Hello - Thank you for stopping by. My name is Darren and this site was established to document my experience from first learning that I was best man, all the way up to the wedding itself where I gave the best man speech and toast. It was a wild adventure and it is my hopes that this site will help everyone who is preparing to make a toast at a wedding. You are invited to stay and come back often. Thank you, Darren
It doesn’t matter if you are giving the best man toast, the bridesmaid speech, or any presentation. You need to follow general rules to make your speech as best as possible. You see, man has given oral presentations for thousands of years. And the best speakers utilize the same general rules of speaking. So have a gander at the following video and you will see what I am talking about.
When considering tactics for making a great wedding speech. First off, don’t think you can talk from the heart at the right moment and have a great speech spew from your mouth. It won’t work. You need to prepare. With that said, here are some tips to consider to make a wedding toast.
In advance, write down your wedding speech word for word. Practice it. However, do not read this document during your speech. It will sound robotic and unnatural. Instead, take note cards that highlight points that you want to deliver.
Keep your speech short and sweet. We’re talking only about 3-5 minutes. Time yourself in advance.
Remember to breathe. Breathe more deeply and slowly during your speech to help remain calm. In fact, write a reminder on your note card while giving your speech.
Watch how you stand and where you put your hands. Stand straight. Don’t scratch yourself or place your hands in positions that can distract the audience from what you are saying. (ie – taking hands in and out of pockets, playing with your hair, playing with jewelry)
Don’t drink and speak. It is very tempting to take advantage of that open bar before your speech. Bad idea. You know why.
Smile and make eye contact. Make a connection with your audience.
This is my first post. The inaugural post to my Best Man Toasts blog. Why did I establish such a blog with such a topic? My hunch is that there are others who would like to know how to craft a great speech. I have been to enough weddings to witness unprepared toasts. It really showed and I cringed in my chair feeling how that particular person must have felt winging one of the most important moments of an important celebration.
Anyways, the information is here for the taking. You are invited to check it out and you are invited to come back here often. Thanks, Darren