How to Do a Best Man Speech

by Kelvin Bridge in Men, November 11, 2008

A quick guide on how to deliver a perfect best man speech.

It is a great honour to be asked to be a best man at a wedding. However, the joy soon turns to dread as you realise that you are expected to make a speech in front of potentially hundreds of people. traditionally the best mans speech is the highlight of the reception and the pressure is on for you to perform.

You are expected to be funny, recalling embarrasing stories about the groom, to be warm towards the bride and her bridesmaids and to raise several toasts. It is a nerve jangling experience, however it does not have to be. In this article I have included some tips painfully learned over the years, and a couple of links to useful websites to assist you in your task.

Rule 1 Do not leave it to the last minute

On the big day, you are going to be nervous enough without frantically trying to write your speech. Make a start as soon as possible. even if it is small snippets or one liners, write them down and store them in a file.

Rule 2 Do research

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There are many sources to assist you in your research. Firstly you need the dirt on the groom. Try and recall funny moments you have had with him. Ask his friends for more. Ask his family and not forgetting, ask his bride! She is likely to know all the grooms most embarrassing secrets! It is important though at this stage to know your audience. The funny story about the groom with two prostitutes on the stag doo might not go down too well with everyone, so carefully filter the dirt into what you can get away with without causing any real offence.

There is a number of reading materials in most good bookshops which are well worth purchasing however remember to use the internet. Try www.thebestmansspeech.com and www.presentationhelper.co.uk , both free to use websites which will not only give you material but will assist in the structure as well. Another good source is to type in best man speeches into Youtube. There are literally hundreds to watch and when you see how bad some are presented it will give you confidence on your own speech.