Ep. 40 How to Write a Speech That Doesn't Suck

Have you ever wondered what the secret is to making a solid, impactful speech? Today’s guest, Eddie Rice, can show you how. Eddie Rice is the author of Toast: Short Speeches, Big Impact, which is all about writing speeches that won’t bore or tire your audience. There is a fine art to crafting an amazing speech, and Eddie has tips to help you craft one.

About ten years ago, Eddie entered a humor speech competition. In the second round, Eddie bombed on stage. He felt deflated and defeated, but his mentor was there to encourage him. Despite this challenge, he kept going to Toastmasters, honing his public speaking skills, and slowly getting better. If you want to be a great speaker, you have to learn to turn these obstacles into positive experiences.

The number one mistake guests make during their wedding speech is turning their toast into a roast. Remember: it’s a wedding, not your stand-up debut. Don’t tell stories you shouldn’t or try to embarrass anyone. If you want to make your speech unique and memorable, find a book or song that’s unique to the couple and quote that at the end.

A great wedding speech starts with a simple outline. Eddie recommends using the one-story structure. All you have to do is introduce yourself, explain how you know who you’re toasting, say one great story to honor them, give some heartfelt advice, and then close with your personalized quote. It’s that easy.

When making a speech, keep it short, use stories, and put effort into your structure. Don’t forget to rehearse in advance for the best outcome. If you want to learn more about making a great speech, you can find Eddie’s book on Amazon and other online retailers.