Wedding guests can sniff an AI speech a mile off — here's how not to get caught
Most people want theirs to be the perfect combination of funny and heartfelt. But in the age of ChatGPT, more and more people are turning to AI to help them get it right.
Searches for 'how to write a wedding speech' peak every July, and according to greeting card marketplace thortful, AI-written speeches are becoming more common and more obvious.
The biggest giveaway? They're just not personal. And don't get us started on ChatGPT's annoying 'rule of three' function that uses a list in every other sentence.
On Reddit's 'Toastmaster' forum, people have started calling these bot-written speeches out – saying that they can tell when a speech isn't authentic.
One person wrote: 'Wedding speeches are personal and usually contain anecdotes relevant to the newlyweds. I don't think AI would understand the relationship between you and the married to write you an emotion-laden speech.'
Another added: 'You were asked to give this speech for a reason, because of who you are to the couple. It's okay to use whatever tools work for you… but make it your speech rather than someone else's.'
And wedding professionals agree. Humanist celebrant Rachael Meyer says AI can be a good starting point if you're stuck, but it won't capture the emotion or minute details that make every relationship unique.
So, if you want to light up the room (and avoid being accused of letting a robot do all the work), how can you get a wedding speech right?
Wedding planner Gemma Logan has shared five of the most common wedding speech mistakes – and how to avoid them.
Striking the perfect balance between fun and formality can be tricky, but Gemma says speeches that are too formal won't land.
'One of the biggest mistakes I see is people trying to sound far more formal than they actually are,' Gemma says.
According to Gemma, wedding speeches are a chance to connect with guests, not recite a royal decree. So you don't need to rely on a thesaurus or ChatGPT.
'When people use overly flowery language or complicated words, it often comes across as stiff or insincere. Your guests are your friends and family, so speak to them as you would in a relaxed conversation, just with a bit of polish,' she adds.
Everyone loves a good laugh, but if your speech is packed with inside jokes only a handful of people will understand, you risk losing the majority of your audience.
'Wedding speeches are for everyone at the table, so sprinkle in humour that all guests can enjoy. You can always save the really personal jokes for later on in private chats,' Gemma explains.
Similarly, you might lose the room if you make your speech too personal, so they can't resonate with anything your saying.
Gemma adds: 'While it's tempting to share every funny or memorable moment you have with your partner, a speech is not the place for your entire life story.
'Pick two or three standout stories that highlight your journey or the qualities you love most about your partner. Too many stories can make the speech drag and lose impact. Quality over quantity is the way to go.'
'Before writing your speech, think about your relationship with the couple. Whether you're a sibling, best friend or proud parent, your connection will shape the tone of your words,' Gemma says. More Trending
'And don't forget the audience. Weddings bring together people of all ages, so aim to make your speech inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable for everyone in the room,' she adds.
AI can be great for formatting and organising your thoughts, but thortful stresses that stories should come from the heart.
'This is where your personal memories come to life,' Gemma adds. 'Think about moments that show the couple's character or your bond with them, whether it's touching, funny or revealing. I'd recommend using a structure with a beginning, middle and end so your story flows naturally.'
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