I must have checked the alarm clock a dozen times the night before the ceremony, making sure again and again that it was set for 7:00 a.m.. The wedding was at noon. I wanted to make sure I would be up well in time.

Being asked to make a wedding toast is one of life’s great honours. But for many people, it can also be one of life’s most stressful moments. Here are a few ways to make the experience bearable:

Be Prepared
The best way to overcome your fear of speaking to an audience is to do your homework (well in advance of the wedding). Take the time to think through what you want to say – and get those thoughts on paper. Avoid the temptation to write out your speech word for word – you will sound much more natural by using point-form notes to help guide you through your toast.