Welcome to

The English Toastmasters Association

A guide to delivering the perfect best man's speech

Please also visit the official

English Toastmasters Association

web site

Officially, the best man responds to the second toast ( the bride groom's toast ) on behalf of the bridesmaids and any other attendants. The best man is expected to deliver an optimistic, buoyant and funny speech, keeping everyone present entertained. To ensure a successful speech, pay careful attention to the following points.

Try to say everything you need to say in less than 1000 words or about 7 minutes. You don't have to cover every year of the groom's life.

Your speech needs humour, but no real detail. Think about whether you really need to recite a whole story. Don't include more than one anecdote or reminiscence. At a typical reception half the guests don't know the other half. The speech must be entertaining even to people who have never met the characters you are talking about.

The speech should contain plenty of humour and friendly digs at the bridegroom. But it should include an equal number of congratulatory and optimistic remarks.

Don't refer to previous girlfriends

Compliment the bride

Don't use swear words

Consign the opening line and the next two lines of your speech to memory. Then, if necessary, read the rest word for word, but try to raise your head and speak to the audience as much as you can.

Speak loudly and slowly and use pauses between sections of your speech. Let the laughter die down after you have delivered a killer line!

End with a flourish. People remember longest the last thing they hear. Spend time finding the ideal concluding remarks for your speech.

MAIN POINTS

You may portray the groom in an amusing light. Not all best men are experienced or gifted speakers and many dread the thought of being the centre of attention at such an occasion. The main thing to remember is that the speech should be sincere and that is more important than the words that are to be used. It is always best not to be rude or offensive.

1 - The first duty to be performed by the best man, is to thank the groom, on behalf of the bridesmaids for the kind words and toast to them, on their behalf.

2 - The best man may read out any messages and cards, which may have arrived from absent friends.

From here on the speech is a matter of personal choice.

The best man may say how long he has known the groom and advise the guests about some of the grooms strong points.

The best man may recount amusing stories about the groom, which may be close to the mark, but not over the top.

The best man may talk about the bride and how she has made a favourable impression on the groom, and how very appropriate the couple are together, and the positive impact the bride has had on the groom.

3 - The best man, in summing up should ask everyone to stand and make the final toast to the "bride and groom - Mr. & Mrs....."

Professional toastmasters available for hire for your special occasion.

Last Updated 12:13hrs Friday 8th March 2013

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