Well the perfect speech is different for every occasion. There are a few pointers below that work everytime. However if you want something tailored to you, just click the banner on the right.
Speech Tips for the Groom
The audience will be willing you to succeed, and won't be expecting any fireworks.
It's all about you and your bride.You can try for a few laughs, but the audience will probably expect a bit of heart-on-the-sleeve stuff.
You should also:
- Thank the hosts
- Thank and mention both sets of parents
- Express delight at the warmth and generosity that people have afforded you since you became engaged
- Introduce your best man
- Toast the bridesmaids (if you want to be traditional!)
Do:- Talk slowly. If it takes 12 minutes, not nine, it doesn't matter at all.
- Pause for effect. Your audience need time to digest the story before they get the punchline. So give them time to get it.
- Emphasise key words. Imagine you're telling a story to a friend.
- Practise. However well written the speech, you don't want to be 'reading' it. Know it well enough that your notes just become a safety net.
- Gesticulate. Body language is vital. Use your arms to emphasise a point.
- If you're addressing someone, look at them. Try to make eye contact with your audience whenever you can.
Don't
- Be put off by a heckle. You can pre-prepare a couple of responses to a noisy member of the crowd.
- Give in to the shakes. Holding a shaky piece of paper will put you off before you get going. Paste your speech onto card. Or rest it somewhere you can see it. Find out if there's a lectern.
- Get drunk beforehand. It may feel like the easy way to get through it, but it won't seem so sensible afterwards.
- Just read it out. Great material is irrelevant if it's delivered badly. You'll be much more natural when you're not reading straight from the page.