Ideas to Make Succinct Best Man Speeches – My Two Cents
Your lifelong friend just told you he was getting married and he wants you to be his best man. At some point your thoughts will drift to the best man speech you are expected to give. You’re probably thinking about how hard it’s going to be. Best man speeches, while intimidating to some, can also be a wonderful memory of the couple’s wedding. Below you will find some tips for getting through this event. The key to delivering successful best man speeches is to be sincere, serious, and succinct.
No matter what you say in you best man speech, it should come from the heart. It’s easier to say something you feel right about, especially if you have problems with public speaking. Audiences have a way of knowing when you’re not being natural. Your enthusiasm for the couple will come through the best man speech if you are sincere. It will also help you get through any difficulties you may encounter.
Don’t worry about being nervous while giving the best man speech. Audiences, especially at weddings, understand that you’re doing something that they too dread doing. As a speaker, you will focus on all the little things that show your nervousness, like sweaty palms and stuttering, but you’re audience will not even notice. Many times they will comment after the best man speech, how calm and relaxed you looked up there, even though you were sweating bullets.
Another of these road bumps is figuring out what to say. Brainstorming is a good way to go about speech writing. Make a list of the things you want to say to the couple. Add to this list, what is it that makes you happy these two people have decided to spend their lives together. When you are deciding on what will be in your best man speech, remember that you are at a once-in-a-lifetime event for your friend and his bride. Save the Vegas trip story for the bachelor party. Showing serious respect for the situation will result in deep gratitude from the bride and groom, their families, and all the guests.
While a little humor is okay, don’t start with it, nor over do it. Resist the urge to start best man speeches with a joke. If it flops, everyone will remember that bad joke. Likewise, steer clear from outrageous comments said only to get attention. You already have it. Start simply by expressing what is on everybody’s mind at the time: how happy you are for the couple. Make sure to repeat these sentiments again at the end of the best man speech.
Remember that the best man speech is your responsibility and your friend has placed his trust in you to carry it out. Keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum before giving your best man speech. The last thing you want to do is to stand in front of everyone slurring your words, or worse, being totally incomprehensible. After the best man speech, enjoy your drinks knowing that you didn’t embarrass yourself and the rest of the wedding party. Even though you’ve known the lucky couple forever, best man speeches are not the time to recollect every important incident of their lives. Nor is the best man speech the reason that everybody has dressed tuxedos and gowns. Best man speeches are most like introductions and your task is to introduce the couple to the world. Make your points, wish the couple a happy life, and sit down; all within five to ten minutes.
What about writing the best man speech? The most effective way to deliver best man speeches, along with most other public speaking, is not to memorize the speech. Take one 3×5 index card and jot down the points you want to make. There is no need to write out every word you will say. It’s actually harder to deliver a written speech and sound natural, than to just use your own words that naturally flow from your mouth.
Make sure to practice! Best man speeches, like all other types of public speaking, can be improved by practice. Ever have a cool story you’re telling everyone? Notice how easy it is the fifth and sixth time you’ve repeated the anecdote. Best man speeches can be practiced while you’re in shower or driving to work, you don’t need to make a production out of practicing. Give yourself plenty of time to practice by deciding what you want to say a week or two before hand. An entirely last minute effort will definitely show.
If you remember to be sincere, serious, and succinct, your best man speech will be a favorite memory for both the couple and you.
