Say Hello For Those Who Cant Be There
As youre preparing your speech, be sure to ask the groom if there is anyone in particular who cannot make it that he or the bride wishes could be there Then, using your best sleuthing skills, track down this person and ask them if theyd like to say anything during your speech.
You can then pass on these messages to the bride and groom, making the day even more special!
Use A Magnetic Opening Line
The opening words of your Best Man presentation should grab everyones attention. If you favor a romantic approach on how to start off a speech, you can start with a statement like, True love wins all, and then list the various ways the Groom, through his true love for his Bride, has won all her attention and affections.
- If some of the Grooms favorite hip singer-songwriters date back to the 1960s and 70s, you can quote from Bob Dylan: Love is just a four-letter word, going on to mention the many words of just four letters that relate to feelings of true love like kiss, hold, keep and ever. Be intent and clever with the use of language, and you will achieve better engagement with your audience.
- If your tastes are somewhat more classical, you can start by quoting the familiar line from Elizabeth Barrett Browning: How do I love thee, Let me count the ways. This popular line has been repeated in many variations by countless poets and songwriters ever since, so have no fear of labeling yourself as an egghead when quoting it. This opening line will also give you a chance to mention the main virtues and attributes of the Bride.
Give A Little Strategic Recognition
Be sure to thank all the other speakers. Its a simple and easy gesture that shows a little class.
Also, and without overdoing it, you should be sure to mention a few other people in your speech recognizing how much work went into the event, and how spectacularly it paid off. The groom will no doubt cover this in his speech, but there is no harm in showing that you appreciate it too:
Id like to quickly give thanks for all the incredible work both families put in to make today happen. Its been a wonderful day and on behalf of all the guests, we are thrilled to have been asked to witness the coming together of < brides name> and < grooms name> .
Remember to pause after this, because there will no doubt be a few cheers, some applause and perhaps even a couple of hear, hears!
The best man should be sure to recognize the other speakers at the wedding
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Make It All About Them
If your speech has a lot of I and me in it, youre doing it wrong. Guests want to have fun, says Wellman. They dont care about personal stories or how much the best man loves the groom.
Instead, reveal unexpected traits about the couple through shared stories. Its fine to talk mostly about the groomthree-quarters of the speech or sobut you should bring up the bride at some point. If you dont know anything about her, reach out to friends who might have a better idea.
Best Man Speech Template
Getting all your thoughts and feelings down on paper can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to sharing those sentiments with the guys. Here is a guideline for finding your flow.
Find a theme. A theme is a unifying idea that ties the whole speech together. Think of it as the takeaway of your speech, or the one thing you want guests to remember. The best way to identify your theme is by making a list of your favorite stories. “Youre not going to just write a speech from scratch. Start by brainstorming stories. Most importantly, what youre looking for is the theme that comes out of those anecdotes,” says Litt.
Build a framework. The best way to organize your thoughts is to create a blueprint of the key points you want to hit first, sort of like a toast skeleton. After you’ve established the roadmap, fill it in with pertinent details and memories while still ensuring you’re staying on point. “Think about it in terms of ideas,” says Litt. “You can get in one or two short anecdotes, maybe three, and one big idea. If those are good, you dont need more.”
Instead of thinking as the speaker, put yourself in the shoes of someone in the audience. Think about what theyre looking for rather than what you want to do.
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Best Man Speech For Brother
Good evening, hope everyone is having a good time tonight. I feel very privileged and honored to be standing here tonight celebrating this lovely union. Two years ago, Matt gave the best man speech at my wedding and made a lot of awkward jokes. So needless to say, Ive been waiting for this moment for a really long time! For those who dont know, I am Matts brother, Mike.
I first met Matt when I was two years old at our parents house in Boston. To be quite honest, I wasnt thrilled because I really wanted a sister. And I think he knew because Matt would do ridiculous things like throw my toothbrush in the toilet, pour water at me when I was asleep and run across the room naked when I had any friends over. This made me less popular than I already was.
Matt always excelled in school, was captain of the debate team and can make a mean steak. The truth is, despite him being an annoying brother at the time, I came out winning in the end. Because of him and this beautiful night, I am getting the sister I always wanted. Cara, youre beautiful and our family loves you so much. Thank you for making my brother so happy.
Lets celebrate this amazing union and raise a glass to the newlyweds! On behalf of the groomsmen and bridesmaids, wed like to wish you a life full of love, happiness, and joy.
To everyone who made tonight happen, thank you. Youve made this night very special.
Short And Simple Speech
Since I have everyones attention Id love to say a few words to this amazing couple sitting right in front of me. For those who dont know me, Im Ed. Mikes closest friend and sidekick. Weve known each other for about 11 years and have been on many adventures together. During that time, I got to know him well and can honestly say, he is the most selfless and stand-up guy Ive ever met. I am thrilled to be standing here and celebrating him and his beautiful bride, Linda.
I am sure this union between two honest and caring people makes you all smile. Lets raise a glass for everlasting love! Thanks for making us all part of this beautiful day.
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Example One: The Thankful Speech
Hello everyone, its such a pleasure to be here tonight as best man. And I want to begin with saying what an honor it is that I was chosen to stand by your side today. Youve always been someone that I looked up to and I am just beyond grateful that I get to share in this moment with you and .
is someone that Ive come to care for greatly over the years and I am so happy that hes found someone to share his life with and start a family with. has always been my right hand throughout the biggest moments of my life and I cant wait to be able to watch everything beautiful unfold for the two of you. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!
Best Man Speech Opening Lines
Your opening lines are your best man speech icebreakers, so its important that they are good. Grab the attention of your guests with witty best man speech openers such as these.
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The Reasons To Marry The Groomspeech
Good Evening, everyone! I trust that youre having a superb night racking up the bar tab. Sorry about that, .
