already written best man speech

12 Best Man Speeches To Get Inspired By

Writing a rockstar best man speech that both WOWS the crowd and inspires everyone doesn’t come easy. There has to be a little bit of preparation and practice. Today we’re giving you 12 best man speech examples that can help you get started. These best man samples can be modified to include your own personal stories and memories . They are super easy to deliver and are simple to remember. But if you feel that you need a complete guide to writing and delivering a killer wedding speech, we have you covered too! Click here for your complete guide to speeches.

There is no doubt the biggest fear when delivering a speech is simply the public speaking aspect of it, but there is also a fear of messing up with some helpful tips on avoiding wedding speech mistakes that will have the guests hanging on every word.

Traditional Wedding Speech Order

Before we get into the actual speech examples, it’s essential to know when the best man is scheduled to present his speech. Of course, any couple tying the knot can mix up the wedding speech schedule to suit their own needs, but here is the traditional wedding speech order.

Here’s the ultimate guide to the traditional wedding speech order.

Father of the Bride

Groom and groomsmen join hands to celebrate wedding day

Things To Include In Your Best Man Speech

Knowing how to write a best man speech is equally important to delivering it. Here are a few traditional things that you should include in your best man speech.

Oh! And before you let the anxiety about public speaking set in, experts say it’s best to keep your best man’s speech to under 5 minutes. So, it’s really not that bad after all.

Your Best Man Speech Should Cover

Share how you know the groom.
Why they chose you as the best man (great opportunity to throw in some funnies)
Describe the bride and groom
Describe the groom before he met the bride. And how he has changed
Quick story of how they met and how he shared his feelings for her with you
If you are married, you can share advice you have received or things you have learned

Inspiring Best Man Speech Examples

A best man speech to the ultimate single inspiring couple.

First up, we have an example of a pretty simple, straight-to-the-point best man speech. It’s light in tone, offers excellent praise for both the bride and groom, and has a great closing.

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is _____ (your name), and I have the honor of being ____’s (groom’s name) best man. I have known him since we were kids, and I have seen him grow into the amazing person he is today. Looking at him getting married today seems surreal because it feels like yesterday when we were kids, doing the most embarrassing things possible; don’t worry, I will not tell anyone about it. ?

We all know the accomplishments of (groom’s name) but what you guys don’t know is that he is an invaluable friend. He is the kind of person who asks you how your day was and would be a great listener. He is someone you can lean on, who answers the phone when you’re having one of the lowest moments of your life or pick you up at 3 in the morning to drive you back home safely without any questions. Thank you (groom’s name) for being the best friend I could ask for. And I believe that you will excel at your role as a husband as well.

(Bride’s name), I must say you look beautiful today. Over the time of our friendship, I have never seen (groom’s name) so happy. You make him a better version of himself, and it is because of you, we always see him with a goofy smile on his face. In marrying this joker, you are getting a kind and passionate, considerate, and fun-loving husband. He is a great friend, and I can’t even imagine how great of a husband he will be.

Thank you for being the most fantastic couple and being the ultimate inspiration for all of us singles out here! I wish you both prosperity in the years to come.

Let’s toast to this beautiful couple!”

Groom kicking up shoes with arms around groomsmen celebrating wedding day

The Absolute Best Man Speech

Wow! This is the best, best man speech we have ever seen and delivered by the bride’s brother, that also just happens to be the groom’s best friend. It is filled with laughter, praise, memories, and heartfelt sentiments. From beginning to end, it is the BEST! Oh, and if you think you need some tips on “ how to deliver a great best man speech ,” watch this and takes notes. He is a great public speaker.

Heartfelt Best Man Speech With A Touch Of Humor

“Hello everyone! May I have your attention, please!

As many of you already know me, and those who don’t, I am ___ (your name), the groom’s best friend. Before I begin, here’s a heads up, I asked (groom’s name) before writing this speech if there was anything that I shouldn’t say, and he said no. So if I spill the beans today, it is all his fault.

(Bride’s name) you look radiant today, the most gorgeous bride I have ever seen, so sad that you have to spend all your life with this guy, after all, I am the best man here today, right? I can’t even imagine the embarrassing moments he will bring into your life.

Alright, alright, before (groom’s name) kills me, I should stop goofing around! In all seriousness, (bride’s name) by marrying (groom’s name), you are getting a husband who is kind and compassionate, who will not only be a great husband but a best friend who will be there for you at each step of the way. In you, he has found the love of his life, which shouldn’t be a surprise for anyone because you are the most tender-hearted woman I have ever seen. And I know that you will make the best wife for (groom’s name). I can see in (groom’s name)’s eyes how much he loves you, the kind of love that keeps growing every single day.

(groom’s name) you have always pushed me to be the better person, and seeing you today becoming the man you are and starting a family with this lovely lady is so inspiring to me. In (bride’s name), you have found your ideal match, but I must admit she might be a bit more fun and sensible than you are! Well, jokes apart! I wish you both the best in your new life together.

Let us all raise our glasses to the new Mr. and Mrs. (both of their names) and wish them a long and beautiful married life!”

Killer Best Man Speech Filled With Humor & The Best Toast Ever!!

Wow! This speech is a great one! The groom’s younger brother is the best man, and he delivers a funny speech full of heartfelt feelings and one of the best wedding toasts we’ve ever heard. Watch until the end.

Best Man Is Superman & Groom Is His Kryptonite

“Of course, my name is Joe, and I’d like to thank Ben for finally confirming that I am indeed his best man, after 19 years of best-friendship.

Best friends for 19 years. Just think about what was happening 19 years ago. Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France. Furbabies were the craze of a nation. Brad Pitt was named the sexiest man alive.

On behalf of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, I would like to thank Ben and Shannon for including us on their unforgettable day. What a fantastic day it has been so far, and so much of Shannon’s hard work and preparation has gone into it. Ben, you just sit there and enjoy yourself.

Speaking of the bridesmaids, aren’t they looking fantastic? Thank you, girls, for making sure that Shannon looks as beautiful as ever and that she made it here on time. For anyone who knows Shannon, that is an achievement in itself.

A bit about Ben and I, we first met in elementary school and I’m not sure why we initially became friends as he doesn’t really like sport whereas I could watch a ping-pong match on TV. After that, it was probably Pokémon cards, and he had a Charizard I wanted, but over the years, the more I’ve got to know him, the more I’ve realized how much of a businessman he is. I’m expecting an invoice for the food we’ve enjoyed today.

After we moved from elementary school, we got split up and didn’t really speak before finding each other again in college – how romantic! It was here that we’d master the art of plagiarism. Well, at least I would. Ben got caught copying a classmate’s work. What let him down, you ask? He didn’t even change the name on the footer.

Another one of my favorite memories during college was in 2009. We had a riding lawnmower, rope, and horse feed bags to play with. I ended up dressing Ben up in horse feed bags and pulling him around the field for 20 mins, like a budget version of Jackass.

As life progressed, Ben left college to start work, and I stayed on, so again we lost contact through no fault on either part until a few years later where we reconciled and have remained as close as we’ve ever been since. It sounds like a story about how a stray dog kept finding his way home, doesn’t it?

In all honesty, if I’m Superman, Ben is my kryptonite. I’ve got a lot to thank Ben for, mainly for his help building my confidence with other people, specifically women. I know this is something he likes to brag about, but it’s true. As kids who were both a little on the chubby side of life, Ben gave the best piece of advice on girls that anyone has ever given me. “It’s ok to be fat; you’ve just got to be fat and funny. The more they’re laughing, the less time they have their eyes open”. I’ll take this piece of advice to my grave.

Ben. – *face Ben* – I would like to think that in the times when you have called upon me for help, I have always been there for you and not let you down because you have always been there for me. I look back at some of the stuff we have done together, and it makes me proud to have a mate like you. We have had some truly great times and have shared some great experiences together, memories I will never forget. I have been honored to have been your best man and want you to know that I look up to you more than you could imagine. Just remember, love is like a circle; it goes on forever. It’s not like a triangle; triangles have corners. It’s like a circle.

Ladies and gentlemen, it truly has been an honor delivering this speech to you, so please, join me in raising your glasses to the happy couple!”

