The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Funny Best Man Speech

Best Man

May 28, 2024

Discover how to craft a funny best man speech in 2024 with our ultimate guide. From jokes to delivery, make your speech memorable and heartfelt.

Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have written over 1000 wedding speeches for people all around the world. Let’s talk about how to write a funny best man speech.

This guide will take you step-by-step through crafting a hilarious best man speech that will make the bride and groom proud (and maybe blush a bit). We’ll cover everything from cracking jokes to perfecting your delivery. By the end, you’ll be ready to bring down the house. Let’s get started!

Check out these resources:

Ready to nail your best man speech? Let’s dive in!

TL;DR – Key Takeaways

  • Keep your speech between 5-7 minutes so people don’t start falling asleep.
  • Mix jokes with sweet moments. Don’t be all comedy, all the time.
  • Skip the dirty jokes. Grandma’s in the audience, remember?
  • Practice your speech over and over. You don’t want to forget the punchline.
  • Use props and slides sparingly. This isn’t show and tell.
  • Throw in inside jokes and fun stories. It makes it more personal.
  • Fight the butterflies with deep breaths and power poses. You got this.
  • Edit your speech. Your first draft is never your best draft.
  • Look at the audience. Don’t stare at your notes the whole time.

Understanding Your Audience

Before you write a single joke or anecdote, you need to understand who you’re speaking to. The wedding reception room will be filled with people from different generations, backgrounds, and relationships to the couple. Your job is to create a speech that resonates with everyone.

Reading the Room

Wedding receptions are unique gatherings where multiple social circles intersect. You’ll likely have:

The Family Circle: Parents, grandparents, and relatives who want to hear touching stories about the groom’s journey to this moment. They’re interested in tradition, family values, and heartwarming moments. Your humor needs to be clean and respectful when addressing this group.

Example approach:

“I remember when [Groom] told his parents he met someone special. His mom was thrilled, his dad was relieved, and his bank account was terrified. But looking at how happy he is with [Bride] today, I’d say it was worth every penny spent on those early impression-making dates.”

The Friends Brigade:

College buddies, work colleagues, and social circle members who know the wilder side of the groom’s history. They’ll appreciate inside jokes and references to shared experiences, but remember to provide context for others.

Example approach: “To [Groom]’s university friends here tonight – no, I won’t be mentioning the infamous karaoke incident of 2019. But let’s just say it’s a testament to [Bride]’s love that she still agreed to marry him after seeing that video.”

The Bride’s Side: People who might be meeting you (and learning about the groom) for the first time. They need enough context to feel included in the jokes and stories you tell.

Example approach:

“For those on [Bride]’s side who don’t know [Groom] as well, let me paint you a picture. Before meeting your wonderful [Bride], he was the kind of guy who thought ironing meant hanging his shirt in the bathroom during a hot shower. She’s really upgraded his life skills, and we’re all grateful.”

Crafting Universal Appeal

The key to engaging this diverse audience is finding universal themes that everyone can relate to. Focus on:

Love and Relationships: Everyone understands the journey of finding “the one” and the funny moments along the way.

Example:

“We all know that moment in a relationship when you realize it’s serious. For [Groom], it was when he voluntarily attended a farmers market without complaining. For [Bride], it was probably when she realized he had finally learned to use the washing machine without turning all his whites pink.”

Growing Up and Maturing: Stories about personal growth and life lessons tend to resonate across generations.

Example:

“[Groom]’s journey to becoming husband material has been fascinating to watch. He’s gone from a man whose idea of cooking was microwaving three different frozen meals to someone who knows the difference between sautéing and stir-frying. He still can’t do either, but at least he knows the difference.”

Friendship and Loyalty:

These themes help connect your personal stories to broader, relatable experiences.

Example:

“Friendship with [Groom] has always been an adventure. He’s the kind of friend who would help you move house, fix your car, or hide a body – I mean, help you with gardening. Definitely gardening.”

