1. Just start: This is the most important element. Get a pad and a pen or start tapping away on your laptop or phone. It doesn’t have to be perfect - no one will see it – but this is the precious
raw material that will eventually become your final product
2. Keep your speech with you: This is your baby, so don’t let it out of your sight. That way whenever you have a new thought, you can add it straight away, even if you’re in a queue at the
supermarket or on the train. I do this on my phone constantly when I’m writing
something
3. Dare to plan: I know it’s tempting to put it off but it’s worth thinking about the day itself,
particularly how you want to deliver your speech. Are you someone who works in a more fluid way with the help of cue cards, or would you prefer to write your speech out in full and read it out?
4. Be kind to yourself: If you know you’re going to be really nervous, don’t add to your worries by trying to shoot from the hip! You only get one chance to get this right, so if you’d prefer to read your speech out, that’s absolutely fine. As long as your words are authentic, it will still be meaningful, and it might also reduce those sleepless nights. And please don’t hold yourself to the standards of a seasoned comedian and feel you need to have everyone rolling in the aisles – you might not be Peter Kay but you do have a great sense of humour and this will come out naturally on the day. There’s only one you, and that’s who your friends and family want to see
5. Practice. Practice. Practice: I’ll let you into a secret: I can’t remember the last time I listened to music in the car. That’s because it’s a mega efficient opportunity to talk out loud, and thanks to Bluetooth, no one will think you’re crazy! I constantly practice things in the car, saying them out loud until I’m happy. That way all I have to do when I get home is type because half the work is done. Practicing something out loud is also useful if you’re worried about a part of your speech
that you know might trigger your emotions. It diffuses its power, leaving you more composed on the day itself
When you’re comfortable with your key points and the flow of the speech, you can then start to think about your delivery. And that’s a topic for a future blog, so watch this space!
Want to work with me?
I write for everyone, from senior executives attending high stakes events and meetings to people who want to honour their husbands or wives at anniversary parties! I'm also a frequent public speaker, so whether it's a wedding, funeral, a special birthday or a retirement, I promise I can help you hit the right note without the sleepless nights.
