Make Your Wedding Reception's Talks and Toasts Sparkle
You might be asking yourself what motivated a professional
speaker to write an article on speaking tips and toasts at
wedding receptions. I guess it is the result of attending
receptions that I felt could use a bit of help in this
department.
Wedding receptions are a wonderful part of our lives. They
allow us to come together to meet friends and celebrate new
beginnings with their families. When I was younger it was the
weddings of close friends that we attended. Now we are going to
the weddings of our friends' children. The great circle of life
continues. For the most part they are enjoyable experiences, but
the receptions are frequently experiences of frustration and
tension.
I am sure that you, like me, have sat through receptions that
made you say, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! The speeches went on forever
and were often painful to listen to.
I, like you, have had to sit and listen to " Uncle Joe" who was
half in the bag stand at the microphone going on and on and on
for what seemed like an eternity. I have heard jock friends of
the groom speak for 10 minutes using sports metaphors about
their relationship to the groom. Usually their speech included
how much they could drink and how many times they watched one
another throw up after a night of partying.
Other observations included listening to the emcee of the
evening deliver a stand-up comedy routine; a brother of the
bride insult his Mother in front of the entire reception all the
time thinking it was all in fun. The Mother didn't think so.
Things to do to make sure your reception is both fun and a bit
classy
* The bride and groom must put more thought into who they ask to
be the Master of Ceremonies at their reception and you they want
to speak.
* Clearly outline the duties of your M.C. so they have
parameters within which to work.
* Establish the order you want the speakers to appear and the
length of time you want each to speak. Go over this with them
prior to the reception.
* How many toasts do you want to have and who do you want
proposing them. Select someone who is, at least, semi articulate.
* Are you going to invite other members of the reception to come
up and say a few words? I suggest you don't do this. This can
stretch out an already long dinner and it is also risky. The
people attending have had drinks before the meal and wine with
the meal and for some this turns them into a Robin Williams in
their own mind. Remember: The mind can absorb what the rump can
endure" Usually our rumps have endured a lot by the time the
speeches and toasts are over.
Just paying attention to these few details can do a great deal
to ensure that your reception speeches and toasts go over well.
This is an excerpt from Speaker Mike Moore's latest e-book "
Tips for Wedding Talks and Toasts"
http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?wedding