I promised you another installment of Top Wedding Tips from the Experts, so here is Maggie Sawkins‘s advice on delivering a wedding speech. You met Maggie a few days ago when I introduced her and her services in an interview featured on the blog, so Maggie has kindly given her time to write her top tips to help anyone who’s due to give a speech build up confidence and write a speech everyone will remember.
Image by Kirsten Shultz Photography via The Knot
Over to you Maggie…
2. Start strong, end stronger: start with a challenge, a funny line or a quote from your Grandma, Mother Teresa or Malcolm X. Have a clear structure – maybe 2 or 3 ‘paragraphs’. END with a flourish. This is where you are re-stating the essential ‘message’ of your speech. Increase your volume so they catch every last word. Smile and keep eye contact whilst you receive your applause, having made someone else’s day!
3. Have a plan: choose a three-part structure for what you want to say, whether it’s for 3 minutes or 30. Use short anecdotes from your experience to make your points or illustrate one key thought about the people you’re toasting. Speak from the heart and your audience will get it, enjoy themselves and love you.
4. Get help: ask a supportive speaking coach to talk through and practice your speech and get feedback on your strengths and encouragement on areas to improve. There is a world of difference when you give this a bit of time. If a wedding day doesn’t call for this, when does?
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