Funny Best Man Speech Structure

Opening (2-3 minutes)

Introduction Format: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Name], and I’ve been friends with [Groom] since we thought instant noodles counted as fine dining.”

Key Elements:

  • Your name and relationship to the groom
  • A warm greeting to all guests
  • An initial joke to break the ice
  • Brief acknowledgment of the occasion

Example Opening: “Good evening! I’m Mike, and I’ve had the honor of being [Groom]’s best man today. When he asked me to give this speech, he had two requests: keep it clean, and keep it short. So I had to throw out my first 15 drafts.”

Main Content (4-5 minutes)

Story Arc: Build your speech like a journey:

Beginning: “I first met [Groom] in university, back when his idea of meal prep was buying three frozen pizzas at once.”

Development: “Over the years, I’ve watched him grow from someone who thought ‘laundry sorting’ meant ‘clean pile’ and ‘dirty pile’ into someone who actually separates his whites and colors. [Bride], I think we both know who we have to thank for that miracle.”

Climax: “The real transformation came when he met [Bride]. Suddenly, the guy who could barely keep a cactus alive was planning romantic dinners and remembering anniversaries.”

Flow Structure:

  • Start with early friendship stories
  • Move to how the couple met
  • Progress to their relationship growth
  • End with why they’re perfect together

Conclusion (1-2 minutes)

Elements to Include:

  • A heartfelt wish for the couple
  • A final callback to earlier jokes
  • The traditional toast
  • A sincere thank you

Example Conclusion: “So before I raise this glass, let me say this: [Groom], you’ve been my best friend through thick and thin – mostly thick, thanks to those pizza years. [Bride], you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to him, and that includes the time he won free Netflix for a year. Please join me in raising your glasses to the happy couple – may your love continue to grow, your Netflix queue remain perfectly balanced, and your takeaway orders always arrive hot!”

For more tips, check out this guide on writing a best man speech.

Types of Humor in a Best Man Speech

Self-Deprecating Humor

Core Principle: Making yourself the target of jokes establishes goodwill with your audience and shows humility.

Best Used: At the beginning of your speech to break the ice and make yourself relatable.

Example Structure: “When [Groom] asked me to be his best man, I was honored. Then I remembered I had to give a speech, and suddenly his second choice isn’t looking so bad. I’ve been so nervous about this speech that I’ve lost three pounds this week – though looking at this suit, I clearly haven’t lost enough.”

Key Tips:

  • Don’t overdo it – two or three self-deprecating jokes maximum
  • Keep it light and relatable
  • Use it to transition into praising the couple

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

Observational Humor

Focus Areas: The couple’s relationship quirks and universal wedding experiences.

Example Flow: “I’ve watched [Groom]’s evolution since meeting [Bride]. He’s gone through several fascinating phases:

  • The ‘Trying to Impress’ phase: suddenly yoga became his ‘passion’
  • The ‘Moving In Together’ phase: learning that dishes don’t clean themselves
  • The ‘Reality’ phase: accepting that her Netflix preferences now control their lives”

Best Topics:

  • Living together adjustments
  • Wedding planning adventures
  • Personality quirks
  • Lifestyle changes

Story-Based Humor

Structure Template:

Setup: “Let me tell you about [Groom]’s first attempt at cooking for [Bride].”

Build-Up: “He spent three hours watching cooking videos, bought ingredients I can’t pronounce, and somehow convinced himself he could make restaurant-quality sushi from scratch.”

Complications: “Two hours in, there was rice stuck to the ceiling, seaweed in places seaweed should never be, and the smoke alarm was giving him a standing ovation.”

Punchline: “[Bride] arrived early and caught him trying to hide takeout containers while wearing what looked like a seaweed ninja costume.”

Connection to Present: “And that’s why, to this day, their date nights involve either restaurants or [Bride]’s cooking.”

