This week we’re talking about speeches, and as someone who hates public speaking, this topic pretty much terrifies me. But I know that when I am asked to speak at a friend’s wedding, I will rise to the challenge and have a glass (or two) of bubbly before to calm my nerves.

Here are my top four suggestions for having the perfect wedding speech:

Say Yes: First and foremost, if you’re asked to speak at a wedding, you have to say yes. If you’re like me, from the moment you agree to it, to the moment you are standing up their speaking you will be freaking out, but you have to do it! You have to support your friends and family on their wedding day.

Let Your Personality Shine Through: Just be you! If you’re not funny, don’t try to be, if you’re not a crier, don’t worry about it! The bride and groom know you and want you to speak at their wedding so don’t worry about putting on a show. If you share your feelings about the couple and wish them the best of luck in their marriage your speech will be perfect!

Be Conscious of Time: This is one of the most important elements to writing a good wedding speech. Don’t make it too long, there are a lot of things to do during a wedding reception and there are most likely multiple speeches to get through so don’t hog the microphone! And on the other hand, don’t make it too short, you don’t want it to seem like you have nothing to say about the couple! Find a happy medium, usually somewhere between 2 and 3 minutes.

End with a Toast: Don’t forget your ending, encourage everyone to raise their glass and toast the happy couple!

And just like that, cheers, you are don’t with your public speaking for the evening!