Throughout my years of emceeing; I realize a lot of individuals always tend to adopt stage fright when they are given the “famed” moment of giving a speech at a friend/family event.
It’s not that difficult you know …ok ok I know what some of you are saying, “For you it’s easy”. Relax I am here to say….it is.
Let’s start first and foremost by you simply accepting the responsibility that you will be giving a speech at the family party. Once that is out of the way, it then means that understand that this charge is something that you must do as your physical presence, words and delivery is therefore beneficial and requested by others, “Hey there must be some special characteristic about you that makes you the chosen one huh”.
Secondly, grab something that feels like a microphone and speak away into it as if you are winging the speech or at least the key points. This helps you to gather all your thoughts and test your confidence level. Some individuals prefer to write and memorize a speech and practice ahead of time. This is also ok, but requires a great sense of diligence and practice as you need to be comfortable with yourself and your delivery. In addition, something as simple as taking deep breaths also helps you to be calm and collected during your practice.
On the day of the party or event, it is wise to arrive early if you are a novice at giving speeches. Go up to the disc jockey and ask to do a microphone check. Get a feel for the microphone, and hear yourself amidst the public audience system and speakers as to define how you sound and get comfortable with your voice. Always stand away from the speakers as it gives off a bad feed back and echo. Stand in the middle of the dance floor or wherever is required and acclimatize yourself to that position; own it and make it your territory. At first, the folks who may already be at the party will definitely stare. Don’t allow that to distract you, be focused. You can even say some funny things to get yourself warmed up – that always helps me. ☺
However if you aren’t able to do a sound check and it’s time for the speech, remember take a deep breath and say to yourself no one is here to judge you, after all you’ll be surrounded by family and friends. Hold the microphone firmly, place it close to your mouth and most importantly SPEAK CLEARLY and be confident. Your self assurance is what will baffle your audience and convince them that you have done this many times before. You can act like an emcee, and get your crowd excited instantly. Greet them, ask them how they are doing and make them cheer on. Once you have done this, immediately start with your speech. Continue with that self esteem that you are instantaneously developing as you speak; allow that to fuel you as it transforms into adrenaline.
Hey! If you make a mistake, move on. I have seen where people dwell, pause for too long when they make a mistake. It’s ok…move on!
At the end of the day, no one is there to judge you. You are a human being just like them. However you are the chosen one, so obviously you must have some distinctive and extraordinary feature about you that beckoned you up on that stage before all of them.
Good luck and cheers to a bold, confident, happy speech.