10 Tips for Writing a Great Speech

By Kings Norton Weddings & Events

Whether you're the best man, maid of honour, father of the bride, groom or simply asked to say a few words at a special celebration, the thought of giving a speech can be enough to make even the most confident person nervous.

The good news? A great speech isn't about being the funniest person in the room or delivering a performance worthy of an award. It's about speaking from the heart, connecting with your audience and creating a memorable moment that everyone will enjoy.

At King Norton Weddings & Events, we've hosted countless weddings and celebrations over the years, and we've heard speeches that have had guests roaring with laughter, wiping away tears and giving standing ovations. While every speech is different, the best ones usually have a few things in common.

Here are our top ten tips to help you write a speech you'll be proud to deliver.

1. Know Your Audience

Before you write a single word, think about who's in the room.

A wedding speech often includes grandparents, children, close friends, work colleagues and relatives who may be meeting for the very first time. Aim for stories and humour that everyone can enjoy rather than inside jokes that only a handful of people will understand.

If you're ever unsure whether something is appropriate, it's probably best to leave it out.

2. Start with a Strong Opening

First impressions matter.

Rather than jumping straight into your stories, begin by thanking everyone for coming or introducing yourself if not everyone knows who you are.

A warm opening helps settle your nerves and immediately puts the audience at ease.

You don't need an elaborate joke - sometimes a simple smile and a heartfelt introduction are all you need.

3. Tell Stories, Not a Life History

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to include every memory they've ever shared.

Instead, choose two or three stories that really capture the person's personality.

Perhaps it's the moment you first met, a funny holiday memory or an occasion that perfectly sums up why they're so special.

The more personal and genuine your stories are, the more they'll resonate with your audience.

4. Keep It Short and Sweet

When it comes to speeches, less is often more.

Most great wedding speeches last between five and eight minutes. That's plenty of time to make people laugh, share meaningful memories and offer your congratulations without losing everyone's attention.

If you think your speech is getting a little long, it's worth reading it aloud. You'll often find a few sections that can easily be trimmed.

5. Add Some Humour – But Be Kind

A little humour can make your speech unforgettable.

The key is to laugh with the person, not at them.

Avoid embarrassing stories, old relationships or anything that could make someone uncomfortable. The goal is to leave everyone smiling, including the person you're celebrating.

Gentle humour always ages better than shock value.

6. Speak from the Heart

The speeches people remember most aren't always the funniest.

They're the ones that feel sincere.

Don't worry about using complicated words or trying to sound overly formal. Simply speak the way you normally would. Authenticity always shines through.

Sometimes a heartfelt sentence means far more than a perfectly crafted joke.

7. Finish on a High

Every good speech deserves a strong ending.

You might finish by wishing the happy couple every happiness for the future, sharing a meaningful quote or inviting everyone to raise a glass.

Ending confidently leaves your audience with a lasting impression and gives your speech a natural conclusion.

8. Practise Before the Big Day

Even experienced public speakers rehearse.

Reading your speech aloud several times helps you spot awkward sentences, improve your timing and become more familiar with the flow.

You don't need to memorise every word - in fact, sounding too rehearsed can feel unnatural.

Simply aim to know your speech well enough that you can speak confidently while still sounding relaxed.

9. Don't Be Afraid to Show Emotion

Weddings and milestone celebrations are emotional occasions.

If you become a little overwhelmed, don't panic.

Take a sip of water, pause for a moment and continue when you're ready. Most guests appreciate genuine emotion far more than a flawless performance.

It's perfectly normal to have a lump in your throat when talking about someone you care about.

10. Remember Why You're There

When nerves start creeping in, remind yourself of one important thing.

The audience isn't judging you.

Everyone wants you to succeed because they're all there for the same reason - to celebrate a wonderful occasion.

Your speech doesn't need to be perfect. It simply needs to be genuine.

Relax, smile and enjoy the moment.

A Few Final Thoughts

Writing a great speech is about sharing memories, celebrating someone special and helping create one of the most memorable moments of the day.

Whether you're preparing a wedding speech, a birthday toast, an anniversary speech or speaking at a corporate event, the same advice applies: keep it personal, keep it positive and speak from the heart.

At King Norton Weddings & Events, we've had the privilege of hosting countless unforgettable celebrations, and time after time it's the heartfelt speeches that guests remember long after the music has stopped and the last dance has finished.

If you're planning your wedding or special event, we'd love to help you create a day filled with moments worth talking about for years to come.