A Truly Inspirational Best Man Speech, Oh! And it Doesn’t Hurt Shawn Johnson’s The Bride.

Brother of the groom and best man shares many stories of growing up, emergency room visits, and other memories that brothers experience together. But then he shares how much he is proud of the groom and how much he inspires him in life. A great example of a best man speech with few nerves, even though the bride is a celebrity (Shawn Johnson, the Olympic Gymnast).

A Humble Best Man Speech With Witt & Style

When you’re a witty yet humble guy, it can be hard to put together a best man speech that is sentimental and humble but still includes a little humor. This is an excellent example of all those things combined.

“Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, and single ladies. In case you are wondering, I am indeed the footloose and fiancé-free Best Man. Paul, I’m glad to have you ruled out as competition finally. In fact, my feelings are shared in the lyrics of the famous Queen song ‘Another One Bites the Dust.’ But, honestly. I couldn’t be more proud to stand here today with my best friend watching him become a husband and family man. Man, am I honored.

Paul and I have done many things together during our almost life-long friendship. Over the years, we’ve built go-carts together, rode our bikes together, played football together, bunked school together, tried to chat up girls together – note the word “tried” there – fixed up cars together, occasionally got drunk together, and now we are sharing a top table together.

And like all friends, we’ve certainly had our downs as well as our ups. I remember back to times when a petty argument would arise from nowhere. Then Paul would call me smelly, and I’d call him ‘big ears.’ And then it would spiral out of all proportion, and we’d each end up running home in tears. But sure enough, the next day, Paul would drop me an email from work, and we’d make up. As good mates do, however old.

But it was particularly in our teenage years that these little spats became quite frequent and would often arise over a young lady. They’d generally be of the ‘I saw her first, ‘no, I did’ variety. I’d like to say we worked these disputes out equitably, but Paul was the smooth-talking, early-developer of the two of us, and he genuinely believed he could have any girl he pleased. Unfortunately for him, though, he never managed to please any.

Until that is, he met his lovely bride. Since then, I’ve never known him to be happier. And, considering he’s now spending less time hanging out at bars and less time on the golf course, it’s certainly a testament to the way he feels about Linda.

Now, as Paul’s chief golf partner and drinking buddy, it’s not that great for me. But I’m man enough to stand here today and tell you that I don’t resent it. And how could I when I see how very happy they are together?

And I, as much as all of you, want that happiness for myself. But, uh, sorry, I mean, I want their happiness to last forever. And I do.

Ladies and gentlemen, on a final and serious note, please be upstanding and raise your glasses to my very best friend and his beautiful new wife. To Paul and Linda.”

Best Man Embarrasses Bride In A Friendly Roast

This is how you write, deliver and kill a best man speech in under 5 minutes. The best man and groomsmen had a completely unique idea for a wedding speech, and it is GREAT! This is a must-watch and recreate if you want a funny and memorable best man speech. Oh, and 1.7 million views isn’t half bad.

Heartfelt And Personal

Every best man speech doesn’t have to include funny or embarrassing stories. In this best man speech, we love how he kept it simple and to the point.

“Good afternoon, everyone; I am Mitchell. You may not know me, but Lucas and I go way back, all the way to preschool, in fact. And I must say that we have been brothers from another mother, locked in mischief together since the very start.

But despite some of our best efforts, this beautiful day has gone off without a hitch. A special thanks to everyone who worked hard and came together to make today possible. I have a few loving words to read from well-wishers who could attend today (read off messages sent from people who could not attend).

Well, I must agree! Their kind words are absolutely right. Lucas is a heck of a guy. I guess I first realized that on the day we met. There he was, already in our Pre-K room, doing his best to fit in.

He always was a little awkward when meeting new people, at least of the female sex. That was until he met Melanie. And thank goodness for that. Lucas, I hate to tell you this, but I have seen a few of your ex-girlfriends over the years, and I can certainly attest that the best woman won out. Or at least the most beautiful and kind, at any rate. Doesn’t Melanie look stunning today? And I must say, the bridesmaids do as well. If you are interested, I am footless & fiance-free. Ask for my number after this is over.

I would like to offer you both a tiny bit of advice today as you start this new adventure in life together. Lucas always treats Melanie like the queen and angel that she is. And Melanie always remembers that Lucas loves you and could not get through life without you. Seriously, I have seen and been with him when he’s without you. And it was a mess.

But, seriously, I wish you both a life full of love, peace, faith, and prosperity. You are both the nearest and dearest friends. Your life together is sure to be an unbelievable and fantastic new chapter that we will all be blessed to witness. So, now, please join me to give a toast to Lucas and Melanie.”

Epic Best Man Speech – Movie Trailer Idea

Another tremendous inspiring best man speech if you’re looking for something absolutely unique. The best man acts like he forgot his speech and has to “run out” to get it. This turns into the funniest and most creative best man speech ever. This is how you go viral with a wedding speech. To date, they have over 13 Million views on YouTube!! Incredible.

Short & Sweet Best Man Speech

Sure! It’s perfectly fine to keep your best man’s speech short & sweet. Here is an example of how to do it.

“Ladies and gentlemen. I met Jose a long time ago. We have been friends for over 15 years. In that time, he has proven himself to be an incredible friend and a truly good & honest man. I value my friendship with Jose and am honored to be here as his best man today. I am also looking forward to building the same great friendship with his beautiful new bride Beckie.

I know one important thing about Beckie. She has made Jose happier than I have ever seen him. So today is a day filled with joy and happiness. But it is not just “A” day… it’s the beginning of a new journey, painting their love story on a canvas of life for us all to watch. So on behalf of everyone here, thank you both for allowing us to be part of your story. I wish you both health and happiness, and may God bless your marriage.”

11 Year Old Best Man Kills His Best Man Speech

Ever thought about asking a child to be your best man? It probably doesn’t happen too often, but this 11-year-old boy absolutely delivers a hilarious speech. And with no notes and in just two minutes!! Watch it now. Who would’ve thought a young boy could be so poised and witty delivering a speech at age 11?

Free Short Best Man Speech Examples That'll Capture Hearts

Nail the toast for your best bud using our short best man speech examples and fun one-liners as inspiration.

Audrey is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience. Her work has been published in local and national magazines as well as online.

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So your best buddy is getting married, and you have to give a toast or a speech. With all the good times you've shared, we bet you already have some ideas brewing. But if not, we have inspiration! Our short best man speech examples and fun one-liners can definitely help.

Sample Short Best Man Speeches

Our short speech examples are totally editable, so you can customize them to suit your friendship with the groom. Or, you can use them as a starting point and go from there.

Free Wedding Speech Examples to Celebrate the Big Day

Sample Speech One

Hello, my name is _____________________________ (your name), and I have the honor of being ___________________'s (groom's name) best man. I've known __________________________ (groom's name) for _____________________ years (or "a short time") and am proud to call him my friend. It is with happiness that I stand here today and support him as he marries _______________________ (partner's name).

I remember when ______________________ (partner's name) and _____________________________ (groom's name) first met. Their first date was special because _________________________ ___________________________________________. This date, of course, set them on a pathway to today and their marriage, for which I think we are all grateful.

______________________ (groom's name), you are a great guy — someone who is kind, caring, and fun. In ____________________ (partner's name), you have found your perfect match — although I must admit they might be a little more fun than you are! I wish you both the best in the years to come.

Hello there! I'm ______________________'s (groom's name) best man, ____________________________ (your name). I have known ____________________ (partner's name) and ___________________________ (groom's name) for years and must say that I'm not surprised that we're here today at their wedding. I can think of no two people more perfectly suited for each other.

_______________________ (partner's name), in marrying _____________________ (groom's name) you're getting a husband who is considerate and fun-loving. He's a great friend, and I know he will make a great spouse for you. ___________________ (groom's name), in _____________________ (partner's name) you are getting a fabulous human being; I know they'll make a wonderful partner.

I wish you both the best of luck in the years to come.

Speech Three

Hello all, I'm _______________________ (your name) and I have the privilege of serving as ________________________'s (groom's name) best man today. I have been friends with _____________________________ (groom's name) for ____________ years and was overjoyed when he asked me to act as his best man.

