My sister is getting married in June and I'm going to be the maid of honor. I'm really excited about it and I want to do a great job, but there's one thing I'm extremely worried about. I'm afraid I'm going to screw up my speech at the wedding.
I'm not a great public speaker. When I was in college, I took a computer class and for our final exam, my classmates and I had to make power point presentations. We had to present them in front of the class and as soon as you presented yours, you had the option to leave. By the time I went, there were only four people still there. When I'm having a conversation with four people, I have no problem, but that day, I got tongue tied and kept studdering with every sentance.
Other problems are that I'm not always loud enough or am too loud. I have serious trouble making eye contact and can be extremely awkward. What can I do to get over this before the wedding?
Girl, I feel you. I am going to be so nervous when I give the MOH speech at my sister's wedding. (Although I did have some practice before hand)
I was the maid of honor at my best friends wedding and that was so nervewracking I thought I was going to vomit before it even started. They gave me the microphone and I kid you not I said "oh shit..." thank God I didn't have the microphone up to my mouth or the entire crowd would have heard me. ( I know I'm not making this sound any better! ) But you will be fine! Take deep breaths. I took a deep breath, stood up, took another deep breath, smiled, and gave the best speech.
Make sure your speech is pretty much done at least 2 weeks ahead of the wedding so that you have time to practice it or make any changes that you need to. And that if you do make any changes, you have time to practice those changes.
Again: Practice before hand!! In front of the mirror or in front of some friends. Maybe even in front of your parents (if you don't mind that they hear your speech before the wedding day) You don't have to necessarily memorize your speech, I didn't memorize mine! Its completely normal to have notecards! It is just good to practice it before hand and time yourself to see if you need to speak faster or slower.
A couple drinks beforehand never hurt anyone before you give your speech. (if you are at a legal drinking age) I had a few drinks before hand and it relaxed me. Just don't go overboard and get drunk! 1 drink or 2 won't hurt.
I am an awkward person but it turns out my awkwardness made the speech. I dropped my speech and another bridesmaid had to hold it because I was shaking so bad. Everyone smiled and laughed (in a friendly way). They all know you are going to be nervous, its normal!
I also have trouble making eye contact. You don't have to look at anyone in the face. You know what I did? I Scanned the crowd and looked above their heads. That way it looked like I was looking at them but I really wasn't. I also looked directly at the cake since it was near people, so it looked like I was looking at them but really it was the cake! haha! Don't keep your focus on just one thing though, keep scanning the crowd after a little bit. It worked for me and I'm sure it will look for you!
If all else fails, look at your sister and the groom. After all this day is dedicated to them!
Just remember to breathe! You will be fine. I promise you! Your sister will love you and your speech. Have fun with it!
Good luck and if you need anymore help, inbox me. I'll be glad to help you!
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Thank you so much for your wonderful advice. It's great to hear from someone who knows what you're going through. I'll take your advice and I'm sure it'll be a huge help. Thank you again and God Bless you.
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