So finally, your big day arrives, and with it a lifetime of hopes and dreams condensed into one never-to-be-forgotten day. The months of planning that have gone into your wedding will be for all to see. Yet, while the attention is on you, the males at the top table traditionally dominate the speeches. You’re seen, but not heard.
Weddings on Female First
This is Your Day – So Own it!
Yes, that’s right, it’s 21st century, and you’ve got a story to share, a love to proclaim, and many thank you messages to administer. It’s time for you, the bride, to own the stage.
The Crowd are on Your Side
Remember that every single person at the event is there for you and your partner. They want to have a lovely time and for the night to be memorable. Your guests are willing you on and they will turn even the most average speech into something worthy of a standing ovation. You don’t need to win them over, you just need to make sure you don’t lose them.
You don’t have to be Michelle Obama
We all like to believe that we have the power to inspire and cause even the most hardened souls to feel emotion and yet, unfortunately, for most of us this is a gift bestowed on the few. For those of you who are used to public speaking, a good piece of advice is not to get over confident, after all a wedding speech and the corresponding emotions can affect even the most proficient speaker.
Practice. Practice Again. And Then Practice Some More
The more you practice, the more natural it’ll feel on the day. Maybe practice on some close friends, read your speech out aloud, consider what works, what doesn’t, how the grandparents will react, and importantly how comfortable you feel when saying aloud those words.
Have Confidence in Yourself
For those without experience, embrace your limitations. Make sure your speech is in the comfort zone, take advantage of the point above and your speech will still have the response of the greatest orator heroically rallying their loyal supporter.
Focus on the Emotion not on the Funnies
Remember that that hilarious story that relates to your side of the family will probably be a ‘hard to be there moment’ for the other half of the room. No-one expects the wedding speech to be a stand-up comedy set, they are there to see two people declare their love for each other. Give the whole crowd what they want to hear rather than a once hilarious moment, now a lacklustre anecdote.
Enjoy and Feel Comfortable
It’s your day, it should be one of the most special and memorable days of your life. There are no expectations on you (whatever your parents might say) above and beyond you and your partner enjoying yourself. If the speech fills you with dread and fear and is turning the lead up to your special day into the stuff of nightmares, keep that speech short, sweet and most importantly in your comfort zone.
I write this promising you as long as you are comfortable with your speech, a cacophony of applause and cheers will follow - so enjoy every moment.
Nick Gold, Managing Director, Speakers Corner
Tagged in Weddings