Should You Try to Memorise a Wedding Speech?

When preparing for your wedding speech, should you use notes or bullet points, take a full version of your speech, or should you try to memorise the whole thing? Should you print it onto cards, paper or something else – your hand, for instance? Here’s my advice:

Stay clear of paper

• A4 sheets are thin, and it’s tempting to type too much onto each page
• If you’re feeling jittery, paper will shake in your hands
• It’s all too easy to lose your place on the page

Relying on memory can be risky

• Memorising your speech may sound appealing, but with everything else going on you may end up forgetting your lines
• In trying to remember the speech, there’s a danger of sounding wooden
• It can add a nerve-racking element to an already stressful job!

Notes provide a safety net

• If you know your speech well, concise notes can act as triggers for you to move onto the next section or subject, enabling you to look sharp and confident
• It allows for a bit of spontaneity in your speech
• But be careful – using notes can be disorientating so make sure you do lots of practise with them in advance

Cards work best

• Cards (A6 work well) can contain the full version of the speech without looking  like you’ve typed an essay
• Each card can contain a separate section of the speech, this can help you pace yourself
• You can use thick cards, helping to hide the shakes
• The typeface should be large enough for you to read at arm’s length (try 14-point Arial)
• Highlight certain words to show where emphasis is required
• Remember to number each card in case you drop them at the wrong moment!
• It’s also worth asking a friend to carry a spare set of cards in case you manage to mislay yours

Best wishes

Lawrence

Article by Wedding Speech Writing Specialist Lawrence Bernstein

Read more Wedding Speech Advice articles

Read other Wedding Advice articles