The excitement of being asked to be a best man can soon turn to shock and horror as you realize you will have to make a speech - in front of hundreds of people. The fear of public speaking is the number one fear that all people share and if you feel a bit apprehensive, then don't worry. It's normal.
Even though its normal, it does not really make things any easier. You still have to make a speech and get up in front of all those people. A wedding day has a lot of sentimental value for the families of those who get married and as a best man the last thing you want to do is to mess up the day for them and embarrass yourself and the groom.
The one relief is that you don't need to be Martin Luther King to make an decent speech. In fact, its actually quite easy to make a decent speech and when it comes to best man speeches, its more about what you don't do than what you actually do.
The first thing you need to avoid at all costs is drinking too much before you speech. 99% of embarrassing best man speeches come from drunk guys. Don't do it!
The second thing you want to avoid is distasteful jokes. What's funny between you and your friends is probably not funny to a wedding party. Be very careful with jokes. Try and keep it real and never go below the belt because your audience is likely to be a bit older.
Lastly, make sure you prepare something. Don't just think that y can do an impromptu speech as even really good public speakers can't really pull it off.
See my blog to learn more about best man speeches and the art of making great best man toasts.
Please visit Neill's website to read more about his hobbies, passions and interests...