The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Memorable Best Man Speech

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 your best man speech. 

Standing as the best man at your friend’s wedding is a momentous honor and responsibility. A critical part of this role is delivering a best man speech that is memorable, heartfelt, and engaging. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to craft and deliver an outstanding best man speech. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or this is your first time, we’ve got you covered.

Use these additional resources:

• Our handy Best Man Speech Generator
• Our comprehensive Best Man Guide
• A collection of Best Man Speech Examples
• A list of Best Man Speech Jokes

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

 

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Key Takeaways

• Understand the structure of the best man speech to include an introduction, anecdotes, heartfelt moments, and a concluding toast.
• Practice your speech multiple times to build confidence and reduce nerves.
• Incorporate stories that balance humor and sentiment.
• Be mindful of cultural sensitivity, venue dynamics, and audience demographics.
• Consider utilizing Bridesmaid for Hire’s best man speech writing tool.

Understanding Your Role

Core Responsibilities

Standing as best man comes with profound responsibilities that extend far beyond the ceremonial duties. At its heart, your role centers on delivering a speech that will resonate with everyone present while honoring your friend and his new spouse.

Your key duties include:

Representing the collective voice of friends and family
• Sharing meaningful insights about the groom’s character
• Celebrating the couple’s unique love story
• Creating a memorable moment in their special day
• Setting the tone for the reception celebrations

As the chosen best man, you’ll serve as a bridge between the past and present, connecting childhood memories with this momentous occasion. Your words will help paint a picture of the groom’s journey and welcome his partner into your circle of friendship.

For more tips, check out our Best Man Guide. 

Speech Impact

A well-crafted best man speech has the power to transform the wedding reception atmosphere. When delivered with sincerity and skill, your words will unite the room in celebration, bringing together diverse groups of guests through shared laughter and emotional moments.

Your speech can achieve multiple goals:

Unite guests in shared celebration
• Provide unique insights into the groom’s character
• Welcome the partner into your circle
• Create lasting memories for the couple
• Bridge any gaps between different guest groups

The best speeches become cherished stories retold at future gatherings, creating ripples of joy that extend far beyond the wedding day itself.

Cultural Considerations

Wedding traditions vary significantly across different cultures and regions, and understanding these nuances is crucial for crafting an appropriate speech.

Regional timing expectations include:

American weddings: 5 minutes
• British celebrations: 7 minutes
• Australian receptions: 7 minutes
• Co-best men speeches: 12-13 minutes total
• Individual co-best man speeches: 7 minutes each

Some cultures place greater emphasis on formal respect over humor, while religious ceremonies may require additional sensitivity to traditions and values. For multicultural weddings, take time to understand both families’ backgrounds and expectations, ensuring your speech honors both traditions while remaining accessible to all guests.

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Speech Structure Fundamentals

Building Your Framework

A well-structured best man speech guides guests through an emotional journey while maintaining their interest throughout. Think of your speech as a story with distinct chapters, each serving a specific purpose in the overall narrative.

Essential speech components:

Opening (30-45 seconds):

Warm introduction
• Establish your connection
• Express gratitude for the role

Middle Section (4-5 minutes):

Share meaningful stories
• Highlight groom’s character
• Describe meeting the partner
• Celebrate their relationship

Closing (30 seconds):

Heartfelt wishes
• Meaningful toast
• Call to action for guests

This natural progression helps guests follow along while keeping them engaged from start to finish.

Timing and Pacing

Mastering the timing of your speech is crucial for maintaining audience engagement. The key is to keep your message concise and impactful.

Tips for perfect timing:

Practice with a timer repeatedly
• Mark your key transition points
• Account for audience reactions
• Have a shorter version ready
• Know which parts can be trimmed

Remember, a well-paced shorter speech often leaves a stronger impression than a longer one that drags on. Focus on quality over quantity, ensuring each minute adds value to your overall message.

Natural Transitions

Moving smoothly between different parts of your speech requires careful attention to transitions. Your speech should flow like a natural conversation, with each topic leading logically to the next.

Key transition moments:

From introduction to first story
• Between different anecdotes
• Shifting to partner appreciation
• Moving into the final toast

Avoid abrupt changes by using connecting phrases and thematic links. For example, when moving from a funny story to a more serious moment, you might say, “While we’ve had our share of laughs, what truly stands out about [Groom] is his incredible capacity for caring…”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Writing Your Speech

Crafting the Perfect Opening

Your opening sets the tone for the entire speech. Think of it as your moment to grab the audience’s attention while establishing your connection to the couple.