The reason I was so excited is that over the long years of our friendship, I have never seen _______________________ (groom's name) so happy. _________________________ (partner's name) truly makes him a better person. Honestly, I've never seen _______________________ (groom's name) walk around with a goofy smile on his face so much as I've seen him do since becoming engaged to you. For making him happy and bringing that silly smile to his face, I applaud you.

I can't express how glad I am that you two found each other and have decided to embark on this journey of life together. I wish you all the best both today and every day.

Funny Short Best Man Speech One-Liners

A good one-liner is a thing of beauty in a wedding speech. Whether you use it as your intro or bust it out as you bring your short speech to a close, it makes the speech more entertaining for everyone.

I'd like to thank [groom] for planning this whole day for me so I could do my three favorite things: drink, eat cake, and make people listen to me.
How about this reception, folks? It really takes the cake, doesn't it?
[Groom], if I could offer you one piece of advice. Telling them to calm down always seems to make them angrier. You're welcome.
[Wedding couple], they say love is blind. But now you're married, so prepared to have your eyes opened.
Welcome to a historic event... the one time in my life where [Groom] actually has to shut up and listen to me.
I usually find weddings a little cheesy, but this one is really gouda.
[Spouse], congratulations on finding Mr. Right. His first name is Always.
Have you ever seen such a touching wedding? Even the cake is in tiers.
[Groom], remember this the first time you think your spouse makes bad choices. You are one of them.
[Groom], if I could offer just one piece of advice I've learned in my marriage. Admit when you're wrong. Shut up when you're right.

Contents of Best Man Speeches

Want to put together your own best man speech? Keep it short and sweet, and include these elements.

An explanation of how you know the groom
A description of how you view the couple
A description of how you see the groom impacted by the relationship
A well-wishing closure

Now just put it all together in your own voice with a bit of your own personality tossed in.

Best Man Toast Versus Speech

These two elements sort of run together... they can be one or the other, or an amalgamation of both. If the wedding is super traditional, here's the difference:

A best man speech normally lasts between three and five minutes and is intended to honor the wedding couple and family. It may include a personal story, heartfelt expression, or anecdote.
A best man's toast is a short statement, normally no longer than a minute or two, of well-wishing to the couple. It ends with raising a glass to indicate that other guests should also raise their glasses and drink in honor of the newlyweds.

Give It Your Best

Your speech can be short, simple, and a little humorous. Keep your humor kind and your words supportive, and you'll be great.

Amazing Tips & Themes For Your Magical Wedding

Best Man Speech: The Ultimate Guide (5 Examples & FAQs)

The Ultimate Best Man Speech Guide (Examples And Templates Included)

Being picked to be the best man is such a great honor. You will feel blessed that the groom has thought of you, and considers you the best man and friend for the job.

As the best man, you will likely have many responsibilities in the run up towards the wedding. You’ll have to try on suits, organize the bachelor party, but the best man speech is the thing that most look forward to, or dread!

A best man speech needs to hook the audience in, reveal some funny stories about the groom, and even the bride, but also wish the couple well, and spread some laughter amongst the audience.

But, you have to do all of this in one single speech that can’t be too long, and can’t be too short!

So, how can you nail the best man speech? Well, that’s where we come in handy. We can offer you this ultimate guide to creating a best man speech, including tips, structure and examples you can take inspiration from.

How To Structure A Best Man Speech

If you’re unsure of how to go about planning your best man speech, then we can help you out with this simple structure to follow and keep yourself on track.

This structure is a sort of guide, you don’t have to use it, but it’s a good idea to follow the structure so you cover all bases when doing the speech.

It can also help you when actually performing the speech, as you’ll know what needs to come next and in which order to go over your stories and anecdotes.

A good best man speech begins with:

Try introducing yourself with a funny one liner about who you are and how you know the happy couple.

After you’ve had your fun, balance this out by saying something meaningful and sincere about the groom, his qualities or your friendship.

Best Man Speech Do’s And Don’ts

There are definitely a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to speaking at someone’s wedding. You’ll want to keep it concise, funny, but not too over the top jokey. Here’s our recommendations of what to do, and what not to do.

First things first, you’ll want to plan ahead, and write a few stories and anecdotes down that you can remember. Do this for a few weeks before the wedding, so it gives you time to come up with the right memories to share.

You should also consider who this speech is going to be said around.

If the groom’s very traditional great aunt or grandma is there, it could be a good idea to avoid any crass, rude stories that could make family members uncomfortable. Save those lines for the bachelor party!

Finally, make sure you focus on the couple, not just the groom.

This day is about the two of them. While you are doing a speech because you are the best man to the groom, it is important that you bring in the bride/partner in your speech so that overall you are wishing both of them well on their new adventure.

What Not To Do

Don’t use foul language, or inflammatory language. You don’t want to cause a dark cloud over the event by offending anyone or causing a scene.

The same goes for mentioning exes (who could well be at the wedding) or bringing up sore subjects during the speech. Keep it fun, lighthearted, and hilarious.

This is far more impactful and will really get the audience involved in your speech.

Finally, and this is an important one- don’t make it about you. This is not your shining moment, your time will come.

It’s a chance for them to see the couple in a different light, from your perspective, not learn everything about you.

Tips For Writing A Best Man Speech

We’ve also got some brief tips for writing and performing your best man speech!

Qualities To Talk About In The Best Man Speech

For instance, if you’re talking about the groom’s thoughtfulness, use funny anecdotes that relate to this, and bring it back to that whenever possible.

You want to talk about his great qualities, poke a little fun, or share a funny story, but then talk about how these qualities have translated into his relationship with his partner, or how they have brought them closer together.

Best Man Speech Examples

Good evening everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Tom, younger brother and best man of the groom. For those of you that do know me…heeeeeeey!

I have known Jack for…X years now (your age) and have always looked up to him. He had it all, the career, the intelligence, the sense of humor, and now the girl. Then again, I got the good looks.

In all seriousness, I have always looked up to my big brother. He’s always had a flair for sports, and genuinely has a heart of gold.

Being the youngest of the two of us, Jack has made me a better man, mainly because of the character building he put me through as a child. Jack would love taunting me by stealing my favorite stuffed animals.

I cherished my favorite, Mr. Snuggles, until one day Jack told me to come downstairs and see the new toy that our Rottweiler had been given.

I was so excited to see our little furry boy happy and playing with his toy until I realized that Jack had offered up Mr. Snuggles in sacrifice with a huge grin on his face. It was a day I won’t forget.

Despite the taunting and the terrorizing, Jack has been the man that I’ve always aspired to be. In all of the years I’ve been around Jack, he’s always been tenacious and worked hard for what he wants. And he’s always gotten it.

After asking Jenny out the first time, and she said no , he didn’t give up. He knew she was the one for him! It’s a good thing he has the patience of a saint, as it took another 3 attempts to get the first date!

With Jack being the older, but not often the wiser brother, he managed to get himself into some mishaps in the past.

When he did finally get a chance to take Jenny out on a date, he turned up at the wrong house, and managed to slip and break his shoulder all in one fantastic, first meeting with the parents.

With Jenny at his side, Jack’s clumsy mishaps are less and less. You truly bring out the best in him, Jen. I would say welcome to the family, but you’ve been a part of our lives for some time already, and I am truly blessed to be able to call you my new sister.

From day one, you’ve fit right in, as you too have taken on the role of teasing Jack just as I wanted. Let me tell you guys, there have been many pranks that Jenny and I have pulled off on Jack.

Other times, we’ve hidden around the house just when Jack is coming home from a long day at the office, to ambush him with Nerf guns until he pleads for mercy! Let’s just say justice has been served for Mr. Snuggles.

I quickly realized that Jenny and Jack were cut from the same mold. You two are a real example of what it means to marry your best friend, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the two of you.

Hi everyone! For those of you who don’t know me already, I am Zach, the best man of James! When James asked me to be the best man I felt like it was such an honor.

Then he reminded me that it’s not just about organizing the bachelor party and I have to actually come to the wedding so…here I am.

Just kidding. Me and James have been through thick and thin. I’ve watched him go from a weedy, awkward teenager to a less weedy, awkward adult!

