Why you shouldn’t be nervous about making a speech

THE SPEECHES ARE one of the most enjoyable parts of the wedding day... at least for the guests who get to sit back with a glass of bubbly and enjoy them. But for those actually doing the deed they can be a real labour of love. On one hand you no doubt feel honoured to have been asked to speak on such an important occasion, but at the same time the idea of getting up in front of so many people can be a fairly terrifying thought for even the most confident person.
Even if you are usually quite self-assured when it comes to public speaking, a wedding is a completely different ball game – simply because you know exactly how much the day means to the couple and their families. Nervous yet? Well you shouldn’t be, for several reasons.

Nerves are good
Firstly, weddings are happy occasions and people generally tend to be in high spirits; they are there to have a good time and possibly enjoy a few beverages, so your audience is bound to be a warm and receptive one. Really, it’s about the easiest crows imaginable!
Secondly, people are on your side – Simon Cowell won’t be sitting scowling from the sidelines, waiting to inflict soul-crushing insults after each turn. Guests will be willing you to do well; this is nothing like speaking at a conference or seminar, where you’re more likely to hear snoring from the back than laughter.
It’s unlikely that you’ll know absolutely all the guests (unless you’re the bride or groom) but they will all know the happy couple and therefore be sending you good vibes. Look around the room and you’re sure to find enthusiastic responses and encouraging smiles.
Thirdly, if you have prepared well for the speech it will show; people will enjoy it and once you get going you’ll start to pick up on their feedback, which will rub off on you, giving you a boost – before you know it you’ll be enjoying it too!
Fourthly, being a little nervous can actually be positive, so don’t worry too much about feeling anxious beforehand. The adrenaline naturally produced in these circumstances will give you more drive and energy, helping you be at the top of your game when you need it most.

I will make a good speech
The success of the speech is closely linked to the attitude you bring to it, so do your best to talk yourself up in the weeks before the big day. Do all those things that sound a bit silly, like repeating a positive mantra and visualising yourself making a great speech.
Don’t let it become a weight around your shoulders, something that you can’t wait to be over and done with – instead try to focus on the positive: remind yourself that it’s wonderful you have been given this opportunity to add to the happiness that’s inherent on a wedding day.
And bear in mind that the couple wouldn’t have asked you to make a speech unless they were confident that you could do it. If you’re thinking that it’s more to do with tradition than choice that you got lumbered with this responsibility, don’t kid yourself – modern brides and grooms are well aware that they can eschew the conventional list of speakers if it suits them.
So you really have no reason to dread your big moment – but if you’re still feeling jittery read on for some top tips, you’ll soon be full of confidence!