How to Start a Best Man Speech

Key tips for breaking the ice
Examples of great opening lines
Essential dos and don’ts

Ready to master the art of speech-giving? Let’s dive into the preparation.

Preparation for Your Best Man Speech

The foundation of a great speech starts long before the actual event. Preparation is key to delivering a memorable and charming speech.

Research and Gathering Material

Understanding the groom and the context is crucial for crafting a speech that resonates. Talk to friends and family to gather funny stories and meaningful anecdotes. Recall your favourite story about the groom that highlights his character and your relationship. This will ensure your speech is both personal and engaging.

Structuring Your Speech

A well-organised speech flows smoothly and keeps the audience engaged. Outline the main points: introduction, body, and conclusion. Balance humour and sincerity to maintain the interest of the wedding guests. Keep it concise and relevant to avoid losing their attention.

Research and Gathering Material: a person typing on a laptop

Crafting the Perfect Opening

The opening of your speech is like the opening scene of a movie—it sets the tone for everything that follows. Nail this, and you’ve got the audience eating out of your hand. But how do you start strong? Here’s how.

Icebreakers and Humor

Nothing breaks the ice like a good laugh. Starting with a joke or a funny story can be the perfect way to loosen up both you and your audience. Think of a lighthearted anecdote or a witty one-liner that reflects your relationship with the groom. Just steer clear of crude jokes or embarrassing stories that might make the groom wish he’d eloped instead.

Examples:

“Good evening, everyone. I’m [Your Name], the best man and the guy responsible for ensuring the groom made it here today—sober and on time. Let’s just say it’s been a busy morning!”
“Hi everyone! I’m [Your Name], and I’ve known [Groom] since we were kids. I was there for his first date, his first heartbreak, and now, thankfully, his first and only wedding!”
“Ladies and gentlemen, if there’s one thing you need to know about [Groom], it’s his incredible ability to make the simplest task complicated. Case in point: trying to write this speech with him around!”

Heartfelt and Sincere Beginnings

Sometimes, going straight for the heart can be even more impactful than a joke. Share a touching story or a poignant memory that highlights why the groom is such an important part of your life. This approach can set a warm, sentimental tone that resonates deeply with the newlywed couple and the audience.

Examples:

“Good evening, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I’ve had the privilege of calling [Groom] my best friend for over 20 years. Today, I’m honoured to stand here and celebrate the most important day of his life.”
“Hi everyone. I’m [Your Name], and I’ve watched [Groom] grow from the boy who couldn’t tie his shoelaces into the man who’s tying the knot with the love of his life today. It’s been an incredible journey.”
“Hello, everyone. I’m [Your Name], and I’m deeply honoured to be here today. [Groom] is not just a friend; he’s a brother to me. And seeing him so happy with [Bride] makes my heart swell with joy.”

Quotations and References

Starting with a well-chosen quote can lend your speech a touch of elegance and thoughtfulness. Look for quotes about love, friendship, or marriage that genuinely resonate with you and your message. Just make sure they’re not overly clichéd—think more “timeless wisdom” and less “greeting card sentiment.”

Examples:

“As Maya Angelou once said, ‘Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.’ I see that hope in the eyes of [Groom] and [Bride] today.”
“Good evening, everyone. I’d like to start with a quote from Albert Einstein: ‘Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.’ Looking at [Groom] and [Bride], I’d say he was onto something.”
“Hi everyone. To kick things off, I want to share a quote by Helen Keller: ‘The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.’ Today, we all feel the love between [Groom] and [Bride] in our hearts.”

Practical Tips for Delivery

You’ve written the perfect speech—now comes the part where you actually have to deliver it. This can be the most nerve-wracking step, but don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help you nail it. Delivering the speech effectively is as important as writing it.

