Aside from all the planning and organising for the day the one thing most Grooms worry about is their speech (most brides are worried about the Best Mans!). So how can you make sure you enjoy this moment as much as the rest of the day?
Plan it - in advance and practice it out loud! Jotting notes down on the back on a beer mat the night before will not give you the confidence you need to deliver it they way you want to. Start writing it in the weeks before and know how long you want to talk for, it doesn't need to be long anywhere between 3 - 10 minutes.
Discuss your speech with the Father of the Bride and the Best Man to make sure you're not all using the same story or joke.
Be genuine - if you're not someone who makes jokes every two minutes then be wary of putting them in the speech - it will sound and feel strange to you and to everyone one in the room who, let's be honest, knows you well. Now is not the time to think about launching your stand up career!
Make sure you've included everyone you need to thank - it may not be the best start to married life if you forget to toast the bride!
Alcohol - you may think a few drinks will help - the fact is some may give you dutch courage but too much could cause you to embarrass yourself and your bride. There will be plenty of time after your speech to partake in a drink or three.
Write down the main points on to A6 cards, these are small enough to have in your hand and will not detract from what you are saying if you're someone who uses their hands a lot while talking.
Learn the first few lines off by heart so you can look up and speak directly to the guests, after that you can flick between the guests and your cards If you're looking down at the cards the whole time then you are basically just talking to your coffee cup!
Because you've been practising then you will be speaking slowly and clearly (again too much alcohol can make you speak quickly and stumble across your words). You will be feeling confident and engaging with your guests.
If the emotion takes over, then stop for a moment, look up (it stops you crying, if you don't want to), take a sip of your drink, take a breath and then continue.
If you're really nervous then book some time with a coach who will help you with the delivery.
Take a deep breath before you start and smile!
For Fathers of the Bride and Best Men - see the above!!
