A speech at my sisters wedding..

[Muffy]

Everyone has told me 'oh no you dont have to say anything' but the thing is i WANT to say something, it is my sisters special day and she means the world to me as if i wouldnt say anything!!!

Problem number 1. I have no idea what to say.
Problem number 2. I am terrified of public speaking.

Help???


*update*
The wedding was last night... i thought i was fine until i put my mouth to the microphone to speak... i just broke down in tears!!!
It took me 2 goes to finally get it all done.
My sister looked amazing... actually no, i dont think there is a word to describe how she looked!!!
Some photos are on my FB, have a look

[Traveller]

Start by thinking what special points you would like to make. For example:

• How happy you are that your sister found love
  your BIL is very much part of the family already
  You wish them many years of happiness together
  etc etc etc

Then write it out in a speech (it doesn't have to be long) and practice a few times. when you have done that compress it into a few bullet points that you can have on a card so the speech feels less scripted on the day.

As for the nervousness, take a deep breath, count to ten, and if that doesn't work try picturing everyone naked

[Tinks]

it is my sisters special day and she means the world to me

That's a great place to start!

Your speech doesn't have to be long, a few words go a long way.

I did a speech at a friends wedding. I talked about how we met, how long we've been friends, about how she met her husband then i wished them well etc. I ended with a quote I found which got everyone laughing and left them them a squishy lovey 'awww' type feeling.

Here's what i said (word for word), feel free to use it if you feel it fits in with what you're going to say.

I'm going to end with a quote (from a very wise woman ) - Oprah Winfrey!

'May your marriage never know conflict or competition'

[Glamourcide]

Eek, I hate public speaking too
I think the bullet points is a good idea - you won't feel 'scripted', but you'll have a prompt if you lose your train of thought and get stuck!
I always find the best way to do things like this, is to just focus on one person that you're familiar with - in this case, the happy couple would be great. Don't worry about the rest of your audience, pretend they're not there if you can, and that you're just speaking to your sister about how stoked you are that she's found 'the one' and that you're wishing her a very long and happy life with her husband standing by her side. Good luck! Congrats to her, I hope she has an awesome wedding day!

[*Infinity*]

Speak from the heart. Sounds corny I know. But I bet you already have all the things you want to say up there in your head already.

TBH I find the really scripted speeches lack spontanaeity (sp?). I've been so touched by some very short, genuine words that come from the heart. I think that is what is most important.

Good luck x

[Muffy]

Thanks girls
You're right Infinity, everything is up there in my head but it needs to be written down otherwise i will go blank on the day

[Muffy]

oh no this isnt good.. im bawling as im writing it.... what hope have i got when it comes to reading it out loud!!!

[Cocolove]

You will be ok, ill be your adreniline will take over when your up there because you will be concentrating on getting through it.

There is some great websites out there that give you ideas just google maid of honour speech.

Good luck Laurz

[sneakysparkle]

read it over as many times as you can before the day - that way you will be really familiar with it, and wont get as emotional
good on you for speaking on her special day!

[Muffy]

ok this is what i have so far....

To my big sister Miranda - you were always there to lead the way for me. When we were little girls, you taught me how to make mud pies and kept me from eating them.

As we got older you taught me how to put on makeup and paint my nails. You also covered for me when I came in late and counselled me through my first broken heart.

Today you are still leading the way; shining a light on the path of love and marriage, showing me how it’s done and, sometimes, what not to do.

As you begin this new chapter in your life, I will still look to you for guidance because you helped me get this far.

I am so glad to see that you found the perfect man for you. I was proud to stand by your side when you said, “I do.” You took a big step towards your future today, and, in turn, gave me the gift of a new brother. The fun times we shared during your engagement and the happiness of this day bring us even closer together.

Aaron, Welcome to the family, I know we may seem a little crazy sometimes but I’m sorry to say its too late to back out now! Thankyou for standing by my sister for the last 4 years through the good times and the bad. I must say you are one incredibly lucky guy to be marrying Miranda, but I’m sure you already know that.

Congratulations!

Thank you Linda for helping me edit some bits

[Glamourcide]

Awww, that's so perfect!!! How beautiful
You'll do fine hun

[Cocolove]

That is gorgeous, I shed a tear.
Well done, its perfect

[Mother Goose]

RR that is a gorgeous speech!

I've done loads of public speaking over the years (in differing settings from formal, to casual, to academic) and here are my top tips for you.

If you can, direct your attention to your sister and Aaron. Focus on them, talk to THEM - tune everyone and everything else out - you're not telling everyone else, you're talking to them

Have a tissue (or napkin) ready to wipe away the tears! (And don't forget to wear WATERPROOF MASCARA!). And if you do become emotional, that just makes it more meaningful and is also perfectly acceptable at a wedding!

If you find you can't look at your sister and Aaron because it makes you too emotional, and you can't look at the guests, pick a spot just above someone's head and talk to that. People still tend to think you're looking at them, but you're not

Remember to breath. Take slow, deep breaths before you start to calm yourself. Remember to breath during your speech! And don't forget to pause! Slow your talking down. People tend to talk very very fast when they're nervous - take your time.

If you want to make dot points, that is fine. If you don't, and you're worried about forgetting the words, don't stress - this is a speech about your relationship with the Bridge and Groom. If you alter your speech it is fine - no one will know

Good luck!

MG

[Muffy]

updated first post

[AliBaby]

Hun that is the most gorgeous speech!! What an amazing sister youhave and she is so lucky to have you as an amazing sister in return. THe photos are gorgeous and you just look absolutely stunning. Love the colour of your dress and the other bridesmaids.

[smiles4u]

WOW what a speech ... so sorry i wasn't here on BB for that time to read it !!

... Laura did you get to say that speech above amongst your loving tears for your sis, ... it's beautifully written, ALL from the heart