How to Write the Perfect Best Man’s Speech

So you have been bestowed the great honor of being Best Man at a friend’s wedding; a noble duty, indeed.  But if this is the case, then why is it that so many men smile and nod when accepting the invitation, and then have the overwhelming desire to hunker down under the covers come “The Big Day”?  There is one main reason: public speaking.  Really, the groom himself oftentimes gets off easier than the best man!  All he has to say is “I Do”, while you’ve got to remember a long and endearing speech that the happy couple will remember till death do they part!

Ok, slow down and breathe.  It’s not that bad, really.  A Best Man’s speech, much to your dismay, will not be remembered (although it will likely be documented).  This is a good thing for you to come to terms with, because it will allow you to just relax; and when you do that, you will write a stellar speech and deliver it with the eloquence of a seasoned politician.

Like any good story, the Best Man’s speech will need a beginning, a middle, and an end.  To put the right words into play, take a walk down memory lane, keeping the following in mind:

• How you know the happy couple.
• What words come to mind when you think of each of them.
• If you knew the groom before he met his bride, how has she changed him for the better?  What was he like before he was with his bride?
• Memories of experiences shared with the groom, or the couple together, that displayed their strengths as a couple, or individual strengths of each person.
• Any marriage advice that you have learned or heard

It is important to begin your Best Man’s speech by making sure you have everyone’s attention.  This can be done by clinking of glasses, or simply by stating “Excuse me, may I have everyone’s attention”.  Once you have the floor, start off by acknowledging the hosts of the wedding, such as the bride’s parents.  If the bride and groom have paid for their own wedding, you may begin by stating how nice it is to see so many people come together on such a joyous occasion, and then introduce yourself, including how you know the groom.  Many Best Men roll right into a funny story about the groom, or a (clean) joke, in order to break the ice and draw everyone in.

Your Best Man speech should be engaging, but brief.  Speak about both the groom and the bride, and keep stories appropriate for all ages.  Remember the room will be filled with friends and family, and possibly young ears.

Writing down your speech is great, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice it a few times as well.  Public speaking isn’t something most of us do every day, and therefore practice is helpful.  It will help you be more comfortable with speaking loudly and clearly, as you will need to do on the happy day.

Practice will also help alleviate any nerves you may experience as the time for your Best Man’s toast approaches.  One thing NOT to do is calm your nerves with alcohol.  Preparedness will serve you much better, and the groom will appreciate the effort you have put into his big day.  Once your Best Man’s toast is finished, raise your glass along with everyone else and enjoy some bubbly.

Source: Angela White is an expert article writer on ezinearticles.com and submitted this article especially for TheBridalCoach.ca, a wedding planning membership site specializing in wedding themes and styles, and particularly in online wedding planning.

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