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How to Write a Best Man’s Speech – Banishing Writer's Block
So, you’ve been bestowed with the honor (or is it a curse?) of being the best man. Congratulations! But now, as the big day looms, you find yourself staring at a blank page, cursing the cruel gods of public speaking. Fear not, my fellow wordless warrior. Here’s a foolproof guide to banishing writer’s block and delivering a best man’s speech that will have the crowd laughing, crying, and possibly questioning why the groom is friends with you.
Start with the Basics: The “Not-So-Terrible” Template
First things first: don’t reinvent the wheel. The best man’s speech has a tried-and-true formula that works like magic:
- Introduce Yourself – Because not everyone knows you, and some might want to know who to blame if it all goes wrong.
- Thank the Guests – A little gratitude goes a long way. Plus, it buys you some time to gather your thoughts.
- Compliment the Bride – The golden rule: say something nice about the bride. If you’re at a loss, a simple “She looks stunning” will suffice.
- Embarrassing Groom Stories – This is your moment. Share a story that’s funny but won’t result in your eviction from the wedding. Remember, you want laughs, not lawsuits.
- Heartfelt Moment – Pretend to be serious for a second. Share a touching story or sentiment that makes everyone go “aww.”
- Raise a Toast – End on a high note. Lift that glass and lead a toast to the happy couple. You’ve made it!
Spice It Up: Inject Humor and Personality
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Self-Deprecation is Key: Start by poking fun at yourself. If you’re a terrible public speaker, mention it. If you’re hungover from the bachelor party, definitely mention it.
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Play on Stereotypes: Just remember, play it safe. Best man jokes about losing the rings or forgetting the speech are classics for a reason.
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Groom Roasting 101: Think of a couple of funny anecdotes that show the groom’s “quirky” side. Just make sure they’re G-rated and mother-in-law approved.
Avoid the Clichés (Or Don’t)
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“We’ve Been Friends for X Years”: Yes, yes, we get it. But how about flipping it on its head? “I’ve known [Groom] for 10 years, and he’s only been wrong three times.”
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“To the Bride and Groom”: This toast is essential, but feel free to jazz it up a bit. Maybe something like, “Here’s to love, laughter, and a happily ever after that includes me crashing on your couch.”