Great wedding speeches have variety; disastrous ones tend to fail in the same handful of ways. Here are the mistakes that come up again and again - and how to sidestep every one.
1. Going on too long
The number one sin. Aim for three to five minutes. Nobody has ever complained a speech was too short.
2. The inside joke nobody gets
If only four people in the room understand it, it's not a joke - it's a private moment you've made everyone watch. Cut it or explain it.
3. Mentioning the ex
No exceptions, no "but it's funny," no exes. Ever.
4. Reading it cold off your phone
Screens lock, and staring at a phone kills all eye contact. Use cards, and practise enough that you're glancing, not reading.
5. Drinking for courage first
A drink to settle the nerves is fine. Three is a speech nobody can follow. Save the celebrating for after you sit down.
6. The joke that punches down
Anything that humiliates rather than teases. If the room might feel sorry for the person instead of laughing with them, cut it.
7. Forgetting the partner
Best men especially: you're not just roasting the groom, you're welcoming the person he married. Say something warm and specific about them.
8. No emotional turn
All jokes and no heart leaves the speech feeling hollow. Land one true, sincere moment near the end.
9. Winging it
Improvisation plus nerves equals disaster. Prepare properly - it's what lets you relax, not the opposite.
10. The rambling, structureless middle
Without a shape, speeches wander. Open, tell one or two stories, turn warm, toast. That's it.
11. Not practising out loud
Reading in your head hides every clumsy sentence. Say it aloud, three times minimum. Your future self will thank you.
Avoid all eleven at once
SpeechAnvil is built around avoiding exactly these mistakes - right length, real stories, a proper structure, and an emotional landing - written from your answers, in your voice. See your plan free before you decide.