Uh-oh! You have to give a speech at a wedding. You have no idea what to say. Should it be funny? Sentimental? Embarrassing? Maybe a little bit of everything? It’s hard to know exactly how to approach this potentially very daunting task.
Just to complicate it, you’re not an accomplished public speaker. You may even get deathly nervous in groups larger than four. So how will you give a speech in front of 200 of your best friend’s closest friends?
Well, no one else can do this for you, and it doesn’t look like there’s any way of getting out of it. So let’s take it step by step.
1. Relax - It’s not a contest. Everyone is on your side, and wants you to do well. So know that you have a whole team behind you. So relax. As you begin to speak, just focus on the bride and groom, and imagine it being as comfortable as a conversation with them.
2. From the Heart - Whatever you’re going to say, let it be from your heart. Don’t stretch the truth, or make things up. Just let your heart do the speaking. People will appreciate that the most, and will certainly be able to see through something fake. Humor will Help - It doesn’t matter if you’re not the class clown or a comedian, a little humor will help. It will put the room at ease and drop any nervousness you have. A timely laugh from the room will also give you a little encouragement to get all the way through to the end. Laughter is a nice verbal pat on the back.
3. Forget the Crowd - Remember who you’re speaking to. Really you have an audience of two that you want to connect to. Everyone else is there to listen to what you have to say to the bride and groom. But you’re not speaking to them, just in front of them. An audience of two is much easier to speak to than two hundred. So speak to them.
4. Don't overdo it - First, don’t overdo it with the drinks before your speech. A little might give you some courage, but a lot will make you a blubbering fool. That’s probably not how you want to be remembered at the wedding. Don’t make the speech too long or too short. Keep it tasteful, and don’t overdo it.
Here is a little list of resources that you may want to take a look at to give you a little more encouragement and help: