13 Tips for a Memorable Best Man Speech

Weddings are a time for celebration and joy, but they can also be a daunting experience for the best man. With so much pressure to deliver a great speech, it's no wonder that many men feel nervous and unsure of where to start.

To help alleviate some of this stress, we've rounded up 13 handy tips for making a great best man speech. From making eye contact to managing your nerves, these tips will help you navigate the challenges of delivering a memorable speech.

### The Art of a Great Best Man Speech

A great best man speech is one that is both funny and sincere. It's a delicate balance to strike, but with the right approach, you can deliver a speech that will be remembered for years to come.

### 1. Make Eye Contact

One of the most important things to remember when delivering a best man speech is to make eye contact with your audience. This will help you connect with your listeners and ensure that your words are not lost in translation.

| Tip | Description | | --- | --- | | 1. Make Eye Contact | Look up and engage with your audience | | 2. It Doesn't Need to be Laugh a Minute | Don't force it if stand-up isn't your forte |

### 2. It Doesn't Need to be Laugh a Minute

While a funny best man speech can go down a storm, it's not the only way to deliver a great speech. If stand-up isn't your forte, don't try to force it. Instead, focus on sharing your love and appreciation for the groom and his partner.

### 3. Don't Be Drunk

It's probably not necessary to say this, but just in case, go easy on the bubbly at the drinks reception. You want to be able to deliver your speech clearly and confidently, not slurring your words and stumbling over your feet.

### 4. Use Paper Rather Than a Phone

There's something about reading a speech from a phone or tablet that seems a little under-prepared. If you can, bring your speech on paper. It will look like you've put more thought into it, and not just finished it in the car en route to the ceremony.

### 5. Practice Makes Perfect

Try your speech out a few times in front of the mirror. You'd be surprised how different it might sound out loud. A rehearsed wedding speech will flow better, and you'll be less likely to stumble over your words.

### 6. Time Yourself

As you're practicing and reading your speech aloud, set a timer to check how long it is. You'll be very surprised that what looks short on paper can actually rack up the minutes. So tighten and edit where needed.

### 7. Know Your Audience

When delivering your speech, remember that your audience is not just the groom and his partner, but also their families, friends, and colleagues. Be mindful of what you say and avoid any jokes or anecdotes that might be off-putting.

### 8. Lay Off the In-Jokes

You may have known the groom since your first day of primary school, but avoid jokes that will only make sense to just the two of you or a handful of guests.

### 9. Read the Room

You'll need to think on your feet with this one, but if the speeches are dragging on, or if a particular story isn't landing, nip it in the bud and move on. Easier said than done, of course, but there's nothing more likely to kill a party vibe at a wedding than an awkward joke or anecdote that's going nowhere.

### 10. Don't Insult Anyone

Again, this probably goes without saying, but any jokes about the couple, their parents, or any guests that might be construed as an insult, get an immediate veto. Likewise, veer away from money, sex, politics, or religion.

### 11. Manage Your Nerves

You might be absolutely terrified at the thought of giving a speech. Take a moment. There's nothing wrong with taking a few deep breaths to gather yourself with the mic in hand before you start to talk.

### 12. Don't Forget the Obligatory Mentions

You're in charge of well-wishes from anyone who couldn't make it, making a comment on how lovely everyone looks, and thanking the bridal party for all their help. Try not to overlap on the groom's speech though, so check with him as to who he will be thanking.

### 13. Have an Exit Strategy

The best man speech is often the closer - a sign that the formalities of the day are finished and it's time to hit the dancefloor. Have a clear-cut finish that ends your speech on a high. Something like, "Here's to an incredible night ahead, and an epic life together for X and Y - let's all stand and raise our glasses for one last toast, to X and Y" should do the trick!