Speeches And Speechwriting Are Two Separate Challenges

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You may be able to deliver a speech or you might be able to write a speech. It is rare that people have both these talents. In fact speeches and speechwriting put most people into a state of near panic. Their initial reaction if asked to write a speech is usually I wouldn't know what to say while asking them to deliver the speech is often likened to a near death experience. In other words they are usually frightened of making fools of themselves.

That's a very human reaction of course but speechwriting is not really difficult if you follow a few golden rules. You need to know your subject and, preferably, feel passionate about it. If you hate cruelty to animals for instance you could write a heartfelt speech saying bull fighting should be abolished. Don't attempt to give speeches on general topics unless you know a lot about the subject and have an opinion on it. That's why many people are quite happy to stand up and speak about their jobs but go to pieces when asked to be best man. All you really need to do though is explain t your relationship with the groom, tell an edited tale or two about him and express your ...
... admiration for his beautiful bride. Then simply wish him well and end by replying to his toast to the bridesmaids. If you are asked to give a birthday or anniversary toast you again say why you are speaking. Then you simply say something glowing about the couple or the birthday boy and end your speech on an appropriate toast. If you don't know anything wonderful about the groom, the couple or the birthday boy ask a mother or a daughter. They usually have all the background information needed for speeches of any kind.

Giving speeches is more frightening. However if you are confident that you have a good speech and that you have practised it, you should have no real trouble. Make sure you have it on numbered cards so that if you forget something it is there in front of you. Take a few deep breaths before starting and remember everyone is on your side. Nobody has ever been heard to say at a wedding or at a party that they hoped the speaker would make a fool of himself or herself! You wouldn't usually be speaking at all if the person or people you were addressing weren't close to you or important to you. So simply make it short and snappy and the audience will be happy.