How to Make Your Wedding Speech Funny

Every speaker wants to raise the roof - or at least get a few smiles. Don't feel pressured to be funny. Just remember that everyone is on your side and they want your words to work as much as you do.

Establish Rapport with your Audience

A good way to get rapport is to refer to something that everyone can relate to, such as: "Phew! I don't know about you but I thought I was going to keel over in that church."

Make a Gag about Your Nerves

Don't panic about your nervousness. A great way is to acknowledge it with a joke or one liner. For example, the quote by Herbert V Prochnow and Herbert V Prochnow Jnr - "The brain is a wonderful thing. It never stops functioning from the time you're born until the moment you stand up to make a speech".

Practice Makes Perfect

Test out your speech on your friends and colleagues. Take note of their reaction, if they don't laugh or smile when they are meant to, then make some changes until you get the response you want.

Use Appropriate Jokes for your Audience

Think of your whole audience. Avoid private in-jokes, technical jargon and anything that might offend grandma! Be sensitive when making jokes about the bride or groom. Don't refer to previous partners or weight problems. If in doubt, leave it out!

Jokes aren't Everything

Sometimes a few heartfelt words can be just as effective. Stick to what you feel most comfortable doing and if jokes and humor aren't your thing, don't do it.

Timing and Delivery

You know what they say: 'the secret of comedy. is. in. the. timing.' And then they say: 'It ain't what you say, it's the way you say it.' They may be clichés, but they're true. Always speak clearly and be aware that public speakers usually speed up as they go. It may sound nice and slow to you, but could be coming across at breakneck speed. If people are laughing, enjoy the ride and don't try and talk over them!

If you are referring to notes, don't speak when you are looking down at them. Glance at them for a moment, look up and smile at everyone and speak - then repeat. Remember that you don't need to speak constantly as it gives your audience a break. If you're not afraid of silence, it makes you appear more confident and helps everyone relax. The gaps of silence between speaking feels about ten times longer than what it is, so just take it nice and slow.