How to Use an Outline for Your Best Man Speech

How to Use an Outline for Your Best Man Speech

Have you been asked to be your friend's best man at his wedding? You probably jumped at the chance, but then you realized that you had to make a best man speech at the wedding reception. Now you are a little worried that you do not know how to write a best man speech.

One of the best ways to write a best man speech is to start with an outline. Having an outline before you start writing a best man speech helps you organize your thoughts and keeps you on track. You know you only have three to five minutes for your speech, so an outline will let you know almost immediately if your best man speech is going to be too long or not long enough.

The first thing to go into your outline is to introduce yourself. Not everyone there is going to know who you are or that you are the best man. Just let people know if you are a friend to the groom or a relative. Immediately draw the crowd into your best man speech by saying a quick one-liner. It can be funny or inspirational.

Next thank the host for giving such a wonderful wedding and reception. The host could be the bride's parents or the bride and groom's parents, or the bride and groom. Find out who the hosts are before the wedding.

You have arrived at the middle of your outline for your best man speech. Now it is time to make note of the things you know about the groom. You can use this part of your best man speech to reminisce about the good times you have had, tell a funny story about the groom without embarrassing him, or tell the bride what the groom said when he first met her. This will make the audience know how close you two are and entertain them at the same time.

If you also know the bride well, you can tell a funny story about her. If you do not know her well, you can tell her the difference she has made in the groom's life. You can start a joke by saying, "I knew (the groom) was in love when he stopped/started ______." This can be funny or emotional. Just let her know that now that she is married to your best friend, she is your best friend, too.

Now we have come to the close of your outline. Finish the best man speech with a toast or a blessing. Congratulate them one more time and make a toast with a raised glass of champagne.
Your outline can help you flow from one statement to another. You may still wish to write your speech out word for word. Or your outline for your best man speech may be all you need to get the job done with finesse. Do not forget to have fun with your speech, but keep it clean. There are all age groups at the reception. You will not want to offend the groom's grandmother.

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How to Use an Outline for Your Best Man Speech

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