Anniversary Speech

An anniversary toast is a time-honored tradition. However, many people also have considerable apprehensive about preparing and delivering an effective anniversary toast. Consider these tips.

Anniversary Speech for Self

What you should do:

  • Start preparing for your anniversary speech far in advance of your speech. Jotting something down on a napkin immediately before you present your anniversary speech will only make you look unprepared. This approach will likely result in considerable public speaking anxiety.
  • Prepare notes or an outline for your anniversary speech. Presumably you are not a professional public speaker; no one is expecting to see Barack Obama. Prepare notes that state your introduction verbatim (but don’t read them verbatim). Outline your key topics. Write your transition sentences and your conclusion verbatim. But, if possible, do not read anything directly from your notes.
  • It’s an obvious one, but don’t forget it: How long have you been married?
  • How did you meet your spouse? What humorous story can you tell about the first time you met?

What you can do:

  • Tell a joke. This is the most risk you can take when giving an anniversary speech. Timing is everything when you’re telling a joke. As a result, your stage fright may really throw off your timing. In addition, remember your audience. An anniversary speech audience can be a very diverse one.
  • Tell a funny story. Again, public speaking anxiety/fear of public speaking may hamper you efforts. However, telling a funny and endearing story can be very effective. Again, remember your audience.

What you should never do (not an exhaustive list):

  • Give a canned anniversary speech you read on the Internet.
  • Embarrass your spouse. Giving your relationship with your spouse a humorous spin may be appreciated by your audience, but make sure your anniversary speech humor will be appreciated by your spouse.
  • Swear during your anniversary speech.
  • Give an anniversary speech intoxicated.

Anniversary Speech for Another

What you should do:

  • Start preparing for your anniversary speech far in advance of your speech. Jotting something down on a napkin immediately before you give your anniversary speech will only make you look unprepared. This approach will likely result in considerable public speaking anxiety.
  • Prepare notes or an outline for your anniversary speech. Presumably you are not a professional public speaker; no one is expecting to see Barack Obama. Prepare notes that state your introduction verbatim (but don’t read them verbatim). Outline your key topics. Write your transition sentences and your conclusion verbatim. But, if possible, do not read anything directly from your notes.
  • Compare notes with other presenters prior to your speech. You may experience undue public speaking anxiety if you hear your key story or punch line told immediately before your anniversary speech. Consequently, compare notes with the other anniversary speech orators to avoid overlap, promote possible common themes and create smooth transitions between speakers.
  • Who are you? What is your name? Don’t assume that everyone in your audience knows who you are.
  • What is your relationship to the couple? Why are you giving an anniversary speech on this couple’s behalf?

What you can do:

  • Tell a joke. This is the most risk you can take giving an anniversary speech. Timing is everything when you’re telling a joke. As a result, your public speaking anxiety may really throw off your timing. In addition, remember your audience. An anniversary speech audience can be very diverse.
  • Tell a funny story. However, fear of public speaking may really hamper your efforts. However, telling a funny and endearing story can be very effective. Again, remember your audience.

What you should never do (not an exhaustive list):

  • Give a canned anniversary speech you read on the Internet.
  • Take this opportunity to grandstand. Your anniversary speech is not about you;
  • Swear during your anniversary speech.
  • Give an anniversary speech intoxicated.

Joanne Wilgren, Staff Writer ( wilgren.Joanne@bravina.com)

Comments

toast

do I finish with a toast?

Posted by Hal_arnold

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