Speaking in front of many people is nerve-wrecking enough. Doing a funny speech could give the speaker twice the anxiety but not if it is well prepared. Here are some tips that can be used in order to deliver a perfectly funny wedding speech.
- Interview other people that are close to the bride/ groom.
Research is key to get ideas on what funny lines and anecdotes to include that will hit right home. How was the bride/ groom like when he/she was young? How about when they were teenagers? How about when they were dating? Are there some quirks that the bride/ groom have?
- Plan your speech
Make an outline of your speech. Plan how the body of the speech would connect to the introduction. Plan also how the closing part will connect to the flow in the body of the speech.
- Begin with something catchy
The introductory portion should be catchy in order to generate interest for the succeeding parts of the speech. This could be a funny quote that would connect to the story in the body of the speech.
- End with something funny but thought provoking
Like the first part, this could be a quote or a simple statement closing the anecdote in the body of the speech. This should keep the audience laughing and at the same time pondering.
- Keep it short and simple (KISS)
No need for difficult words. Keep it conversational. The speech would be uninteresting if the words used would not connect with the audience.
- Be a storyteller
Try to get details from the interview. There may be some interesting anecdotes about the bride/ groom. It helps if the funny story is close to the hearts of the couple.
7. Timing is everything
Know when and how to deliver those punchlines.
- Proofread and edit your speech
Nothing beats a well-proofread and well-edited speech. Delivery becomes more relaxed if at the back of one’s mind he knows the speech has been polished already.
9. Practice, practice, practice
The speech can be delivered in front of a mirror to observe one’s own body language. Are the gestures made timely enough to the contents of the speech? Are there unnecessary movements? Does the body posture connote self-confidence?
10. Let somebody judge the speech
Deliver the speech in front of a friend or relative. The person can rate the speech at the same time can give constructive comments. This will allow the speaker to take note of the comments when the speech is delivered on the wedding day itself. The speaker can also observe the reaction of the “judge” while on practice. Is he smiling? Is he laughing? Is he able to follow the train of thought of the speaker?
It is important to just relax when delivering the speech. It is just like recounting a story or sharing jokes with an old friend. It need not be too formal. Certainly, the language should not be rude either. The speech should remain lighthearted & nostalgic then the speaker is all set to deliver a memorable speech.