Public speaking isn’t everyone’s glass of champagne. Write your wedding rehearsal dinner speech beforehand to calm nerves and take the pressure off when you're in the spotlight. Your wedding rehearsal dinner speech is a fantastic opportunity to thank those nearest and dearest for sharing this special event with you and your husband-to-be. Follow these tips to write a memorable rehearsal wedding dinner speech, and get some pointers for overcoming stage fright.

All About Your Approach
If your nerves are getting the best of you, think of it this way: You’re not debating politics. Instead, you're actually getting to say kind words to those you care most about. Put the focus on them, not you. Make your family, friends, and your husband-to-be your focus. As soon as you take the focus off yourself, your nerves will calm far before your spoon hits your champagne glass.

Speak From the Heart
Instead of focusing on what you think you should say, just say what feels right to you during your wedding rehearsal dinner. A lot of people tend to make the mistake of writing a witty and self-indulgent speech that doesn’t actually say anything about how they really feel. If you open up your heart to see what message is in there, you won’t have any trouble finding the words.

Truth in Comedy
A common mistake is to try to be funny. Trying to be funny will never get you laughs. What will get you laughs is the truth. For example, if there's a story that you’ve been dying to share with your guests about your soon-to-be husband, go ahead and share it! If you’re being truthful, you won’t sound like a robot, and they will listen closely and probably laugh.

Specifics
It’s important to thank specific family members in your wedding rehearsal dinner toasts. Your immediate family members and those who put the most time and effort into planning the wedding rehearsal dinner and your wedding. Talk about your husband-to-be. This is a great way for your friends and family to get a glimpse of his personality. If you’re not sure how to end your speech, find a famous quote about love and family.

Relax and Have Fun
Most importantly, relax, kick back and have a good time! What matters most is that you enjoy this experience because it will be over before you can say “Cheers!”

How to Relax
If public speaking has your tongue tied, follow these tips before the wedding rehearsal dinner toasts to help you relax.

• Meditation: You have two options with meditation: You can either focus on one thought or allow them to slip by. If you choose the latter then let go of the thoughts as they come up rather than holding onto them.
• Massage: If time permits this extravagance, a massage will relax your body and mind.
• Deep Breathing: When you breathe deeply this increases the oxygen flow to your entire body, which will naturally calm you. While breathing deeply, focus on relaxing your mind.
• Listening to Music: Actors and comedians listen to music before a big show. It takes the focus off the intensity of the event.
  

Check Out When to Toast and When to "Roast!"
Check Out Wedding Toast Advice
Check Out Avoiding Jitters Before Your Wedding