Did you know that a recent survey discovered that public speaking is the number 1 fear in a person’s life and rated above death?
Well I have to admit that I used to belong to that group but now on days I have started to enjoy it because of some simple tips I will share with you here on this page and of course because of much practice I have had the last years. But still I do get butterflies in my stomach right before I start talking. But when I start I forget all about it. It seams like that it is the same with a lot of other people and among them are famous public speakers, so you are not alone.
Opener
A good speech has a good opening and a good closing. Start by introducing yourself, now you have their attention so it would nice to follow your introduction with something interesting or funny, whatever suits your stile. At the beginning of your toast is the time that people are focusing at you and really hearing what you say. Often people remember the beginning best because then they are well focused on what the speaker is saying.
Middle
You could tell a story about the couple that not many guests have heard. Please remember to keep it not too long with any unnecessary explanations. The best stories are short and straight to the point. That way you keep their attention all the time.
It is a good idea to try not to have it longer than 3-4 minutes.
Closing
Now it is time for you to close. Most speeches at a weeding are closed like a normal weeding toast that is by wishing the happy couple all the best in the future and by raising your glasses. You can read them a poem or something in that nature if you want to be a little different. How to start? It does not matter if you are standing up on a stage or at your table then it is always a good start to look around at all the guests to get an eye contact before you start. This will also make you look more confident. Stand straight with your weight equal on both feet. If your knees are shaky then it is a good idea too lean on to a table but by all means don’t sit down. That is not a good way to hold a speech. By standing all or at least most of the visitors will see you and by standing you show the newlyweds your respect. Shaky hands. If your hands are shaky then you can stop them from shaking by keeping them behind your back or by holding on to something. If your hands are shaky then you can just leave your index card on the table or somewhere where you can see it. If you are really nervous, then it is always a good idea to tell it to the guests. You could for example say:
I am sorry for my shaky voice, but this is not exactly my dream come true to stand up here in front of you all so please bear with me.
Because most people have the same fear of public speaking then 99% of them will understand you really well plus when you’re at a wedding then the odds are that you know most of the people, So don’t you worry.
Before the wedding
This is very important, you have to practice the speech at least 5-7 times before the weeding. You start by writing it down word by word and then you practice at least 2-3 times in front of a mirror or a friend with the whole speech in your hands.
Then in step two you make a small index card (2X4 inches) with all your keywords on which you use to help you remember the rest of the speech. For example if you have a sentence going like:
I remember when John, Stacy and I went on that trip to Iceland and ………………. Then you just put the word Iceland on the index card. That one word will help you the whole story. This way you only have to write down 5-8 words to remember a speech that is 5-8 minutes.
When you have written down your keywords then you practice the speech another 2-3 times in front of the mirror or your friend. Then on the wedding day it should be enough to practice once in the morning with the index card and you should be good to go.
This article was provided by: www.wedding-speech-tips.com
