Wedding Speeches

By Stephen Outram

Are you being asked to give a Wedding Speech? This book will provide you with everything you need to know to accomplish what may be one of the most important speeches of your life!

For many, being asked to give a Wedding Speech is the first time they will speak to a larger group, and these speeches may be done only once in a lifetime.

Professional speaker, coach and author Stephen Outram connects you with what you need to know. Wedding Speeches is full of ideas and coaching for all of the speakers at your wedding.

* Discover a simple idea to begin organizing and preparing your Wedding Speech.
* How to convert what’s in your head, into a vital resource.
* Detail descriptions of the 5 key wedding speeches, including the Bride’s Speech
*The real job of a wedding speech and your role in accomplishing it.
*9 things you may have to handle that no one tells you about!

Over 14,000 words of information, ideas and techniques, designed to assist anyone who has been asked to give a Wedding Speech.

• Language: English
• Publisher: What Else is Possible?
• Release date: Jun 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9780994332745

Stephen Outram

STEPHEN OUTRAM has enjoyed successful careers in architecture, illustration, graphic design, IT, and now writing with over 7 books published and more to come. Stephen is well travelled, University educated and has a Master of Science Degree (MSc.CAAD) from the University of Dundee. In recent years he has educated via seminars, workshops, speaking engagements and coaching.

Book preview

What Else is Possible? Publishing

Preface

Offering a Different Perspective

I have not married; during my fifty seven years on the planet, marriage is not a choice I’ve made. Some may consider this a disadvantage in writing a book called Wedding Speeches, but I have a different view.

I have attended many weddings as a guest, been Master of Ceremonies, Best Man, Brother of the Bride, close family friend and have been involved in organizing complex events. I have spoken at weddings, in various roles, and coached many nervous speakers.

I have observed speakers and listened to their speeches, some of which made me cringe, many I have enjoyed, during some I cried profusely while others bored me with their churlishness, and a few warmed my heart with the gratitude and kindness their speakers expressed. 

As both a participant of weddings and a speaker I offer a unique perspective on wedding speeches, and in this book present information on the awareness you need to have when speaking at events, in public and out loud. Speeches and the words they contain can be powerful and influential; be aware of what you create when you use them. 

Each person who addresses a gathering, particularly a wedding, needs to be aware of what is required of them beyond the beautiful dresses, fine suits and abundant reception. 

There is a purpose to wedding speeches that can become lost in the glamour of the reception event and knowing that purpose, your role in speaking and what you create for the future with your words, gives you and your audience a different possibility.

When you are clear about what your job is and what your speech’s job is, then you become more aware about what is required. In addition, your sense of self expands because you have to step up and be greater to successfully accomplish your task.

When you connect with the speech, know it and are willing to present the gift it offers, then all self doubt and jitters can fall away. You cease focussing so intensely on your imagined difficulties and allow your awareness to expand, to guide the contribution and gift you can be to everyone.

Wedding speeches are much more than light entertainment at the reception or something to do in between meal courses. They are the lubrication that allow strangers to get to know one another better, they are tools that leaders use to connect with their people and they allow one person, the speaker, to reach out to the many and touch them without lifting a finger.

Warm Regards,

Stephen Outram

Introduction

Speaking As You

When you become aware of the real job of a wedding speech and your role in carrying it out, the whole task can be much easier to prepare, rehearse and accomplish successfully.

It is not so much about how to speak—you already know how to speak—and much more about what is required of you and what you can create that consummates and hopefully exceeds the entire request.

What does your speech require of you?

There is a great deal written; viewpoints and opinions about how you are supposed to do a wedding speech. A plethora of websites offer tips and tricks, for example, Five Magical Tricks to Conjure a Great Wedding Speech or 5 Tips for Giving a Kick Ass Wedding Speech. None of these tricks are you. Not one of them will be greater than what you create; the opening that you write and speak out, with words that come from you.

Do not make the mistake of using someone else’s worn, tired, lines in your speech. We’ve all heard them many times before and we know they are not from you. Wedding speeches are not about cheap laughs and borrowed lines; wedding speeches are about you knowing what needs to be done, taking the lead; being a leader and being real. 

There are two questions you can ask yourself: 

What is really required of me with this speech?

What can I be and do to accomplish it?

In researching wedding speeches I have discovered that the purpose of these speeches and the role they play in weddings has been somewhat lost and misconstrued. When you are aware of the target of your