100 Best Man Speech Jokes

Classic Opening Jokes

  • Ladies and gentlemen, I’ll be humble and keep this speech simple – that’s what Google recommended after my first three drafts.
  • I read that wedding speeches should last as long as the groom’s lovemaking – so thank you and good night!
  • They say public speaking is more feared than death. Right now, I’d have to agree.
  • I’ve been so nervous about this speech, I actually lost three pounds. So at least something good came out of it.
  • I wrote this speech the same way the groom picked his suit – last minute and with a lot of panic.
  • According to tradition, the best man needs to sing the groom’s praises. Unfortunately, I’m tone-deaf, so talking will have to do.
  • If anyone notices me shaking, it’s either nerves or the six espressos I had to drink to finish writing this speech.

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

Friendship Jokes

  • I’ve known the groom so long, I remember when his idea of commitment was finishing a whole Netflix series.
  • Our friendship has lasted through bad haircuts, questionable fashion choices, and now, my wedding speech.
  • We’ve been friends since school, back when his idea of romance was sharing his lunch.
  • The groom and I have been friends for 20 years, which is roughly how long this speech feels like it’s lasting.
  • They say best friends are like stars – you don’t always see them, but they’re always there. Mostly because they’re busy playing video games.
  • Our friendship survived countless adventures, but his bachelor party stories will remain safely encrypted.
  • In all our years of friendship, this is the first time he’s actually listened to me speak for more than 30 seconds.

Check out a guide with 100 best man speech jokes here>>

Marriage Advice Jokes

  • Marriage is like a deck of cards. In the beginning, all you need is two hearts and a diamond. By the end, you wish you had a club and a spade.
  • They say marriage is all about finding the right person. I think it’s more about being the right person. [Bride’s name] is still working on that with him.
  • Marriage is like a walk in the park. Jurassic Park.
  • They say marriage is about give and take. He gives her his paycheck, she takes it.
  • The secret to a happy marriage is to never go to bed angry… stay up and fight!
  • Remember, marriage is like a fine wine – it gets better with age. And like wine, it’s expensive and can give you a headache.
  • The key to a successful marriage is to understand that you’re both right, except when you’re wrong, which is when your wife is right.

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

First Meeting Stories

  • When he first met [Bride’s name], he was so nervous he introduced himself twice. She thought he had a twin, and still agreed to a second date.
  • Their first date was like a romantic comedy – if romantic comedies included spilled coffee, wrong restaurant reservations, and a flat tire.
  • He claims it was love at first sight. Though that might have been the tequila.
  • Their eyes met across a crowded room… because she caught him staring at her for a solid five minutes.
  • He told me after their first date that she was special. I knew because he actually paid for dinner.
  • When they first met, he tried to impress her with his French. Turns out “voulez-vous coucher avec moi” isn’t appropriate first-date material.
  • Their first conversation lasted three hours. Mainly because he was too nervous to ask for her number and kept making small talk.

Wedding Planning Jokes

  • During wedding planning, he learned that “I don’t mind” and “whatever you want” are actually trap answers.
  • He’s been so involved in the wedding planning, he can now tell the difference between ivory and eggshell. He’s still wrong, but he can tell.
  • The wedding planning revealed his true talents – nodding enthusiastically and saying “that sounds perfect, honey.”
  • He took wedding planning very seriously. He personally approved every decision his bride made.
  • The groom was adamant about one thing in the wedding planning – the open bar. Everything else was negotiable.
  • His contribution to the wedding planning was staying out of the way and maintaining a safe distance from the Pinterest boards.
  • He described wedding planning as “the most expensive way to get a free meal.”

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

Family Integration Jokes

  • He’s so happy to be part of his new family, he’s already learned to laugh at his father-in-law’s jokes. That’s true love.
  • His new mother-in-law has already adopted him. I hear she’s even stopped checking his references.
  • Welcome to the family – where arguing is a love language and food is a peace offering.
  • He’s excited about having in-laws. Finally, someone else to blame things on besides me.
  • His new family welcomed him with open arms. Though I noticed they still count the silverware after he visits.
  • The in-laws have truly embraced him. They even pretend to believe his fishing stories.
  • He’s thrilled to have doubled his family size. Double the presents at Christmas, double the opinions on everything.

