Speech guides
Practical, British advice on writing and delivering the speech.
Wedding speeches
Best man speech structure: a UK template that works
A tried-and-tested running order for a British best man speech, with timings, sample lines for each section, and what to leave out.
Father of the bride speech: a complete guide
How to write a father of the bride speech that's warm, personal and the right length – who to thank, how to welcome the groom, and sample lines for every section.
How long should a wedding speech be?
Recommended lengths for every wedding speech converted into word counts, why shorter usually lands better, and practical ways to cut your draft.
Maid of honour speech: a UK guide with sample lines
Maid of honour and bridesmaid speeches are increasingly common at British weddings. How to structure yours, sample lines, and what to avoid.
Groom speech: structure, sample lines and tips
The groom's speech is mostly thank-yous done well, plus one moment that makes your new spouse well up. Here's how to structure it, with sample lines.
Bride speech: a modern guide for British weddings
More brides are speaking at their weddings. A simple structure, how to coordinate with your partner, sample lines, and ideas for a speech that sounds like you.
Wedding speech order in the UK: traditional and modern
The traditional order of wedding speeches in Britain, what each speaker does and toasts, when speeches happen, and how modern couples change it.
Funny best man speech examples (that won't upset Gran)
Original funny best man speech lines and example passages you can adapt, plus why some jokes land and others die – written for British weddings.
Best man speech dos and don'ts
The practical etiquette of a British best man speech: what to do before, during and after, and the mistakes that most often go wrong.
Father of the bride speech examples
Original father of the bride speech examples – a full sample speech plus alternative lines for funny, emotional, and blended-family weddings.
Mother of the bride speech: guide and examples
A practical guide to the mother of the bride speech: when to speak, what to include, sample lines, and how to share the slot with the father of the bride.
Groom speech thank-you list: who to thank (and how)
A complete checklist of who the groom should thank in a UK wedding speech, in what order, with sample lines that keep the thank-yous warm rather than dull.
Short wedding toasts: examples for every speaker
Short, original wedding toast examples for parents, friends, siblings and guests, plus a simple formula for writing your own in a few minutes.
How to end a wedding speech (with example closing lines)
Strong endings for wedding speeches – how to move from funny to heartfelt, how to call the toast properly, and example closing lines for every speaker.
Scottish and Irish wedding speech traditions
How wedding speeches differ at Scottish and Irish weddings – the order, toasts, blessings and phrases – with tips for including them respectfully.
Eulogies and funerals
How to write a eulogy: a gentle, practical guide
A step-by-step, compassionate guide to writing and delivering a eulogy or funeral tribute, including length, structure, sample lines and what to do if you get upset.
Writing a eulogy for your mum
Gentle guidance on writing a eulogy for your mother, with a simple structure, prompts to help you remember, example passages and ways to close.
Writing a eulogy for your dad
A practical, gentle guide to writing a eulogy for your father – prompts to find memories, a simple structure, example passages and closing lines.
Writing a eulogy for a grandparent
How to write a eulogy for your nan, grandma, grandad or grandpa – including for younger speakers – with a simple structure, prompts and example passages.
Retirement and leaving speeches
Retirement speech tips: what to say, whether you're retiring or giving the toast
How to write a retirement speech for yourself or a colleague: structure, tone, sample lines, and how to keep it short, warm and memorable.
Leaving speech for a colleague: short, warm and easy
How to give a short leaving-do speech for a colleague in the office or the pub: a two-minute structure, a full example and lines you can adapt.
Retirement speech for your boss
How to give a retirement speech for your boss or manager that's respectful, warm and funny without crossing a line – with structure and sample lines.
Funny leaving speech ideas (for colleagues and for your own send-off)
Original funny lines and ideas for leaving-do speeches – whether you're saying goodbye to a colleague or giving your own farewell – that stay on the right side of HR.
Birthdays and other occasions
50th birthday speech: ideas, structure and examples
How to write a 50th birthday speech for a partner, parent, friend or yourself – structure, example lines, and how to tease about turning fifty without causing offence.
Delivery and nerves
How to calm nerves before a speech
Practical, proven ways to manage nerves before a wedding speech, eulogy or work speech – from preparation in the weeks before to breathing techniques in the final minute.
Speechwriting and AI
Will AI replace speechwriters?
An honest look at what AI does well and badly for speeches, why your own stories and delivery still matter, and the outlook for professional speechwriters.