Writing a wedding speech for someone’s special day is an honor. Your friend’s wedding is one of the most memorable days of their life and you’ve been called on with the duty of speaking on their behalf to their family and friends. A spokesperson of sorts.
Even if you’ve never written a speech before, it’s easier than you think. What should you say? What will it sound like? Will you get choked up?
Don’t worry about stage fright. It happens to everyone. When you see grown men and women with that lump in their throat, you know that they aren’t faking emotion and it makes the speech that much more meaningful.
KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET: Put yourself in the seat of your audience. Hollywood has mastered the art of the acceptance speech in keeping it at a conservative minute and a half. As much as you might like to host the Comedy Central Roast of your best friend, keep in mind, it’s their special day. They have invested months of time, effort, and money for this one day that they will remember for the rest of their life.
SPEAK FROM THE HEART: You’ve known your best friend for a long time. There are many life experiences that you’ve shared over the years so choose dialogue that is both entertaining as it is heartfelt. Remember, you’re not writing a script for a made for TV movie. You’re talking about your best friend
WARREN, DON’T BE SUCH A SAP: Heartfelt speeches are a beautiful thing, but keep those tears happy. Keep your content positive. Weddings are a joyous occasion. Keep the mood upbeat.
SMILE: When you smile, your audience reacts positively with encouragement. And when the audience you’re speaking to smiles back, it will help to instil confidence and you’ll have a great speech.
PROPER MICROPHONE TECHNIQUE: You’ve wrote a speech about your best friend for all to hear. Make sure that they hear it. Hold the microphone towards your mouth about 2 inches away and speak from the diaphragm. Also, never stand in front of a speaker when you have the microphone. The feedback will melt your face off.
