The big day is coming up. You're either the bride or groom, maybe the best man or one of the parents and you've a speech to make. The thought of making a speech is probably worse than doing the speech itself. It may seem like a big deal but it doesn't have to be a nervous experience. In fact a few simple techniques can help you along the way to a winning speech
oWhen you speak to someone in a one to one situation you're ok, you always feel confident. So what's the difference in this situation? Nothing Be the same you (taking your audience into account of course). It's just a few more people that's all.
oYou're will be making your speech to your friends and family so everyone's on your side
oPace the wedding speech. Don't go to fast to get it out of the way or too slow and put people asleep.
oUse hand gestures. Have you ever watched great speakers like JFK? See how they use their hands and body to express themselves.
o You can talk right. So in this case you're talking to more than one person. It's nothing more than that. You're just talking but just to a larger number of people. It doesn't really matter how many people are in the audience. If its 1 or 100 people you're doing the same speech anyway.
oYou should always think about your audience. Don't be rude. There may be sensitive people in the audience who you could offend.
oSomeone has asked you to do this so it's an honor to be asked to do this speech. A special occasion like this doesn't happen very often.
oYou should practice your speech everyday in the weeks leading up to the event. That way you'll get comfortable doing the speech and you'll know what parts to change or not. You'll also be able to time the speech. This is is critical if you want to want to make a winning wedding speech. If it means practicing with a hairbrush in from of the mirror then go for it
oDon't drink any alcohol before your speech. You may get a lot offers for a drink as you're the main person making the speech but believe me leave it until afterwards.
oI always use little cards with headings to guide me along the way. It always keeps me on the right track. Sometimes if you have pages and pages in from of you it can be confusing for you.
oEstablish eye contact with people throughout the room. If you're well prepared you'll not need to keep looking down at pages of notes.
oBefore you speak always take a deep breath.
oWhen speaking into a microphone don't hold it too close to muffle your words ot too far away that people can't hear you.
oIn your mind visualize yourself making the speech confidently.
oCelebrate