Britney would probably argue with me over the adult part! James has always had that boyish sense of humor that’s often gotten us into trouble over the years.

He’s probably carving out some obscenity in the wood I thought.

This is why it came as such a shock when later that day it was I who was called into the principal’s office, and as I walked with my head hung in shame to my fate, James smiled wide and proudly.

Ever since that day, James and I have been at war with one another to get the other one back! But deep down, I know that James would do anything for me. If I needed someone at 4am, James is that friend.

Despite our differences, I know he’s as good as family to me, and all of the Henderson’s have welcomed me into their home on many occasions, and now Britney gets to have that same privilege.

In all seriousness, if Britney gets half as much joy in being married to James, that I have had in being his friend over the years, then she will be incredibly lucky indeed.

On behalf of all the groomsmen, bridesmaids and myself, I would like to thank James and Britney for having us be a part of their special day. I know how hard you’ve worked to make this a day to remember, and you’ve definitely succeeded.

Hello everyone. My name is Joe and I’d just like to thank John for finally confirming that I am in fact – the best man, after 20 years of friendship. 20 years is a long time.

Just think, back then…Low rise jeans were in fashion, Spiderman was the favorite superhero, and Ben Affleck and J-Lo were together. So really, nothing has changed in 20 years, and the same goes for our friendship.

I remember one time in college, we decided that reading books and writing our own essays just wasn’t for us anymore. We decided to pay someone to write us an essay, and we would switch it up to pass the class.

Since then, I’ve realized what a tenacious person, good friend and loyal individual John was, and it’s an absolute blessing to be up here with you tonight as your best man.

So, if you wouldn’t mind joining me in raising a glass to John’s mom, who can’t be with us today, but is with us in spirit. Cheers.

In addition, I’d like to thank both Mia’s parents, and John’s dad who have helped make this day extra special for the happy couple, which I’m sure they are eternally grateful for.

Finally, I’d like to thank the groomsmen for organizing and completing the best bachelor party Miami has ever seen. I only hope it was the send off John was hoping for before he begins the next stage of his life with Mia. (But I highly doubt it)

Ladies and Gentleman, I have an announcement to make. If there is anyone here tonight that is feeling nervous, apprehensive, or maybe even a little nauseous at what lies ahead…then it’s probably because you’ve just married Adam.

Before I start the character assassination that is my best man’s speech, let me just thank Adam and Olivia for having us be a part of this very special day.

Our time at University was one of the best in my life, and I’ve far too many stories to tell you about our lovely Adam here.

And why wouldn’t he be? All those who know Olivia know what a lovely, and caring person she is. She deserves a good husband. Thank god Adam got there first before she could find one!

I’ll never forget the time a few years back during a friendly soccer game where I slipped and fell over on my side, snapping and breaking my ankle.

Adam was at my side within SECONDS…to let me know he caught my fall on video. Emergency Medical Services *Scoff*. Only when he saw the angle of my ankle did his medical training kick in.

All jokes aside, Adam and Olivia have always been there for me, and I them. I’d like to think of them as family rather than friends, and can only hope that continues going forward.

Hello everyone. My name is Kane, and I am the best man, and longtime friend of Rob. I was, however, somewhat surprised to be asked to be the best man, as Rob has never been able to admit this over the years.

I asked friends and family for advice, and according to tradition, I am supposed to sing Rob’s praises and tell you all about his fantastic qualities. Well, sorry to tell you, but I can’t sing and I don’t lie. So that’s out of the window.

His willingness to do anything for anyone, without accepting anything in return is what makes Rob extra special, and a joy to be around.

Looking back, I was probably a big nuisance always wanting to go play over his house, but I had some of the best time of my life growing up with Rob by my side. We’ve been there for every big moment of each other’s lives.

I can’t think of anyone better to look after my Rob here, and I know he will do everything he can to look after you for the rest of his days.

Thank you both so much for a fantastic day. If the rest of your lives is half as good as today has been, then you are in for a joyful marriage indeed. Please join me everyone in raising a glass to the newly weds, Rob and Sophia. Cheers!

Best Man Speech Frequentl Asked Questions

Does the best man have to do a speech.

The best man does not have to give a speech if he really does not want to, or if there isn’t enough time because there are other people doing speeches, but it is tradition and expected of the best man to do a speech.

When Does The Best Man’S Speech Happen?

The best man speech will typically happen after the groom has said a few words. However, every wedding is different, and the bride and groom may organize the day differently depending on how they think the speeches should flow.

How Long Should A Best Man Speech Be?

A best man speech should be short and sweet, but not too short, and not too long. A happy medium is about 5-6 minutes in length. You don’t want it to be shorter than 3 minutes as it may seem too brief.

What Should You Include In A Best Man Speech?

There are a few things that you should include in the best man speech. This is who you are, and how you know the bride and groom.

In addition, you need a fun story about the groom and you, and why you think the bride and groom are an excellent match, followed by your best wishes for the couple and a toast to their future together.

Who Should You Thank In A Best Man Speech?

In the best man speech, you should thank the bride and groom of course, but you can also thank the bridesmaids or groomsmen for their efforts, or say thank you to the parents of the bride and groom, especially if they have contributed a lot to the wedding.

To summarize, writing a best man speech is not all as bad as it seems.

Whether you are looking for examples, tips, what to do, or what not to do, we’ve covered it all in this handy guide.

Now, instead of stressing out about what you are going to say, how you are going to say it, you can look forward to the wedding planning process in the run up to the big day, and most importantly…the bachelor party!

Lisa Plaitt

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Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception? How to Write a Wedding Toast Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech How to Write a Best Man Toast Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech What to Know About a Newlywed Toast Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

How to Write and Deliver the Perfect Best Man Speech

Our three experts will help you become an all-star orator.

Photo by Sydney Noelle Photography

In This Article

Being asked to be someone's best man is a tremendous honor, but it's also a role that comes with a number of important responsibilities . While you're going to be responsible for everything from groomsmen shepherding to bachelor party planning , there's one task that requires your utmost attention and efforts: giving an incredible wedding speech.

The best man's speech traditionally follows the groom's speech (if he's giving one) and may or may not follow the maid of honor's toast (generally speaking, the better orator should go second). This is a chance for you to say some kind words about your relationship with the couple and your best friend. Wedding speeches are meant to be quick, lighthearted moments during the reception, so while you should expend effort crafting thoughtful words, you don't have to overthink it. Still, we know public speaking doesn't come easily for everyone, and if the thought of public speaking has your kneecaps sweating, we're here to help.

With tapped three experts—President Barack Obama's former speechwriter David Litt, wedding toast advisor Pete Honsberger, and public speaking expert LaQuita Cleare—and asked them to share the best tips for writing a perfect man speech.

Meet the Expert

David Litt was the speechwriter for President Barack Obama from 2011 to 2016 and is the author of the New York Times best-selling book Thanks, Obama.
Pete Honsberger has been a serial groomsman, speaker, and wedding toast advisor for most of his adult life. When it comes to wedding toasts, he's seen just about everything—you can read about it in his book, Wedding Toasts 101: The Guide to the Perfect Wedding Speech .
LaQuita Cleare is a public speaking expert and the founder of Clear Communication Academy , where she prepares CEOs, actors, and other professionals to become stronger, more engaging public speakers.

If you're hoping to write and deliver a best man speech that will blow everyone away, follow our expert-approved tips.

Photo by Glorianna Chan

Best Man Speech Template

Getting all your thoughts and feelings down on paper can be overwhelming, especially if you're not used to sharing those sentiments with the guys. For those who are unsure of what to write for the big day, here is a guideline to help you find your flow.

Find a Theme

A theme is a unifying idea that ties the whole speech together. Think of it as the takeaway of your speech, or the one thing you want guests to remember. The best way to identify your theme is by making a list of your favorite stories. "You’re not going to just write a speech from scratch. Start by brainstorming stories. Most importantly, what you’re looking for is the theme that comes out of those anecdotes," says Litt.

Build a Framework

The best way to organize your thoughts is to create a blueprint of the key points you want to hit first, sort of like a toast skeleton. After you've established the roadmap, fill it in with pertinent details and memories while still ensuring you're staying on point. "Think about it in terms of ideas," says Litt. "You can get in one or two short anecdotes, maybe three, and one big idea. If those are good, you don’t need more."

