How to Do a Best Man Speech

Rule 3 Write your speech down

Once you have fully researched your speech its time to get it down on paper.  Firstly make sure you start with an icebreaker.  This can be either sincere or funny.  I tend to be funny at the start and leave my sincereties to my closure.  Remember to leave pauses for, what we hope,  is laughter.  State how much it is an honour it is for you to be best man then proceed to rip into him.  Most of the quotes and jokes you have researched are tried and tested so relax and let go. Remember and return the toast for the bridesmaids.  Once you have written it down, read it over to yourself in front of a mirror and work out the expected length of the speech.

Rule 4 Practice

Practice your speech in front of a friend.  Make sure your timing is good and take onboard any criticisms made.  If you have chosen to use any props then use them in your dress rehearsal as well.  Try and break the speech up into smaller parts and identify trigger words.  this will stop you constantly reading off your lines.

Rule 5 The big night

Ok so your time has come, nowadays the speeches are generally made before the meal.  The father of the bride will speak first and then the groom will speak.  Now its your turn.  I am a really nervous person when speaking to a crowd, my way of coping is to tell them I am really nervous.  This takes the pressure off me as I gain their sympathies for my position.  I have then gone on and used my nervousness as part of my act, but this decision is yours alone to take.  The most important thing is to take a deep breath, know that no matter what you say, they will laugh out of politeness.  take your time, pause for laughter, utilise the timing to your advantage and enjoy yourself.  I f you have researched well it wont matter that you are not a naturally gifted speaker.

Summary

This is merely a quick guide to best man speeches and is no means foolproof.   Work to your own style and level of confidence.  I have been to weddings where I have heard a 30 minute non stop laughing speech and I have seen a 30 minute speech which would send you to sleep.  Likewise I have heard a 2 minute toast with perhaps one joke.  It doesnt matter.  You were not selected as best man for your ability to make a speech, just remember that.

Examples

Here are a couple of my favourite quotes from best man speeches :-

Icebreaker (esp good if your nervous)   “.  You know, when the groom asked me to be best man I immediately said no.  I can t do it, I can t make speeches I am too nervous.  He pleaded and pleaded with me.  Cmon he said, i will give you 20 dollars, no I said.  I will give you 40 dollars.  No I said.  Ok how about 50 dollars.  Look I said, do I look like the kind of many that can be bought off with your dollars?  I will give you a hundred dollars……….. So ladies and Gentleman, welcome to this wonderful occasion of the wedding of ?? and ??…”

“this is a love match which is pure and simple.  The bride is pure and the groom is simple”

Toast to the bride and groom   ” may the best of your past be the worst of your future”