Speech Writing Tips | UKbride

We’ve all witnessed poorly delivered wedding speeches with cringe-worthy or poorly judged and crass humour, and for just that reason, the average groom’s wedding day is often slightly marred by the sense of fear and dread involved in standing up in front of family and friends, plus those of his new wife and embarrassing ones self.

That’s why we asked Lawrence Bernstein for his advice on writing and delivering a great speech – one that’s funny, relaxed yet enjoyable for the groom as well as his audience. Read on to discover our top speech writing tips!

“Every speech requires different delivery.” Says Lawrence. “And every speaker has a different style. A great speech means thinking about exactly what you want to say, how you want to say it and who you’re speaking to.”

Lawrence warns against using generic wedding gags or pre-written speeches, insisting that each speech should be exclusive, Lawrence advises.
First, break down each element of your speech – introduction, compliment the bride, thank bridesmaids’ and present their gifts etc.

Once that’s achieved, you can construct each element and write phrases - not than the whole speech, onto cue cards so you can maintain eye-contact with the audience without struggling to find your place when you look back to your prompts. Large text written on cue cards will also prevent your wedding speech succumbing to the shakes if you’re nervous when performing it.

“You’ll be more natural when you’re not reading straight off a page.” Says Lawrence, who has appeared on national radio giving his opinion on Gordon Brown’s speech at last year’s Labour conference and coached Stephen Fry. “Practice reading it and take your wedding speech slowly – if your speech takes 12 minutes, not nine, it doesn’t matter at all.”

Other tips for natural delivery include emphasising key words – again, easier when reading from cue cards rather than a speech written out in full from an A4 sheet – and the use of gesticulations and changes of inflections to add relaxation and ‘normality’ into your delivery.

Finally, don’t get drunk beforehand – Dutch courage can be counter-productive if it affects your delivery - or be put off by heckles; “You can pre-prepare a couple of witty responses to heckles in advance.” Lawrence advises.


For more speech writing tips, click here.

Photo courtesy of PureLight Photography.