TIPS ON THE DOS AND DON’TS FOR GIVING A WEDDING SPEECH

What are the things you should do, what are the things you absolutely shouldn’t do?

The Dos

Rehearse

I hear people say that practice makes perfect. Yes, I recommend rehearsal to help develop enough confidence for taking good control over your nerves. It will prepare you for well delivery with great ability to address a crowd and maintain proper eye contact.

Be yourself

If it is your wedding, feel proud and take advantage to shine. Perhaps you were invited, meaning the newlyweds valued your presence, and when giving your speech, please take the chance to shine on their behalf.

Make it short and sweet

I challenge you to shorten your words, letting the crowd want to hear more. A speech going for nothing beyond five minutes is a great deal.

Don’ts

Drink

By drinking, I mean alcohol. A little alcohol before speechifying may not be bad. But drinking to an extent of getting tipsy is unacceptable. It may only bring instances of shamefulness that are regrettable.

Google the speech

Asking uncle Google for words to flesh your speech is a poor idea. I recommend seeking a writer’s help if you are not sure of your words because they will ask you for the points you want to communicate, making it easier to grasp.

What to do if you have to give a spontaneous speech.

Speechifying in a wedding can be tricky, especially if you lack enough confidence to address a crowd. It is also a problem if there was no prior preparation. I always tell my clients to rehearse by using the mirror and planning their speech in order to avoid mixing up points and explanations. If you lack words, you can find a writer and offer details of what you want to address, and they will provide better guidelines to perfect your speech. Moreover, be sensitive with your tonal variation and body language, including eye contact to help people notice who you are.

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