He knows how much you hate public speaking, but he asked you to be his Best Man anyway. You remember the last time you had to make a speech. It was last year in your Environmental Conservation class, and you said “sex” instead of “six.” So, he’s just trying to torture you right? Probably not. Being a Best Man is an honor, and he liked you enough to ask you to be his. You’re not even completely sure what a best man does. If you are unsure where to begin, you aren’t alone. Tons of guys are in a situation similar to yours, and I bet if you looked hard enough, you could find a Best Man Support Group online. However, you won’t need to join any kind of support group. A little advice and some practice can help you write an awesome best man speech, and who knows, you may even have fun doing it.

Before you even start your speech, get comfortable and relaxed. Writing a speech while you’re relaxed will help you write relaxed, and in turn, speak more relaxed. The best speech will come from an open, relaxed mind, so make sure you’re in a comfortable mind set.

Also, forget any sort of formal structure you have ever learned when writing an essay or presentation. You don’t need a thesis or body paragraphs or anything. You want your speech to be conversational and to flow naturally. So tap into some fond memories and get ready to start your speech.

As for the content of your best man speechs, there are a few pretty traditional elements that should be included: the introduction, a lighthearted memory of the Groom, and a sincere toast to the couple. Start off by introducing yourself. Not everyone will know you, and you want to establish your relationship with the groom to avoid any confusion. Your relationship with the groom is a very important topic to touch on, because it ultimately influences the subject matter of your speech. For instance, a friend of the Groom will not have the same message or the same tone as the father of the Groom.

A note card with some keywords on it is alright to keep on hand, but don’t write down your entire speech. Having just a few keywords keeps your speech sounding natural and in your own words, as opposed to reading directly off a paper, which looks insincere and tacky. With enough practice, you won’t even have to use your note card. Keep your card on you as a security blanket, just in case your nerves get the better of you and you forget what to say next. Simply knowing you have a little backup could possibly prevent you needing one all together.

Even the best speakers out there get nervous while making a best man speeches. Most likely the audience wouldn’t even notice. Presenting your best mans speech should be fun, not your worst nightmare.