Instead of thinking of yourself as the speaker, imagine that you're actually standing in the audience. Think about what the audience would like to hear, rather than what you want to do.

Nail the Opening

According to Cleare, your opening remarks need to be just right. Remember that you only have a few seconds to grab the attention of your audience, so make the most of them. "This can be a fun quote that the bride or groom always says or you can use the story of your relationship with the [couple] as the opening," she suggests.

Focus on the Newlyweds

Most best men will include a story or two about their friendship with the groom, but don't center the whole speech on it. "Remember the relationship that you’re celebrating is the one between the two people getting married. You’re giving the speech because you can shine some unique light on that relationship," says Litt. "If the relationship that you’re really giving the speech about is the one between you and the groom, things [will get] awkward."

Share Your Feelings

Deliver something more meaningful than one joke after another. "Generally speaking, men think of the best man speech as a funny speech to give because we’re very uncomfortable sharing how we actually feel. But, what makes a good best man speech is the part where somebody shares how they feel. Humor is just the icing on the cake," says Litt. The newlyweds chose you to speak because you have something notable to add to their big day. Embrace your personal insight into their bond and don't try to dilute it by just being funny.

Photo by Elizabeth Austin Photography

Best Man Speech Writing and Delivery Tips

Now that you have at least a rough idea of what you want your speech to be like, it's time to put pen to paper. Finished writing? Practice, practice, practice, and ensure every word you say is a good fit for the big day. After all, there's nothing worse than raising a glass at the end of your speech and hearing crickets. These tips will help you do all of that and more.

Consider Your Audience

You can't nail a speech if you have no idea who to tailor the content to. "Feel free to ask beforehand. When I was writing speeches for the president, we had a point of contact where the speech was happening to say who exactly is in the audience. You can do a smaller-scale version of that. Your point of contact is probably your friend getting married . But, the nice thing about giving the best man speech is that, ideally, it’s both specific to you and universal to the couple," says Litt.

If you're open to it, Cleare also suggests bringing other attendees into the mix during your deliver. "Don’t be afraid to involve your audience! You can pose a question to them during your speech," she notes. This is a great way to make everyone feel included.

"I would say almost never start with talking about how nervous you are. I’d also say just relax. That’s a hard thing to tell someone to do. But remember, you’re not putting on a show," says Litt. "You're simply talking about your best friend and the love of their life, two people that you've probably spent a lot of time with. In the end, it should just flow and come out easily." Litt also suggests, "imagine you’re just telling a story to a group of friends because, really, you are."

Put Down Your Notes

No, you don't have to memorize every word of your toast, but Cleare recommends that you "bring the confidence, and put down your notes" on the big day. "Don’t worry about memorizing your speech word for word. It is more important to connect, deliver with confidence and have fun," she explains. The more you can engage the audience—look at them, feed off their energy—the better your toast will be received.

Stay True to Yourself

Stick with who you are and how you would normally act around your friends; you don't need to adopt a character just because you're giving a speech. For example, if you aren't normally the comedian in the group, don't try to tell a bunch of jokes. If you're not usually a super-sentimental person, don't force it. There's nothing wrong with keeping your speech more lighthearted. The couple already knows (and loves) your personality, so the more genuine you are, the better your speech will be received by both the newlyweds and their guests.

Don't Rely Solely on Humor

While a few jokes sprinkled in can be a great tool for loosening up the crowd, don't make these the meat of your toast—especially if comedy doesn't come naturally to you. "Let me put it this way. There’s such a thing as too many bad jokes, and that number is about one. The more you treat it as an open-mic night, the less happy everyone involved is going to be. You don’t need to go in thinking, 'How do I get invited back next week?'" explains Litt.

Keep Things Positive

Even if you think it's well-meaning, don't turn the toast into a roast or make jokes at the couple's expense. "I’ve seen best man speeches where someone thinks, 'Oh, my job is to roast the groom.' Unless the couple specifically told you that’s your job, that’s not your job. The way to think about jokes is that you don’t want people to be laughing at the groom or at the couple. You want people to be laughing because they suddenly know the groom better than they did before." says Litt.

Don't Upstage the Newlyweds

Litt's previous boss (former President Obama) really enjoyed telling other people's stories at speaking engagements, and this ultimately strengthened his messages. "His speeches are not really about him. They’re about other people," says Litt. Channel Obama by keeping your speech focused on the couple. "You’re not performing. You’re there because you know someone and care about them, and you’re sharing that with a bunch of other people. Even a great best man speech is not supposed to steal the show. If somebody says, 'That speech was nice but almost forgettable because we were so focused on the bride and groom,' that’s a win. You don’t need to be the star," advises Litt.

Keep It Appropriate

"My general rule for wedding speeches is: If you have to ask yourself, 'Is this appropriate?' it’s not. And if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t know, ask a friend. If they give you that slightly horrified look, listen to that look," explains Litt. Keep in mind that your audience will include guests of various generations and cultures, like your friend's grandparents, boss, and colleagues. Refrain from mentioning anything that you wouldn't want your grandma or boss to know.

Get a Second Opinion

Remember, you'll be delivering this toast in front of an audience (as if you could forget, right?). So it doesn't hurt to get some feedback on what you're planning on saying. "If you’re the kind of person who has a track record of going a little too far with your surprises, you should be self-aware enough to run this by a third party—maybe another close friend or a friend of the bride," says Litt.

The last thing you want to do is stand up and give a speech that you've never said out loud. "The best thing to do is practice with a friend. Anybody giving a big speech rehearses beforehand. If you’ve already gotten good feedback from field-testing your remarks with a smaller group, then you’re going to come out on the wedding day comfortably knowing you have a good speech. It's that uncertainty that can be scary when you’re up there speaking," says Litt.

Cleare notes that you can practice your public speaking at any point—you don't need an occasion as big as a wedding to work on your skills. "Practice your public speaking regularly. You don’t have to wait for a big day to improve," she says. "From volunteering to lead a work meeting to giving a toast at a party with friends, [you can practice almost anytime.]"

Keep It Short

Let's be realistic: Super-long wedding toasts annoy guests. "I’ve never been to a wedding where anyone said, 'That was a great wedding, but the best man speech was just too short and that ruined it.' I would say five minutes is the absolute maximum. Three minutes is fine. There’s no question that if you’re reading this, you’ve sat through a speech that was too long. But when you start writing a speech, you almost never think, 'Is this going to be too long?'" explains Litt.

Limit Your Drinks

Don't embarrass yourself by slurring through your toast. "Being one drink in works for some people, but being more than one drink in is never a good idea. At that moment when you’re like, 'You know what I need? Another couple of shots.' That is never what you need," advises Litt.

Mind Your Body Language

A telltale sign that you're nervous? Fidgety body language. Cleare suggests rehearsing not just your words, but also how you'll stand and present yourself on the big day. "Practice open body language instead of putting your hands in your pockets or crossing your arms," she suggests. "Using gestures while you speak will also make you appear more confident and increase the value of your message." And, whatever you do, don't forget to make eye contact with the crowd. "Your eyes tell all," Cleare says.

Photo by Elizabeth Warrick

Best Man Speech Openers

Still at a loss for where to take your speech? If you need a little help getting your speech going, our experts share a few ideas to kick-start the process. Use these openers to help get your inspiration flowing.

Introduce Yourself With a Twist

Want to tell the crowd exactly why you're the best man? Honsberger says to get straight to the point and tell them how you know the groom. Most importantly, add some flavor to the first few lines. Spice it up a bit, as anyone can do the standard, “For those of you who don’t know me….” Simply put, ask yourself what a twist would look like in your own introduction.

“Good evening, if you’re in this room and don’t know me by now, then you’re probably at the wrong wedding. I am, of course, [your name], and I’ve been best friends with [groom] for 25 years…”

“Hello and welcome to tonight’s reception. [name of groom], YOU truly are MY biggest fan. Wait, that didn’t come out right…As I was saying…”

Crack a Joke, Even a Corny One

Remember the audience when determining whether your joke should be said, but ultimately, try and see if you can get the crowd to laugh in the first 30 seconds. To achieve this, Honsberger says to simply reach into your own bag of jokes or look one up online. "I’d encourage you to first spend a little time reflecting on your own comedic ability. If you’re coming up empty, then consult outside resources," he notes.

