Archive for the ‘Wedding’ Category
Okay, I’m not really a Wedding Speech genius. But my friends all think I am. Here’s why…
I really decided I was going to figure this “giving a great speech” thing out…so I started studying.
I talked to one of my friends who happens to be a stand-up comedian (I learned a ton from him!)
I got some magazines, some books, and started reading a lot of web sites about public speaking. Here’s what I found out…
It’s Easier Than You Think!
Turns out giving a good wedding speech is not complicated once you know a few basics.
In fact, it’s way easier than giving a book report in front of the whole class like I had to do in high school!
Some of the reasons are:
• It doesn’t have to be a long speech!
• You can tell a couple jokes
• No one really expects you to be a “professional speaker”
• If you mess up, it’s ok – because it’s a wedding and you’re not being graded!
• And you don’t need to know a lot of public speaking stuff.
That’s the big secret.
In fact, what I discovered was that there are only a few key tricks and tactics that can make you TEN TIMES better at giving a wedding speech once you know them.
Below is a sample speech from our book “The Secret to Amazing Wedding Speeches”
Sample Speech for a Best Man
Well, John stole my thunder when he thanked all those who helped him to write his speech, so I guess I’ll have to skip that part and instead introduce myself to you.
If you don’t know me, my friends would tell you that there are small mercies in life. My name is Rick-would-you-like-a-drink, and if you want to talk with me later I will be at the bar and I insist that you
address me by my full name.
I’m not a very good public speaker so I will try to make this very brief. Thank you all for coming, and good bye.
Well, maybe just a little longer then. As I said, I’m not very good at public speaking, and I found out over the past few weeks, that I am even worse at public writing – I had to go inside the house every time I wanted to write something!
John, I’m not married so I can’t offer any sage counsels on this blissful state of being, nor can I give you any meaningful advice, so I went around asking various married people their views on being married.
To date, this is how my poll went,
- One man had only one word to say on the subject of marriage: Don’t
- Another man stared me at me as if I was insane.
- And yet another man did the same.
- One woman took her handbag to my head
- And another one laughed in my face.
But take heart, these are only the people I polled here at the reception itself. I will name no names, but will the owner of the uh – Chevy please pick up her car keys her house keys, loose change, wallet, lipstick, comb, face powder and handbag after I finish.
Other people have told me over the course of the weeks, that marriage is like a like a giant hamster wheel. No matter how hard you run, you’re both running in the same direction together.
Someone else told me that marriage was a 50/50 partnership, but then the guy next to me on the train laughed and told the other guy that he knew little about marriage, even less about mathematics, and nothing whatsoever about women!
Claire, this does not include you, you are a gem in a million and I’m sure that you will allow John some leeway for planting both feet in his mouth sometimes. Claire please turn your head away so that I can now disillusion John.
John, that guy on the subway sure seemed to know what he was talking about! So do as Earl said and learn to say, Yes dear, very nicely and with sincerity.
Claire you are the most beautiful bride I have seen, and I know that you are the perfect woman for John.
I have never seen such a stunned look on anyone’s face as when you rejected his suggestion for a first date. Actually it was rivaled the time when you accepted his proposal so I guess that evens things up!
But I have never seen him so determined to win you over – that was when I knew you were the right woman for him.
Ladies and Gentleman, I would like you to charge your glasses to the bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton. May happiness be yours.
I would also like to give a warm thanks to the unstinting efforts of the bridesmaids. You all look wonderful, and for any of you who are free, I’ll be over at the bar when this is done with and I insist that you call me by my first name, Rick-here’s-my-phone-number!
You have all done a wonderful job in helping to keep Claire free from worries and we all appreciate the hard work you put in these past few weeks to help make this wedding a success.
Ladies and gentleman, the maid of honor, Kate, would like to say a few words, but before that, would you please drink to the bridesmaids, and their wonderful efforts. Thank you.