7 Useful Tips to Overcome Speaking Jitters at a Wedding

admin ♦ June 20, 2011 ♦ Leave Your Comment

If the thought of speaking in public gives you the jitters, don’t panic, you are not alone. Many people feel that way, in fact, most people do – some just don’t show it. You can learn to master your public speaking jitters and deliver a well-thought and smooth Grooms Speech. Here are 7 tips to help you accomplish that:

Understand that no one was born as a great public speaker, but almost everyone has the potential to become one. Even people who have speech impediments have learned to tame them. This can be an inspiration for you. Don’t label yourself as shy or afraid of speaking, this will only reinforce your fear.

Realize that being nervous is a common and normal reaction. Everyone feels a bit nervous when doing something out of the ordinary routine. Don’t fight the feeling, instead acknowledge it, and use it as energy to help you prepare a better speech.

Prepare your speech, but don’t try to make it perfect. Instead, bring your personality to the words you are preparing so it sounds more natural. People will accept a natural presentation much better than a presentation that sounds arid and stiff, or too rehearsed. The point of the speech is to connect with the audience to let them know about a topic. Practice your speech to sound more natural. The more you practice it, it will become second nature to you, and more natural to you as well. Practice in front of a mirror so you are aware of your posture. Your body language will be conveying a message as well.

Connect with the audience. This is important to continue your speech. Many people break the ice with a joke, but not everyone can tell jokes, or like to feel as a comedian. If jokes are not your style, start your speech relating something about yourself. In this way, you will bring your audience closer and you will have captured their attention.

Cut yourself some slack. Go with the flow. Act natural, glance at your cards and keep talking as if you were on a one on one conversation – it is similar to that, just a few more people in the room. Realize that those people are there because they have an interest in what you have to say; otherwise they would leave the room.

The day of the speech – Arrive early that day, rehearse by yourself once, and relax. Mingle with the guests to ease anxiety. It will make you feel closer to the guests and as having a connection. If you feel more at ease with the audience, half of your jitters will disappear.

Make the audience part of the speech. Engage the audience by looking at people or gesturing a few times, just as you would do on a one on one conversation. Asking questions that do not require an answer is a good way to do this; for example, “Right?” or “Don’t you think?” This gives the speech a conversational tone and at the same time, it is acting as a relaxation and confidence tool for you. Finish your speech by thanking the audience for their presence and participation.

For a thorough guide to Groom Speeches, check out this best selling groom speech guide.