The groom should avoid lengthy pauses. Pauses during the speech should be timed perfectly. Otherwise, they break the flow in the speech and make it look inappropriate. While pauses can magnify the meaning of the words, they can have an opposite effect also. Using words like ‘umm’ and ‘ahh’, which are just phonetic sounds should be kept to the minimum.

Repetition of the same thing can make the speech boring and sticking to the point is important. Having a positive approach to interruptions is essential. One should not let his facial expressions show discomfort on being interrupted during the speech. This is quite natural as he is interacting with his close ones. Keeping a reign on his line of thoughts, while answering the comments with good humor, is essential. The groom should be prepared for this.

The body language should exude charm and comfort. Continuous eye movement often makes the guests uncomfortable. Thus, it is better to scan the audience at a normal pace than to try to locate someone frantically in a sea of faces. Avoid frowning. If during the speech, you are stuck up just take a fleeting glance at the piece of paper in hand. However, under no circumstances should one read from it. During the speech if one feels that he needs to take a look at his notes it should be done well in advance. He should not come to an end of his line of thoughts and then look down for help. This breaks the continuity and makes him look unprepared.

One should not look grim and up tight. Breathing is relaxing and taking a few deep breaths before commencing the speech is helpful.

The pace of the speech should be controlled. It should not look like one is trying to get over with it. If one tries to speak too fast then it might leave him gasping for air. Talking too slowly can make it boring. So the right thing is to pace is perfectly and breathe at the gaps, not in the middle of the sentence.

One should not speak things without meaning them. Speech without thought comes across easily and looks artificial. Therefore, it is important to know what one is speaking. Hence, it is significant that you concentrate on the speech when it is being delivered, and also rehearse the lines in advance.

Avoid lisping and slurring. Obviously, it is a great day but keeping a reign on the number of pints gulped down until the speech is done with, is vital. After all, you have all the time to enjoy yourself. Avoiding such embarrassing situations is in ones own hands.

Often, men find it embarrassing to discuss their feelings in front of many people, and at a wedding, there are many people whom the groom is going to have met for the first time. A large part of the bride’s family is often amongst them. Sometimes there are his relatives too, whom he has perhaps not seen for years. Letting out his deepest feelings in front of so many people, some of whom he will meet for the first time will certainly feel a little awkward. The groom wants to give it his best shot to have the perfect first impression. Therefore, the pressure is definitely high!

The first and the foremost thing is not the content of the grooms speech. What is more important is the style of delivery, which the groom obviously wants to be with ease and élan. A simple statement said with deepest feelings can have a more touching effect than using long, tongue twisting words. The content is surely important but the feelings give it a life. Heart felt words linger for a longer time. So, one can avoid using references and stories in the speech that will make you uncomfortable. Keeping it simple and meaningful is the trick.

While writing the speech the groom can use references and quotes of great authors. Referring to other people’s speeches is okay, as long as it is not parrot-like. Many writers have expressed themselves in beautiful words. Referring to them does give a speech an added poignance.

Once the speech is written, the delivery of the speech has to be effortless. It should be done in a manner that shows the true feelings of the groom towards his bride. It is his chance of strengthening his bond with her in a way that will hold a special place in her heart forever. One can use references or keep a note while speaking but should not read it out from a piece of paper. This looks very artificial. Another thing to keep a check on is not repeating oneself. Just because one has a good line and wants to draw attention does not allow repetitiveness. It is bound to make as much impact as it should if it is said in a befitting manner.