Best Man Speeches - 5 Killer Tips For the Perfect Speech!

Tip Number One:

Make sure you actually have a Best Man Speech prepared.  It might sound obvious, but many guys think they are tougher than they really are.  I mean how many read an instruction manual before operating something new?

Having at least something prepared is far better than trying to make the speech up as you go.

This invariably leads to disaster in some form like stage fright, freezing with the mic in your hand, stuttering to name a few.

Tip Number Two:

The best Best Man Speeches, like most well performed speeches, use cue cards.  One can make these from some old cardboard and cut to the size similar to a playing card.  The main points of the speech are noted here, not a full word for word script.  Regular eye contact with the audience is also important and a full word for word written speech means your eyes will seldom if ever, look up from the paper.  If they did, chances are you will loose your place.

Tip Number Three:

Best Man Speeches are best practised beforehand. You can start by using the bathroom mirror, your reflection being the audience looking back at you.  It is also important to practise the speech in front of someone you have the confidence of.  This could be your father or mother, it is unlikely they will criticise you, but make helpful suggestions.  It is also very unlikely they will tell your friends how bad you first attempt was, parents seldom want to see their children embarrassed.

Tip Number Four:

Ensure the speech is not too long.  It  is not your Wedding Day, and the groom has asked you to be the Best Man to help him, not hog the stage!

A good time is up to five or six minutes long, but unless you are a professional speaker who can hold an audience in his hand for any length of time, most people will start to lose interest in your speech and show signs of getting bored or agitated.  Telltale signs the audience has had enough are those like people looking at their watch every few seconds, or yawning, moving uncomfortably on their chairs and looking away from you.

Tip Number Five:

Top Best Man Speeches are funny and witty, but not x-rated.  It is important to remember that among the guests, there is likely to be a wide range of ages, from young flower girls right up to grandparents or even great-grandparents.  Every one should be able to receive your speech on the same level, not just tailored to a few of your closest friends.  Every speech I have witnessed where this has happened has left an uneasy tone at the reception and sometimes resulted in broken friendships.

If you get your speech wrong, it might be too late to arrange Temporary Health Insurance so make sure you have some in place first.  You never know how angry the bride could get!