Did you know it is suggested that 75% of the population has anxiety about public speaking? That is a lot of people who get nervous about giving a speech.
Well, as wedding DJ’s we have seen many of wedding speeches in our lifetime. So, we wanted to share some wedding speech tips we have observed throughout the years to help you give the perfect speech at a wedding.
Know your audience.
Who is going to be at this wedding? What is the general vibe of the crowd? Before you start preparing your speech, think about the audience you will be speaking to. Knowing your audience at the wedding will set the tone and create solid boundaries for your speech to follow.
Prepare your speech.
Take time to figure out what you want to say. Think about the couple you are celebrating and who they are – what do you admire about them? What anecdotes or memories can you share about them and their love?
Structure your speech.
Always open your speech with an attention-getter (think a heartfelt quote, for example), and avoid making a joke about how nervous you are or how your speech might compare with another person’s speech. Instead, focus on your audience, and especially, your bride and groom.
Then, move into the main section of your speech, which should include personal anecdotes and stories about the couple. Share moments that highlight their unique qualities and the journey that brought them together. Stay positive, and avoid any potentially embarrassing or controversial topics.
Finally, finish strong with your speech. Express your well wishes for the couple’s future together, and raise your glass for a final toast.
Practice, practice, practice!
Even the most experienced speakers benefit from practice. Rehearse your speech multiple times to familiarize yourself with the content, timing, and flow. This will also help reduce your nervousness on the big day.
Be mindful of your delivery.
Delivery is an important factor for your speech. Try to not run through your speech too fast. Instead, pause intermittently, and pace yourself, so your audience can absorb what you are saying. Make as much eye contact as you can to engage your audience, and resist the urge to read off your phone the whole time. Stand tall and confidently – try to not sway during your speech, and hold the microphone in such a way that you do not cover your face with it – holding it vertically by your chin is best.
Keep it concise.
Your wedding speech should only be about 3-5 minutes long!
As you stand before everyone, take a deep breath; speak from your heart; and enjoy the honor of contributing to such a special chapter in the happy couple’s lives. We hope these tips help you give a wedding speech people will rave about for years to come!
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