How to Nail Public Speaking At Family Events

If you’re anything like me, then the thought of public speaking is something that not only fills you with dread but that you would try to avoid at all costs. Obviously though this isn’t always possible and sometimes it’s something you can’t avoid, especially if you’ve got important family events coming up such as parties, gatherings and perhaps most importantly, weddings.

A wedding is one of the biggest and most important family events there is, and being asked to do a speech at a wedding can be pretty daunting, but there are plenty of things you can do to help get over those nerves if you’re faced with a public speaking appearance.

Below are some top tips to help you nail public speaking at your next family event, and to help you ensure that your speech is delivered perfectly.

Speak from the Heart

One of the first things to remember is that the event you are speaking at will be full of family and friends that you know well, and who love you, so even if you do make any small mistakes they won’t hold it against you.

Whether it’s your best friend’s wedding, or your daughter’s big day you’ll want to make sure that your part goes well. If you have been asked to do a speech, one of the most important things is to remember to speak from the heart. This will ensure that your words are heartfelt and it will allow the words to come naturally to you.

Be Prepared

A great way to help with nerves is to have your speech written out and practice it beforehand. On the day you may want to speak without your notes to make it more natural but if you have practiced it before in the mirror then you will be more confident in delivering it on the day. It’s also a good idea to have some notes with you, to give you a nudge just in case you lose your way.

If you feel confident then you could add in some humour, and if you are adding any jokes into your speech, then it’s a good idea to make sure you rehearse these so you can deliver them successfully on the day. Make sure you know your audience and what will be acceptable with them.

Relax and Breathe

Remember to breathe. This helpful advice should go without saying, but when we get anxious is easy to forget as our bodies tighten up and our breath becomes shallower. Before you are going to do your speech remember to take some deep breaths, this will help you to relax and speak with ease. It will also help you to concentrate and remember your words without getting anxious and forgetting what you have prepared.

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

A great way to approach public speaking is to feel the fear, but do it anyway. This might sound like a strange concept but once you have finished, you will honestly feel empowered and might even want to do it again at another event.

Appearing confident even when you don’t feel it is also another way to make sure that you nail your speech, and if you give the illusion you are confident, people won’t know any different.

Speak Slowly

When we’re nervous we tend to speak quicker than we would in everyday life, so it’s good to remember to breathe and slow down. If you are speaking to a large room of people it’s easy to speak quickly especially if you are nervous and want to get it over with, but try to relax, smile and take your time. It will allow your words to travel and for people to hear you properly. When you speak slowly it also allows you more time to think and will allow you to remember your speech.

Enjoy Yourself

Try to look like you are enjoying delivering your speech even though you may be terrified inside and remember that you have been asked to speak for a reason. Take some deep breaths before speaking and try to enjoy it if you can, and remember that everyone gets nervous doing public speaking.

If this is your daughter’s special day, you want her to know you are proud to be giving a speech, and just think – after you’ve delivered your speech you will have the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy yourself.

Do you have any tips to add to help someone who has to deliver a speech at a family wedding or party? Let me know in the comments 🙂