In this post, I’m going to break down a sample best man speech into the individual components to give you an idea of how a simple best man speech can be written quickly.
The first part of the best man speech is the introduction. The introduction is similar for every type of wedding speech. Basically, you want to identify yourself as half of the people in the audience will not know you.
Here’s a sample introduction from a best man speech:
“Ladies and gentleman, I’d like to take a few moments of your time to first thank all of you for being here to share this wonderful day with Robert and Sophie. I must pause to say that the bridesmaids are looking wonderful, and are only outshone by Sophie, who I’m sure everyone agrees looks stunning today. What a beautiful bride!
Actually, I’m still trying to figure out what Robert did to deserve this beauty.
It’s been a huge privilege to be asked to be the best man, and I couldn’t say no, since a few years ago I conned Robert into doing the honors at my wedding, where he had a lot of fun telling embarrassing stories about my childhood. So, now it’s my turn. Revenge is sweet, my friend!
For those of you who don’t know, Robert and I grew up next to each other, and I really can’t remember a time when we weren’t best friends. We’ve been through everything together, from pre-school, to the horrors of kindergarten, middle school and braces, to high school, college, and now even weddings.”
As we can see from the opening few paragraphs of this best man speech, a few things have been accomplished:
- the best man complimented the bride
- the best man introduced himself as the best man and explained his relationship to Robert – (childhood friends)
- he established the tone of the wedding speech which is light hearted
“I couldn’t have wished for more from a best friend my entire life, and he’s always been there for me. Sophie, I know he’s a rock solid man who will always be there for you now.
For all of you who don’t know, John and Sophie actually met in a very unique way. They both happen to frequent the same gym, and the first day that he saw Sophie walk in the door of that gym, he sort of walked, or fell rather, right off the back of the treadmill. So, I guess you can say he’s the one that fell first.
For some reason Sophie actually said yes to that first date, and things just progressed from here. In fact, ever since that first date, I haven’t stopped hearing about her. I have to say, Sophie, you’ve made my best friend a better man, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather see in his life today.”
In the body of the wedding speech, the best man tells a relevant story about the bride and groom.
- he tells a quick story (only 30 seconds) about how the bride and groom met and fell in love. The audience cares about this type of story as most people have no idea about how the bride and groom met.
- he compliments the bride again with a warm hearted comment about how the bride has made the groom a better man
- the best man has stayed consistent with the tone of the speech which is short and sweet
“So today, it’s my extreme pleasure to ask everyone to stand once again and raise your glasses to Robert and Sophie. I wish you well, my friends. May your life be one of laughter, joy, and love together – forever!”
Finally in the last part of the wedding speech, the best man gives a toast to the bride and groom. It is a simple toast that wishes the couple well.
As you can see, when you break down a best man speech into 3 simple parts (intro, story, toast) it is an easy task. If you’re nervous about public speaking, using a short speech like the one above is a great strategy.
