Welcome to nuptales speech delivery tips.
If you are keen on writing your own unique speech, there are books that can help you. They are also good at giving you tips on delivering the speech, which is really useful. Below are a few pointers on delivering the perfect speech:
Read your speech or memorise it?
Only a lucky few people are capable of completely memorizing their speech, personally I wouldn’t rely on this method. Alternatively it’s a good idea to completely familiarise yourself with your speech and then cut it down to a set of bullet notes on cue cards. The bonus of this is that it won’t sound like you’re reading your speech word for word, but you have all the key points in front of you to prevent you from forgetting anything.
Practice.
However you decide to write your speech, practice, practice and more practice makes perfect!
Slow Down!
Speeches are often ruined by the speaker going too fast which gives the audience the impression that they’re nervous (which they probably are!) So some top advice to you is to slow it down, give a chance for your points to sink in and a chance for your audience to laugh in between your jokes. If you start accelerating, your audience doesn’t have time to laugh and without laughs, you start to think that your speech isn’t funny, so what will you end up doing….rushing to finish it. The end result - disaster! Don't give in to this urge to speed up…relax!
Body Language.
You should be standing up straight and looking full of confidence. Keep interaction with your audience by looking up at them now and again. Eye contact with your audience is good, as it gives you some pauses away from reading your speech and makes it feel like you’re talking directly to them.
Laughs
If you anticipate a laugh - wait for it. If it doesn’t happen when it was supposed to then tell your audience they were suppose to laugh and refuse to carry on with your speech. That should kick start them! Don't start again until the laughter has faded out – make the most of it and enjoy it. Examine the works of professional comedians – they’ll teach you a lot.
Interruptions..
Welcome interruptions, especially witty ones. They provide some thinking time and a chance to pause, and hey… your speech will be remembered for being a funny one, even if it wasn’t your lines that got the laughs!
Drink..
As tempted as you are don't drink too much before speaking. It might seem like a good idea, but trust me a drunken speaker never goes down well with an audience.
Two final significant points to remember:
1. The audience is on your side. They are there to enjoy the speeches so give them the chance.
2. If you get a totally unexpected laugh - check your flies
These simple pointers will assist you in making an unforgettable speech (in a good way!) If you're already using a professionally written speech – you’re onto a real winner! Good luck.