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Welcome by your Black Tie MC, Close family friend or your Black
Tie Disc Jockey. |
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Toast to the Bride and Groom, Brides Father or close family
friend or relative. |
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Response and toast to the Bridesmaids by the Groom. |
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Response on behalf of the Bridesmaids by the Best Man. |
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Toast to the Parents of the Bride, by Family Friend |
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Response by Brides Father. |
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Toast to the Parents of the Groom, Family by Friend. |
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Response by Grooms Father. |
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Reading of Black Tie Events Lettergrams. |
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Any other speeches |
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Use The Microphone Correctly - Keep the
microphone a couple of inches from your mouth and speak into the microphone, if
you move your head move the microphone with it, great speeches are not
remembered if they are not heard. |
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Be Confident - after all everyone wants to hear
what you have to say. Your audience accepts that you're not a professional
speaker, and you're probably trying to keep emotions in check, so never apologize
for your inexperience or nerves. |
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Be Relaxed - you're speaking to friends, not
being employed as a corporate motivator or one person act. |
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Be Well Prepared - a little preparation work
beforehand makes the job much more effective and easier on the night. |
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Make Point Form Notes - the biggest trap in
speech making is reading a prepared speech. Having your speech in note form
assists you to be more natural, and is far more convenient and less cumbersome
to manage. Speech notes allow you to engage your audience. Good
"speeches" are never "read". |
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Speak Clearly and Slowly - because it is
important that you can be heard and understood. If you are not using a
microphone then raise your voice slightly so that it projects to the back of the
room. |
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Know Where To Look - seek a familiar face for
reassurance before you start if you feel the need. When you commence your speech
pick three points around the room as your focal points and look towards them. |
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Be Concise and Precise - try to avoid adding to
your prepared and original thoughts, and try not to be side tracked by outside
influences. |
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Ignore Interjections - if you are interrupted,
wait until the interruption has stopped and then proceed with what you were
saying. People will miss your words if you try to speak over an interjector. |
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Involve Your Audience - if you are referring to
someone in particular (your parents or partner), don't be afraid to turn toward
them and meet their eyes. This can be quite an emotional experience, so be sure
to pause and compose yourself before proceeding with the rest of your speech. |
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Use Humour Wisely - and only if it enhances
your speech. Jokes and one-liners are rarely appropriate. A Brief humorous anecdote can keep a speech interesting, provided you are using your own
brand/style of humour, the humour is relevant and the joke is on you. Always
remember: Humour ill-used is an embarrassment to everyone. |