How to Write a Speech for a Class Reunion

Public speaking terrifies some people and the anxiety may double if you must write the speech yourself. Preparing a speech for a class reunion doesn't have to stress you out if you plan and put the event in perspective. After all, you're only speaking to friends and former classmates. You're not making a State of the Union address.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Prepare by reminiscing with old friends or flipping through yearbooks. See what feelings the stories and pictures evoke. Keep a journal with ideas for quotes and anecdotes that you pick up or remember.
2. Ask the reunion coordinator how long you will have to deliver a speech. Keep your speech to under 10 minutes, since this length will generally produce the best result in a class reunion setting.
3. Be humorous and evoke the period you are writing about, using language and even imagery from that time. Refer to different people at the gathering as you speak. Write a rough draft and compose a natural speech that sounds conversational.
4. Forget proper grammar and punctuation. Make the speech sound like you. Compose it in a large double-spaced font that you can easily read if you don't think you can memorize it. Or just right the highlights of each point on index cards and follow them. For instance, one index card reading "Mr. Hale's colorful suspenders" can prompt a story about a teacher's funny and unusual sartorial choices that will sound extemporaneous if you're not reading it word for word.
5. Practice your speech minimally. You don't want to sound stiff or formal. Remember it's your speech. No one knows what you plan to say so they won't notice if you leave out any words or points. If you find yourself straining or feeling uncomfortable, make the words more suitable to your natural speaking style. Don't overthink this. No one will give you a failing grade if you're not perfect. Run through it a few times and then have fun with it. If you flub something in performance, laugh it off. No one will shoot you.

Tips & Warnings

• Be yourself. The best speeches come from the authenticity of the writer, so don't feel pressured to be something you're not.

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