16 replies to this topic

[Miaoww]

So, I have to give a best man speech tomorrow. My friend is getting married, obviously.

The thing is I'm pretty bad at talking in front of people. So do you Loungers have any 'sensible' advice about how I can keep calm.........or is that an oxymoron?

The speech is written and everything - I'm just undecided as to whether to use cue cards or just read it from a piece of paper.

[mr beauxjangles]

Two polar-opposite strategies I would recommend:

1) Have a drink or two (not ten) first, and then ditch the scripted speech. Just speak freely, mentioning some thigns you might remember, and try to keep your attention on the bridge and groom. Ditch the microphone, which seems to always make it worse for people with anxiety about speaking.

OR

2) When you walk up to give your speech, begin by admitting that you suck at public speaking. Start by making fun of yourself, which breaks the ice, calms you down, and calms everyone else's nerves. Just start with "Okay look I'm terrible at speaking in front of large crowds so I'm going to read from this piece of paper. Regardless, I'll still manage to screw this up somehow. So first things first, let's all raise our glasses and have a drink in honor of the bride and groom...and in hopes that the alcohol will make this trainwreck of a speech a bit more bearable for us all."

Edited by mr beauxjangles, 01 July 2011 - 04:35 PM.

[Miaoww]

Oooooh I like the second one. I might have to add that to the start.

I've been told several useful things actually: focus on your friends in the audience. Just imagine you're speaking to them and nobody else is in the room. And, everyone wants to love you - they're not there to tear apart your speech, so relax and let them love you.

[mr beauxjangles]

Oooooh I like the second one. I might have to add that to the start.

I've been told several useful things actually: focus on your friends in the audience. Just imagine you're speaking to them and nobody else is in the room. And, everyone wants to love you - they're not there to tear apart your speech, so relax and let them love you.

Definitely agree with those points. If for whatever reason you start to get really nervous or feel it slipping away from you just stop in the middle and say "See I told you this would be a trainwreck. There's a bunch of other stuff left written on this paper but all it boils down to is that I couldn't be happier for you right now and if you ever think you've hit a rough patch in your marriage, just remember, it can't possibly be as rough as this speech."

That being said, I'm sure you won't need it and you'll do just fine!

[Panthers128]

Use a teleprompter and have your aides come up with something suitable.

[KSpan]

Remember that you're talking faster than you think you are, and keep it short and sweet... it's really easy to ramble on in those situations.

[The Pieyed Pipier]

get shitfaced, pull your dick out and talk about whatever pops up.

[SorthNarolina]

DON'T BRING A BEER UP IF THEY HAVE CHAMPAGNE. That's my only advice. It's not too hard to do a good speech but i can pull beautiful words out of thin air. It's kind of a nice skill I guess.

But yeah I don't like the photos while I'm holding a Beer. Champagne flute would have been more classy and timeless.

Edited by SorthNarolina, 02 July 2011 - 10:59 AM.

[Doyle]

Just get sh*t faced and give the "you all think your better than me?" speech.

[LiQuiD]

I hope you speak better than the posters in this thread spell.

:smilielol5:

[Johnny Rockets]

Take 2 Klonopin, a shot of whiskey and end the speech with "May all your ups and downs be under the covers" then yell "Booyah!"

Then wait for your standing ovation.

[Doyle]

[Miaoww]

For the record, it went well. Thanks for the advice!

[Future Of The Franchise]

what did you end up saying?

[pstall]

cool. sorry i missed this. i love to give a good speech or public speaking.

glad it went well