Writing the perfect speech

Being asked to give a speech is daunting at the best of times, but even more nerve-wracking when the people you are speaking for are close friends and family. Writing your Best Man’s speech is probably one of the most gratifying and terrifying tasks you may ever have to perform, as you need to find a way of entertaining people as well as showing how much the groom means to you.

Many people struggle with writing the speech, as they are not sure where to start, and there are a number of rules to consider when pulling the words together. The following tips are designed to walk you through the speech writing process and create the perfect tribute to the groom, his new wife, and your relationship with both.

Keep it clean

You probably don’t need to be told this, but so many people deliver speeches at weddings which have the potential to offend or cause embarrassment that it needs to be stated again. Never include anything in your speech which would potentially upset anyone in the room. Weddings are events which bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate the new union, and you need to write your speech as if you were speaking to the mother-in-law at all times!

There is a fine line between humour and coarseness, and although it can be tempting to regale the audience with stories about how you and the groom got up to no good the last time you went out on an all-night drinking splurge, the finer details are much better left out of your speech.

Use humour

Most people sigh inwardly at the thought of sitting through an hour of speeches at any wedding,. And it’s likely that the one you are speaking at is no exception. Traditionally, UK weddings wait until the guests are happy, well-fed, a little bit tipsy and very sleepy to deliver the speeches, which means you have the most difficult audience imaginable to perform in front of.

Humour is a way of livening up your speech and making it interesting and engaging for your audience, increasing the chances of making a positive impact. Most people at weddings are predisposed to laugh as it is a lovely environment and people are already on your side, so slipping in a few jokes and funny anecdotes will keep your audience onside as you pay your tribute to the newly-married couple.

Thank the bridesmaids

One of your roles as Best Man is to acknowledge some of the people who have helped to make the wedding such a success. Traditionally, this will include the Bridesmaids. If the Bride is not intending to give a speech, then make sure you ask whether you need to factor a thank you in to your own to recognise the Bridesmaids for their role in creating the perfect day.

Consider getting outside help

If you are struggling to write the perfect speech, why not consider drafting in a professional to support you and pull it all together? There are a number of speech writing services out there which are both cheap and highly effective, removing all the pressure and leaving you free to enjoy the wedding.

www.stilusword.com

Posted by Jonathan Grice on 8 April 2011 | 0 Comments

Tags: Speech, Wedding, Rehearsal, Nervers, Jitters, Practice, Talking