Groom’s Character Jokes

  • He’s the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. Mainly because he needs to upgrade his wardrobe anyway.
  • His greatest qualities are his kindness, his generosity, and his ability to reach things on high shelves.
  • He’s always been a perfectionist. It only took him 30 years to find the perfect woman.
  • He’s the most honest person I know. Except about his golf scores. And his height on dating apps.
  • They say you can judge a man by the company he keeps. So I’m obviously his one major lapse in judgment.
  • He’s the type of friend who would help you move bodies. I mean furniture. Definitely furniture.
  • I could tell you about all his good qualities, but his bride already knows them. All three of them.

Dating History Jokes

  • His dating history was like a bad reality show until he met her – lots of drama but no happy endings.
  • Before meeting [Bride], his longest relationship was with his Netflix account.
  • His past relationships were like his attempts at cooking – well-intentioned but ultimately disappointing.
  • He used to say he had high standards. Turns out he just hadn’t met someone who could tolerate his snoring.
  • His dating profile said “seeking soulmate.” His browser history said “how to appear more dateable.”
  • He was so bad at dating, we thought he’d end up marrying his PlayStation.
  • His past relationships taught him everything he shouldn’t do. [Bride] taught him everything he should.

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> Genuinely Funny Jokes for Your Best Man Speech

Work-Related Jokes

  • As his coworker, I can confirm he’s just as disorganized at work as he is at home.
  • He brings the same energy to his marriage as he does to his job – mostly shows up on time and tries his best.
  • His work ethic improved dramatically after meeting [Bride]. Amazing what love can do to a man’s motivation to afford dinner dates.
  • He used to spend his lunch breaks playing mobile games. Now he spends them texting his wife about dinner plans.
  • His colleagues were shocked when he got engaged – they thought he was already married to his email inbox.
  • He’s as dedicated to his marriage as he is to pretending to work while actually watching YouTube.
  • His out-of-office replies used to say “away from desk.” Now they say “date night – don’t disturb.”

Social Media Habits Jokes

  • His relationship status updates have been more reliable than his work updates.
  • He went from posting gym selfies to posting couple selfies. The likes definitely improved.
  • His Instagram went from food pics to wedding planning pics. His followers are thrilled about the upgrade.
  • He used to spend hours perfecting his dating app profile. Now he spends hours getting the right angle for their couple photos.
  • His Facebook memories are a journey from “forever alone” memes to “she said yes” announcements.
  • Their relationship survived the ultimate test – agreeing on which filters to use on their photos.
  • He finally found someone who likes all his posts without being asked.

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

Money Habits Jokes

  • He used to think fine dining meant upgrading his fast food meal to large size.
  • His budgeting skills improved dramatically after meeting [Bride] – she introduced him to this revolutionary concept called “saving.”
  • He now understands that “investing in our future” means something different from “buying more tech gadgets.”
  • His credit card used to see more action than he did. Now it sees more wedding expenses than he ever imagined.
  • He’s learned that “joint account” doesn’t mean doubling his spending money.
  • His definition of splurging has evolved from buying premium Netflix to buying premium wedding rings.
  • Before [Bride], his idea of financial planning was having enough for next month’s rent.

Living Together Jokes

  • The transition to living together was smooth, except for the great “toilet seat debate” of 2023.
  • He learned that “cleaning the house” means more than just pushing everything under the bed.
  • Their first apartment together taught him that décor isn’t just about where to put the TV.
  • He discovered that dishes don’t actually clean themselves in the sink.
  • Living together revealed his hidden talents, like his ability to sleep through any noise except the sound of snack wrappers.
  • He finally learned that laundry sorting isn’t just “clean” and “dirty.”
  • Cohabitation taught him that “I’ll do it later” isn’t an acceptable household policy.

