THE BEST MAN'S SPEECH

So this is it. It’s finally here and the pressure’s on. After months of build up and anticipation we finally have lift off and the day of the Best Man’s speech has arrived. At least that’s how it feels.

However, in reality, the crowds are gathered for the Bride and Groom and your speech is only a small part of the proceedings – so take a deep, breath, relax and remember that everyone is right behind you (not literally, unless you’re facing the wrong way).

The Best Man’s speech tends to be the last and longest of the three main speeches and the one with the most expectation attached to it, but that said this needn’t be a bad thing:

• The fact that you go last will mean that the audience will already be ‘warmed up’.
• The fact that the speech is longer will give you more time to get into the swing of it and make a lasting impression.
• The fact that it is supposed to be funny gives you an opportunity to make people laugh and there is no better feeling than putting a smile on someone’s face.

And…

• Whilst there is an expectation, the audience aren’t envisaging a top-draw Ricky Gervais stand-up routine, just something that makes them giggle now and again. As long as you test your material on a few others before hand, you should be able to manage that easily enough.