How to Write a Best Man Speech: Tips and Structure Guide

Practice Makes Perfect

Rehearsing is crucial for a smooth delivery and boosting your confidence. Here’s how to make the most of your practice sessions:

Rehearse in Front of Others: Practice in front of friends or family members who can provide constructive feedback. Their insights can help you fine-tune your delivery and catch any areas that need improvement.
Use a Mirror: Practising in front of a mirror helps you become aware of your facial expressions and body language. This can make a big difference in how engaging you appear to the audience.
Time Yourself: Keep track of how long your speech takes to ensure you stay within the allotted time. This also helps you pace yourself and avoid rushing through important parts.
Use Cue Cards: Write down key points on a piece of paper or cue cards to help you stay on track without reading your speech word-for-word. This keeps your delivery natural and allows for better eye contact with the audience.
Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions can be incredibly helpful. Listen to the playback to identify areas where you might be speaking too quickly, mumbling, or needing to add more emphasis.

Handling Nerves

Feeling a bit of nervous anticipation is completely normal, even for the best public speakers. Here are some strategies to help calm your nerves:

Take Deep Breaths: Deep breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety and centre your mind. Take slow, deep breaths before you start speaking to help calm your nerves.
Focus on the Positive: Remind yourself that the audience is there to celebrate the beautiful wedding, not to critique your public speaking skills. Keep in mind that they’re rooting for you to succeed.
Visualise Success: Picture yourself delivering your speech confidently and receiving positive reactions from the audience. Visualisation can be a powerful tool for building confidence.
Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink water before your speech to keep your throat clear. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, which can increase anxiety.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or mindfulness meditation can help reduce tension and keep you calm.

How Long Should a Best Man Speech Be? Tips & Tricks

Engaging the Audience

A great speech is more of a conversation than a monologue. Here’s how to keep the audience engaged:

Make Eye Contact: Scan the room and make eye contact with different people. This makes your speech feel more personal and helps build a connection with the audience.
Use Natural Gestures: Let your hands and body move naturally to emphasise points and keep the audience visually engaged. Just be careful not to overdo it, as excessive gesturing can be distracting.
Vary Your Tone: Avoid a monotone delivery by varying your pitch and volume. This keeps your speech dynamic and holds the audience’s attention.
Show Genuine Emotion: Let your genuine emotions come through in your speech. Whether you’re sharing a funny story or a heartfelt memory, authenticity resonates with people.
Interact with the Audience: If appropriate, include a light-hearted question or comment directed at the audience to create a sense of involvement. For example, you could ask, “Who here remembers [Groom]’s first attempt at cooking?” and react to their responses.

Handling Unexpected Situations

Even with the best preparation, unexpected things can happen. Here’s how to handle them:

Stay Flexible: If you stumble over a word or lose your place, don’t panic. Take a moment to compose yourself and continue. The audience will be forgiving.
Respond to the Room: If the audience reacts strongly to a part of your speech (with laughter or applause), pause and let them enjoy the moment before continuing.
Have a Backup Plan: If technical issues arise (like a faulty microphone), be prepared to project your voice and carry on. Practice projecting your voice so you can be heard clearly even without amplification.

Dos and Don’ts

Avoid common pitfalls and ensure your speech is memorable for the right reasons.

Dos

Do keep it respectful and positive.
Do include personal anecdotes and humour.
Do practice and time your speech.

Don’ts

Don’t include inappropriate jokes or stories.
Don’t read directly from a script or a mobile phone.
Don’t forget to toast the happy couple at the end.

Want More Help?

If you have got more things to think about and want a little help, here are other articles we’ve written about the best man speech to get you through it.

Conclusion

Starting a best man speech can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and a good mix of humour and sincerity, you can deliver a speech on the wedding day that the newlywed couple and the wedding guests will remember fondly. Practice, stay positive, and most importantly, enjoy the moment!

Remember, Stagmadness is here to help you every step of the way—from planning the ultimate bachelor party to nailing that perfect best man speech. Cheers to you, and may your speech be one for the books!