The most terrifying thing in the world was having to give a
The most terrifying thing in the world was having to give a speech at my girlfriend's wedding. I was physically shaking and sweating the entire time.
In this heartfelt confession, Lindy Booth speaks of the deep and universal fear of public speaking, especially when the stakes are high and the moment is sacred. To stand before friends, family, and loved ones at a wedding, where hearts are open and emotions run deep, can feel like standing on the edge of a precipice. She describes this experience as “the most terrifying thing in the world,” her body trembling and drenched in sweat, showing how overwhelming it can be to carry the weight of expressing love and honor in words.
A wedding speech is unlike any other form of speaking. It is not simply about delivering lines or sharing a story, but about giving voice to the unspoken bond between people. It is a ritual of blessing, a moment when words must rise to meet the sacredness of the union being celebrated. Lindy’s fear reflects the profound responsibility she felt: to capture the beauty of her girlfriend’s wedding in a way that would honor the couple and be remembered for years to come. It is a fear born of love, not weakness.
Throughout history, moments of public declaration have carried immense emotional weight. The ancient Greeks revered the art of oratory, training their youth to speak with grace and courage, for they knew that words could inspire armies and unite nations. Yet even the greatest orators struggled with fear. Demosthenes, one of the most celebrated speakers of Athens, began his journey with a trembling voice and weak delivery. Through relentless practice, he transformed his fear into power, teaching that courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to speak despite it. Lindy’s shaking and sweating echo this timeless struggle.
Her words also remind us of the vulnerability of authentic speech. On a stage, an actor recites lines written by others, shielded by the mask of performance. But at a wedding, there is no script to hide behind. The speaker must reveal their true self, their love, and their deepest wishes for the couple. This kind of truth-telling is far more daunting than any theatrical performance, for it comes directly from the heart, unguarded and raw.
Thus, Lindy’s reflection carries a lesson for all generations. Fear is a sign that what we are doing matters. When our bodies tremble and our voices falter, it is because our hearts understand the sacredness of the moment. To rise and speak at a wedding is to step into a lineage of countless souls who have spoken blessings over love through the ages. Even if the voice quivers and the words stumble, the sincerity behind them shines brighter than any polished performance, becoming a gift of courage and love that will never be forgotten.
TTNHU NGUYET TRAN THI
Lindy Booth's anxiety over giving a speech at her girlfriend’s wedding really brings out how stressful public speaking can be, even in intimate settings. It's fascinating how public speaking is often seen as a necessary part of weddings, yet it can cause so much anxiety. Do you think people should be given more options for expressing their feelings at weddings, like writing letters or making videos, instead of feeling pressured to give speeches?
TTuyen
I completely understand the fear Lindy Booth is describing about giving a speech at a wedding. It’s one thing to speak publicly, but at a wedding, the stakes feel much higher, especially with the personal connections involved. Do you think people’s anxiety about wedding speeches is sometimes underestimated, or do we just expect that everyone should be comfortable with speaking at such important events?
THNguyen Thi Thanh Huyen
Lindy Booth’s description of her nerves at her girlfriend's wedding is so relatable! It makes me think about how speaking at weddings is one of those high-pressure moments that most people fear. Why do you think weddings tend to evoke such strong emotions in people, especially when it comes to giving speeches? Is it the pressure to perform, or the personal significance of the occasion?
VGVu Gg
I can totally imagine how terrifying giving a speech at a wedding can be, especially when it’s for someone you care about. The emotional weight of the event, combined with the nerves of speaking in front of a crowd, must be overwhelming. Do you think there’s a way to prepare people for the emotional and physical stress that comes with giving a wedding speech, or is it just something you have to experience to understand?
NNNgoc Nguyen
Lindy Booth's comment on the anxiety of giving a speech at her girlfriend's wedding really highlights the vulnerability that comes with speaking at big events. It’s a good reminder that even if you care deeply about the people involved, public speaking can still be terrifying. Do you think speeches at weddings should be more relaxed, or is there value in keeping the formal tradition of heartfelt speeches?