cappuccinos. No one will hear or understand a word you say. So make yourself slow it down. Use pauses here and there for dramatic effect. Speaking slowly will calm you and help you less panic-stricken.



• Make Eye Contact
  
  Looking at your shoes is never a good idea when giving a speech. Especially at a wedding reception speech. You want to make eye contact with the bride and groom. And every now and then, make eye contact with the audience. You words will come more honestly when you look someone in the eye.



• Stand Up Proud
  
  Did your Grandmother ever tell you to stand up straight? Well, her words were never more true than while giving speeches for weddings. Don't slouch, and don't shift your weight from foot to foot. Stand up and be comfortable in your own space.



• Smile
  
  You know, you're never fully dressed without a smile. So, don't give your wedding speeches half naked. Let your personality shine through. If you are smiling, you will look adorable even if you mess up.