. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a 'natural performer', there are simple techniques that you can learn to get you through the apprehension that sometimes goes with public speaking.

If you've got a wedding speech coming up and frankly dread

A wedding is a joyous occasion for the bride and groom, their family and friends. But there are some people for whom the wedding reception holds a challenge unlike almost any other. The cause of their fear is simple: they're going to have to make a speech!

Anxiety about public speaking can afflict people from all walks of life. Some people fear that the audience will be hostile; others, that they will dry up or be humiliated in some way. For many of us, it's just an unspoken terror to be avoided at all costs.

It's sad that a social phobia like this should have the power to spoil one's enjoyment of the wedding celebrations. If you're the father of the bride, the groom or the best man -- or indeed anyone who's planning to stand up and speak to the assembled guests -- you're certainly not alone in feeling apprehensive. But help is at hand!

Any actor accustomed to first night nerves knows that the physical signs of fear are natural symptoms that can be managed with the right preparation and mind-set. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a 'natural performer', there are simple techniques that you can learn to get you through the apprehension that sometimes goes with public speaking.

If you've got a wedding speech coming up and frankly dread t

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Anxiety about public speaking can afflict people from all walks of life. Some people fear that the audience will be hostile; others, that they will dry up or be humiliated in some way. For many of us, it's just an unspoken terror to be avoided at all costs.

It's sad that a social phobia like this should have the power to spoil one's enjoyment of the wedding celebrations. If you're the father of the bride, the groom or the best man -- or indeed anyone who's planning to stand up and speak to the assembled guests -- you're certainly not alone in feeling apprehensive. But help is at hand!

Any actor accustomed to first night nerves knows that the physical signs of fear are natural symptoms that can be managed with the right preparation and mind-set. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a 'natural performer', there are simple techniques that you can learn to get you through the apprehension that sometimes goes with public speaking.

If you've got a wedding speech coming up and frankly dread

costs.

It's sad that a social phobia like this should have the power to spoil one's enjoyment of the wedding celebrations. If you're the father of the bride, the groom or the best man -- or indeed anyone who's planning to stand up and speak to the assembled guests -- you're certainly not alone in feeling apprehensive. But help is at hand!

Any actor accustomed to first night nerves knows that the physical signs of fear are natural symptoms that can be managed with the right preparation and mind-set. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a 'natural performer', there are simple techniques that you can learn to get you through the apprehension that sometimes goes with public speaking.

If you've got a wedding speech coming up and frankly dread

embled guests -- you're certainly not alone in feeling apprehensive. But help is at hand!

Any actor accustomed to first night nerves knows that the physical signs of fear are natural symptoms that can be managed with the right preparation and mind-set. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a 'natural performer', there are simple techniques that you can learn to get you through the apprehension that sometimes goes with public speaking.

If you've got a wedding speech coming up and frankly dread

. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a 'natural performer', there are simple techniques that you can learn to get you through the apprehension that sometimes goes with public speaking.

If you've got a wedding speech coming up and frankly dread the thought, here are seven ideas to help you beat the jitters:

1. Nervousness is natural and to be expected. Even the most seasoned performers experience it from time to time. Don't be thrown by the feeling or attempt to blot it out -- instead, why not try to use the energy that comes from the feeling to give your delivery a boost?
2. Learn to recognize the symptoms and manage them. For example, you may find yourself taking faster, shallower breaths, so allow yourself a moment to breathe slowly and deeply before you start to speak to help you relax.
3. Plan your speech to suit your audience. Your confidence will be bolstered by a warm and appreciative response from the party -- so choose a theme that will appeal to a cross-section of your listeners. Don't be tempted to tell risque stories or jokes that may offend a particular group of guests. Get to know the family on both sides in order to choose appropriate material.
4. Know that the audienc