We’ve all seen those hilariously awkward speeches in movies. You know the ones with stern glances from disapproving guests and the sounds of crickets chirping to break the deathly silence.
The truth of the matter is that these fantastical Hollywood staples of romantic comedies exist because they actually happen in real life, a lot! A writer you may know, William Shakespeare, is quoted as saying ‘in jest, there is truth’ and for every funny silver screen speech scene there would be many thousands more real life crash and burn moments.
How can someone get something so wrong, particularly at weddings? This should be the time were words of perfection are written and delivered! But not everyone is a Shakespeare, or even knows how to succinctly say what they want to say in a fun, yet appropriate way.
One simple step towards a good speech is to think about you and what you’d like people to say about you.
Next put yourself in the seat of the person you’re writing for and speaking about. Would your friend or loved one find that joke funny, that story too long or really want that embarrassing anecdote aired in front of all. If in doubt, take it out.
To ensure your speech will be memorable for all the right reasons, read it out loud to yourself and see if it makes sense, then edit accordingly. Read it to yourself again, read it to a family member, a friend, or colleague, anyone that can give you some constructive criticism – then use that to hone your speech into something you’ll be proud of.
Try to avoid the usual speech faux pas using ‘um’ or ‘ah’ as fill-in words. For the younger of us, that would also mean excluding words such as ‘like’ and ‘yeah’. Definitely minimise the expletives. At weddings avoid speaking about exes, wedding night activities, or intricate details of the bucks and hens parties!
Lastly, relax and be yourself. Even the best speeches can go pear-shaped if delivered by someone who is overthinking it or trying to be the comedian of the day. Remember the day is not about you, but your speech can totally make the day of someone else.
Little Hunters Writing can help you and your speech get towards a solid round of applause rather than a sympathetic couple of claps. Talk to us today to see how we can extract your thoughts and craft these into memorable words of wonder.