The Novice Emcee - Writing Your First Speech

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Guest Writer: Lynette Mitchell

Your friend has asked you to be emcee at her wedding. You said yes without thinking about what you were getting yourself into. It’s all right, though, because you’re prepared. You’ve got all your ducks in a row, and made your plans. Until you start writing your first speech.

The blank page is looming ominously in front of you. You have no idea where to start. I’ll give you some ideas.

Let’s start with something easy: the introductory speech.

Cast your mind back to the last wedding reception you went to. Think about what you were doing when you walked into the room. I bet your mind was not on what the emcee was doing up on the stage. You most probably didn’t even take much notice. Most probably your mind was on trying to find your seat, and catching up with old friends and acquaintances.

So, this is where your speech starts:

1. Get the guests’ attention. You may have to do this more than once on the day, since there’s bound to be a lot of noise.
2. Introduce yourself once everything has quietened down, and let everybody know why you are here.
3. Give them an abridged version of how the wedding reception will be run. Don’t make this part of the speech too long; you don’t want to put your audience to sleep.
4. Let the guests know where the amenities are, and any other rules the reception center has, such as smoking areas and emergency exits. If you don’t know this information, and are in a position to do so, give the reception center a call.
5. Let them all know your next announcement will be when the bride and groom arrive. You might even have a special signal for the event.

Use the same method to write any additional speeches. Try to remember your last reception, and what happened. Convey any information required, but keep the speech under five minutes, if you can, and the speeches will write themselves.

For more information, check out Lynette’s website: So, you’ve been asked to emcee a wedding.