Strong opening examples:

Traditional Approach: “Good evening everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m James, and I’ve had the privilege of being John’s best friend since we accidentally set off the fire alarm in seventh grade chemistry class.”

Humorous Start: “When David asked me to be his best man, I immediately started writing this speech. That was six months ago, and I finished it about twenty minutes before the ceremony. Sorry, David – some things never change.”

Heartfelt Beginning: “Looking around this room today, I see family, friends, and loved ones all united in celebrating Sarah and Michael. As Michael’s best man and brother, I couldn’t be more honored to share this moment.”

Telling Memorable Stories

The heart of your speech lies in the stories you choose to share. Select anecdotes that reveal character while entertaining guests.

Example story structure:

Setup: “Many of you know Tom as a successful architect, but I remember when his biggest construction project was building a pillow fort in our university dorm…”

Development: “This wasn’t just any fort. Tom had blueprints, structural support calculations, and a strict ‘no shoes’ policy…”

Payoff: “That same attention to detail and slightly obsessive planning is exactly why Emma fell in love with him – though I’m sure the pillow fort helped.”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Delivery Techniques

Voice and Presence

Your delivery can transform good content into an unforgettable speech. Think about varying your tone and pace to match your content.

Vocal techniques for different moments:

Humorous Sections:

Slightly faster pace
• Higher energy
• Strategic pauses for laughter

Example: “Mark’s dating history before meeting Julie was… interesting. [Pause for effect] Let’s just say there was a reason we called him ‘The Cat Lady Whisperer.'”

Emotional Moments:

Slower, measured pace
• Lower, warmer tone
• Genuine emotion in voice

Example: “Watching you find happiness with Julie has been one of life’s greatest gifts. [Slight pause] You’re not just my best friend anymore – you’ve become the brother I never had.”

Managing Audience Engagement

Reading the room and adjusting your delivery accordingly is crucial for maintaining connection with your audience.

Engagement techniques:

Scan different sections of the room
• Acknowledge reactions naturally
• Adjust timing based on responses
• Include subtle callbacks to earlier jokes

Example of audience interaction: “I see some knowing smiles from the university crowd over there – yes, the karaoke incident of 2015 is still legendary. For everyone else, let’s just say what happens in karaoke stays in karaoke… mostly because we’re still trying to forget it.”

Building Emotional Moments

Balance humor with genuine sentiment to create touching moments that resonate with everyone present.

Example emotional progression:

Start Light: “When I first met Sarah, I was immediately suspicious. She laughed at all of John’s jokes – even the bad ones. And trust me, they’re mostly bad.”

Build Connection: “But then I saw how she looked at him when he wasn’t watching. The same way he’d light up when talking about her.”

End Strong: “That’s when I knew – my best friend hadn’t just found someone to laugh at his jokes. He’d found his perfect match.”

Special Situations

Being a Brother Best Man

Being both brother and best man adds a unique dimension to your speech, allowing you to share perspectives that no one else can offer.

Family perspective examples:

Childhood Stories: “As Mark’s older brother, I have an unlimited supply of embarrassing stories. Like the time he convinced our parents he was allergic to vegetables – for three years.”

Growing Up Together: “I’ve watched Mark evolve from the kid who used to steal my action figures to the man standing here today. Though Sarah, I should warn you – he still occasionally raids my Netflix account.”

Balancing Roles: “Being both brother and best man is special because I get to share two perspectives: The brother who taught him to ride a bike, and the friend who helped him navigate his first heartbreak.”

Family Connection Example: “Sarah, watching you become part of our family has been incredible. You’re not just Mark’s wife now – you’re the sister I never had. Though unlike Mark, you actually return the things you borrow.”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Co-Best Man Coordination

When sharing best man duties, coordination becomes key to delivering a cohesive celebration of the couple.

Sample Joint Speech Structure:

Opening (Best Man 1): “Good evening everyone. I’m Tom, and this is James. We’re Chris’s best men, which basically means he couldn’t choose between us. Though to be fair, Chris has always been terrible at making decisions – just ask anyone who’s watched him try to order at a restaurant.”

