2-Minute Tips for Wedding Season: Should I Drink Before My Best Man or Maid of Honor Toast?

TODAY’S TOPIC:

“Is it okay if I [do a shot/drink a few beers/take beta blockers] before I have to speak?”

I’m not going to tell you what to do (or not). You’re an adult. Listen to the memos below to hear stories from past clients who’ve handled public speaking anxiety a little differently than I do.

MEMO 1:
Drugs!

Should I take beta blockers if I have severe anxiety before a speech?

I’ll tell you my thoughts here.

MEMO 2:
More Drugs!

Marijuana before a speech: Do or don’t?

Marijuana is either decriminalized or some form of legal in all but 11 states.*
Should you use it to manage your stage fright?

Listen and hear my thoughts.

* to which I say: Get with the program, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kansas, Wyoming, and Idaho! Do you like tax $, or not?

MEMO 3:
Drinking!

Is it okay to drink a couple of beers (or do a shot) before I deliver a presentation?

I get this question all the time. This is a weird area because context - time, place, and content of the speech - matters.

Plus, you’re an adult.

MEMO 4:
Toasts!

The one type of speech that often involves alcohol is a toast. Sadly, those who are tasked with toasting rarely prepare, and rarely stay sober until after the toast.

Plan a bit! In this voice memo, I walk you through my “toast template.”

Cheers!

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