Getting ready
Do your research. No speech is improved by getting basic facts wrong, whether that's about how the groom and bride met, the names of their respective family members, or the name of their pooch. Similarly, even the most experienced speakers - in fact, especially the most experienced speakers - ensure that their speeches are structured. Again, preparation is all. There is no disadvantage in sitting down well in advance and thinking about what you'd like to say, relying on the ability to 'wing it' will rarely work. Write a draft; refine your draft; then run this past a friend whose judgement you value. Finally, once you are happy with the speech, write it up on flash cards so that you are equipped on the day itself.
Do your research. No speech is improved by getting basic facts wrong, whether that's about how the groom and bride met, the names of their respective family members, or the name of their pooch. Similarly, even the most experienced speakers - in fact, especially the most experienced speakers - ensure that their speeches are structured. Again, preparation is all. There is no disadvantage in sitting down well in advance and thinking about what you'd like to say, relying on the ability to 'wing it' will rarely work. Write a draft; refine your draft; then run this past a friend whose judgement you value. Finally, once you are happy with the speech, write it up on flash cards so that you are equipped on the day itself.
Practice makes perfect
There is no substitute for rehearsal. Most best men are not regular public speakers, and so they are novices who are making a speech in an extremely emotional and very public forum. This is a very high-pressure debut, even for the most confident character. So start running through your speech well in advance of the big day. Start in front of your bathroom mirror if that's where you're comfortable! The idea is to familiarise yourself with your words. Once you feel happy and confident with the basic speech, you should graduate to running through it in front of a friend. Again, leave yourself plenty of time for this stage, as this is your chance to use their input to hone your performance. Listen to their comments and incorporate them!
Timing is all
Traditionally, the wedding breakfast format has run: ceremony; photographs; reception; dinner; then speeches and dancing. However, more and more weddings now feature the speeches before dinner starts. If you can persuade the happy couple to consider this option, it has real advantages for the nervous best man. Your audience is already in the mood - they've had the ceremony, and some refreshments at the reception - so you're not speaking to an unreceptive group. However, no one is too drunk, meaning no boisterous heckling, and more importantly you can get the speech done early in proceedings. Then you can relax and enjoy the rest of the celebrations, and that includes a glass or three of champagne.
Humour
Lastly, a word on humour. There is a premium on the best man's speech being a comic turn. This leads to often ill-advised jokes scattered seemingly at random through the speech. If you are not naturally a comic genius - and how many of us are? then avoid this temptation. This is where thought and practice are at a premium. Use the support of your chosen friend and take their advice. Learn a couple of set piece jokes if necessary, and remember - you are not delivering a speech to a party conference or a sermon. Your best man's speech can be short but sweet, and better that than remembered for all the wrong reasons.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Tips-For-Writing-A-Best-Mans-Speech
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