Transition (Best Man 2): “It’s true. In fact, the only decisive moment we’ve ever witnessed was when he met Emma. That time, he knew exactly what he wanted.”

Managing Wedding Day Challenges

Every wedding brings unexpected moments. Being prepared helps you handle them gracefully.

Common Scenarios and Solutions:

Emotional Groom: “If you notice the groom getting emotional during your speech, pause briefly and say something like: ‘And now Tom’s doing that thing where he pretends he’s not crying. It’s okay, mate – your secret’s safe with just everyone here.'”

Technical Difficulties: “When the microphone cuts out, project your voice and comment: ‘Well, I guess even the sound system knows better than to let me tell this story…'”

Crafting the Perfect Toast

Opening Strong

Your opening toast sets the tone for the entire celebration. Make it memorable while keeping it appropriate.

Strong Toast Examples:

Classic Style: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising your glasses to David and Sarah. May your love story continue to be the kind that makes other couples jealous – and the rest of us believe in true love.”

Humorous Touch: “Before we raise our glasses, I should note that Mark promised to name his firstborn after me if I didn’t tell any embarrassing stories. So here’s to Mark and Julie… and to little Peter Junior, coming soon!”

Personal Connection: “To my best friend and his incredible wife: May your future be as bright as Julie’s smile when Mark finally learned to dance for the wedding.”

Building to the Finish

Create a final toast that ties everything together while looking toward the future.

Example Closing Sequence:

Start Personal: “I’ve known James for twenty years, and I’ve never seen him as happy as he is with Emma.”

Add Humor: “Though that might be because she finally taught him how to properly do laundry – no more pink shirts!”

End Meaningful: “To James and Emma: May your love continue to grow, your laughter never fade, and your washing machine stay forever faithful. Everyone, please raise your glasses to the happy couple!”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Day-Of Preparation

Timeline Management

Proper preparation ensures you’re ready for your moment in the spotlight.

Pre-Speech Checklist:

Eat something light 2 hours before
• Limit alcohol to one drink maximum
• Check microphone during setup
• Have water within reach
• Keep speech notes easily accessible
• Take three deep breaths before starting

Example Time Management: “I find it helps to break the speech into quarters, keeping your phone’s timer visible. That way, when you’re two minutes in and still telling that story about college, you know to wrap it up quickly!”

Emergency Backup Plans

Always have contingency plans ready for unexpected situations.

Backup Strategies:

Keep two printed copies of your speech
• Have a shortened version ready
• Save speech on phone
• Practice key points without notes
• Know your emergency exits (jokes that can save a struggling moment)

Emergency Save Example: “If you find yourself losing the room, try this: ‘I had a much longer speech prepared, but Sarah threatened to show everyone my dance moves if I didn’t keep it short. So, moving quickly to the toast…'”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Real-World Best Man Speech Examples

Example 1: The Childhood Friend

“Good evening everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m Mike, and I’ve known James since we were five. That’s twenty-five years of friendship, which means twenty-five years of watching James perfect the art of being fashionably late – though I have to say, he actually made it to the ceremony on time today, which shows just how special Sarah is.

The thing about James is that he’s always been the friend who’d drop everything to help you out. I remember when my car broke down at 3 AM in college. James not only came to get me but also brought coffee and donuts because, in his words, ‘if we’re going to be stranded, we might as well have breakfast.’

Sarah, I knew you were different when James started showing up early to things. Actually early – not James-early, which usually means 20 minutes late. You’ve brought out the best in him, while accepting all his quirks – including his questionable taste in movies and his firm belief that pineapple belongs on pizza.

Please join me in raising a glass to James and Sarah. May your love continue to grow, your Netflix queue remain endless, and your pizza toppings always be a source of playful debate.”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Example 2: The Professional Colleague

“Good evening. I’m David, and I met Tom five years ago when he joined our firm. On his first day, he managed to crash our entire email system by accidentally replying-all to a company-wide message. It was chaos – but it was also the day I knew we’d be friends.

What struck me about Tom was his ability to find humor in any situation, even when facing tight deadlines or challenging projects. His famous line was always, ‘Well, it could be worse – we could be working in accounting.’ Sorry to any accountants present!

Then Emma came along, and suddenly Tom was organizing his desk, coming to meetings prepared, and even started making coffee that didn’t taste like motor oil. Emma, you’ve achieved what three different managers couldn’t – you’ve made Tom a morning person.

