Just as in every type of speech, there is an opening, the middle, and a closing. When you sit down to write your speech there are some questions you can answer that will help you along in saying the right things. Think about how you know the couple, and why you were chosen to be best man. What are the first 5 adjectives that come to mind when describing the bride and groom? Has the groom changed any since meeting and falling in love with the bride? An important one is how did the happy couple meet? How did the groom tell you about her? Do you have any amusing anecdotes that show just the kind of people the bride and groom are?

All of these things can work together in making a perfect best man speech. As you go along answering the above questions, you may be surprised to find that the speech will nearly write itself. The best speeches are the ones that draw both laughter and tears. You want to hold your audience captive.

When you open your speech, be sure to introduce yourself, as you may not know everyone present at the reception. Be sure to work in a thank you to the people hosting the wedding. If the bride and groom are paying for everything, say something about how happy you all are to be a part of this special day. Refrain from starting out with some sort of joke. Those can be saved for later in the speech.

The middle part of your speech should include some stories that involve you, or just funny stories about the bride and groom. If you know the groom better, try to balance out all of your jokes and toasts so it represents the couple rather than just the groom. The funny stories should be cute and interesting, but not humiliating to the couple. Try to keep it clean as well; remember there will be children there. Keep your speech short and don’t get caught waffling on so you can avoid boring the crowd.

At the end of your speech, make a nice toast to the couple and wish them a long life of happiness and fulfillment. Be sure to raise your glass and drink yours as well once the toast is over.

If you’re nervous, make a few quick notes and have those nearby for when you make the official speech. Try not to read directly from the notes but instead use them as a guide in case you happen to forget some of the points you wanted to make. Another good tip is to try and refrain from drinking too much until the speech is over. It’s never a good idea to be drunk in front of a crowd in your most important moment of the wedding.

Once you’re ready to deliver the speech, be sure to stand up straigt and speak as clearly as possible. Be loud enough so everyone can hear you and do your best not to look nervous. Be proud that you’ve been chosen as the best man.