Party Formalities: How to Prevent Speeches from Killing the Vibe
Depending on the occasion, you might find yourself unable to escape the tradition of delivering a speech. But don’t stress! When done right, speeches can add a layer of entertainment and sentimentality to your event. However, there’s a fine line between a speech that enhances the party and one that brings the fun to a grinding halt. Here are some tips to ensure your speeches don’t become the reason your guests head for the exit, or start scrolling through their phones in boredom.
Should You Have Speeches?
First things first, you need to ask yourself whether a speech is necessary at all. Depending on the type of event, speeches may be expected, or they could be something you can skip out on.
Pros of having speeches:
- A well thought-out and well-delivered speech can be engaging and funning, adding a layer of entertainment to your event and giving your guests something to talk about.
- Speeches show gratitude and it’s a great opportunity to thank your guests for attending.
Cons of having speeches:
- Speeches can interrupt the flow of the party and break up the vibe
- Speeches can cause unnecessary stress on you and your friends/family members if they’re not comfortable with public speaking
If your event is a milestone, such as a 21st, 30th, or 50th birthday, your guests will probably be expected a speech or two so don’t disappoint! It can be as simple as a quick thank you, but it’s better to have something prepared rather than having to wing it.
When Should Speeches Happen?
When it comes to speeches, timing is everything. If you’re having a formal event or milestone birthday party, your guests will likely be expecting there to be speeches at some point. This can mean that your guests might hold back from fully engaging in the party until the festivities are over, so we always recommend getting the speeches out of the way as early as possible.
Here are some things to consider:
- Wait until majority of your guests have arrived.
- Ensure key people, such as close friends & family, are present.
- Don’t wait too long or people may get too comfortable (or have a few too many drinks) and they won’t care about listening.
How Long Should the Speeches Be?
The length of your speeches can make or break them. No matter how funny, engaging, or heartfelt your speech is, your audience will start to lose interest after about 8 minutes. This time limit also applies if multiple people are speaking. In total, aim for no more than 8 minutes for all speeches combined.
Our recommendation is to aim for 5 minutes, and limit the number of speakers to two. f you really want more people to speak, consider breaking it up into two segments: one speech before the cake cutting and another afterward. This prevents the dreaded “speech overload” and keeps the momentum going.
Thank your guests, share a few meaningful words or a funny story, offer a toast, and move on! The goal of any speech is to be memorable, but you also want to keep the party vibe alive.
Keep The Party Vibe Strong
Remember, your guests are there to party, not listen to a TED Talk. Speeches should enhance the event, not slow it down. Here are some final tips to ensure your speeches hit the right notes and don’t kill the vibe:
- Be entertaining and authentic: Make your speech funny by all means, but be sure it’s genuine!
- Plan ahead: Have your speech written down, or at least some jot down some key points to avoid getting stuck or rambling.
- Read the room: If people seem distracted or are getting restless, cut your speech short where possible.
- Include a toast: Wrap up your speech with a toast to the occasion to show it’s time to get back to the fun.
- Keep the flow: If you have multiple speeches, make sure there’s a smooth transition to avoid any awkwardness.
Conclusion
When done right, speeches can add value to your party, giving it a personal touch and offering a hearfelt moment to share with your guests. However, if they’re too long or poorly timed, they can interrupt the flow of your party and bring the energy down. The key is balance: be prepared, keep them short, and make sure if flows with the rest of your event. Get the formalities out of the way early and let the real party begin!
If you’re planning an event and need help with speeches or anything else, our expert team at Feel Good Events is here to help you create a party your guests won’t forget. Get in contact with us here!