To Tom and Emma: May your love continue to brighten every morning, and may Tom never have to reply-all to another company email.”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Example 3: The Sibling Speech

“As Jack’s older brother, I had the unique privilege of watching him grow from an annoying little brother into my best friend – though he’s still occasionally annoying. Sorry, Jack, but it’s my brotherly duty to keep you humble.

I’ll never forget the day Jack told me about meeting Rachel. It was the first time I’d seen him speechless – which, if you know Jack, is quite an achievement. He spent an hour trying to describe her smile and ended up just showing me 47 photos on his phone instead.

Rachel, you’ve not only made my brother incredibly happy, but you’ve also given me the sister I never knew I needed. Though I have to say, your taste in men is questionable – I mean, you chose the second-best brother!

To my brother and new sister: May your love story continue to be as beautiful as those 47 photos Jack still has saved on his phone.”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Example 4: The Humorous Approach

“When Alex asked me to be his best man, I was touched. Then I remembered he once asked me to help him move apartments, and I realized he might just be taking advantage of my inability to say no to him.

But seriously, Alex has been my partner in crime since university. We’ve shared everything – apartments, classes, and even dating advice. Though after seeing some of his ex-girlfriends, I really should have ignored that last one.

Then came Julia. Suddenly, Alex was checking his phone every two minutes, smiling like an idiot, and actually ironing his shirts. Julia, you’ve accomplished the impossible – you’ve turned my best friend into a functioning adult.

To Alex and Julia: May your love continue to grow, may your shirts stay wrinkle-free, and may you always remember that I knew Alex when he thought spray cheese was a food group.”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Example 5: The Emotional Tribute

“Good evening everyone. I’m Ryan, and I’ve had the privilege of calling Mark my best friend for the past fifteen years. In that time, I’ve watched him overcome challenges, achieve his dreams, and grow into the incredible man standing here today.

Mark has always been the friend who shows up – not just for the good times, but for the tough ones too. He was there when I lost my dad, sitting with me in silence because he knew words weren’t enough. He was there for every major milestone in my life, usually with terrible jokes that somehow always made things better.

Lisa, from the moment Mark met you, something changed. He started talking about the future differently. It wasn’t just about his plans anymore – it was about your plans together. Watching your love story unfold has been like watching my best friend discover a whole new kind of happiness.

To Mark and Lisa: May your love continue to inspire others as much as it has inspired me.”

Best Opening Lines for Best Man Speeches

Traditional Openers

“For those who don’t know me, I’m [Name], and I’ve had the dubious honor of being [Groom’s] best man. I say dubious because anyone who knows [Groom] knows that being his best anything requires a lot of patience and a good sense of humor.”
• “When [Groom] asked me to be his best man, I was touched. Then I remembered he also once asked me to help him move apartments, and I realized he might just be really good at getting people to do things they’ll regret.”

Humorous Starts

“I’ve been dreading this speech almost as much as [Groom] has. The difference is, he’s worried about what I might say, and I’m worried about forgetting what I’m supposed to say.”
• “I googled ‘how to write a best man speech’ exactly 47 times before today. The internet said to be funny but not too funny, sentimental but not sappy, and brief but memorable. No pressure, right?”
• “I prepared two speeches for today – one that [Groom’s] mom would approve of, and one that tells the real stories. [Groom] paid me enough to stick to the first one.”

Heartfelt Beginnings

“Looking around this room today, I see family, friends, and loved ones all united in celebrating [Couple’s names]. As [Groom’s] best friend of [X] years, I couldn’t be more honored to share this moment.”
• “They say the best man speech should last as long as it takes the groom to make love. So, thank you and goodnight! [Pause] Just kidding, [Partner’s name] deserves at least five minutes.”

Creative Openings

“According to statistics, 74% of best men are more nervous about their speech than their own wedding day. The other 26% are lying.”
• “Before I start, I should note that [Groom] promised to name his firstborn after me if I didn’t tell any embarrassing stories. So here’s to [Groom], [Partner], and little [Your name] Junior, coming soon!”
• “For his entire life, [Groom] has always had to be the center of attention. Well, today is finally his day… to share the spotlight with someone far more impressive.”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Best Man Speech Jokes

Relationship Jokes

“[Groom] met [Partner] on a dating app. I guess all those hours he spent playing games on his phone finally paid off!”
• “I knew [Partner] was the one when she actually started laughing at [Groom’s] jokes. Either she has a fantastic sense of humor or she’s an incredible actress. After today, I guess we’ll never know.”

