Wedding Speech

[sam82]

Hi all

a little bit advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am Chief Bridesmaid on saturday, and been asked by the bride to do a speech, i have prepared my speech, but after talking to my partner, he says 2 and a half minutes is too long! There is two sections i am considering taking out which will take it to just under 2 mins!

do you consider 2 mins too long??

thanks

[gleaveyweave]

2 and a half minutes, too long????!!!!!!!!!
I disagree, it is just about perfect in my opinion, if you make it too short, the bride will think you couldn't be bothered! If you have a speech that you are happy with then I would say not to "edit" it as the length is absolutely fine. Good luck x

[sam82]

Excellent, i have had it written for months now, and been really happy with it, but now the nerves are kicking in!

I just want it to go really well for her.

[Gevs1966]

When are you doing the speech? Is it at the ceremony or at the reception?

[WendyS]

No, I think anything shorter would seem as if you weren't giving the matter sufficient seriousness. It also depends where in the "Speech" proceedings you are placed. If several other people are speaking or giving toasts before you, attention may be lagging a little, (especially if it's hot and everybody is on their third glass of wine) so make the relevant points with a bit of humour and keep it under 2 or 3 minutes.

[sam82]

I will be doing my speech at the reception,

i think i am maybe the second person to do a speech!

[Hellion]

Sounds perfect to me!

[teag1rl]

I'd say you've got it about right. Bare in mind if your partner has heard it a few times it's bound to sound longer to him.

[sam82]

the best of it is, he hasnt heard it at all,

he is just a plonker i think... probably cant bear me having more attention than him... haaaaaa

[teag1rl]

he's worried you're gonna do a better job of it than he could manage probably!!

[sam82]

i was planning on reading it to him tonight, but he can just wait like everyone else.

im quite proud of my speech and im sure the bride will be just as pleased with it.

im just getting so nervous now, cant beleive its saturday!!

[Gevs1966]

You have to bear in mind that when speaking in front of lots of people, nerves kick in (especially if you don't do it very often) and this makes people talk faster so your speech may not last as long as it does when rehearsing on your own.

Deep breaths, take your time and go for it. Good luck.