How To Write Best Man Speeches

If you've been selected as the best man for a wedding, chances are you've wondered how to write and deliver a best man speech that will be remembered. Following these simple steps will help you deliver a flawless speech; one that both toasts and honors the happy couple.
1. Make it Personal
You were chosen as best man by the groom because of your unique personality. Therefore it is important that your best man speech reflect who you really are. The groom is counting on you to be yourself - don't let him down.
With this in mind, begin to write a best man speech by playing to your strengths. If you're not naturally a comedian, don't worry. You don't have to make the audience roll in the aisles laughing. Best man speeches can be hilariously funny or they can be heartfelt and sincere. There really is no rule here, other than "just be yourself."
2. Keep it Brief
There is nothing worse than best man speeches that go on too long. When writing your speech, remember to practice it with a watch to check its length. Five minutes is fine; 10 minutes can even be okay if you have plenty to say. Beyond that, unless you're an experienced professional speaker, your audience is going to get bored quickly. Keep your best man speech short and sweet and you'll be fine.
3. Don't Forget to Introduce Yourself
One common mistake in best man speeches is that the best man neglects to introduce himself, or explain how he knows the bride and groom. Remember that weddings are full of distant relatives and casual acquaintances; many people there will not have the faintest idea who you are.
TIP: the audience is there because they like the bride and groom. Explain your close relationship with the bride and groom in the first few sentences. This will ensure that the audience likes you too.
4. Be a Storyteller
The heart of your best man speech should be a story or funny anecdote about the groom and bride. One of the most popular topics is how the bride and groom met, as couples often have funny stories about how they got together. If you're drawing a blank on this one, talk to the family of the groom (or bride) for suggestions.
5. Mirror the Groom's Personality
If the groom is a serious, thoughtful man, you'll do well to include more serious thoughtful comments. On the other hand, if the groom doesn't have a serious bone in his body and loves to laugh and joke about everything, you'll want to include more jokes and irreverent comments in your speech.
Remember, your best man speech should fit the groom. Consider the groom's personality before writing anything. This will help you write a best man speech that is appropriate and personal.
6. Keep Your Comments Suitable for All Ages
While it can be funny to make slightly "off-color" comments about the groom, you need to walk a fine line here. Remember, there will be distant relatives at the wedding, and ages will range from small children to elderly adults. Minimize the use of offensive language or comments of an explicit sexual nature. Even though the immediate family may be perfectly fine with these jokes, the distant relatives may not. Funny best man speeches are very much welcome as long as it doesn't hurt anybody.
7. What Not to Do
To deliver a great best man speech there are a few perennial no-no's, or things you should avoid at all cost. Never mention the groom's ex-girlfriends, ex-wives or previous lovers. No matter how funny you think the joke is, just say no. This is a sure way to ruin the mood of a wedding reception.
You should also avoid mentioning anything humiliating about the bride (slightly humiliating the groom can be considered appropriate in certain circumstances -- but be careful). As the best man, you are there at the request of the groom -- not the bride. Keep your comments about her respectful and polite. You can include a joke or funny story involving her, but nothing humiliating or disrespectful.
Finally, don't drink excessively before you give your speech. Many people feel they can not speak in public without several drinks in them. But the biggest sin you can commit is to give a best man speech while drunk. Believe me, it will not be considered funny -- and it will not be soon forgotten.
Follow these 7 simple tips to write and deliver a sincere, funny and appropriate best man speech.