Friendship Humor

“I’ve been [Groom’s] friend for so long that I remember when his signature dance move was the Macarena. Actually, it still is – some things never change.”
• “Being [Groom’s] best man was an easy choice for him – I’m the only one who still has photographic evidence of his boy band phase.”

Wedding Day Quips

“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.”
• “When [Groom] first told me he was getting married, I was shocked. Not because he found someone willing to spend their life with him, but because he actually made a decision without creating a spreadsheet first.”

Character-Based Humor

“[Groom] has always been known for his excellent timing. He’s been exactly 17 minutes late to everything since college. Today, he was actually on time – [Partner], I think that’s called true love.”
• “Some people say the best man should sing the groom’s praises. Unfortunately, after hearing [Groom] attempt karaoke for the past decade, I think we’ve all had enough singing.”

Clever Observations

“[Groom] spent months planning the perfect proposal. He considered everything: the ring, the location, the timing. He even made a PowerPoint presentation… which he accidentally sent to the entire office instead of me.”
• “They say marriage is about compromise. [Groom] has already mastered this – he’s compromised on the wedding date, the color scheme, the venue, the food… actually, [Partner], you might want to work on your compromising skills.”

Read this guide on more best man speech jokes.

Best Man Speech Quotes

Love Quotes

“As Oscar Wilde said, ‘Never love anybody who treats you like you’re ordinary.’ And [Partner], you’ve definitely chosen someone who’s far from ordinary.”
• “Ernest Hemingway wrote, ‘We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.'”

Friendship Quotes

“Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.’ [Groom], thank you for all the stupid moments.”
• “As C.S. Lewis noted, ‘Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'”

Marriage Wisdom

“Bob Marley once said, ‘He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can.'”
• “According to Albert Einstein, ‘When you sit with a nice girl for two hours, it seems like two minutes. When you sit on a hot stove for two minutes, it seems like two hours. That’s relativity.’ [Groom], I’m glad you found someone who makes time fly.”

Humorous Quotes

“In the words of Billy Crystal, ‘True love is the soul’s recognition of its counterpoint in another.’ Or as [Groom] would say, ‘She likes pizza and doesn’t mind that I snore.'”
• “As Mark Twain said, ‘Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.’ Though in [Groom’s] case, it’s more like the triumph of [Partner’s] patience over his peculiarities.”

Timeless Wisdom

“Maya Angelou wrote, ‘Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.’ And if anyone knows about jumping hurdles, it’s [Partner] – she managed to get [Groom] to start doing his own laundry.”
• “According to Aristotle, ‘Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.’ In [Couple’s] case, it’s also about sharing one Netflix account and somehow agreeing on what to watch.”

Read this guide on more best man speech quotes.

Best Man Speech Closing Lines

Traditional Closings

“Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses to [Couple’s names]. May their love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, their laughter never fade, and their Netflix queue remain endless.”
• “To [Groom] and [Partner]: May your love story be even better than the fairy tales, your adventures bigger than your dreams, and your reality more amazing than your expectations.”

Humorous Endings

“And so, as we raise our glasses to the happy couple, let’s remember what brings us all here today: an open bar and the chance to see [Groom] finally dance in public. To [Couple’s names]!”
• “Here’s to the couple who prove that true love exists, soul mates are real, and that [Groom] can actually commit to something other than his fantasy football league. Congratulations!”

Heartfelt Conclusions

“As your best friend and best man, I’ve watched your love story unfold. Today isn’t the happy ending – it’s the beautiful beginning. To [Couple’s names] and their new chapter!”
• “They say love is friendship set on fire. Looking at you both today, I see that flame burning brighter than ever. May it continue to light your way. To the happy couple!”

Modern Touches

“From your first dating app match to your last name match, your story has been incredible to witness. Here’s to many more right swipes in life together!”
• “To finish with [Groom’s] favorite movie quote: ‘To infinity and beyond!’ Though in this case, it’s not about space travel – it’s about endless love, laughter, and adventure together.”

