Chapter one

To be able to stand up among friends and family to give a wedding speech is an honour. However most people are frightened of speaking to any group, let alone one where nearly everyone knows you. In fact, speaking in public is one of the top ten fears we have along with flying and ending up in a pit full of creepy crawlies.
You may worry about making a fool of yourself, about forgetting what to say, or not finding the right word. But it is normally the fear which causes the distress not what might actually happen. For your speech to be enjoyable you need to be fully prepared, well practised and confident. This workbook will help you to achieve that.
Someone once said:
“A speech is like having a baby – easy to conceive hard to deliver”. I want to show you that by using the tips and techniques here and by practising regularly up to the big day you will be able to speak entertainingly and confidently and have your audience enthralled.

The workbook is easy to use. It is designed to allow you to build up your speech from start to delivery. Each chapter is broken down into sections to tackle all the areas you need to cover when preparing and delivering a speech. You can work your way through carrying out the exercises or dip into those chapters which cover your particular interest.

If you intend to use the book as a workbook here is a Blue Peter style list which you may find helpful: A selection of different coloured pens, some hi-lighters, sticky notes, a few sheets of blank A4 paper and if possible a flipchart or a roll of brown paper.

I have written this for the Father of the Bride, the Bridegroom and the Best Man. Nowadays more women want to speak so you may be reading this as a Bride, Bridesmaid or even the Mother of either Groom or Bride. The principles of good public speaking are the same whoever you are.

This workbook is not a quick fix option. If you are looking for that you will find readymade speeches on the internet. These can be adapted (however clumsily) to fit your circumstances. Lots of people use them and I have had the misfortune all too often of hearing them.

To make a successful speech you need to put a lot of energy into the preparation. This includes confirming your objectives, researching your subject, arranging the order, preparing a script or notes and then practising until you feel confident. If you work your way through this book, follow the rules and above all allow yourself enough time you will enjoy the process. Then you can be sure you will give the speech of your life to an attentive and happy audience.
 

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