Jul 19 2008
Calming Wedding Speech Nerves
It is well known that public speaking can cause more than a few jitters in a large percentage of the population. For this reason, people are often unnerved by the idea of giving a speech for their wedding. However, there are a few things you can do to cool the nerves.The biggest thing that makes people nervous is the fact that they are ill prepared. There is no reason, however, that your speech must be memorized. If you are afraid of forgetting anything then bring along some index cards. I recommend index cards because if you start to shake it will be less obvious than with a full sheet of paper.
If you feel that no matter how prepared you are you will still be terribly nervous, don’t feel bad about keeping it short. Thank everyone in a short and sweet way and call it good. There is no reason you must go on and on about how lovely the evening is, how great everyone looks, how fabulous your great great aunt twice removed has been treating your brother who she hates. Just say a few short meaningful things and be done with it.
The biggest thing is to remember that everyone at your wedding is a friend or family member. They are not there to judge your public speaking skills they are there to celebrate your wedding day. Don’t address them as you would a large group of strangers, address them as you would a small and personal group of friends.
If you still feel tears well up in your eyes every time you even think about the wedding speech, if you dread the speech more than any other aspect of the wedding, skip it. It may even be a much kinder gesture if you personally thank everyone who came. Circulate through the room and greet all your guests. Thank them for coming and avoid the speech. The wedding speech is certainly not mandatory, it is merely a kind gesture.
The last tip is to have only one spouse speak. Let’s be honest, a long line of speeches is not really fun for anyone. If either you or your spouse is comfortable giving a speech allow that person to speak for both of you. Write the speech together to ensure that everything you both find important is mentioned and have a great time dancing the night away.