Ya know, the best man speech is known for throwing out some of the most embarrassing aspects of the grooms past. Funny stories from middle school or bringing up bad haircuts, but thats not really my style. Instead, Id rather make it clear to everyone just why has decided to marry .
There are three rather simple reasons.
Firstly, hes got really great taste. He did choose me as his best man, after all. He even decided to wear the same outfit as me today.
Secondly, when he loves, he loves hard. Theres nothing this man wouldnt do for me. In fact, hes spent 20 years doing nothing for me. See what you have to look forward to ?
And finally, hes a handsome fellow. Although standing up here looking at him next to , you could have done a bit better, hun.
Note To Self #3 Compliment The Bride
Your role as Best Man has been selected by the Groom, but its just as important for you to acknowledge the woman hes married.
Its traditional to tell the bride she looks beautiful on the day, but appearance isnt at the forefront of every womans mind. You can compliment the bride on how happy shes made your friend, what a wicked sense of humour she has, or what an inspiration she has been to you or someone you know.
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Example Two: The Smart Move Speech
Theres an old saying about friendship that reads, It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them, and goodness that couldnt be more true for me and my boy, .
I could go into all the funny stories that include some of that stupidity but instead Id rather focus on all the smart moves hes made. His friendships, the relationship he has with his family, his career, its all a reflection of the incredible man hes become. But really, the smartest move hes made is marrying you, .
Lets toast to the best decision ever made. I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and success.
Sentimental Best Man Speech
If I can have your attention everybody, Id like to say a few words. Thank you all for being here to celebrate this lovely couple. Now I would like you all to take out some tissues, because you are going to need them after this.For those of you who have not met me I am Rich, Joes best man. Rich and I have known each other for over 30 years, we met when we were both just two years old. We lived on the same street and our mothers were friends so naturally we also became friends.
I am an only child so Joe was like a brother to me. We became inseparable. We played in T-ball together and then graduated on to baseball throughout high school. When we werent throwing the ball we were skateboarding, watching movies or challenging each other in video games.
Joe was always hanging out at my house and I grew up thinking he was just part of the family. I remember asking my mom why Joe never goes home and mom would always say Rich, Joe is the brother you never had, take good care of each other.
What my mom didnt tell me at the time was that Joes mom was really sick and his dad worked double shifts just to stay afloat with all the medical bills. So, having Joe around was our way of helping out.
Even though we were only in high school, Joe made it very clear that he wanted to have a wife and family of his own. His mothers death at such a young age was really challenging and in some ways, he learned to cherish the women he had in his life more.
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Do End On A Sweet Note
Your best man speech should always, in spite of everything else said or done, conclude on a positive note. It is customary , and it is always well received, to offer a few words of congratulations on the marriage, pleasant wishes for the bride and groom’s future together, and a general toast in the direction of the groom and his partner. These things are always warmly received.
Know What Is Best Left In The Past
All exes are off-limits. His, hers, yours, everybodys. Nobody wants to go there.
Ultimately, while you want to give the groom a bit of a ribbing he should also come out of your speech looking like a hero someone the bride is proud to call her husband.
For all the jokes, make sure the groom ends up sounding like an awesome guy
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What About The Order
You can structure your speech really simply as follows:* Introduction who I am, how we met etc.* Funny anecdote 1* Funny anecdote 2 * Amusing story about the bride and groom meeting/dating* Touching/heartwarming anecdote* Close with a toast
This template is great if youre already struggling with the speech and want to just focus on the content.
However, if you want to make the speech that bit more memorable, you might need to go down a more unconventional route. I often spend time with clients drawing out the qualities or hobbies of the groom and structuring the speech around these.
One client was best man to a groom who constantly travelled. We turned the speech into one about an explorer who trekked across the world, slotting in all the bizarre and amusing things that had happened along the way which his sidekick had often witnessed first-hand. The speech ended with the groom in New York meeting his bride. Needless to say, the audience were more than a little impressed.
Speak With Confidence And Clarity
When you deliver your remarks with genuine confidence and true clarity, the guests will listen attentively to your words. Sincerity is contagious, and your audience will catch and embrace your own strong affections for the Groom, your long-time best buddy or loyal brother.
They will also respond enthusiastically to your admiration and praise for the Bride and your joy at the marriage of this unique, special pair, especially when you speak clearly and concisely with true conviction and honesty.
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How To Deliver A Great Best Man Speech With Examples
Updated November 06, 2020 – Dom Barnard
The best man speech is a huge part of the wedding so make sure yours is memorable. There are many areas to think about while preparing your speech who is in the audience, how big is the audience, how long should the speech be, should I be telling jokes and so on.
Below we’ve listed essential best man speech tips on dealing with these questions and guidelines you can use to write your own speech.
How To Write A Best Man Speech Detailed Guide
The Opening
Like any form of public speaking, you need to have your audience on side right from the beginning. Be confident. After all, you know the groom better than most in the room and your best man speech is the perfect chance to introduce him to everybody else!
- Introduce yourself and say why you are best friends with the groom.
- Outline your speech .
- Feel free to improvise rather than sticking to the script you have prepared at home. Maybe something struck you as moving or funny during the ceremony. Mention it!
- Praise the bride early on to buy good will right from the start and set everyone she knows at ease.
- Consider self-deprecation as it is something that will appeal across all age groups and it a great way to get a joke in early.
The main section of the speech
The important thing to remember is that the speech is not about you but the groom. Therefore, itâs okay if your best man speech paints a picture of your relationship with the groom but you need to concentrate on what a great guy he is, so everything you say has to revolve around that.
Be pleasant and nice and give your best man speech a flow. Every section and paragraph should run smoothly, jokes should be brief, and each story should reveal some more of the groomâs character and life.
The conclusion to the speech
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