"Hello, I’m the best man [your name]. This entire day has been beautiful so far. In fact, I’m getting emotional. The wedding cake has me in TIERS. (looking at a three-tiered cake).”

"You’re probably wondering why I asked you all here tonight…well, I can promise it’s not for my 'Magic Mike' performance. You’ll have to stick around to the last song for that."

Be Hilarious With a Straight Face

While still technically a joke, this is you working hard to sound serious while saying something absurd. And if you get this right, you’ll hear a little giggle immediately, followed by laughter from the rest of the crowd once they figure out what you said was a joke.

“Good evening, I am [your name], the best man and [relationship to groom] of [name of groom]. Tonight we’re in a room full of great men–doctors, lawyers, military veterans, and successful businesspeople–yet I am the 'best.' His words, not mine.”

"As Abraham Lincoln once said, [say something outrageous than Lincoln obviously never said—an inspirational quote, movie line, piece of advice, etc.] … and that’s what brings us all together tonight to celebrate [couple's name].”

Introduce a Recurring Theme

Choosing an overall toast theme can help you start strong. If you decide that your relationship with the groom can be summed up by sports, college, vacations, a mutual love of running, or whatever fits you, that can be your theme. And if that’s the case, your opener is simply the first, or the best, story you have related to that specific topic.

“Hello and welcome, my name’s [your name], and I’m here to talk about my amazing friends Mike and Liz. They are truly a story of opposites attracting.

For example, Liz’s favorite food is french fries, and Mike is allergic to potatoes. Mike has an obsession with ice cream, and Liz is lactose intolerant (pause for laughter).

Thankfully, things have a way of working out, and we are gathered tonight to celebrate the most important thing they have in common…incredibly good looks. I mean, LOVE.”

Just like that, you’ve captured the audience, let them into the world of the married couple, and got them excited for the rest of your toast.

Ask a Question to Answer Throughout

If you’re questioning your toast opener, try leaning into that approach. Instead of looking for the answer, embrace the question. Think about what you would want to know about the groom if you were a distant relative or family friend sitting in the audience, says Honsberger. What would be an interesting question to explore about the couple? Use that.

“Good evening. My name is [your name] and I’ve known [groom] for more than [#] years. As I was preparing this toast, one question consistently rang in my mind: How do I summarize a friendship that has lasted since we [when you met]? Believe it or not, [groom] was [name a quirk or characteristic about him] back then, too.”

“But really, how can I possibly speak to all of our experiences in just a few minutes without turning it into one big inside joke? Do I talk about …?”

Then, spend the rest of the speech answering that question, and you’ll never lack information to share.

Rhyme-Master Flex

Really want to capture the intrigue of everyone in the room? Start rhyming your sentences. Honsberger says he tried this in his first-ever wedding toast, and the result was an audience hanging on every sentence, wondering what the next line would be.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I am Dan's younger brother, Pete. Many of you, I already know. Some, I have yet to meet.

Dan and Kate, thank you so much for this amazing chance, to speak on your special day … by the way, I call first dance. (crowd boos in jest) Sorry, but I called it!

I’ve looked up to Dan ever since I’ve had sight. He was always bigger than me, and he was always right.

Being the oldest of four boys couldn’t have been an easy thing. But in a house full of hyenas, Dan was the Lion King."

Read a Definition from the Dictionary

Here’s a chance to leverage one of the most straightforward and honest resources in existence: the dictionary. All you need to do is find one word that defines the couple’s relationship, says Honsberger. This can be serious and sentimental or funny—your choice. Just make sure it's relevant to the couple.

“Google’s second definition of the word ‘love’ says, ‘A great interest and pleasure in something or someone.’ I think this is beautiful and an understatement when I think of [bride] and [groom]’s marriage. Although I was a little concerned when, under the definition, the word “love” was used in a sentence as ‘His love for football.’ Hmm, strange…”

“Who’s ready to dance tonight? Wikipedia defines the word ‘dance’ as ‘a performing art form consisting of purposefully selected sequences of human movement,’ and those words have honestly never come to mind when I think of [groom] dancing. I might be kidding, but there’s only one way to find out!”

Tell a Story of How You Met

If the groom is a friend, chances are you have a good story of the first time you met or early in your friendship. If it’s your brother or family member, simply use one of your first memories together, whether playing, adventuring, or getting into trouble.

“The year was 1993, the class was kindergarten. I was building a beautiful tower of blocks when out of nowhere, they were knocked to the ground by a classmate without mercy or even an apology. That classmate was Matt, and we’ve been best friends ever since. And Matt, I’m sorry for throwing the blocks at your head after that.”

Begin With a Quote

Simple and overused? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. If you want to make the groom smile immediately during your toast, use a quote that you both recognize. If there’s one that his partner appreciates, too, even better. The most important reminder when using a quote is to ensure the audience feels like they’re part of it, too. Unless the quote is universally known, briefly mention its origin right after saying it. Let them into the joke and they’ll be with you for the rest of the toast.

“Good evening everyone, my name is [your name], and I’m the best man tonight. When coach [name] used to tell you to ‘Be an Athlete,’ this is what he meant. When anyone on our team missed a tackle, it was ‘be an athlete,’ when our jerseys weren’t tucked in, same saying. We’ve adopted that as a cure for any issues in life. When [groom] really wanted to introduce himself to [bride], the solution was simple. ‘Be an athlete.’ And he was. So if you see [groom] miss a step on the dance floor later, be sure to remind him to ‘Be an athlete.’"

Read Something in a Different Language

Looking for a way to involve international members of the family in your toast? Look no further than practicing a phrase and reciting it in their native language to begin your toast. If that doesn’t apply in your situation, yet you still want to shake things up and be unique, you can translate a wedding-related sentence into another language. It will be intriguing, and you’ll sound smart!

“Hello and welcome to everyone in both families on such a beautiful day. Me llamo Pedro y necesito que te diviertas porque esta boda es muy cara (wait for laughter from Spanish speakers). If you don’t speak Spanish, I said that I need everyone to have fun because this wedding is really expensive!”

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, this speech is about the couple getting married, why you love them so much, how happy you are for them, and why you're honored to have this role in the wedding party. Keep things light, positive, and succinct—and also remember that the celebration is all about love, and no one is here to make you feel nervous. Make time to practice the speech, take a few deep breaths before you begin to speak, and focus your attention on the couple. Before you know it, you'll have given a speech for the books!

The best man traditionally speaks at the wedding reception following the maid of honor, though some couples may schedule the speeches during the rehearsal dinner instead.

The best man gives one speech either at the wedding reception or, less commonly, the rehearsal dinner.

The best man's speech serves as a special lens for the audience to better understand the groom, and the newlyweds, through his significant position in their lives. The focus should be to highlight the relationship of the newlyweds rather than the relationship between the best man and groom.

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception?
How to Write a Wedding Toast
Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech
currently on How to Write a Best Man Toast
Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech
What to Know About a Newlywed Toast
Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips
60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

Best Man Speech Ideas

Opening Lines
Toasts Examples
Speech Jokes
Speech Delivery Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Wedding Party & Reception

Best Man Speech Magic: Crafting Words that Resonate and Inspire

Via Unsplash

Hey there! Your friend’s wedding is just around the corner, and he’s chosen you to be the best man? Crafting the perfect best man speech might seem daunting, but trust us, it’s simpler than you imagine.

Below, you’ll find a wealth of tips and examples from Wedding Forward team to guide you through crafting a best man speech that will leave a lasting impression. Moreover, our editorial team interviewed two distinguished experts in the field: Mindy Weiss, the founder of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants and a best-selling author, and Steven Greitzer, a wedding tech entrepreneur and officiant, serving as CEO of Provenance . Their invaluable tips and advice also have been integrated into this article.

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Top Best Man Speeches Examples

It is much easier to write a best man speech when you have some examples to draw upon for inspiration. That’s why Wedding Forward team have prepared variety collection of inspired best man speech to help you craft your own!

