Toasts and Speeches - Vaal Triangle Wedding Planner

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Making a Speech

The speeches have started and the MC chats happily to the guests. You clutch your hands together and feel your heart pounding so loudly you wonder if anyone can hear it. Then the moment you’ve dreaded for so long becomes a reality as the MC announces. “Ladies and gentlemen, the next speaker is …”

There's nothing unusual about feeling nervous. It happens to most people, even those that look and sound so comfortable when making a speech. So if you are wondering how they do it, it’s very simple.

They take the time to prepare and deliver their speech.

Toasts & Speeches

Preparation:

Most people start off by wondering what to say, whether they should include a joke or quite simply who to thank. It’s all in the preparation. Read what other speakers have said in their speeches and note the audience to who they are giving it. If others have given a speech before you, listen carefully to what they have said and try to use some key point from the previous speaker to flow into your speech. In many cases you may be able to anticipate what the previous speaker is going to say. Look at the formality of the event and consider what kind of humour you should inject into your speech. But mostly, speak from your heart and say what you want to say.

Most speakers have notes or a list of keywords to remind themselves of what they want to say. This also ensures that they do not miss any key points in their speech. If you are unaccustomed to speaking, it may help if you type out a speech, but rather than read it verbatim, try to refer to highlights of it. Practice your speech for length and delivery style. Try it out on a friend and ask how it sounds. Remember that in a large room you will have to project your voice. This may mean you will have to talk loudly and exaggerate every word.