5 Tips for Your Best Man Speech

If you're the best man,  then you’re well aware that you play a significant role in your number one pal's wedding. One of your key responsibilities is delivering the wedding toast, a moment that can be both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. Your best man's speech is a pivotal part of the wedding celebration, blending personal reflection and entertainment. And, with an After The Tone Audio Guestbook, you can listen to such memories for a lifetime! 

If you need to write a wedding toast and are unsure where to start, we’ve got you. Here are five tips for nailing your best man speech like a pro. 

Tip 1: Know Your Audience

One of the most crucial aspects of your speech is to tailor it to suit the crowd. Consider the age range, background, and preferences of the guests. Keep the tone appropriate for both the couple and their families.

• Cultural and Religious Sensitivities: Consider the cultural and religious backgrounds of the bride and groom's families. Steer clear of anything that could be considered offensive or inappropriate.
• Couple’s Personality: Reflect the couple’s style and preferences. If they’re known for their playful and relaxed nature, a lighthearted, funny speech is a good choice. If they’re more traditional, focus on heartfelt and sincere sentiments.
• Inclusive Humor: Use inclusive humor that won’t alienate or offend anyone. Avoid inside jokes that only a small group will understand, and be aware of the age groups at the wedding so you don’t offend any youngsters or older guests.
• Family Sensitivities: Be mindful of any family dynamics or sensitive topics. Avoid discussing anything that might be uncomfortable or controversial.

Tip 2: Keep it Brief and Focused

You want to share meaningful stories and make your points without losing the audience’s attention. Instead of trying to cover everything, stick to a few key stories or messages.

• Stick to a Structure: Use a simple structure such as an introduction, narrative, compliment, and toast to help keep your speech organized and prevent it from veering off course. Be sure to start strong with a memorable opening to grab attention.
• Be Concise: Once you’ve written your speech, review it with an eye for brevity. Remove any unnecessary details or tangents. How long should a best man speech be? Aim for a speech length of around three to five minutes.
• Focus on Essentials: Prioritize the most impactful stories or messages so that each part of your speech contributes to the overall sentiment you want to convey.

Tip 3: Practice, Practice, Practice

Whatever you do, don’t wing your speech! Rehearse it several times to build confidence and ensure a smooth delivery. Practice in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend to help you manage timing, adjust any awkward phrasing, and reduce nervousness.

• Time Yourself: Use a timer during your practice sessions to ensure you stay within your desired timeframe.
• Listen to Playback: Recording yourself allows you to hear how your speech sounds and identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your tone, pacing, and any filler words.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing or relaxation exercises before practicing can help reduce anxiety. The more relaxed you are, the more natural your delivery will be.

Tip 4: Involve Your Other Groomsman

By involving the other groomsmen, you create a more dynamic and collaborative speech that celebrates the groom and enhances the overall speech.

• Plan Together: Discuss your speech with the other groomsmen before the wedding. Share your ideas and see if they have any stories or thoughts they’d like to include.
• Short Messages: If some groomsmen are shy about speaking, ask them to write a brief message or quote that you can read aloud in your speech.
• Unified Toast: Arrange for all the groomsmen to participate in a group toast at the end of your speech. 

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Tip 5: Start Strong and End on a High Note

Begin with a strong opening to grab everyone’s attention. A good opening might include a humorous anecdote or a heartfelt comment about the couple. Wrap up your speech with a memorable and positive sentiment, such as a well-wish for their future.

• Engaging Opener: Begin with a compelling hook, such as a humorous anecdote, a poignant quote, or a surprising fact about the groom — this helps draw the audience in right away!
• Final Thought: Before raising a glass for a toast, summarize your main points or share a final, heartfelt thought about the couple. This could be a sentiment about their future together or a meaningful reflection on their relationship.

Ultimately, delivering a memorable best man’s speech is all about striking the right balance between humor, heartfelt sentiments, and personal anecdotes — and without droning on for too long! If you’re having writer’s block, check out some online best man speech examples to help get your creative juices flowing. After all of your hard work, record your sentiments with an After The Tone Audio Guestbook, so that your best bud and his new wife can play back your well wishes for anniversaries to come. Want to learn more? Check out our FAQs and tips for setting up a successful audio guestbook.

After reading our 2,500-plus trusted reviews and gathering inspo for what to say in your audio guestbook, we’re convinced you’re going to want to book one of our After The Tone vintage guestbook phones for your wedding!