Best Man Speeches - How To Create & Give A Winning Toast
Best Man Speeches - The Solution That Takes All The Angst Out Of The Task
Best Man Speeches fill most men with dread. You've been given the honor of being the best man at your friend's wedding which is no light thing. And having seen my husband in this role & other friend's of ours - I think it's safe to say all joking aside, you take this seriously.
Part of the many tasks of a best man (bucks night is most probably more fun to plan) is to give the best man speech.
I remember at our own wedding how our best man, who was a dear friend for both of us, completely tanked. He got nervous (and he's a pretty stoic character normally) and then got into a mindless (and endless ramble).
Unfortunately well meaning wedding guests felt it their duty to get him to sit down. Suffice to say it was most probably his worst nightmare and ours. And we loved him no less!
So when it came to my husband being a reciprocal best man he certainly didn't want to go through the same ordeal.
Like most men my husband is a great 'doer' - he is brilliant at what he does. And part of his job does not include speech writing or presenting. He's fairly articulate and confident - but was not looking forward to standing up in front of an audience at such an important occasion.
So what to do?
A couple of things. One is that I do happen to be a professional speaker & writer - lol (handy to have in your household huh!)
So I knew I could help him with the delivery tips.
And I also knew that to write the speech - it was best if a man writes a speech for a man delivering it.
So our solution was to go online and see what we could find...
I don't know if you are a big online shopper or not. I know I LOVE it when I find things for free :). And I am also willing to pay for a solution too (within reason of course).
So we were thrilled when we found an amazing service that essentially offers you over TWENTY pre-written best man speeches. And here's the thing - they were written by men (who have been best men & are professonal speech writers to boot!) for men.
This was like 'thank the deity of your choice!'.
They cost next to nothing - so even if the material was rubbishy - we were happy to spend the money to find out - and now I can assure you they're AWESOME.
PLUS you are given a fabulous collection of one liners and jokes - that ARE funny!
AND
Some important tips on how to deliver the talk.
So you don't go away empty handed from reading this - I want to share some important tips with you on how to give a speech.
The writing is taken care of if you want to check it out here. I can say that we were amazed how these pre-written speeches actually were relevant still for our bride and groom.
Oh and of course - we can rave about how great it is. The main thing is on the day - did it do the job?
You betcha!
My husband (Jake) got a standing ovation - so how's that. And Mr 'I don't like to give a speech' was feeling mighty pleased with himself (here's hoping we haven't created a monster - lol ;) )
Anyway here's some key speaking tips:
1. Be Yourself
I can not stress enough how important this is. Honestly. I think how most of us were taught in our respective schools and even at work - was that to give a speech you have to become this 'very serious, stern, capable' person who imagines everyone in their underpants.
In reality - the BEST speakers are those that are themselves - whatever that self is.
Sure there is a level of 'decorum' that an event calls for. And you can still respect that and be yourself.
This is the thing most people don't realize - audiences WANT to like you. And they find it easier to when you are yourself.
2. Be Prepared
It is NEVER about winging it. I am an incredibly 'in the moment' person. And I know I still need to be prepared.
Now preparation is different to 'rote learning' - which I DO NOT recommend - as that will only turn you into a robot.
Instead practice, practice, practice - without being hung up on being word perfect. It is MORE important that you get the jist of what you want to say. That you feel natural about what it is you want to say - and then the words will come on the day.
And you can have 'cheat sheets' (cards) to give you prompts where you may need them.
3. It's Not About You
This is so so SO important. And was really a break through for me in my own speaking career. As I, like most of us, used to go through this huge state of nerves to the point where I felt you'd have to drag me onto stage and that everyone was sitting their judging me.
Now reading that...who do you think the focus is on? Me? Or why I am there?
Yeah it was on Me!
And please here this - when you are giving a talk:
It's Not About YOU!
It's about delivering to your audience - it is about being there for THEM.
So put your focus in creating a positive experience for your audience.
And as soon as you worry again on whether they're having a good time or not - guess what? You've put the focus back on yourself!
So those are three key tips - and I'd also add...have fun with it!
Honestly - when Jake (my husband) found this solution of pre-written best man speeches - he was in turn delighted and dubious.
The skepticism completely disappeared when he downloaded the product and saw just how many would work for the wedding in question.
So enough said - this is an awesome solution for Best Man Speeches (just visit the highlighted text and see for yourself) . And only YOU know if it is one you want to explore or not :-)
Best to you all
Jessie & Jake (who doesn't like typing!)
Get Your Best Man Speeches Here
This saved us so much angst - and delivered a great result - hand on heart we want to share this with you :-)
