Wedding Guide To Speech: Content

To some, being asked to give a speech or toast at a wedding is comparable to root canal. The trouble of figuring out what to say combined with the anxiety of having to say it in front of a roomful of friends and strangers can make this a formidable task.

There is nothing to fear, however. Just read through the following helpful hints and this "privilege" can turn out to be an enjoyable experience. Of course, what's a speech without a toast?

If you are the type of person who is witty enough and confident enough to ad-lib a speech in a matter of seconds, you may skip to the next section. For the other 99.999 percent of us, this section will provide tips on developing the content of your speech/toast, so you will have something to say.

The first question to consider is "Why". Why have you been chosen to speak at this wedding? Is it because you are a close friend of the bride/groom? Is it because you are wise and can give sage advice on life? Is it because you are a humorous, outgoing person? Or is it as simple as that you are an important figure in this wedding such as the father/mother of the bride/groom, the maid of honor/best man or even the bride herself or the groom himself and is expected to speak! Knowing this can give you an idea about what to say in your speech.

Choose subjects for your speech that are easily relatable by everyone. Recanting various (unembarrassing!) events from the bride and groom's past is a good idea. Talking about the groom's lifelong hobby of creating paperclip sculptures probably isn't, unless most of the audience are paperclip sculptors.

The duration of your speech will also affect the content. Interesting, involved subjects might require more attention and time. You should decide on the duration before you research for topics. Bear in mind that short speeches might appear abrupt and rude, while long speeches might cause the audience to lose interest. If you can't decide on a duration, five minutes is usually a good length.

While researching for topics for your speech, choose topics that are easily expanded. Bevaried in your sources. The bride might not want to talk much about her life, but her parents or siblings might. The best way to get people to talk freely about a subject is at meal times or when they are relaxed. Be gently persistent. Asking once does not always produce results.

Do not go wild over notes. Remember, some people are uncomfortable if you take notes in front of them. A tape recorder is a great tool for keeping track of all the conversations that you hold for creating the speech, however, reactions to recorders differ and it might be more hindrance than handy.

Anecdotes and jokes are great additions to wedding speeches. The problem with a lot of the better jokes is that, chances are, many of the audience members have already heard them. Try to give the jokes a personal spin by adapting them to the occasion. Quotes can also enliven a speech as well as fill in those gaps.