Speech Etiquette - How to be remembered for the right reasons

Giving a speech is a great honour at a wedding. But how do you go about writing one?

We kick off the podcast with our experiences giving speeches being maid of honours in our past.

Next is how do you start?

• Write it down. Phone, notebook, email, pen and paper. Just get your ideas down.
• Have a flow, and deliver the speech like an essay (A beginning, a middle and an end).
• Deliver a speech as you would. If you are funny, be funny. If you are emotional, be emotional. Don't be someone you're not.
• Don't forget to mention the other half of the couple!

Tips to spice up your speech!

• First impressions (when you met the groom at the bar vs how you know him now).
• Child hood stories are always a hit!
• Share a story that made you proud.
• When you noticed the behaviour changes, when they fell in love.

TIMING IS SUPER IMPORTANT

• Keep your speech 3-5 minutes max.
• You have a lot to say, but so does everyone else .
• Speaking longer takes time away from the photographer, food, beverage and party time.
• If you have props, sort out the logistics first. Nothing is worse then f*&%ing around with a projector and computer in front of everyone before you deliver a speech.

We cannot emphasize this enough, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Get comfortable with what you've written. Don't speak to the paper, speak to your audience. It is a guideline.

Get comfortable - things that get sorted on the wedding day or close to

• Figure out where you are speaking in the room (podium, to the right, to the left, back of the room, front of the room, at your seat)
• When are you speaking? Are you ok to go first? Last? Before dinner or after dinner?
• Have it printed on paper - do not walk up there with your phone! (sometimes you can send it to the venue to get printed or US, the planners!)
• Is there a microphone available or are you speaking from the belly?

If you're nervous before giving your speech

• Find the wedding planner or the person in charge
• Find a quiet space to rehearse or breath
• When in doubt, have a shot!

No open speech, ever. If you think maybe it's a good idea, the answer is still no.

These tips will make sure you are remembered for all the right reasons when delivering a speech on the wedding day!