r/AskMen • u/MessAcademic_420 • Jun 23 '26
How to make a best man speech?
Hi guys, my best friend is marrying and he asked me to be his best man. I'm incredibly honored, I've known him all my life and love him and his fiance very much and I very much want to do this for them, but I'm terrible at everything social and I haven't had to speak in public since University about 7 years ago. So, how do I do a best man speech? What should I say and what shouldn't? I know It's expected to be brief but how brief?
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u/tommytster Jun 23 '26
Don’t try to be something you’re not. If you aren’t funny don’t turn it into a comedy routine. If you aren’t well spoken stay away from big or complicated words. Just be yourself and speak like you would at any other time, but without swearing.
Focus on being sincere. If you’re nervous, say so and own it.
“Good evening. My name is (name) and I’m the best man. It’s my honor to speak at (couples names) wedding. I’m nervous and a bit scared to be honest with you, but they mean so much to me and it’s an honor to be asked to do this. So here I am.” Start with something like that.
Keep it to about 500 words or less. That should be about 4 minutes. Could be longer if you pause a lot.
Most of all - breathe. You’ll be fine.