A wedding day is one of the most important days in a person's life.It is customary for a close friend or loved one to deliver a speech to congratulate the newlyweds on their union.If you are called to give a speech in front of a big crowd, it can be nerve-racking.It pays to make sure that you are organized, keep it concise and practice extensively before speaking.
Step 1: You should introduce yourself to the crowd.
Let everyone in the bridal party know who you are.Tell them about your role in the wedding and your relation to the people getting married.Not everyone will have met you, and they will want to know how you are connected with the bride or groom and why you have been asked to give a speech.The best man and maid of honor are usually asked to speak on behalf of the wedding party.The microphone is sometimes turned over to someone who wants to speak.You should say your name and give a brief history with the bride or groom.Don't talk too much about yourself.The married couple is the focus of your speech.
Step 2: You can open with a joke.
If you want to loosen up the crowd, start by telling a joke.Getting everyone laughing right off the bat can help alleviate some of the nerves that come with giving a speech.It will make your speech more memorable if everyone is having fun.The jokes should break the initial tension and make the crowd relax.Don't let your speech turn into a stand up routine.Your stories and remarks should be funny.Children will be in your audience.A funny story about the bride and groom's meeting and an anecdote about one of them as a child are examples of funny stories.
Step 3: Share your memories of the bride and groom.
Take a moment to remember some of your best experiences with the couple of the hour.If you were chosen as the best man or maid of honor, you have a long history with the bride or groom.A special memory or inside joke can spark an emotional resonance that touches everyone listening.Sharing unique memories or stories is more effective than simply liking the bride or groom because it is a more personal touch.
Step 4: Advice or well-wishes can be offered.
The speech should focus on the newlyweds and their future together.Directly address the bride and groom.Wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity.It is possible to include a short parable or quote to help illustrate the piece of wisdom you are giving.If you decide to use a quote for this part of the speech, make sure it is relevant and not a cliche.
Step 5: Everyone was thanked in attendance.
The speech should be brought to a close by thanking the bride and groom, their parents, friends and family, everyone in attendance and the staff that set up the reception.Make everyone feel like they are part of a special occasion by being gracious.Ask that everyone share in the joy of the new bride and groom.Acknowledging the people who helped make the wedding festivities possible will make you appear humble as well as make them feel appreciated.Say thank you in a couple sentences.There is no need to thank everyone by name.
Step 6: The speech should be written in advance.
Make sure your speech is written out and ready to be memorised two to three weeks before you are expected to deliver it.Being asked to give a wedding speech is a big responsibility and should be taken seriously.The sooner you get the speech written, the more time you will have to study it so that when the time comes, it will feel like second nature.If you give a speech, treat it like a school assignment.Make several drafts, check them for errors, and have a friend read them to make sure they sound good.
Step 7: You should know when you should deliver the speech.
You can check with the master of ceremonies to find out when you can give your speech.Typically, speeches and toasts are reserved for the reception once everyone is seated and has begun eating and drinking, but weddings can follow very different formats.The sound and projection equipment on hand should be used in a proper manner.It can make your nerves worse if you don't know when you are going on.If multiple speeches are to be given, be familiar with the order of presentation.Don't worry about your speech during the ceremony.If you are prepared, you won't have to think about it again until you deliver it.
Step 8: It's practice, practice.
Take your speech off the page.Try to remember it without looking at it.You can memorize it while you are showering, driving or doing laundry.If you tried, you would forget your speech.If you find yourself overwhelmed by anxiety when you are in front of an audience, you can fall back on your reflexive memory.If you don't know your speech word for word, try not to sound like you're saying it from memory.Give every passage emphasis, emotion and clarity.
Step 9: You should bring your notes with you.
It is still a good idea to bring your notes with you to the stage, even though you should aim to commit your speech to memory entirely.Your notes can help you get back on track if you have a lapse.All of your bases will be covered if you don't use them.It's better to be safe than sorry.The entire speech can be put on a couple note cards.This will help you keep your speech short.If you draw a blank or forget the next part, look at your notes.This will allow you to engage with your audience.If the person giving the speech reads off a note card the whole time, it will be boring.
Step 10: You should maintain your composure.
Keep your cool when the MC invites you to give a speech.If you are prepared and stick to what you have practiced, you will be fine in public speaking.You are surrounded by friends and family who want to see you succeed.Take a deep breath.Think about what you are saying.Imagine if you gave your speech to one person instead of a room full of people.If it helps you relax, have a drink or two.You want to be focused and clear-headed when you take the floor, so don't have too many.
Step 11: It should be short and sweet.
Try to give a speech that lasts between 2 and 5 minutes.It is best not to talk too much in a wedding speech.Your speech should be long enough to get your audience emotionally invested but not so long that they get bored.The crowd can get back to socializing by hitting the high points.It is fine to give a short speech.Say a few words, raise a toast and give the microphone back.Speak slowly.It is easy to start talking too fast when you are nervous.You will most likely be going at the right speed if you talk slower than you need to.People who are underprepared are more likely to talk aimlessly.If you want to avoid this, stick to what you have written and look to the crowd.
Step 12: You should be sincere.
Speak from the heart.Let everyone know that you mean what you say, and emphasize how much your relationship with the bride or groom means to you.You can show your gratitude for being asked to take part in the ceremonies by paying tribute to your friendship.If you want to get the speech over with as quickly as possible, allow your emotion to guide your words.Speak to the bride and groom directly.It is normal to get emotional.If you can finish your speech, there is no need to worry.It will show the people you are talking to how much you care.
Step 13: Finish with a toast.
When you are done speaking, ask everyone to raise a glass to honor the newlyweds.Wishing them the best in the future.Have everyone drink and have fun with each other.Have fun!The maid of honor and the best man toast the bride and groom.