INSTANT MC :: entertaining & organised Master of Ceremonies

A bride and groom will invariably be sent a well-written, sincere speech that needs to be read aloud to the audience.

This often originates from a close friend who was originally invited but could not make it to the reception because they are overseas or interstate.

It is best scheduled to be read during the speeches section; towards the beginning of the list of speakers is the better option.

This episode needs to handled correctly; and in the hands of someone skilled, the reading can be both sincere and humorous; so choosing the most appropriate person is important.

First and foremost, the speech needs to be read by someone with an excellent voice that can be heard by everyone. The speaker must be able to carry-off the intonations intended by the writer. Each word must be clearly understood. This person must also possess a good good sight-reading ability.

That is why this task is usually done by the professional MC.

Secondly, to give the speech extra added meaning, it could be read out by someone who already has a close relationship with the writer
eg a sister, brother, cousin or parent.

I recall on one occasion when the couple provided a framed 10″ x 8″ colour photo of the absent writer (see attached photo) This worked very well and really added a sense of reality to the occasion.

How to read out a wedding speech written by someone from overseas

If you are video-taping the speeches, another tip is for the speaker to refer directly to the writer via the camera. In other words, to speak to the writer through the lens of the camera and include them in the occasion so they are not so ‘absent’.