How to Make a Speech

Below you will find links to pages that will give you tips about how to make your speech. Each page includes a section on what to say, often more important what not to say and how to end your speech.

In general the following will also help:

• Put your speech on numbered cue cards for professional presentation.
• Speak clearly and distinctly. It's no good giving a fascinating speech if no one can hear it!.
• Make sure there is enough light for you to see you speech
• Take some deep breaths before you start to calm your nerves.
• Personalise your piece. Everyone likes to hear a true story. Then practise, practise and practise!
• If you use a microphone hold it about nine or ten inches away from your mouth. Don't swallow it! Make sure the microphone is free-standing so your hands are free for your cue cards.
• Leave them laughing. A funny incident is always popular.
• Make it short. Your audience should want to hear more not less.

Specific How to Instructions

• Best Man Speech
• Groom Speech
• Father of the Groom Speech
• Father of the Bride Speech
• Retirement speeches - from the person who is retiring
• Retirement speech by a colleague of manager
• Wedding Anniversary Speeches- to couple by a guest
• Wedding anniversary speech from the couple
• Birthday speeches - to celebrant or by a guest
• Birthday speech - from celebrant