Party/Celebration Habits Jokes

  • His idea of party planning used to be ordering pizza and having enough controllers for everyone.
  • He’s graduated from house parties to dinner parties. Though he still tries to sneak in beer pong.
  • His celebration style has evolved from “last man standing” to “let’s be home by 11.”
  • He now knows that “hosting a party” involves more than just providing a Wi-Fi password.
  • His party tricks have upgraded from chugging contests to wine tasting comments.
  • He’s traded late-night adventures for weekend brunch dates. The photos are definitely more flattering.
  • His definition of a wild night has changed from bar-hopping to binge-watching with snacks.

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

Communication Style Jokes

  • He’s mastered the art of saying “you’re right” in five different languages.
  • His text game went from “k” and “lol” to actual complete sentences with punctuation.
  • He’s learned that “fine” and “whatever” are danger words that should never be used in marriage.
  • His communication skills have improved so much – he now uses words instead of just grunts and nods.
  • He’s discovered that “I was listening” only works if you can repeat what was said.
  • His emotional vocabulary has expanded beyond “hungry” and “tired.”
  • Marriage has taught him that mind reading isn’t a valid communication strategy.

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

5 Funny Best Man Speech Examples

The Gaming Enthusiast’s Speech

Ladies and gentlemen, for those who don’t know me, I’m Dave, and I’ve been tasked with keeping you entertained while simultaneously embarrassing [Groom’s name]. I’ve known him since we were button-mashing Nintendo controllers, and I can honestly say he’s leveled up significantly since meeting [Bride’s name].

Before [Bride’s name] came along, his idea of a perfect date was a Red Bull-fueled gaming marathon. His dating profile literally said “seeking Player 2 for co-op life mission.” Who knew that would actually work? I remember when he first told me about meeting [Bride’s name]. He said, “She’s different, bro. She actually knows what FPS means!” That’s when I knew she was special.

Their relationship has been like watching someone master a difficult game. First came the tutorial phase – awkward dates and learning each other’s controls. Then the main quest – moving in together and discovering that “cleaning the apartment” means more than just pushing everything under the bed. Now they’ve reached the boss level – marriage.

[Groom’s name] has transformed from someone who thought “commitment” meant pre-ordering a game to someone who plans date nights and remembers anniversaries. Though I notice he still tries to convince [Bride’s name] that “just one more level” is a valid excuse for being late.

To [Bride’s name], you’ve achieved the impossible – you’ve got him to put down his controller without having to cut the power. You’re the cheat code he needed to win at life, and I’ve never seen him happier.

To the happy couple, may your marriage have unlimited lives, no game overs, and plenty of save points along the way. And remember, like any good game, communication is key – especially when one of you has the map and the other one’s too stubborn to ask for directions.

Please raise your glasses to the newest co-op team in town. Game on!

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

The Childhood Friend’s Roast

Good evening everyone! I’m Mike, and I’ve known [Groom’s name] since we were stealing each other’s lunch in primary school. Back then, his idea of flirting was pulling girls’ pigtails. I’m glad to see his technique has improved slightly – though [Bride’s name] might disagree.

You know, preparing this speech was harder than watching [Groom’s name] try to dance – and if you stick around for the first dance, you’ll understand that reference. I’ve got enough embarrassing stories to keep us here until next week’s wedding, but his new mother-in-law has already given me that “keep it clean” look three times.

I remember when [Groom’s name] first met [Bride’s name]. He came home and said, “I’ve met someone special.” I knew she was special because he actually paid for dinner – usually his idea of a fancy date was upgrading his takeaway meal to a large size.

Their relationship has been a journey of discovery. She discovered his unique ability to turn any white shirt grey in the wash. He discovered that “cleaning the house” means more than just creating neat piles of mess. And they both discovered that love means accepting someone even when they think pineapple belongs on pizza.

