Nerves are part of it
Almost everyone gets nervous before a speech, including people who speak in public all the time. The nerves show that the moment matters to you. You don't have to get rid of them. You just have to be able to speak with them.
It helps to look at who you're speaking to. At a wedding, a birthday or a leaving do, there's no panel of judges in front of you, just people who are on your side. They want your speech to go well, because they're celebrating the same person you are.
Practise, but properly
The most effective preparation is practising out loud. Reading silently in your head feels reassuring and does very little, because you've never heard the sentences in your own voice.
- Read the whole speech aloud several times, ideally standing up, the way you'll deliver it.
- Time it. Then you know the length is right and don't have to worry about it on the day.
- Practise once in front of someone you trust. You'll notice straight away where a joke snags or a sentence runs too long.
- Don't memorise it word for word. If you speak from memory and lose one sentence, you often lose the whole thread. Know the order of your thoughts instead.
- Mark your pauses, especially after punchlines and before the ending.
If you write with Moverba, the Standard plan includes practice mode: you hear your speech read aloud, time it and read along with the teleprompter.
Your first line carries you
The first few seconds are the hardest, and after that it almost always gets easier. So it's worth knowing exactly this part inside out: the greeting and the first two or three sentences. Learn those by heart. You can read everything after that. For opening lines that give you a confident start, see how to write a best man speech.
After your first line, look up once. If someone smiles, you've already got past the hardest part.
Cards, not your phone
A phone is a poor companion for a speech. The screen goes dark, notifications pop up, and your head stays down. Cards or a printed sheet work better:
- Large type, so you can read it in dim light and without glasses.
- Numbered cards, in case you drop them.
- Key points or full text: key points make you freer, full text makes you feel safer. Both are fine.
- Write out your first line and your ending word for word, whatever else you do.
From the Standard plan, Moverba creates printable A6 cue cards, with key points or the full text.
On the day
- Eat something. Nerves get worse on an empty stomach.
- Have a glass of water ready. A sip is the most natural pause in the world.
- Don't drink for courage. A glass for the toast is fine, but more won't improve your punchlines.
- Talk to whoever is running the event. When are you on, is there a microphone, where will you stand?
- Give a copy of your speech to someone you trust. If anything happens, they can read on for you.
The first few seconds
When you walk up, you have time. Nobody expects you to start talking straight away.
- Stand still, both feet firmly on the floor.
- Breathe out slowly, once. A long, slow breath out calms you noticeably.
- Look around the room and find a friendly face.
- Then begin, more slowly than feels right.
With a microphone, keep about a hand's width away and speak into it, not over it. If you're not sure people can hear you, just ask: “Can everyone at the back hear me?” It relaxes you and the room.
If something goes wrong
Something almost always goes slightly wrong. That's fine, as long as you stay calm.
- You lose your place: pause, look at your card, and carry on. The audience doesn't know your script and will take the pause as deliberate.
- Your voice cracks: take a breath, have a sip of water, keep reading. In a moving speech that isn't a mistake, it's a moment everyone understands.
- A joke falls flat: just keep going. Nobody is waiting for the laugh except you.
- Someone heckles: smile, acknowledge it briefly, and go back to your text.
Giving a eulogy
A eulogy is a different kind of task. You don't have to prove anything or entertain anyone. You're allowed to read every word, to speak slowly and to cry. Plan the places where you'll pause to breathe, and agree with someone beforehand that they'll take over if you can't go on. Often just knowing someone is ready is enough to get you through it on your own. For gentle help with the writing itself, read how to write a eulogy.
Saying your vows
Vows are short, but they are often the most nerve-racking moment of the day. Write them on a card, give your officiant a copy, and look at the person you're marrying rather than at the guests. If your voice breaks, take a breath and carry on. More tips are in how to write your wedding vows.
Checklist for the day of your speech
- You've practised out loud and timed the speech.
- You know the opening and the ending by heart.
- Cards or a printout in large type are ready, numbered.
- You know when you're on and whether there's a microphone.
- A glass of water is within reach.
- Someone you trust has a copy.
Last updated: 26 September 2026