Three Keys to Writing Flawless Wedding Speeches

You've been helping for months to get the bride and groom ready for the big day. You've attended fittings and tastings and showers and parties. But have you prepared for the big speech you'll have to give at the reception? Does it make you sick just thinking about speaking in front of so many people? Well it shouldn't. Wedding speeches are a cinch if you know what to do.

Fact: seventy-five percent of all Americans suffer from a fear of public speaking. Take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. You can use the tactics the pros use to overcome their fear of public speaking and apply it to wedding speeches.

Be Prepared

Write your wedding speech a full 3 weeks in advance. To get yourself jumpstarted, think about your relationship with the bride and groom. Ask yourself some basic questions.

- Where did you first meet the bride or groom?
- What made you realize these people were an important part of your life?
- What makes their relationship special?

Jot these notes down. Then look for inspiration in the form of a famous quote, song lyric or poem. A site like famousquotes.com is a good place to start.

If you aren't a writer, get some help. There are terrific guides you can download that will walk you through step by step on the dynamics of writing a wedding speech. Check out a site like wedding-speeches-2-go.com for more information on a wedding speech guide.

Practice

The worst thing you can do is wing it. Unless you are some kind of phenomenal speaker, you need to practice...in front of an audience. Then in front of a mirror. Get to the point where you are comfortable with the wedding speech.

Memorize the speech if you can, or at least practice enough that you do not have to read directly from a piece of paper. The speech will sound better and more sincere if you are relaxed and comfortable during delivery. Which means, practice, practice, practice. Reading from a script will sound like you are...well...reading from a script.

Know Your Audience

In most cases, guests at a wedding reception are people that know you, care about you, and want you to succeed. Don't be afraid. Talk to them like you would talk to them in a conversation. They are your friends, not your enemies. But remember to follow a few common sense rules while giving wedding speeches.

- Use appropriate language. This isn't a bachelor party. Eliminate the potty mouth.

- Don't embarrass either the bride or the groom. Things that may have been hysterical to you might not be funny to them or their families. Paint them in a flattering light. It's their day, not yours.

- Don't bring up the exes. This should go without saying.

Remember, giving a wedding speech is a great gift you can give to the bride and groom. This is an opportunity for them to hear how much they mean to you. So, follow the suggestions above, get help if you need it. But, overall, have fun and don't be afraid to give wedding speeches.