[Bride’s name], I don’t know how you did it, but you’ve transformed my best friend from someone whose primary food group was instant noodles into a man who knows what quinoa is – even if he still can’t pronounce it correctly.

To the happy couple: may your love continue to grow stronger, your Netflix arguments remain civil, and your takeaway orders always arrive hot. And [Groom’s name], mate, remember – happy wife, happy life. Though looking at [Bride’s name] right now, I’d say you’ve already figured that out.

Let’s raise our glasses to the couple who proves that true love can survive questionable fashion choices, dodgy dance moves, and even different pizza topping preferences!

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

The Work Colleague’s Tribute

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Tom, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with [Groom’s name] for the past five years. When he asked me to be his best man, I assumed it was because I’ve covered for him at so many Monday morning meetings that I deserve some recognition.

I’ve watched [Groom’s name] evolve from a guy whose idea of a productive day was clearing his email inbox by moving everything to spam, to someone who actually sets reminders for important dates – though we all know that’s [Bride’s name]’s influence.

The office was quite invested in their love story. We knew something was different when he started taking lunch breaks instead of eating at his desk while watching cat videos. Then came the day he asked for IT’s help to make a PowerPoint presentation – not for work, but for his proposal. That’s when we knew it was serious.

[Bride’s name], I have to thank you. Since meeting you, his timekeeping has improved dramatically. He’s gone from “the dog ate my laptop” to actually showing up on time. Though I notice he still uses “traffic was terrible” as an excuse, even when working from home.

Our department has a betting pool on various aspects of [Groom’s name]’s life. The odds were 100-to-1 against him finding someone who could put up with his dad jokes. [Bride’s name], you’ve cost me twenty quid, but I couldn’t be happier to lose that bet.

To the newlyweds: may your shared calendar notifications always sync, your WiFi connection remain strong, and your love story continue to crash our office productivity in the best possible way.

Raise your glasses to the couple who proves that love can blossom even under fluorescent lighting and endless Zoom calls!

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

The Sibling’s Expose

Good evening! I’m [Groom’s name]’s brother, and I’ve been waiting for this moment since he put gum in my hair when we were kids. Don’t worry, [Bride’s name], he’s much more mature now – he switched to sticky notes.

Growing up with [Groom’s name] was like having a personal comedian who occasionally stole your clothes. He once convinced me that the washing machine was a time machine and that if I sat in it long enough, I’d meet dinosaurs. Mom wasn’t impressed when she found me there three hours later.

When he told us he’d met someone special, we were shocked. Not because he’d met someone – but because she was actually real this time. Sorry, [Groom’s name], but your imaginary girlfriend from Canada doesn’t count.

[Bride’s name], you really are a miracle worker. You’ve managed to teach him that pants don’t belong on the floor, that plants need water to live, and that “I’ll do it later” isn’t a valid time measurement. Our mother had been trying to teach him these things for decades.

I’ve watched my brother grow from someone who thought meal prep meant ordering takeaway in advance, to a man who can actually cook something without setting off the smoke alarm. Though I notice he still calls mom for recipe advice – and by recipe advice, I mean basic instructions like “how long to boil water.”

To my new sister-in-law: welcome to the family! We’re not crazy, we’re just enthusiastically quirky. And to my brother: you’ve finally found someone who laughs at your jokes – though we all know she’s just being polite.

Let’s raise our glasses to the happy couple. May your love continue to grow, your adventures never end, and your family gatherings always have backup takeaway menus!

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

The Sports Fan’s Toast

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Chris, and like any good sports commentator, I’m here to give you the play-by-play of [Groom’s name]’s journey to this moment. I’ve known him since our university days, when his idea of a perfect match was finding someone who could handle his fantasy football obsession.

[Groom’s name] approached dating like he approaches his beloved team – with blind optimism and questionable strategy. His chat-up lines were about as successful as our team’s defense, which isn’t saying much. But then, like a surprise victory in extra time, [Bride’s name] came along.

