Wedding Speech Tips - Top 5 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Are you terrified that your maid of honor speech will bomb? Do you have visions of choking during your best man speech, or fear hearing silence when you should be hearing laughter? Stop worrying - you can easily avoid these common wedding speech mistakes and deliver a speech that everyone will praise.
1.
Lack of Preparation - Do not let lack of preparation ruin your wedding speech.
Always practice your speech out loud in front of a mirror or for a friend.
If you stumble on words or if your friend tells you your joke is inappropriate, rewrite as necessary to make your speech flow more smoothly.
If your memory is failing you, it is acceptable to prepare notes on neat note cards for reference.
2.
Inappropriate Material - Always remember that the bride and groom's families will be in attendance, and adjust jokes and stories appropriately.
Never include material that is questionable morally or legally.
If you are not sure if your anecdote is appropriate, run it by a responsible friend or family member and take their advice.
3.
Unusual Length - Timing is important when it comes to delivering a great wedding speech.
Brief wedding speeches sound insincere, and long wedding speeches distract from the occasion.
Include a thank you to the guests/family, a brief anecdote, and a toast.
4.
Pace and Volume Oddities - Nothing is worse than a great wedding speech that no one can hear.
Make sure you speak loudly and clearly for all to hear, and watch your pace - nerves can make you speak too quickly.
If a microphone is available, use it! Practice with the microphone prior to the reception if you are uncomfortable.
5.
Nerves Take Over - Let's face it - most people are not great public speakers.
We get nervous, stumble, and forget our words.
Never drink to overcome your nerves.
Nothing is worse than drunken ramblings that are meant to be sincere.
If you forget your words, stop, take a deep breath, and continue.
Remember, you're at a wedding - a great cover up for nervousness is to look down and seem like you are overcome with emotion.
This can even add a touching dynamic to your speech.
1.
Lack of Preparation - Do not let lack of preparation ruin your wedding speech.
Always practice your speech out loud in front of a mirror or for a friend.
If you stumble on words or if your friend tells you your joke is inappropriate, rewrite as necessary to make your speech flow more smoothly.
If your memory is failing you, it is acceptable to prepare notes on neat note cards for reference.
2.
Inappropriate Material - Always remember that the bride and groom's families will be in attendance, and adjust jokes and stories appropriately.
Never include material that is questionable morally or legally.
If you are not sure if your anecdote is appropriate, run it by a responsible friend or family member and take their advice.
3.
Unusual Length - Timing is important when it comes to delivering a great wedding speech.
Brief wedding speeches sound insincere, and long wedding speeches distract from the occasion.
Include a thank you to the guests/family, a brief anecdote, and a toast.
4.
Pace and Volume Oddities - Nothing is worse than a great wedding speech that no one can hear.
Make sure you speak loudly and clearly for all to hear, and watch your pace - nerves can make you speak too quickly.
If a microphone is available, use it! Practice with the microphone prior to the reception if you are uncomfortable.
5.
Nerves Take Over - Let's face it - most people are not great public speakers.
We get nervous, stumble, and forget our words.
Never drink to overcome your nerves.
Nothing is worse than drunken ramblings that are meant to be sincere.
If you forget your words, stop, take a deep breath, and continue.
Remember, you're at a wedding - a great cover up for nervousness is to look down and seem like you are overcome with emotion.
This can even add a touching dynamic to your speech.
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