Terry Lewis: The Wedding MC Who Relaxes Nervous Speakers, One Event at a Time
Some moments truly highlight why I love being a wedding MC. You see, every wedding is unique, not just because of the venue, the flowers, or the dress, but because of the people. And one of the greatest honours I have as an MC is helping everyone feel comfortable, included, and—most importantly—at ease.
There’s always a certain level of nervousness in the air when someone is about to speak at a wedding, whether it’s the best man delivering his toast or a friend giving a heartfelt tribute. But last night was different, because I had the privilege of seeing something extraordinary happen: a guest with ADHD, who initially wasn’t planning to speak, decided to stand up and share a few words, all because of the atmosphere I was able to create.
Setting the Scene
As an MC, I always aim to set a tone of warmth, humour, and relaxation. It’s important that people don’t feel like they’re in the spotlight but rather part of a beautiful shared experience—an intimate gathering of family and friends celebrating love. Last night was no different, and I could feel the energy in the room start to shift as the guests settled in.
A Speaker Steps Forward
Midway through the wedding breakfast, something incredible happened. A guest who had been asked by the couple to speak and declined due to nerves, decided on the spot, to share a few words. She previously confided in me that she had ADHD and had always struggled with public speaking. The anxiety of addressing a room full of people had usually been enough to keep her seated. But last night was different. She felt so comfortable. She felt like the room wasn’t there to judge, but to embrace whatever message she wanted to deliver to her cousin, the bride and her new husband!
In her own words, she decided to speak because of the way I had relaxed and engaged the room, creating a supportive and welcoming environment where people could be themselves, unfiltered and unscripted. It’s not every day that someone with such challenges finds the courage to step up spontaneously and speak from the heart, and I consider it a massive win—not just for her, but for the power of connection that weddings offer.
A similar thing happened just two weeks earlier at another wedding I performed at.
The Flow of Engagement
Engaging a room isn’t just about humour or charisma. It’s about creating an emotional connection between people. It’s about reading the energy of the room and tailoring your approach to ensure that everyone feels included. Last night, I made sure to focus on creating a rhythm where each speaker felt supported and heard, encouraging them to take their time and enjoy the moment rather than endure it.
For the guest with ADHD, that connection was all the difference. She didn’t feel like she was standing in front of a large crowd—she felt like she was talking to a room full of friends who were rooting for her.
A Lesson in Listening
I’ve always believed that one of the most important skills a wedding MC can have is the ability to create good feelings through words. Last night, I had the pleasure of watching a nervous guest transform into a confident speaker. That’s the gift of being an MC—it’s not just about the mic, the humour, or the timeline. It’s about feelings.
Every time I help a speaker feel relax and comfortable, I am reminded again of why I love what I do. Weddings are more than just celebrations of love between two people—they’re moments of closeness, vulnerability, and shared joy. As an MC, I get to facilitate those moments, helping people overcome their nerves and step into the spotlight, no matter how unexpected that spotlight might be.
Everyone Will Feel The Enjoyment
So, if you ever find yourself at a wedding where I’m the MC, know this: my goal is to make sure every speaker, whether prepared or spontaneous, feels relaxed, supported, and ready to enjoy the moment. Because sometimes, the most memorable words come from the least expected places. And last night’s speaker, with her vulnerability and courage, reminded me just how important it is to create a space where anyone can feel comfortable stepping up to the mic.
Here’s to more moments like that, where every voice finds its moment to shine.
— Terry Lewis, Wedding MC
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