[Jamalfi]

Hi ladies, I'm Maid of Honor at my best friends wedding this Sat. I have to give a speech or so I'm told. I'm a nervous wreck, I hate speaking in public. Any tips or advice??? TIA We have been bf's for 27+ years.

[lhart24]

Picture everyone in the underwear... or at least that is what they always told me.. HAHA

Actually dont make eye contact with anyone... look just above them or through them.. This will help you focus on the speech and not the people...

[therbel]

Have a drink first!!! !!! Just relax and speak from your heart! You are not there for all of the guests, but for the bride and groom. Oh and open with a joke, that always seems to lighten the mood!

[macy]

keep it short and sweet, the ramblers are the ones that look/sound goofy. Basically they'll just want you to tell them you love them and bless their marriage, So jsut talk to your friend forget everybody else.

[Amidala081499]

Watch the Wedding Crashers before and you will laugh...Also, there is a nice toast on there you can somewhat borrow and make your own...

[Susuz]

There are several websites with suggestions for toasts, find one, Write it down and practice! Say it to the dog, the mirror, and I agree with the other poster, look at the top of their heads, it looks like you are very connected and you don't get so overwhelmed. My best advise is if you are nearsighted take your contacts out, then you can't see anyone! Of course, if you have to walk across the stage you have another problem but it will take care of the speaking phobia and replace it with a falling down in front of people phobia. If you do have to walk put on your comfy shoes. Short, sweet, say your piece then SIT DOWN and enjoy the rest of the wedding! If you are really really phobic about speaking in public some physicians will give you a mild beta blocker that will take that fight or flight feeling away, but I wouldn't recommend it and I don't have good luck with the anti anxiety medicines either. Have Fun!

[Jamalfi]

Thank You everyone. Yes, a drink will be in order first...... I tried to rep everyone but nothing is happening.........I will try again.

[daffynpooh]

Yes to a drink first - then speak from your heart, just to the bride and groom!
Good luck! (you know they will all say "awwww" and be touched)

[332pca]

There are books and websites that have suggestions on giving great speeches. Check out your local library. Write it out and try to memorize it. You will probable forget some but don't be nervous. Remember you are among friends they won't care if you mess up (but I am sure you won't). As everyone else said speak from the heart. Good luck and have fun.

[KellyMarie]

If you have to make eye contact, make it with your friend, the bride. Stare into her eyes and speak from the heart and you will be okay. If you have been friends 27+ years, I am sure that you will be very comfortable looking at her and who else would you want to be looking at anyway?
I bet you will do great! enjoy the wedding snd don't worry.

[cuteyv]

I hate public speaking but my special trick is to look point blank at a fixed point on the wall or the table. I have the tendency to start giggling when I look at faces. And I always have a piece of some thread or bead in the palm of my hand to keep my hands occupied else I end up gripping the table.
Finally practice.. in front of the mirror atleast 10 times

[suzyqwerty1234]

only have one drink before -not a lot. Mention something from childhood that is short and funny and G rated - remember her grandparents will hear it. take a deep breath and jump in with both feet - u will do fine!