Best Man Speech For Friend

Best Man Speech for Brother

“Good evening, hope everyone is having a good time tonight. I feel very privileged and honored to be standing here tonight celebrating this lovely union. Two years ago, Matt gave the best man speech at my wedding and made a lot of awkward jokes. So needless to say, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a really long time! For those who don’t know, I am Matt’s brother, Mike. I first met Matt when I was two years old at our parent’s house in Boston. To be quite honest, I wasn’t thrilled because I really wanted a sister. And I think he knew because Matt would do ridiculous things like throw my toothbrush in the toilet, pour water at me when I was asleep and run across the room naked when I had any friends over. This made me less popular than I already was. Matt always excelled in school, was captain of the debate team (apologies to Cara, but he can argue his way out of anything!) and can make a mean steak. The truth is, despite him being an annoying brother at the time, I came out winning in the end. Because of him and this beautiful night, I am getting the sister I always wanted. Cara, you’re beautiful and our family loves you so much. Thank you for making my brother so happy. Let’s celebrate this amazing union and raise a glass to the newlyweds ! On behalf of the groomsmen and bridesmaids, we’d like to wish you a life full of love, happiness, and joy. To everyone who made tonight happen, thank you. You’ve made this night very special.” Source

Short Best Man Speeches

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? As the best man, I stand here today to say a few words about the remarkable love story between my incredible friend, [groom’s name], and his beautiful bride, [bride’s name]. [Groom’s name] and I have been through thick and thin together, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his growth as a person. But it wasn’t until [bride’s name] came into his life that I saw a change I can only describe as transformative. Their love is like a beacon, guiding them through life’s ups and downs. So here’s to the newlyweds—a couple who have found not just love, but true companionship. May your journey be filled with happiness, passion, and an everlasting bond.”

“Sure, here’s an even shorter best man speech example: Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], the best man. I want to thank [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] for this wonderful celebration. [Groom’s Name], you’ve been an amazing friend, and seeing you with [Bride’s Name] brings such joy. [Bride’s Name], you complete [Groom’s Name] perfectly. Together, you both inspire us with your love. Let’s raise a glass to the happy couple. May your life together be filled with love and happiness. Cheers!”

Funny Best Man Speeches

Best man talk for adam and kate.

“Adam and Kate – What a great day to get married! Marriage carries new responsibilities. Kate – from now on, you should never argue or disagree with Adam, because he is now the head of the family and the king of his castle. You will be expected to keep your hair and make-up perfect at all times – to dress in a way that pleases Adam. You should cook his favorite meals every night and encourage him to go out with his friends on a regular basis. Do these simple things and your marriage will be blessed with many years of happiness. Kate – I know that Adam loves you very much… because he spent a long time writing this speech for me. Congratulations to the both of you!” Source

Best Man Presentation for Sarah & Simon

“Sarah & Simon – every great relationship starts with rings. In the beginning, the phone would ring and just the thought of speaking to one another was exciting. Your love grew and so did your commitment to each other. The engagement ring soon came after. There were no doubts… your love was true. The engagement ring has now turned into a wedding ring and we are all here today to celebrate your marriage. Now of course… the suffer-ring begins. (smile and raise your glass) Peace and happiness to the new bride and groom!” Source

Speech for Neil and Claire

“Hi my name is Paul and Neil has asked me to be his best man for this wonderful occasion. I would like to say it is a very special honor but with it, comes the responsibility of giving the bloody speech. I would not say it is very comfortable to wear a tuxedo in a 30-degree church, which is not air-conditioned. The church ceremony I’m sure you’ll all agree was a wonderful, wonderful occasion. Maybe a little hot, but I’m glad to see so many of you have replaced your electrolytes with fuel of the alcoholic kind since the reception began. I have known Neil and Claire for_________ [how many years] years. You might say Neil and I met by accident, but it is no accident that Neil met Claire. If you know Neil you know he is an excellent athlete, in fact I noticed his Athletes foot right away. This was a man who had his knees and ankles shaved, for easy taping. I knew this was a hard-core sports fanatic. We both share a tremendous love of football and basketball. For many years, we have had a running bet during the season as to who will score more goals or more runs which of course, I always won. Neil is a ______________ [Groom’s Occupation] in Truro, and I thought__________________________________[Funny or quirky aspect about grooms occupation] Neil is a man who has dedicated his life to __________________[Grooms occupation] And now I’m sure will use his experience with ___________________________[what the Groom does in his occupation] in his marriage with Claire. It is great that Neil found Claire. He has always been looking for someone young, dynamic, intelligent, attractive, and with good health insurance. Neil and Claire met_________________________ [where they meet], But I have it on good authority that Neil started looking for a wife on the internet. And with a multitude of resources at his fingertips, he found some really great stuff, but sadly was unable to find himself a suitable partner. That is, until I mentioned to him that the correct category to be looking should be Woman Seeking Man. I explained the way it works, send an old picture when you still had lots of hair, lie about your height and weight, and at all other times be sincere and honest. I imagine that when Neil and Claire met and introduced each other he said I’m Neil and she said, “I need a Diamond.” So, Neil said, sure let’s pick one out. Claire is a Diamond. Neil is a gem; I think together they make beautiful jewellery. No Marriage would be complete without some brotherly advice to help set you on your way… So I canvassed the room and got some really good stuff for you! Love, honor and cherish each other, and don’t forget to take out the garbage. Your wife is always right. Just in case she is not right, refer back to #2. Always, yes always, notice every new hairstyle or dress. Do something nice for each other every single day. If she asks if something makes her look fat the answer is categorically, NO. Flowers are always a good Idea, even if you are not in trouble. There is really nothing better than a good foot rub or massage. Your wife is more important than sports. I guess. Even the cup final. It is a great joy for me to see Neil and Claire so happy. You learn things when you get older. Hmmm, I mean more mature. You make better decisions, isn’t it great that two people would entwine and commit to each other for life. Love, isn’t that what it is all about? We are here to celebrate that glorious event and this ceremony is all about letting the world know how much Neil and Claire’s love for each other is a reflection of one’s own soul in another’s. Anyway, it is time to celebrate the joyous and unbridled love that these two spectacular people will share the rest of their lives. Would you please stand now and join me in a toast. To love and laughter and happily ever after.” Source

What are the key elements that should be included in a memorable and heartfelt best man’s speech?

That is what Steven Greitzer, wedding tech entrepreneur and officiant, CEO of Provenance, said:

“There are many key elements to take into account when pulling together a great toast:

Include 2-3 stories in your speech that capture the essence of the groom and your friendship.
Make sure your speech is appropriate by discussing “no-go’s” with the couple beforehand.
Acknowledge the groom’s partner in your speech and speak about how the relationship has helped the groom grow (more on that below).
Offer a thematic takeaway, such as the importance of friendship or the strength of the couple’s love.
Be sure to practice

The Provenance Toast Builder is the best and easiest way to make sure your wedding toast captures what you’re trying to say.”

Try the Toast Builder

How to Write Best Man Speech

For a great wedding speech, there are some simple rules you have to follow. Here you will find examples of best man speeches Dos and Don’ts from our editors.

Plan your speech ahead (think about your best man speech structure, choose formal or funny style) and practice.
Tell a short story ( keep the speech to about 5 minutes or less ) with jokes (2 or 3 will be enough).
Get sentimental at some point, make compliments to the bride.
Finish on an optimistic note (end your speech with love quotes or wishes for the happy couple).
Be thankful (express gratitude towards the couple, their family, and anyone who helped make the wedding happen).

Don’ts

Do not cross the 2-5 mins time limit.
Do not make it about you.
Avoid dirty jokes.
Do not ignore the bride. Let her know how happy you are, that she is ending up with your friend.
Avoid rude remarks. Keep your manners in check, even if it’s for a day.

Infographic

Best Man Speech Templates

Click here to download free printable templates of best man speech!

When creating the Best Man speech outline for your talk, include the following elements to involve everyone, making one and all feel that they are important participants in the merrymaking for the newlywed couple:

Use a Magnetic Opening Line

The opening words of your Best Man presentation should grab everyone’s attention. If you favor a romantic approach to start off a speech, you can start with a statement like, “True love wins all,” and then list the various ways the Groom, through his true love for his Bride, has won all her attention and affections.