Memorable Finals

“Before we drink to the happy couple, remember this: marriage is not just finding the right person, but being the right person. [Groom] and [Partner], you’ve both done exceptionally well on both counts. Congratulations!”
• “As we celebrate this perfect match, let’s raise our glasses one final time. To love, laughter, and happily ever after. To [Couple’s names] – may your love story continue to inspire us all!”

The Ultimate Best Man Speech Template

Opening

“Good evening everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [YOUR NAME], and I have the honor of being [GROOM’S NAME]’s best man. [GROOM] and I met [HOW YOU MET] years ago when [BRIEF FUNNY OR MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM MEETING].

Your Friendship

Our friendship really took off when [SPECIFIC SHARED EXPERIENCE]. Since then, we’ve been through [NUMBER] years of [2-3 SHARED EXPERIENCES: e.g., “college all-nighters, questionable fashion choices, and failed cooking experiments”]. I’ve watched [GROOM] grow from [FUNNY OR ENDEARING PAST TRAIT] into [POSITIVE PRESENT QUALITY].

The Funny Story

I’ll never forget when [BRIEF FUNNY STORY ABOUT GROOM]. It perfectly shows how [GROOM] is [POSITIVE CHARACTER TRAIT]. Though if you think that’s good, you should have seen the time [QUICK REFERENCE TO ANOTHER FUNNY MOMENT – DON’T TELL FULL STORY].

Meeting The Partner

But everything changed when [GROOM] met [PARTNER’S NAME]. I knew something was different because [SPECIFIC CHANGE YOU NOTICED IN GROOM]. Gone was the guy who [FUNNY PAST HABIT], replaced by someone who [POSITIVE NEW BEHAVIOR]. [PARTNER’S NAME], you’ve brought out the best in him, especially his [POSITIVE QUALITY].

The Relationship

Watching your relationship grow has been [POSITIVE OBSERVATION]. You complement each other perfectly – [PARTNER] brings the [POSITIVE TRAIT] while [GROOM] adds the [COMPLEMENTARY TRAIT].

The Toast

And so, I’d like to raise a glass to [GROOM] and [PARTNER]. May your future be filled with [3 WISHES: e.g., “laughter, adventure, and love”]. May you always [PERSONAL WISH RELATED TO SOMETHING MENTIONED EARLIER IN SPEECH]. And may you never forget [CALLBACK TO FUNNY MOMENT MENTIONED IN SPEECH].

Everyone, please raise your glasses to [GROOM] and [PARTNER]!”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Handling Common Pitfalls

Managing Nervousness

Public speaking anxiety affects even the most confident speakers. Instead of fighting your nerves, learn to channel them into positive energy.

Practical Techniques:

Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the venue
• Practice your speech facing the actual layout
• Keep water nearby (sparkling water helps with dry mouth)
• Take three deep breaths before starting
• Focus on friendly faces in the crowd

Real-World Example: “At my friend’s wedding, I was terribly nervous until I spotted his grandmother in the front row. She’d heard all these stories before and was grinning ear to ear. I focused on telling the stories to her, and suddenly, it felt like a casual conversation.”

Avoiding Controversial Topics

Some subjects should never make it into your speech, no matter how tempting they might be.

Topics to Strictly Avoid:

Ex-partners or past relationships
• Political or religious views
• Inside jokes that exclude guests
• Embarrassing personal moments
• Family disputes or drama
• Cost of wedding or gifts

Instead, Replace With: “Rather than mentioning Mark’s ex-girlfriends, I talked about his terrible attempt at cooking to impress Sarah on their third date. It was funny, relevant, and showed how much effort he put into winning her heart.”

Emergency Situations

Technical Difficulties

When technology fails, improvisation becomes crucial. Having backup plans ensures you can handle any situation smoothly.

Quick Solutions:

Keep printed copy in jacket pocket
• Have phone backup with large text
• Practice key points without notes
• Know how to project voice without mic
• Have short version memorized

Example Recovery: “When the microphone died at James’s wedding, I simply said, ‘Well, I guess this is becoming a more intimate conversation!’ and continued with a projected voice. The moment became memorable rather than awkward.”

Time Management Issues

Sometimes weddings run behind schedule, requiring quick adjustments to your speech. Be prepared to cut or extend as needed.

Flexible Components:

Mark optional stories in your notes
• Have transition points for shorter version
• Know which jokes can be cut
• Keep core message intact
• Have extra material ready if needed

Example Adaptation: “We were running 30 minutes behind, so I condensed three separate stories into one quick reference: ‘I could tell you about the camping trip, the karaoke incident, and the great pizza disaster of 2019, but instead, let’s just say that Sarah has improved Tom’s decision-making skills significantly.'”

