A best man is expected to deliver a toast that is witty, charming and memorable. A wedding toast is just like any other public speaking event except that most successful speakers have had hours of communication training and coaching before they address a large crowd, while the best man at a wedding usually has zero public speaking experience. Talk about some crazy pressure.
So, how do you alleviate this pressure?
Best man toasts should be prepared well in advance - not thrown together at the last minute. Like any speech, it should have a beginning, middle and closing. The speech traditionally honors the groom, but to be a success, you should recognize the bride, as well. Be sure to congratulate the two as a couple and make sure that your words are appropriate for general audiences of all ages.
As with any speech, remember to speak up when delivering your toast. Nervousness can take a toll on your volume, so pray for a good sound system and focus on your breath. And do not think for a minute that alcohol will help ease your nervousness. It won't. But it may cause you to deliver a slurred or incomprehensible speech. Breathe through the nervousness; pauses are welcomed breaks and help to get your point across. And of course, slow down...it's best not to speak at a hundred miles an hour.
Nobody at the wedding reception expects you to deliver the next "I Had a Dream" speech. The biggest mistake you can make when toasting the happy couple is not being yourself. If you are not an especially funny guy, why would you consider opening with a joke? Do not feel like you have to take the same tone as other toasts you've heard. Identify your style and compose a toast that works for you because a toast that is authentic and real is much easier to deliver. Here's a bonus: the audience at a wedding is already warmed up by the happiness of the occasion. As long as you are sincere, the audience will be on your side. And speaking of the audience...don't forget that it's all about the audience. Too often speakers call attention to themselves thinking that they are the star of the show, but that is not the case. The speaker takes a back seat to the needs of the audience.
And last, but not least, it doesn't hurt to point out that the groom loves the bride and the bride loves the groom and if you do so, everyone will love you. If you need a shot of presentation confidence, spending a few hours with one of our executive faculty members will do the trick. At Ty Boyd, Inc., we focus on the communications skills that you need to work on most. Let us help you establish rapport with your audience and confront the fears and insecurities that often come with speaking in public.
Best man toasts should be prepared well in advance - not thrown together at the last minute. Like any speech, it should have a beginning, middle and closing. The speech traditionally honors the groom, but to be a success, you should recognize the bride, as well. Be sure to congratulate the two as a couple and make sure that your words are appropriate for general audiences of all ages.
As with any speech, remember to speak up when delivering your toast. Nervousness can take a toll on your volume, so pray for a good sound system and focus on your breath. And do not think for a minute that alcohol will help ease your nervousness. It won't. But it may cause you to deliver a slurred or incomprehensible speech. Breathe through the nervousness; pauses are welcomed breaks and help to get your point across. And of course, slow down...it's best not to speak at a hundred miles an hour.
Nobody at the wedding reception expects you to deliver the next "I Had a Dream" speech. The biggest mistake you can make when toasting the happy couple is not being yourself. If you are not an especially funny guy, why would you consider opening with a joke? Do not feel like you have to take the same tone as other toasts you've heard. Identify your style and compose a toast that works for you because a toast that is authentic and real is much easier to deliver. Here's a bonus: the audience at a wedding is already warmed up by the happiness of the occasion. As long as you are sincere, the audience will be on your side. And speaking of the audience...don't forget that it's all about the audience. Too often speakers call attention to themselves thinking that they are the star of the show, but that is not the case. The speaker takes a back seat to the needs of the audience.
And last, but not least, it doesn't hurt to point out that the groom loves the bride and the bride loves the groom and if you do so, everyone will love you. If you need a shot of presentation confidence, spending a few hours with one of our executive faculty members will do the trick. At Ty Boyd, Inc., we focus on the communications skills that you need to work on most. Let us help you establish rapport with your audience and confront the fears and insecurities that often come with speaking in public.
