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There comes a time in every man’s life when he must do the ultimate service to his best friend. That service is preparing, and giving a best man’s speech. Although, if you’re anything like me, actually preparing means a drinking an entire bottle quick swig of champagne before actually giving the speech. A best man’s speech is a lot of pressure. You first and foremost need to draw the attention of the crowd and get them to laugh all while simultaneously making sure that the maid of honor doesn’t outdo you. I’m here to provide you with a few ways to give a great best man’s speech that’ll have the audience talking about it for days, weeks and years to come.
Make it funny
Don’t be afraid to embarrass your buddy. Go ahead and throw out that story that he tried to sweep under the rug for the last eight years because he was avoiding the teasing that came with people knowing. He’ll thank you for it later. If embarrassing your bud isn’t in the cards, start with a funny story about some of the things you guys did when y’all were young, dumb and wild.
If the people are laughing, you’ve done your job.
Talk about the friendship
While it sounds like I’m repeating myself, I’m not. This is the time for you to tell everyone how awesome of a guy he is and how he’s helped you throughout your life. Really pump him up, talk about that time that he once drove 100 miles to help you when life dealt you a tough hand and you needed help. If you happen to be single, the other single girls in the audience will think you’re a sweetheart and your chances of having a dance partner all night increase.
Bring the bride into it
You’ve drawn in the crowd with a good joke about your friend, maybe even embarrassed him a little, and then built him back up by talking about how great of a guy is. Now, it’s time to really blow this speech out of the water and bring the bride into it. Talk about how happy you were when they started dating and how great of a wing woman she was when y’all went out. Mention that she’s been the best thing that has happened to your friend since you introduced him to dunkaroos back in first grade. Once again, the girls in the crowd will love it and so will that one girl dressed in white.
You want to see your buddy after he gets hitched? Make sure the wife loves you, too.
Close it out in style
The close is one of the easiest, but most vital parts of the speech. It sets the tone for the toast. You should thank everyone for coming out, and thank the parents of the bride and groom for putting on such an awesome event. You should then transition into the part where you wish the bride and groom and happy and healthy marriage that will last to the end of time.
You are now ready to finish it of by toasting to the newly Mr. and Mrs. All in all, keep it simple and light. Don’t be nervous and overthink it. God speed to all you best men out there. Just remember, it’s much harder planning the bachelor party than giving the speech.
Respond
Harrison Lee
Harrison is a Content Manager at Grandex. When he's not working for the man, you can find him on the golf course or blowing his paycheck doubling down on red. LinkedIn profile
@HMontgomery_
Also, keep it short. Many of the people in the room don’t know you or your inside jokes and don’t want to hear you rambling on like the maid of honor for 15 minutes.