If you have an upcoming wedding and you are feeling nervous about your groom speech, you are not alone. Many men go through the same thing, particularly if they were not familiar with public speaking prior to their wedding plans. Even a man with experience in public speaking can be a bit intimidated by his upcoming wedding speech.

It’s the biggest day of your life and you are surrounded by all the people you know and love. Your friends and family have gathered to see this special event and your new bride will be by your side. There’s no reason to feel ashamed of being a bit intimidated by all of this.

However, you don’t have to be afraid before or during your groom speech when you take the appropriate steps to prepare yourself first. Here are 10 ways to reduce your fear of speaking before and during your groom speech:

Plan Ahead

Make sure you know what you are going to say before the day of the event. You need to know what you want to say well in advance, and never just try to show up and figure it out on the spot.

Review

When you think your speech is complete, print it out. Read over it, add notes and feel prepared. Take this time to review well ahead of the big day so you can make changes if necessary.

Practice

While you don’t have to memorize your speech prior to the big day, you do need to practice it enough times that you begin to retain it in memory. You want to feel comfortable and confidant in what you’re going to say, and you don’t want to have to keep looking at your notes or reading the speech word for word.

Practice with a friend

Gather your Best Man or some close friends together for a practice session. Read your groom speech out loud, and practice as if it were the day of the wedding.

Get Feedback

While doing the step above, take the time to get some constructive criticism. Ask for positive feedback regarding your groom’s speech so you can help make it better before the big day comes.

Get Enough Sleep

It may be difficult to sleep the night before your wedding. You may have pre-wedding jitters, or you may be just be too excited to sleep, but lack of sleep will heighten your anxiety and make you more nervous about your speech. Try to get enough rest, take a hot shower or jacuzzi, or drink some chamomile tea before going to bed that night.

Eat Light

Don’t eat a lot of heavy foods the day before or the day of the wedding ceremony. Eat a light breakfast (or lunch, for later weddings) so you do not feel over full and tired at the time of your wedding and the groom speech that follows.

Add A Joke Or Personal Story

If appropriate, and you follow the guidelines in the other articles, this can be a great way to lighten the mood, relate well with your audience, and help you feel more comfortable while giving your speech.

Practice Making Eye Contact

Pay attention to where you are looking during your speech. Practice looking at people in the eyes as you speak, but also try the method of looking over their heads, or to the back of the room. You need to decide what you are most comfortable with. This is great advice if looking directly at the crowd makes you nervous. Look in their direction but over their heads. It would be best if you can practice this before the wedding day. Try it while walking along a busy street, or at another location where a crowd might be gathered, or even when practicing with your Best Man and friends.

Remember Why You’re Here

On the big day, remember the real purpose of this event. You are now married to your beautiful bride, and that’s what this special day is really all about. Be sure to share from your heart and enjoy the moment!

With these ten ways to reduce your fear of speaking before and during the groom speech, you will be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable wedding speech.

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Filed under: Write Groom Wedding Speeches - Groom's Speech Delivery Secrets

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