DO 1. Focus attention on the bride and groom. 2. Introduce yourself to the wedding guests so they know who you are and why you're speaking. 3.
Keep it personal - Write and speak from your heart. 5. Remember to thank the last speaker for their tribute on behalf of the person they were speaking about. 6. Keep it short, 3 or 4 minutes is okay. 7. Try to keep your speech upbeat without mourning the deceased. A wedding is a happy occasion. If it is important to mention them, try to do so in a positive light. 8. Look at your audience while you're making your speech as well as the bride and groom when you are speaking to them - especially when you propose the toast. 9. Rehearse your speech and practice it over until you can say it naturally without error. Rewrite any long sentences and make sure the speech flows smoothly. 10. Get together with anyone else who is making a speech at the wedding so you have an idea of what you'll each be saying. You don't want to be repeating a similar story or joke that someone else has prepared. Also, make sure you are familiar with the order that the speeches will be given in, so you are prepared when your turn comes.
11. Have a
friend listen to your speech and ask for constructive feedback.
Re-write your speech and recite it aloud again until your friend
thinks you got it right. DON'T 1. Drink so much that you can't keep your composure, too much alcohol could make you look like a fool. 2. Read your speech word for word from index cards. Use cards to highlight a few key points that you want to cover so you can speak naturally. For example, "I remember when John, Stacy and I went on that trip to Italy and..." then you just put the word Italy on the card. 3. Criticize anyone during your speech including most importantly the bride and groom but also including the vendors and guests. The audience will tune you out and this will create negative vibes which in turn will make for a weak party. Also, don't mention arguments you've had with the newlyweds. 4. Rush your speech. Take your time and speak slowly and clearly. If you have a joke or funny story, wait a few seconds after you tell it for people to laugh. If you are not the comedian type, don't force the jokes. It will make you look square. 5. Start your speech by apologizing for how bad of a speaker you are or by telling that you are nervous. 6. Ramble On - Assume your audience has a short attention span and will tune you out if you don't make your point right away. Stick with things that are relevant about the bride or groom. 7. Talk just for the sake of talking; don't upstage the bride and groom. Your speech should be less than 5 minutes as a rule of thumb. 8. Be crude or bring up embarrassing situations. Remember that family is listening! 9. Mention the bride and groom's ex-girlfriend's or boyfriends. I know it sounds obvious but it happens. 10. Tell Bad Jokes - We expect speeches to have a joke or two, but everyone has different tastes. Try not to say anything that would offend the couple or guests. Test your "appropriate" joke beforehand with a few people. If a joke bombs, it makes you look bad. If you get laughs, you can use it. If not, DON'T! 11. Forget to end your speech with a toast to the person(s) you just paid tribute to. 12.
If the bride and groom did break up a few times before they actually
got to the point of tying the knot, do not mention this! Remember,
weddings are supposed to be happy occasions. Keep the mood positive.
Traditional Wedding Speech Order
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