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Maid of Honor Speech?
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The Maid of Honor, usually a sister or close friend of the bride, has the honor of delivering the speech.
Let's start by watching an outstanding example.
Sarah spoke at the wedding of her college friend and roommate. We'll talk about the strengths of this speech shortly.
Video Source: Wedding Toast From the Maid Of Honor "You're My Sister." www.youtube.com
This Maid of Honor Speech has plenty of strengths:
Content
+Sarah begins by introducing herself as the Maid of Honor and mentions how honored she is to have that role in the wedding.
+Sarah informs the guests that she has been best friends with the bride's for 8 years.
+Well organized- Three main points: The day that they met in college, life during their Senior Year, and their friendship after college--to the point that they are just like sisters.
+After wishing happiness and joy to the bride and groom, Sarah asks everybody to raise their glasses at the 2:58 mark. Sarah then concludes her speech with a brief toast.
Delivery
+Terrific Eye Contact- Aside from an occasional glance at her notes, Sarah makes constant eye contact with the audience.
+Excellent Vocal Variety- Sarah speaks in a conversational tone, not a monotone voice.
About the Maid of Honor Speech...
Is there a huge difference between the Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor Speech? Not really.
Technically, you are the Maid of Honor if you are single and the Matron of Honor if you are married.
But, I've been at weddings where married women were referred to as the Maid of Honor. Everything else about the speech is the same.
Please note: To keep things simple, we'll refer to this speech as the Maid of Honor Speech.
The speech lasts between 3 and 5 minutes.
The purpose is to talk about your relationship with the bride and possibly the groom, reflect on a memory or two, pay some complements, and wish the couple well.
Soon, we'll talk about some ways to easily place these elements into your Maid of Honor Speech.
In a hurry?
"I will write an epic Maid of Honor Wedding Speech for You"
At what occasions will the Maid of Honor Speak?
Be sure to get a handle on this well in advance because you may speak at any or all of these events:
Bridal/Couple's Shower
Rehearsal Dinner
Wedding Reception
The most formal event will probably be the Reception. The Rehearsal Dinner can also be formal, but feel a little more relaxed than the Reception.
The speech formula that you see on the Speech Format Page is appropriate for any of these occasions.
The Order of Reception Speeches
The typical, but not required speaking order is:
1st: Father or Mother of the Bride (unless he/she speaks last)
2nd: Groom
3rd: Best Man
4th: Maid of Honor
5th: Father or Mother of the Groom
6th: Other Speakers
Final Speaker: Father/Mother of the Bride (unless he/she speaks first)
The order of Rehearsal Dinner Speeches
A common, but not required speaking order is:
1st: Father or Mother of the Groom
2nd: Father or Mother of the Bride
3rd: Best Man
4th: Maid of Honor
5th: Bride and Groom or Other Speakers
6th: Other Speakers or Bride and Groom
The order of the Bridal/Couple's Shower Speeches tends to vary.
Maid of Honor Speech Format
Introduction
*Say your Name and introduce yourself as the Maid of Honor.
*Say your relationship with the bride/groom (brother, friend, etc.)
*Thank the guests for attending
*Thank the host(s) of the event
*Finally, say the main points that you will discuss during the speech body.
Body
*Explain the two or three ideas that you previewed in the introduction (college stories, three positive qualities, etc.).
Conclusion and Toast
*Repeat Your Main Points. This is a signal to the audience that your speech is coming to an end.
*Ask everybody to please raise their glasses for a toast to the couple.
*Give your toast
*Say Cheers! and expect a similar response from the guests.
Note: we will go into more detail about this format on the Speech Outline and Speech Writing Pages.
Where should you go from here?
If you want to go from start to finish, view all of these pages in order. Or just look over the specific areas that would be most helpful to you.
Start by clicking on speaking areas listed to the side or below that you want to visit.
See the Speech Anxiety Page if you want to tackle your nervousness and speak with more confidence.
The Audience Analysis Page is a must. Learning about your audience can be the difference between an outstanding speech and a disaster.
You might be thinking of making this a funny speech. Before you do, view the Funny Speech Page.
If you want to complement your speech with a special touch, but don't know what to add, scan the Wedding Poem Page for some ideas.
Using Visual Aids? This can be tricky and fall apart if you are not prepared. See the Visual Aids Page for the do's and don'ts before going down this path.
Check out the Speech Outline Page to see a 3-step formula for a Maid of Honor Speech that the audience will follow, understand, and enjoy.
Check out the Speech Writing Page to quickly and painlessly organize your speech.
The Delivery Tips Page will show you some tips to help you speak like a pro.
Every coach says "Practice! Practice! Practice!" Why? Because it works. Wedding Speeches are no exception. Go to the Practice Page to find the fastest and easiest ways to focus your practices.
Please click on the desired link to continue
Go to Practice Your Speech Evaluation Form
"I will write an epic Maid of Honor Wedding Speech for You"