Their first date was like watching a rookie’s debut match – plenty of nerves, a few fumbles, but ultimately a game-changing performance. He was so nervous, he actually wore a tie – though we later found out it was technically a Christmas decoration.

[Bride’s name], you’ve achieved what no coach could – you’ve got him to follow directions, stick to a game plan, and occasionally wear matching socks. You’ve even got him watching rom-coms without checking the sports scores every five minutes. Though I notice he still sneaks a peek during the emotional monologues.

Their relationship has had all the elements of a classic sporting season – the warm-up period of dating, the tactical planning of moving in together, and now the championship game of marriage. And like any good team, they’ve learned that success comes from playing to each other’s strengths – she remembers important dates, he remembers obscure sports statistics.

To the newlyweds: may your marriage be like your favorite team – resilient through the tough matches, celebrating the victories together, and always playing on the same side.

Raise your glasses to the happy couple – the greatest team-up since pizza and beer!

Get a personalized & funny best man speech here >> 

Funny Best Man Speech Advanced Techniques

The Rule of Three

Basic Formula: Two normal items + one surprising twist

Examples:

  • “Marriage requires three things: love, patience, and a high tolerance for bad TV shows.”
  • “[Groom] prepared for marriage by learning three skills: cooking (ordering takeout), cleaning (hiding mess), and communication (saying ‘yes, dear’).”
  • “I’ve seen [Groom] overcome many challenges: university finals, job interviews, and attempting to fold a fitted sheet.”

The Callback

Definition: Referencing an earlier joke later in the speech

Example Structure:

Initial Reference: “When I first met [Groom], his idea of fine dining was adding hot sauce to instant noodles.”

Middle Callback: “Then he met [Bride], and suddenly he knew about wine pairing – though he still keeps a secret hot sauce stash.”

Final Callback: “So let’s raise a glass to the happy couple – may your love be as spicy as [Groom]’s hidden hot sauce collection.”

The Misdirection

Technique: Lead the audience one way, then surprise them with an unexpected twist

Examples: “[Groom] has changed so much since meeting [Bride]. He’s more mature, more responsible, more organized… Sorry, I’m talking about a different [Groom]. Our [Groom] just learned how to use the washing machine last week.”

“Marriage has already transformed [Groom]. He’s started eating healthier, exercising more, and… oh wait, that’s his New Year’s resolution list from 2019. Still waiting on those to happen.”

Funny Best Man Speech Delivery

Voice Control

Volume Management:

  • Start slightly louder than your normal speaking voice
  • Project from your diaphragm
  • Vary volume for emphasis
  • Speak about 20% slower than normal conversation

Emphasis Techniques:

  • Pause before punchlines
  • Stress key words
  • Lower voice for intimate moments
  • Raise pitch slightly for excitement

Physical Presence

Body Language:

  • Stand straight but relaxed
  • Keep hands visible and natural
  • Use gestures sparingly and purposefully
  • Maintain open posture

Eye Contact:

  • Scan the room in a W pattern
  • Hold eye contact for 2-3 seconds per person
  • Look at both sides of the room
  • Connect with key people (couple, parents) regularly

Timing and Pacing

Speech Rhythm:

  • Allow 1-2 seconds after setup lines
  • Pause 3-4 seconds for laughter
  • Slow down for emotional moments
  • Speed up slightly for excitement

Laughter Management:

  • Wait for big laughs to die down
  • Use smaller jokes to build to bigger ones
  • Don’t rush through audience reactions
  • Read the room’s energy

Quick Recap

  • Know your audience and tailor your humor accordingly
  • Structure your speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end
  • Mix up your joke styles for variety
  • Practice, practice, practice!
  • Handle nerves with breathing exercises and visualization
  • Edit and refine your speech for clarity and flow
  • Engage your audience with eye contact and natural gestures

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