Most people will experience some nervousness before a wedding speech. Follow these simple tips,
to make your toast more memorable. If you need more wedding speech tips just click on the type of toast you must deliver from the categories at the top of our blog.
- Prepare a 3 minute speech. Most wedding speeches that you hear are too long. The normal speaking time is 3-5 minutes. If you are especially nervous you can get away with a 2 minute wedding speech.
- Speak Loudly. Sometimes when people are nervous they speak softly and this amplifies the nervousness as people in the audience cannot hear your words. Practice speaking loudly in front of a mirror.
- Eliminate Unnecessary Movement. People will rock around from side to side when they are nervous. They will also flail the hands or even pace around the room. Be confident and stand up straight with good posture.
- Don’t Get Drunk. It is true that drinking can “take the edge off.” A drink or two will actually make you less nervous. However, ask yourself how many times you’ve just had a drink or two. Once you get started boozing it’s hard to stop. Slurring and stumbling over your words means you have gone way over the line.
- Don’t be Total Goofball. Yes, it is expected that wedding speeches will have a little humor but most people over do it. Allow people to take your speech seriously and sprinkle a joke into your toast.
- Maintain Strong Eye Contact. You don’t have to memorize your speech but if you have to write out your speech bring your cue cards up to the lectern with you. Do not stare down at your notes and read them word for word. Try to remember to make eye contact with a lot of different people in the audience.
- Breathe and Drink Water. This may sound bizarre but most people forget to breath when they deliver a wedding speech. Take a pause after your sentence and take a short breath which will give your brain much needed oxygen. Similarly, most people do not stay hydrated and they give the speech with a dry throat.
Follow these seven tips and your wedding speech will be delivered in a confident manner.
Read a sample toast from our library that includes free best man wedding speeches and father of the bride wedding speeches.
