Wedding Day Checklist: Delivering a Best Man's Speech

Birchwoods Banquet FacilityIt's no secret that preparing to give a best man's speech can be a little nerve-wracking. It's not that the bar is set very high for best man speeches. It's just that people don't want to look silly when giving speeches. The three most important rules area:

  1. Don't wing it.
  2. Don't wing it.
  3. Don't wing it.

Oh, and one other thing: Don't wing it. If you are going to be delivering a best man's speech, you are going to need to do some prep work.

You should write and work on the speech ahead of time. And keep the speech short. This is no time to ramble on. You obviously want to say more than five words but don't be too lengthy. Remember, this day is not about you. Try to keep your speech between two and four minutes. Anything longer and people will start to fidget and wonder how long do they have to wait before they go to the bar.

Write and recite your speech in advance. This will also help with the timing. If you are feeling extra bold and don't mind revealing what you are going to say, practice the speech for one person. It's a good way to get feedback and constructive criticism.

In terms of content, stick to what you know. Tell people who you are. Try to deliver an amusing anecdote about the groom (nothing embarrassing) and give some simple thoughts on marriage and happiness and wish the happy couple the very best. Then it's time to toast.