Best Rules for the BEST Best Man Speech
Avoid insulting the groom with these toasting tips.
You hear the “tink tink tink” of the champagne glass which can only mean one thing… it’s time for the best man’s speech. You clear your throat, take your last sip of that not-strong-enough martini, grab the mic and panic ensues. Is your speech funny enough? Should you have left out that one college story? Did you forget to mention the bride? This is something Communications 101 could never prepare you for. So what do you do? How do you start? What do you say? Here are the top 5 tips to giving a killer speech without killing yourself.
1) Think Before You Write
Really remember your relationship with the groom. There’s a reason you’re the best man. Were you best friends since kindergarten? HS buddies or college roommates who always had each other’s backs? The point of the speech is to really delve deep into your past, while simultaneously looking forward to the future; focus on the good times had and the good times still to come. So really think about what he means to you… in that bro-mance sorta way.
2) Find That Special Memory
Pick out the one story or moment between you and the groom that stands out. Is it the first time you met at swim lessons in first grade? Or are your memories a bit more recent (however fuzzy). Maybe it was the frat party where you stumbled back at 4am or how about when you and your bro once pranked Mom so badly, you were grounded for a month? No matter what it is, find a unique memory that stands out and make this the meat of the speech.
3) ALWAYS Compliment The Bride
You may want to start with, “First off I’d like to say congratulations and Mary-Jane you look beautiful.” This helps break the first-word-jitters, and will let you slide into the rest of the speech. You should also make the groom feel special, and talk about the couple’s connection - compliment the strengths in their relationship. It’s their day for celebration. Quick note- if you really don’t know the bride too well, just focus on the groom and leave her to the maid-of-honor
4) Practice Makes PerfectREHEARSE! Whether you’re in the shower or walking around the house, repeat the speech until you can spit it out in five different languages. Write it down first and then memorize it! And keep it short. The speech really shouldn’t be more than three minutes, so at the wedding - no crib sheets!
5) Know What NEVER To SayThere are some definite DON’TS! For example, DON’T…
- Drink too much before your speech.
- Insult the bride or groom.
- Tell a dirty joke.
- Talk about ex-girlfriends or one-night stands.
- Curse or say how you really don’t think the couple is meant to be … tell some little white-
lies if you have to.
Any of these DON’TS will make you look tacky, careless, and disrespectful. It's easy to kill the mood in an instant, so keep it short, to the point, funny, sentimental or both. Speak from the heart, speak with truth, and toast with gusto. And if you need that extra boost, don’t forget, liquid confidence really does go a long way.
Excerpt from: fncimag.com
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