Best Man Speeches - 6 Brilliant Ideas For You To Use...Free!

By: Matthew Crawford

Preparation for a speech is important to its success, whether it be a Best Man Speech or an end of work Resignation Speech. Most people don't take the time to prepare a speech, thinking they can make one up as they go along. However, very few people have the skills needed to be able to make a speech 'off the cuff'.

Undertaking a Toastmasters course or being trained in the art of public speaking may give you some of the skills required to speak without any preparation, however behind the scenes prior to one can almost guarantee some preparation was done. Even reporters on tv use teleprompter machines which have everything they need to say displayed in front of them, right next to the camera.

It is therefore vital for your success to at least spend some time beforehand getting a speech prepared.

Now you have set aside a number of hours or days writing out your speech onto neat clean A4 writing paper or a special writing pad, even used a Word document on your computer and printed it out from there, then wait!

Having a speech written word for word is alright if you a conducting a university lecture, where the students are expected to take notes as you talk along without disruption, but as you know a Best Man Speech is an totally different creature!

Having the skills to stand and present a speech about the groom with your family, friends and other guests looking at you takes special courage, but it is something that is expected of you.

It is quite hard, in fact almost not really achievable with a word for word speech. This is because it takes a considerable amount of energy and senses to speak aloud the words written in front of you. Attempting to make eye contact with the audience while reading a full speech from a sheet of paper usually concludes in the speaker loosing track of their place on the page.
It can be extremely embarrassing for this to happen to a speaker.

The answer to this problem is using 'cue cards', which can be cut out of a sheet of old cardboard, maybe even the back of a used cereal box. The size needs to be that they fit snugly in your hand as well as your top pocket.

On your cards you will note the main items to cover, making sure they are written down in the correct sequence.

Now you have a completed speech and it is summarized on your cue cards, you then need to commence reciting your performance.

Practicing your speech beforehand not only helps in building certainty but permits you to modify it or add pieces you could have forgotten about.

It's really important to rehearse your speech and use another person who can analyze your performance. The observer can help advise where improvements can be made, how your speech is being delivered and would come across to the guests.
With positive input this may provide a boost to your ego that will help greatly in the success of your best man speech.

Best Man Speeches shouldn't take forever. Remember it's not your day, so hogging the limelight is not a good look. The people in the reception may start to get annoyed with you, especially if you are doing a poor job. If you are happy to embarrass yourself then you probably don't deserve to be the best man.

Make your speech quick but not too quick. A good time is 5 or 6 minutes and should cover all of the duties and tasks that are involved with the speech.

Remember to make the speech memorable for the correct reasons, keeping everyone laughing and happy. It is supposed to be a happy occasion and how well you do adds to the overall tone of the day. That is why your speech should also be 'above the belt' therefore not x-rated or rude. As a rule, if you couldn't tell your grandma, it shouldn't be told. It's not just your drunk mates you should try to make laugh.

Best Man Speeches are not about the best man, but the groom, what he was like prior he met his bride to be, and afterward, how he has changed for the better as a person. Make sure you offer them your best wishes as they prepare for their future.

Reprinted from: Communication Skills Articles.

Matthew Crawford is an expert reviewer of the Best Man Speeches at topbestmanspeeches.org Did you know that for less than a round of drinks you can have 20 professionally written Best Man Speeches?

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