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Didnt Know Where To Put This.... I Have To Give Best Man Speech Soon And Am Extremely Anxious About It
31 Answers
Just looking for help on this as I have to stand up in front of 70 people and the thought of it is making my chest hurt! it feels tight and my breathing feels erratic so just looking for any help at all to try and stop this feeling. I practised today in front of one person and I was sweating and feeling horrendous doing it!
Really, really don't want to do this :(
Really, really don't want to do this :(
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It is character building and for sure all (most ?) who do this was equally nervous first time. But do a few and it suddenly isn't such a horrendous worry any more.
I reckon you should talk to one person at the event (you aren't supposed to be a public speaking expert) pick out one make out the rest aren't there. Simply make your voice loud enough that the others (who you aren't going to admit are there) can eavesdrop. You can talk to one person without concern can't you ? Yes I know your practice was nerve wracking but then you were really speaking to one and imagining loads, when you need to speak to loads and imagine one.
Heck, you can read a bedtime story to a kid can't you ? Then you can read your script to this lot.
Best not to holds sheets that you bury your head in and maybe keep losing place. Best to recall the general course of your speech and hold a small number of cards in order with simply one or two word reminders as to what comes next. It'll be more natural that way and simpler to pull off.
Do prepare the speech in time to be familiar with it. Add the odd humorous quip, and don't think you have to spout off for ages; short and sweet is often better anyway.
I reckon you should talk to one person at the event (you aren't supposed to be a public speaking expert) pick out one make out the rest aren't there. Simply make your voice loud enough that the others (who you aren't going to admit are there) can eavesdrop. You can talk to one person without concern can't you ? Yes I know your practice was nerve wracking but then you were really speaking to one and imagining loads, when you need to speak to loads and imagine one.
Heck, you can read a bedtime story to a kid can't you ? Then you can read your script to this lot.
Best not to holds sheets that you bury your head in and maybe keep losing place. Best to recall the general course of your speech and hold a small number of cards in order with simply one or two word reminders as to what comes next. It'll be more natural that way and simpler to pull off.
Do prepare the speech in time to be familiar with it. Add the odd humorous quip, and don't think you have to spout off for ages; short and sweet is often better anyway.
Yes good point. Not to give you loads to check but ensure you aren't getting faster & faster and running out of breath. From the start be determined to slow ..i..t... d...o...w...n, as nerves always speed folk up. By slowing down you can counteract a lot and feel more relaxed than you thought you would be. That way you'll feel & be more in control, and it'll go fine.
Writing the speech is the hardest part, so you are past that bit!
As advised, speak clearly, and what may sound like speaking loudly to you, but yuou want to carry to the back of the room. Keep your head up.
There is nothing at all wrong with holding notes, so if it makes it easier, print the whole thing out and read it verbatim - leaving pauses for the jokes if you have any.
Remember, you are not a professional, no-one expects you to be a professional, so be sincere, and smile if you can, and it will go fine I promise.
I have only been a Best Man once, but Father-Of-The-Bride three times, and a second go for our oldest daughter coming up, so I feel for you.
I promise it will not be hgalf as bad as you imagine, because anticipation is always far worse than performance - like hang-gliding!
Best wishes, and leet us know how you got on.
As advised, speak clearly, and what may sound like speaking loudly to you, but yuou want to carry to the back of the room. Keep your head up.
There is nothing at all wrong with holding notes, so if it makes it easier, print the whole thing out and read it verbatim - leaving pauses for the jokes if you have any.
Remember, you are not a professional, no-one expects you to be a professional, so be sincere, and smile if you can, and it will go fine I promise.
I have only been a Best Man once, but Father-Of-The-Bride three times, and a second go for our oldest daughter coming up, so I feel for you.
I promise it will not be hgalf as bad as you imagine, because anticipation is always far worse than performance - like hang-gliding!
Best wishes, and leet us know how you got on.
Every single one of the people there is wishing you well.
You are not trying to pass an exam. Or a stiff job interview.
Practise your speech beforehand AND practise fluffing a word or two and then getting back on track. All in the privacy of your own home.
When you stand up don't start to speak right away. Look around, lift your eyes and your head. Look around and smile.
Speak much louder and slower than in normal conversation. Make sure ends of words are clear.
Make it short and sweet!
You are making a big effort for your friend and he will appreciate it.
Good Luck.
You are not trying to pass an exam. Or a stiff job interview.
Practise your speech beforehand AND practise fluffing a word or two and then getting back on track. All in the privacy of your own home.
When you stand up don't start to speak right away. Look around, lift your eyes and your head. Look around and smile.
Speak much louder and slower than in normal conversation. Make sure ends of words are clear.
Make it short and sweet!
You are making a big effort for your friend and he will appreciate it.
Good Luck.
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