our day - plan it your way

	Customs
	Speeches

	Tips - Part I
	Tips - Part II
	Choosing Bridal Accessories

	Readings (Poems)
	Readings (Religion)
	Readings (Literature)

Photos by Christopher Clinnick Photography

notes on speeches

PREPARE

When preparing your speech remember you are trying to entertain whilst reaching everyone in the audience in some way. Don't bring up the past if anyone is going to be offended.

As I was always told when preparing for any speech or presentation:

"Prior Preparation Prevents ... Poor Performance"

Decide who you will need to help with the content
Write down a couple of stories
Make it personal (but not too personal)
Remember that everyone at the wedding wants to understand your speech so careful of jokes or stories that require background knowledge.
Work out your length of your speech, ask the Bride/Groom what your time allocation is going to be.

SUBJECT

You should have a couple of subjects up your sleeve but you don't need to over load your speech. One or two Stories maybe enough.
Jokes are great to throw in, but careful of the humour.
Make sure you suit the content to the audience.
Make sure the stories and jokes are relevant.
Choose a subject that will reach out to your audience.

DO SOME HOMEWORK !

Speak to the family and friends about your thoughts.
Find out your audience; make sure that you are going to entertain everyone.
Check that your jokes aren't offensive to any one there.
Make sure the details of the story are correct.

IF IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT!

It's not a 21st, leave out all those juicy stories that were funny for the mates.
If you are unsure that something is going to be funny or taken the right way, then leave it out. Chances are you are going to upset someone.
Careful of language, again assess the crowd in preparation.
Why not get the speech checked by a family member or another good friend of the couple.

SPEECH PREP TIPS

Print your speech on cards or paper squares. You don't want to be trying to read your own writing.
Print the speech in a large and clear font.
Small cards or squares are easy to hold.
Number your pages. (just in case you drop it)
Get a Glass of water and champagne for the toast.
Don't assume the Microphone is on/off. Check before starting.

PRACTISING

Firstly practice on your own.
Then Practice in front of family or friends.
Make sure you have the right rhythm and that the jokes come out right. When practicing you shouldn't need to explain your jokes.
Remember that you don't want to be laugh through your own jokes

The more you practice the less you will read it at the wedding, there is nothing worse than someone buried into their speech.
Practice any family names, it is extremely important to get names right.
Have a back up in case you hit a snag and end early or go cold on an Idea

GIVING A GOOD SPEECH

Make sure you get eye contact.
Look for people in the back and make sure they are hearing you.
Control your audience, make sure they laugh when you want them to and they stop when you want them to.
Make sure you are standing, be proud and stand up straight.
Have an opening line to grab the attention of your audience.
Don't be scared to get involved in the speech, put some feeling into your stories and jokes, but careful not to turn the whole speech into a joke.
Speak clearly and loudly

ON THE NIGHT

At some point in the night, get a glance at your notes.
Wiggle your big toe, it changes your focus and helps the blood pump around your body.
Don't drink too much on the night.

SPEECH TOPIC IDEAS

Growing up with the Bride or Groom.
Sporting/Academic Achievements.
Hobbies.
Sports.
Holidays.
How the Bride and Groom got together.
What is the background of each family.
School days.
Silly experiences.

Our Day - plan it your way