Best Man Toasts
by Krogholt
Are you nervous because your friend is getting married, and you are the best man not knowing what to say or how to do it in the toast?
For a person who is not used to giving a toast it can be a really scary experience. Especially the preparations to the event may scare you, because of the many unorganized thoughts that whirl around in your head.
The best advice I can give is to begin preparations in time. For an unexperienced person lots of time is the best start. You need time to brainstorm, time to write an outline, time to write the full speech, time to add and delete, to read it aloud, to add and revise, to read aloud, to read aloud for your spouse or a friend who can give you a constructive feed back. Then you need time to revise once again and maybe enter new details and delete other not so relevant details. And so on.
So do revise and give it a good thinking. But also do know when to stop revising and declare that the speech is as perfect as it can be.
When you have your speech ready you may prevent stage fright and stuttering by learning it by heart. And you will rehearse it as much as you think necessary. A good idea is to videotape yourself and review the video with someone in whom you have confidence.
Don't make the speech too long, unless you really know how to captivate your audience. Focus on your share in making this wedding a memorable event.
Content of the speech: Find as much positive and encouraging content as possible. If you are a friend of the groom you may feel that you address your speech mostly to him, but remember that the bride hears it as well (and so do the parents and guests!), so keep jokes on a "unisex and tasteful level" -- in all keep it "PG-rated". Don't mention past girlfriends or past relationships.
Ending a speech is often difficult. Be sure to have a good ending to tie things together. You have to be 100% satisfied with your ending. Or else you may be tempted to throw in some thought in the end, which you have not considered fully.
About the Author
Krogholt is occasionally giving speeches at family's and friends' events and parties. If you find it difficult to find out what to say, this book may help you: Best Man Toasts Ebook
