The wedding is an important event in the life of a girl, and being father of the bride is a unique honor which you will probably just have once or a few times. However, as honorable as it is, few people actually look forward to doing it. There's pressure on you to deliver an impressive and memorable speech, often in front of a big audience, and not to mess up your daughter's big day. Here are a few simple tips for writing and delivering an impressive and memorable speech:

- when writing, split your speech into several sections: introduction, middle, and closing. Write down a few ideas for each. Ask yourself a few questions, like for instance: what do you know about the groom (good things, of course!), what are the most important things you have to say to encourage your daughter. Recall any funny (but positive!) anecdotes you may know about your daughter.

- for starters, you can briefly introduce yourself, since probably not everyone in the audience will know you. It is also the right place to say a few words to thank the people hosting the wedding - unless it isn't you.

- the best way to lay out the body of your speech is by formulating a series of points that you would like to raise. The points should be ganised so that related points follow one another so that each point builds upon the previous one. This will also give your speech a more logical progression.

- for the closing, it's hard to go wrong with a traditional toast or blessing for the couple. Make your toast loud and impressive, don't forget to have a glass around, and drink to your toast yourself.

- when giving the speech, make eye contact with your audience. This helps to build trust and a relationship with the listeners. Do not fidget or make other nervous gestures with your hands. Do not keep your hands in your pockets. Use moderate, wide, relaxed hand gestures.

- take your time speaking. It is common for people to speak too rapidly when nervous. Try to avoid this by consciously speaking in a calm, relaxed tone. Don't be too quiet, especially if you don't have a microphone. Make pauses after key sentences.

- if you want to be really thorough, you can write down your toast or your basic speech structure on a note card and practice delivering the speech a few times in front of a mirror.

- most important of all - be natural. Don't use any overly pompous phrases or elaborate vocabulary. It's the simple, heartfelt words that are remembered and valued.

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