The Speech - Tips & Advice Part 2
Part Two: More great tips on how to deliver the perfect Best Man's
speech. Part 1
Think, Four Weddings and a Funeral
The name of the game is inoffensive charm, which, if you can manage it, is sure
to keep you on the winning side. Think Hugh Grant meets.. well, Hugh Grant
actually. You should maintain a consistent eye contact as you "work the crowd",
never resting for too long on the cleavage of that naughty-looking auntie that
you spotted earlier. You should try to inflect some form of expression in your
voice, particularly at the start and end of what you want to say. If you're
nervous enough in the weeks leading up to the wedding, you may even find
yourself stood practicing the whole thing whilst standing in your bedroom in
just your socks. A sort of non-dress rehearsal, if you will, or a stress
rehearsal, as it will be for some of you!
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Be yourself
Don't be too flowery. The temptation might be to put on heirs and graces that
will take away your natural speaking voice and normal mannerisms, so just
remember that the groom picked you because of who you are. Don't go all "My
Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen.." because it will just sound crap and everyone
will laugh behind your back (except the little kids, who'll do it to your
face).
Think on Your Feet
Because you're going last out of the three main speeches, you may even have to
think on your feet too when it comes to the time factor. If the Bride's Father
rambles on for 25 minutes, followed by the Groom for a similar time, you might
be well advised to cut the story about the time that the main man fell off a
donkey in Biarritz and trim the length to reflect any growing bum-numbness
amongst the flock. On the other hand, the first two speeches might pass by in
under 15 minutes, leaving you to carry the torch and go for a slightly longer
piece than you'd intended.. Perhaps the circumstances may then be right for the
story that ends "..and when he woke up in the garage, he'd also wet himself!"
Visual Aids
A good idea is to include something visual and throwaway to keep people's
attention, whether that's a rib-tickling poster, item of clothing you've
brought along or mini game show based on questions about the couple/groom. Try
not to be too in-jokey when it comes to the Groom either. There's nothing more
likely to send everyone to sleep than hearing 27 stories about when "..me and
Andy went cow-tipping in Mansfield.." Try to balance your obvious affection for
The Married Man with a courtesy towards everyone else.
Enjoy It!
Most of all though, don't forget that this is a crowd who are all willing you to
do well. They're likely to laugh at anything even halfway funny and they all
admire your bottle for just standing up there in the first place. It's a family
atmosphere and you're part of that family, at least on this special day. It
doesn't have to be worthy of Shakespeare - in fact, the more naturalistic you
make it, the better - and it doesn't have to reduce people to tears of sadness
and joy. It's the prelude to the toast and you're the one bringing home the
baton. You know what? You're going to enjoy it!
»» Ok, the ceremony is over -
So What Now?