It is a common tradition at weddings, and it should not come as a surprise to you when you are asked to do a speech on your big day. Traditionally, the couple will take turns to deliver their own speeches towards the end of the celebration, each on a language that will be understood to both their English and Mandarin speaking guests.
To give you an idea of what kind of speech you should prepare for, imagine it as your award-winning moment. Think of yourself as if you’ve just won an award and you are to give thanks and share your story of success to the audience. Your wedding speech should be about this, thanking those who’ve helped made the wedding a success and imparting parts of your journey as a couple. The wedding speech is an important part of any wedding celebration and it should be thought out carefully. We’ve collected some tips you can use as a guide to help you write that perfect wedding speech.
PREPARE EARLY ON
The best speeches are those that are well- thought since it was given an ample time to make. Having an inspiration to write can come at any moment and it’s always best to be prepared.
The best way to compose a good speech is to keep a small notebook with you and write down anything that comes in your thoughts or memories that could be used into your speech. By doing this, it ensures that all your thoughts are recorded in writing and you can use it as reference when writing your final speech. Jot down any stories you want to include and the don’t forget to list down the people you want to thank on your big day as well.
CHOOSE SIMPLE WORDS
Your guests can be as young as infants or as old as your great grandparents. They have no idea on what’s on that piece of paper you’re holding in your hands. It’s best that you should not use stiff, deep or very formal language in your speech. Instead, keep your speech simple by using a conversational language. Keep your speech to not more than 5 minutes by using short, concise and easy to understand sentences. Speeches usually begins with “Ladies and gentlemen” and ends by inviting the guests to a toast. To keep your guests attention on you while delivering your speech, inject funny or heartwarming story into your speech. Do not be afraid to add funny jokes whenever it crosses your mind. An impromptu is funnier! If you tend to speak faster when you’re nervous, write the word “pause” at intervals on your speech to remind you to take a breather.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Take every chance you can to practice your speech – do it in the shower, while you’re resting or even during lunch breaks. It’s a good practice to record yourself while delivering the speech to check on the areas where you need to improve. Always remember that the more you practice you perform, the more prepared you will become, and the less nervous you’ll be when it’s time to say that speech to the guests on you big day!
MAKE MULTIPLE COPIES
The last thing you want to happen on your wedding day and add on to your stress and anxiety is losing the only copy of your speech. It can easily be prevented. Just print multiple copies of your speech and give it to your maid of honour, bridesmaids and/or parents for safekeeping. How can it be possible for all copies to be lost, right? By doing this, you can just relax and enjoy your wedding day without worrying about losing the copy of your well-written speech.
KEEP THAT EYE CONTACT
Sincerity is felt through eye contact and it is very important when delivering speeches. It’s best to maintain short eye contact to one person before moving on to the next. Let your eyes move across the room but always let your vision focus on one person at the end of it. Do not stare at one guest only for the duration of your speech as it will look rude for others, as if you are disregarding them. The idea is to meet everyone’s eye when delivering your heartfelt message across.
THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED ON A SPEECH
Race, Religion, Age and Gender Discrimination - we do not want issues to arise.
Ex-partners - it will be so awkward for your husband/wife and for the guests.
Last minute threats to call off the wedding - unless you can pull it off as a joke, but I strongly suggest not to.
Swearing - if you can’t, replace it with another word.
Explicit sexual references - hey! there are kids in your guestlist!
EXPRESS GRATITUDE
A speech will never be complete without the list of people to thank. The wedding day would not be a success without the help of these people and it is just right to thank them for making the celebration perfect for the both of you. You should thank these people in your speech:
Parents and Parents-in-Law – for their support, love, and help in the planning of the wedding.
Your loving husband/wife – mention how you met him/her and the things that you admire in about him/her.
Guests – for their time and effort to attend your big day and for their gifts.
The Wedding Party – for all the help and for being a part of the celebration.
Wedding Planners – for helping you plan the beautiful wedding of your dreams.
For every end of a great wedding speech, there should be an invitation for a toast. Do this by raising your glass and ask your guests to do so as well.
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