Should you try to memorise your whole wedding speech, use notes or bullet points, or take a full written version of your speech with you? Should you print it onto cards, paper or something else — your hand, for instance? Here’s my advice…
Stay Clear of Paper
- A4 sheets are thin, and it’s tempting to type too much onto each page
- If you’re feeling jittery, paper will shake in your hands
- It’s all too easy to lose your place on the page
Relying on Memory Can Be Risky
- Memorising your wedding speech may sound appealing, but with everything else going on you may end up forgetting your lines
- In trying to remember the speech there’s a danger of sounding wooden
- It can add a nerve-racking element to an already stressful job!
Notes Provide a Safety Net
- If you know your speech well, concise notes can act as triggers for you to move onto the next section or subject, enabling you to look sharp and confident
- It allows for a bit of spontaneity in your speech
- But be careful — using notes can be disorientating, so make sure you do lots of practise with them in advance
Cards Work Best
- Cards (A6 work well) can contain the full version of the speech without looking like you’ve typed an essay
- Each card can contain a separate section of the speech, and this can help you pace yourself
- You can use thick cards, helping to hide the shakes
- The typeface should be large enough for you to read at arm’s length (try 14-point Arial)
- Highlight certain words to show where emphasis is required
- Remember to number each card in case you drop them at the wrong moment!
- It’s also worth asking a friend to carry a spare set of cards in case you manage to mislay yours
Guest post by Lawrence Bernstein of Great Speech Writing
Image from Claire Basiuk Photography
