First timers who are up on the podium giving a best man speech may make simple mistakes if they are not too careful. By following a few simple rules, you can make a good best man speech; a great best man speech.
1. You talk too much and too long
The advantages of the fact that you are a comfortable public speaker and try too hard to cram too many stories into your speech can turn against you. There is the risk of boring the audience with so many details and you can even look like you don’t have a clue to what you are talking about. Keep your speech to a maximum of five minutes. More than that will cause discomfort and your audience will lose focus. Remember, more isn’t always better.
2. You reveal too much at the expense of the bride and groom
Some secrets and stories are meant to be kept private. What happened one drunken night ten years ago might be a good story on a boy’s night out but totally inappropriate to share during a wedding. Bear in mind, the aim of your speech is to move the audience and let them know how perfect and wonderful the couple is together, not to have them subjected to a barrage of embarrassing stories. As a guide, remember the cardinal rule, if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
3. Avoid too much movement
When you are on the podium, too much movement is very distracting to others. Minimize hand gestures and posturing when around the stage. You are giving a speech and not a stand-up comedy act. Try to avoid doing other things which may be distracting, such as eating, excessively drinking or chewing gum. Turn off your phone and try to avoid wearing overly shiny jewelry to prevent unnecessary glare if you’re under a spotlight.
4. You don’t plan ahead
Make sure your speech written in large fonts for easy viewing and reference. Also, write or print your speech on numbered cue cards, so in case you drop them, it is always easy to rearrange your speech correctly. Before going on the podium, there are several important things you should look out for. Look at the position of the podium and plan how you should get there, note the position of the lights to make sure it is not glaring and lastly, check the height of the mike and if it’s in working condition.
5. You are missing
Remember to get a copy of the wedding program. Always know when the previous two items on the program are, for example, if your speech is after the entree and first main. Ensure you are to be found easily and don’t be caught out being out on a toilet break when it’s your turn to be on the podium.
All the above is essential in your preparation before your best man speech. Just follow the five simple rules and you cannot go wrong.