As an advertising copywriter, author of short stories and articles, and writer and deliverer of business presentations, I have had a lifetime immersed in the power of words. When advising anybody how to write and deliver a good speech, I stick to the simple rules of clarity, brevity, and relevance. Humour and humility are also good bedfellows if used with care; it always is better to be self-effacing rather than boastful, and only use wit with gentle subtlety when appropriate. 

Every good speech requires sound research. Whatever the subject matter having a good knowledge of your subject and an understanding of your audience will ensure your tone of voice is pitch perfect. Whether you quake on your feet at the thought of making a speech or are a seasoned professional, the one solid piece of advice is never to forget the importance of rehearsing, rehearsing, and rehearsing.

Weddings

In these LGBT days of same-sex partnerships and marriages, the traditional wedding has undergone some fundamental changes in terms of format, who speaks for whom and when, although many still follow traditional lines.

Whoever the players may be, it is a time for celebration, expressions of congratulation and acknowledgements of thanks, which all require some form of address.

The Groom

This is a happy occasion and the groom’s words should be full of sincere words of love, affection, and thanks, without going over the top and reverting to drama. I once attended a gay wedding when the groom overcome with emotion when discussing his partner, broke down and wept, much to the embarrassment of the guests. 

Best Man

The best man’s speech is a high wire act and the most anticipated speech of the day. It can be successfully navigated providing good preparation has been undertaken and on the spur of the moment quips are avoided. The combination of emotion of the moment, too much alcohol and unsuitable content, can throw a best man’s speech into disarray to the embarrassment of the speaker, guests and bride and groom.

The Father, Mother, Relative or Friend of the Bride

For some participants this can be a walk in the park, but as the saying goes ‘pride comes before a fall,’ so at least it is a good idea to let a professional run their eye over your draft.

Elephant traps with these speeches include listing too long a CV of the blushing bride’s achievements which can have your audience shuffling in their seats, better to keep it short. Another area when matters can go astray is highlighting the bride’s embarrassing foibles as an amusing (only to the speaker) signal to the groom what he or she can expect now they are married.

Funerals & Memorial Services

Memorial services are easier to handle than funerals as the mourners have had to time to come to terms with the passing of the deceased and the rawness of bereavement is not as immediate.

However, in these more informal times funerals have become more memorial-like in their presentation with the introduction of modern music, Humanist services are now commonplace with poems and speeches. Whatever the circumstances, striking the right tone is vital, someone struck down by accident or illness at a young age requires a different treatment to a person dying after a long and fulfilled life. Background research and careful attention to detail to ensure all the relevant facts are correct: family names, dates and the deceased’s historical data, characteristics, achievements etc. are known and that can be woven into the fabric of a life’s story.

Business & Corporate Speeches

Rule 1: Know your audience. By having a good understanding of their motivations, concerns, and challenges, you will be in a better position to hold their attention and build trust

Rule 2: Start off with a bang

Rule 3: Use personal experience (or borrow other peoples’) to highlight your address – storytelling adds authenticity to your content

Rule 4: If using slides keep copy short and pithy, or video 30 secs – 60 secs clips

Rule 5: Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!