Toastmaster.
 Giving a speech can make even the most courageous person nervous. However, those people who have to make a speech at wedding receptions have one great advantage - the wedding guests are all on their side and will give him or her their wholehearted support whatever the quality of the speech!
If you are unused to speaking in public, here are a few handy hints to helkp you.
- Prepare your speech a few weeks in advance
- Keep the speech light-hearted and finish on a high point
- In the final version, use large headings to jog your memory
- Practice it aloud
- Try to vary the tone of your voice and speak loudly, slowly and clearly
There is a traditional format to the wedding reception and order of speeches; however, there is no reason why you have to remain with tradition if you prefer otherwise.
Traditionally, the first speaker will be the father of the bride or the person who gave her away at the wedding ceremony. He should welcome and thank everybody for coming, talk a little bit about the bride and groom and end with a toast to "The Bride and Groom". This speech should be approximatly five minutes in length.
The Groom would then normally rise and respond to this toast and begin his own speech, thanking everyone for their gifts and in turn propose a toast to the bridesmaids. If their are gifts for the bridesmaids - indeed for any of the main bridal party (flowers for the mother for example) this is the appropriate time to present them. The Grooms speach should be approximatly five minutes in length.
The last main speech usually comes from the best man. He should respond to the toast on behalf of the bridesmaids and also read out any telegrams or cards received from friends and family unable to attend. Generally, his speech should include a few amusing anecdotes about the groom. However, care should be taken not to include anything which may cause offence or disapproval. This speech shouls aim to be approximatly ten minutes in length.
Remember, the guests will be behing you all the way - Good Luck .
|
