A wedding speech is no problem says the bride’s father. Has he written it yet? It’s all in the head he’ll say, pointing at his ear. While many men won’t admit that the idea of delivering a speech – before their assembled family, both old and new – terrifies them, there are a few who will. They are the luck ones because, once they’ve admitted that they’re nervous about the prospect, they can get help.

Writing and delivering a speech is quite a skill. There are amazing orators who captivate their audience and have them hanging on every word; many politicians are distinguished speakers and able to sway opinion by delivering a great speech. Although your wedding speech may not compare to a professional or have the same aim, you will use certain techniques, which will make you stand up, stand out and get a standing ovation – or at least some warm applause.

You don’t have to be a stand-up comedian to give a successful speech; what you do have to be is, perhaps, the, most difficult of all – yourself. Professional consultancy expert, Maryanne Johnston, from MJ consulting points out that writing a speech and delivering it are two entirely different things. “People write a speech that reads beautifully but sounds awful when delivered,” she says. “No-one talks in grammatically correct English, so the affect can be unnatural and stilted.”

Speech coaching is the perfect way to understand how to use your body language, eye contact, pauses and voice to deliver a speech that looks calm and assured, and is entertaining to listen to.

Gordian Mothersole, from The Best Man Talking, has a wealth of experience in coaching public speaking and he can guarantee that instead of being dreaded, a wedding speech will be something the speaker can look forward to. Gordian could be compared to a personal trainer, tailoring his approach to suit each individual. “I’d say there are very few people who, naturally, have no problem delivering a skilled and confident speech to a large crowd of people,” he affirms. “The problem is that some people think there one of them.”

If it’s needed, Gordian can help with the structure and content of a speech in addition to delivery, using his coaching sessions to increase the confidence the speaker. “We can go from someone being terrified with a blank sheet of paper, to delivering a very humorous and confident speech that’s 10 to 15 minutes long,” he says. After coaching, one client delivered a brilliant speech and received a standing ovation from his family.” That sums it up,” says Gordian. “It’s a personalised service, where the techniques and skills depend on the individual.

Gordian has worked with a few people who have left their preparation to the last minute. “I did have someone ask for help the day before the wedding. We went through the speech and I gave him advice and tips; he left feeling much more confident. However to get the best results, it’s best to have more sessions and prepare in advance.”

So if you are apprehensive about giving a speech, not sure how to write it and generally nervous about addressing the assembled family, invest a little time in yourself and get some coaching. It means that instead of dreading it, you can look forward to it.

Totally weddings have several wedding speech writers so make sure you tell us if you need some help.

Totally weddings top tip:-

The day is for you, the groom, and your best man to enjoy.

“Do what we did,” Says Frankie of totally weddings.

“The groom and best man did their wedding speeches before the food as they were both terrified and I didn’t want them to spend the bulk of the reception worrying about speeches. So the boys’ did theirs first and then my Dad, the seasoned speaker (with 4 daughters married off, so lot’s of experience) brought up the rear with the after dinner speech.”

A perfect solution for all.

Content courtesy of The Scottish Wedding Directory

www.thescottishweddingdirectory.co.uk