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VIP April 2014

Is it okay to read a speech?

Alysa, on September 19, 2013 at 9:15 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 9

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I am the maid of honor in my friend's wedding tomorrow afternoon. I have a speech written, but I'm wondering if it is okay to bring it with me for the toast. I have horrible anxiety when I have to speak in front of large groups of people. I know if I try to memorize it, I will forget something, or just make a fool out of myself. I just want to have it there in case I need to read off it. As long as I make eye contact, is it okay to have my speech with me?

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9 Comments

Latest activity by Tiffany M. ( Tiffany P.), on September 19, 2013 at 10:14 AM

VIP October 2013
TheNewMrsT · on September 19, 2013 at 9:19 AM
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I did at my sisters bc I do terrible with public speaking...no one cared at all!
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Master November 2013
T. · on September 19, 2013 at 9:22 AM
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Take it with you, absolutely!
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VIP October 2013
Laura Nicole · on September 19, 2013 at 9:22 AM
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I think it's normal to have at least notes with you. My general rule of thumb is try to memorize it, but have it there to refer to if I need to. As a guest, I'd much rather someone read a speech than ramble on aimlessly forever trying to remember what they wanted to say!
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Master October 2011
Ab · on September 19, 2013 at 9:27 AM
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Every wedding I've been to speeches were on paper..The toasters didn't read word for word off of it, but I think it will help decrease your anxiety if you have the whole thing with you!
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VIP October 2013
May · on September 19, 2013 at 9:32 AM
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Definitely okay! FH scanned his speech on his phone for his best man speech last year.
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Expert April 2014
Emmerdoodle · on September 19, 2013 at 10:04 AM
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Definitely!! I've seen notes/written speeches more often than not! Go for it and good luck!
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Super May 2014
SW517 · on September 19, 2013 at 10:10 AM
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I just gave one and had it all written out. I was a bit nervous as well. At one point I was shaking so Mich I couldn't even read it, but I made it through the entire speech thanks to that paper!
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Celia Milton · on September 19, 2013 at 10:13 AM
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You don't have to memorize it
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Master August 2012
Tiffany M. ( Tiffany P.) · on September 19, 2013 at 10:14 AM
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I had mine on a paper I brought with me when I was MOH in my SIL's wedding this past March. My MOH also had some notes with her when she did hers.
Even DH and I had our speech with us when we did it.
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