A speech at my sisters wedding..

**Muffy** · March 4th, 2010, 03:10 PM

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** · March 4th, 2010, 03:15 PM

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** · March 4th, 2010, 03:20 PM

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** · March 4th, 2010, 04:33 PM

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*** · March 4th, 2010, 06:57 PM

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