Why preparation for your speech is a must
If you ask anyone for father of the bride speech tips, the one you will hear most is to be prepared. Father of the bride speech preparation is just as crucial to a reception’s success as making sure the catering service arrives on time. As a central event during the party, your speech is designed to elevate the emotions in the room by sharing a tender moment of reflection with the guests. It’s your little girl who is getting married today, and taking any father of the bride speech tips you can get your hands on will only increase your chances of success.
Take Your Time
Starting weeks before the reception, start finding time during your day to reflect on your daughter’s journey to adulthood. Make little notes about stories that show how special she is, and then work to find the perfect one that shows her greatest qualities. These stories should be based on her experiences rather than your experiences with her. The day is all about her, after all, not you. With that one story jotted down, fill in the endearing details that will help it come alive for the audience. There’s no need to be clever or write like a novelist – simply tell it from the heart.
Come Prepared
There is nothing wrong with writing your speech down on paper or index cards to read from during the reception. Not everyone is comfortable speaking in front of large groups, and having the speech ready in advance is simply a good way to prepare father of the bride speech ‘hiccups’ before they occur. With the speech in hand, there’s no way you will forget the small details that make your moment in the spotlight special for your little girl.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Start in the comfort of your own home in front of a bedroom mirror. Read the speech out loud several times to see where you want to stress certain elements and which ones you want to sneak in for the big finish. Watch yourself in the mirror as you speak and pay close attention to your posture. Standing up straight adds strength to your voice and projects confidence.
Once you have mastered the mirror, find someone who will listen while you give a practice speech so as to respond with feedback. You may well know your speech and the little nuances the stories carry, but an impartial listener will be able to let you know what works and what isn’t.
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