Grooms are expected to be nervous when it comes to their wedding speech. Being nervous and being ill-prepared are two different things. The audience will forgive you for being nervous but it is hard for them not to feel let down or disappointed if you have not spent the time on preparing you apeech.

Preparation is the Key

Nothing replaces preparation. Your speech will be as good as the time you spend on it. Write, rewrite it and polish it. You should know it thoroughly by the time you have to deliver it. The more you think about it, the more the phrases and structure will be imbedded in your mind. This will help you to stay on track. You can keep going by recalling a phrase or two. You will know it is not exactly what you meant to say but no one else will. Use notes with headings to keep you on track.

Relax

Easier said than done, I know, but you can slow down your breathing and mentally let any tension go. Do not act in a nervous way. Pretend to be calm and you will be calm. The atmosphere helps, because by the time you have to make your speech, the rest of the room are enjoying themselves. It is a happy occasion so most people are ready to listen in an amused, uncritical way. You can pick up on this feeling of goodwill and relaxation to help put you in the same mood. Decide to have fun and you will enjoy yourself.

Be Sincere

This is no time for complete frivolity. You have to be sincere when you toast your bride and do it to the best of your ability. You surely have to be sincere when you toast your parents and your bride's parents. Of course, you can be light-hearted and talk about funny incidents that highlight what you want to say but be careful about trying to be too funny - particularly at another's expense. You could live to regret it in the years to come.

Say What You Have to Say

Do not get up and ramble on. Stay on track and stick to your subject. People get bored very quickly. They want to continue having a good time. If you are sincere and to the point, they will be on your side and applaud enthusiastically. They will compliment you on having made a good speech. If you have fumbled about, rambled on and generally gone nowhere, they will simply not mention your speech or feel they have to come up with half-hearted compliments.

There is no reason to make a bad speech at your wedding. You owe it to everyone present to make the best speech you can. Your efforts will be well rewarded by a proud bride and parents and by grateful guests. When you look back in later years you will feel good about the whole day and your contribution.