Last-Minute Checklist

Before the Reception

Essential preparations in the hours before your speech:

Morning Of:

Review speech one final time
• Eat a proper meal
• Stay hydrated
• Limit alcohol
• Check microphone during setup
• Keep throat lozenges handy

During Reception:

Note placement of microphone
• Observe audience layout
• Connect with key family members
• Time other speeches
• Watch audience energy levels

Emergency Kit

Keep these items easily accessible:

Speech Essentials:

Multiple speech copies
• Phone backup
• Water bottle
• Throat lozenges
• Handkerchief
• Brief notes for toast

Personal Items:

Breath mints
• Backup tie
• Phone charger
• Pain relievers
• Small snack

Remember, the most successful best man speeches come from a place of genuine care and celebration. Focus on honoring your friendship with the groom while celebrating the couple’s love story. With thorough preparation and sincere delivery, you’ll create a memorable moment that the couple and guests will cherish for years to come.

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Recovery Techniques

Handling Awkward Moments

Even the best-planned speeches can have unexpected moments. The key is maintaining composure and turning potential mishaps into memorable moments.

Professional Recovery Examples: “When I completely blanked mid-story at Craig’s wedding, I simply said, ‘You know what’s funny? I’ve practiced this speech so many times, and now I’m just as nervous as Craig was on his first date with Emma.’ The audience laughed, I got my bearings, and the moment became endearing rather than awkward.”

Turn these situations into advantages:

Forgotten lines: “Speaking of forgetting things, like I just did…”
• Dropped notes: “Well, there go my carefully planned jokes…”
• Voice crack: “Excuse me – emotion affects us all differently!”
• Phone ringing: “That must be the groom’s ex trying to object…”
• Spilled drink: “I meant to do that – breaks the ice, right?”

Reading the Room

Understanding your audience’s energy is crucial for maintaining engagement throughout your speech.

Signs to Watch For:

Side conversations increasing
• Restless movement
• Declining eye contact
• Reduced laughter response
• Checking phones

Adjustment Strategies: “I noticed the energy dropping during Robert’s wedding speech, so I quickly jumped to my closing story: ‘Before I lose you all to the cake display I can see everyone eyeing, let me tell you one last quick story…'”

Modern Speech Elements

Including Digital Elements

Contemporary best man speeches often incorporate modern elements while maintaining traditional charm.

Tasteful Additions:

Brief video messages from absent friends
• Childhood photos on digital display
• Collaborative guest messages
• Social media highlights
• Shared playlist references

Example Integration: “At James’s wedding, I pulled up his first-ever Facebook status about meeting Sarah: ‘Just met the most amazing girl who actually laughed at my terrible jokes.’ Five years and countless bad jokes later, here we are!”

Virtual Guest Inclusion

Modern weddings often include remote guests or virtual elements. Acknowledge them thoughtfully.

Connection Techniques:

Wave to livestream cameras
• Mention online viewers
• Include virtual guest messages
• Reference global attendance
• Acknowledge time zones

Sample Acknowledgment: “And to everyone joining us virtually from across the globe – yes, even you watching in your pajamas at 3 AM in Australia, Trevor – thank you for being part of this celebration!”

Get a personalized best man speech here >> 

Quick Recap

Crafting and delivering a best man speech is a significant responsibility, but with the right preparation, it can be a rewarding experience. Here’s a recap of the key points covered in this guide.

• Understand the structure of a best man speech to include an introduction, anecdotes, heartfelt moments, and a concluding toast.
• Practice your speech multiple times to build confidence and reduce nerves.
• Incorporate stories that balance humor and sentiment.
• Be mindful of cultural sensitivity, venue dynamics, and audience demographics.
• Consider utilizing Bridesmaid for Hire’s best man speech writing tool.

Final Thoughts

Delivering a best man speech is a unique opportunity to celebrate your friendship and honor the newlyweds. With thoughtful preparation and a touch of your personal flair, you can create a speech that will be remembered for years to come.

Use these additional resources:

• Our handy Best Man Speech Generator
• Our comprehensive Best Man Guide
• A collection of Best Man Speech Examples
• A list of Best Man Speech Jokes