If some of the Groom’s favorite hip singer-songwriters date back to the 1960s and ’70s, you can quote from Bob Dylan: “ Love is just a four-letter word ,” going on to mention the many words of just four letters that relate to feelings of true love like “ kiss, hold, keep and ever. ” Be intent and clever with the use of language, and you will achieve better engagement with your audience.
If your tastes (or the tastes of the newlyweds) are somewhat more classical, you can start by quoting the familiar line from Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “ How do I love thee, Let me count the ways. ” This popular line has been repeated in many variations by countless poets and songwriters ever since, so have no fear of labeling yourself as an egghead when quoting it. This opening line will also give you a chance to mention the main virtues and attributes of the Bride.

Thank the Other Speakers

It is always appropriate and appreciated if you thank the other speakers for the occasion. These speakers usually include the Maid of Honor and the Bride’s Father as well as any other members of the wedding party that the Bride and Groom ask to speak.

It is always good form to express your gratitude for their contributions to this special moment and event. Never criticize or make jokes about what they say or how they say it. Just thank them politely and continue with your own remarks since you know very well how to write a best-man speech.

Congratulate the Newlyweds

Congratulate the wedding couple on this exciting first chapter in their lives together. This is the ideal time to tell the guests how you met your great friend, the Groom. If you happen to be the Groom’s brother or cousin, you can recreate moments of hilarity from your younger years together or shared experiences of suspense or intrigue.

Recalling funny incidents or telling best man speech jokes involving the Groom is totally acceptable, so long as you keep the format and content clean and respectable.

Expert tip from Steven Greitzer:

“A great best man speech strikes the perfect balance of humor and sincerity. You want it to be memorable, but for the right reasons. Check with the couple to see if there are any topics you need to avoid or any topics that might be of particular concern to anyone in the audience. In the Provenance Toast Builder , the couple has the option to call out any topic they do, or don’t, want you to include. If you have any jokes in your speech you are unsure about, run them by someone who is close to the couple who you trust. And if you have a feeling that a joke might upset them or not land well with the audience – err on the side of caution. It’s their big day, not yours! There’s a way to have a funny best man speech that doesn’t upset grandma. Find the balance.”

Compliment the Bride

Now it is time to pull out the stops and give high praise to the Bride using your knowledge of how to write a best man talk. Highlight and emphasize her finest qualities, talents, and accomplishments.

Let them know just how overjoyed you are to celebrate the marriage of these two special people of whom you think so highly. Then give the Bride another charming compliment using top-quality speech writing tips.

Read Messages from Absent Guests

Take time to read some messages from invited guests who could not attend the wedding. This gesture is always appreciated by the absent guests and the Bride and Groom, alike. It also includes their congratulatory thoughts and best wishes for the newlyweds in the day’s special events.

Include a Famous Quote or Poem

Enchant your attentive audience of wedding guests further by reciting a well-known quote or poem that suits the occasion. This adds a creative literary element to the post-wedding celebration for the honored couple. You may want to consult other templates, including a listing of groomsman speech examples.

Best Man Speech Quotes

Choose Best Man speech quotes that reflect the couple’s personality, add humor, and keep them relevant.

Love is like war: easy to begin but very hard to stop. H. L. Mencken

Marriage is a workshop where husband works and wife shops.

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Mignon McLaughlin

Propose a Toast to the Wedding Couple

Raise your glass of champagne so the guests can eagerly follow your example as you deliver a heartfelt toast of optimistic good wishes for the excellent health, increasing wealth, and everlasting happiness of the newlyweds.

The toast should be given with gusto and true sincerity and may include mild best-man speech jokes. Remember that you speak for all the well-wishers in the room who want all the best for this newly married Bride and Groom, so put your best energy, spirit, and talents for convincing elocution into this featured Grand Finale.

The “Thankful” Speech

“Hello everyone, it’s such a pleasure to be here tonight as [Groom’s] best man. And I want to begin with saying what an honor it is that I was chosen to stand by your side today. You’ve always been someone that I looked up to and I am just beyond grateful that I get to share in this moment with you and [Bride]. [Groom] is someone that I’ve come to care for greatly over the years and I am so happy that he’s found someone to share his life with and start a family with. [Groom] has always been my right hand throughout the biggest moments of my life and I can’t wait to be able to watch everything beautiful unfold for the two of you. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!”

The “Smart Move” Speech

“There’s an old saying about friendship that reads, “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them,” and goodness that couldn’t be more true for me and my boy, [Groom]. I could go into all the funny stories that include some of that stupidity but instead I’d rather focus on all the smart moves he’s made. His friendships, the relationship he has with his family, his career, it’s all a reflection of the incredible man he’s become. But really, the smartest move he’s made is marrying you, [Bride]. Let’s toast to the best decision [Groom’s] ever made. I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and success.”

The “She Was the One” Speech

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming out tonight to celebrate the wedding of two people we all love, [Bride] & [Groom]! When I first met [Bride], I knew that she was the woman [Groom] would end up marrying. Even if it hadn’t dawned on him quite yet, it was obvious to everyone around just how smitten he was with her. They talk about a bride’s glow, but this man was shining since the moment he met [Bride]. He changed for the better without realizing it. And we all could see it. He couldn’t stop talking about her. We’d go out with the boys and [Bride’s] name would be brought up every two minutes. So, when he came to me to tell me that he would be proposing my only response was, ‘Well, it’s about time!’ There’s something special about these two. They go together without forcing it. They love each other without fighting it. And they care about each other without thinking about it. She was the one from the very beginning [Groom], and we’re all so happy to be able to take part in your big day. Cheers!”

Best Man Speech Opening Lines

Your opening lines are your best-man speech icebreakers, so it’s important that they are good. Grab the attention of your guests with witty best man speech openers such as these.

“I would like to begin by congratulating the groom on his excellent taste in best men. He has really outdone himself this time, and I’m pleased.”
“I have been asked by the bride and groom not to share any embarrassing stories, crude jokes, or pranks during my best man’s speech… so I guess that’ll be it from me! Thank you all for listening.”
“If you cannot hear me at the back, nothing to worry about. By the complete silence in the front row here, you can rest assured that you’re really not missing much.”
“Is anyone here this afternoon feeling nervous and queasy at the thought of what lies ahead? If you are, it’s probably because you’ve just married (groom’s name).”
“All of you here who really know the bride must know that she is a wonderful person who deserves a good husband. Thank goodness (groom’s name) married her before she found one.”

Best Man Speech One-Liners

I am about to make the groom cry. I just received the food bill.

He is smart, tall, kind, generous….. Who am I actually talking about?

Hi, the groom is a great friend. Our friendship is 2hours old. I was hired as he’s got no friends.

His colleagues describe him as a first-class banker – I may have misheard them.

I heard some time that marriage is a 50/50 affair. Believe that at your own peril. We have factors called women and improper fractions.

One-liners are sharp jokes delivered in one sentence. A good one-liner is concise and meaningful. It is instant but loaded with humor that can keep the guests laughing for a while. It is important that the best man speech jokes contain one-liners.

Best Man Toasts Examples

“It’s been an emotional day, even the cake is in tiers.”

“Folks, I have been told I am not allowed to have a drink until AFTER my speech. If I seem like I’m in a hurry to finish, it’s because I am.”

“I hope the two of you have the two essential things it takes to have a successful marriage 1) a sense of humor 2) selective hearing.”

“Psychiatrists say that girls tend to marry men like their fathers. That must be why mothers cry at weddings.”

“Love is not about how often you say I love you, but how often you show that it’s true.”

Best Man Speech Jokes

“They say marriage is a journey, and tonight we celebrate the beginning of an epic road trip for the bride and groom. Just remember, guys, never forget to ask for directions!”

“They say the key to a successful marriage is patience, understanding, and a remote control with fresh batteries. Groom, make sure you always keep that remote handy!”

“Let’s raise our glasses to the newlyweds: may their love be like Wi-Fi, strong and never disconnecting, even in the midst of Netflix binges!”

“As the best man, it’s my duty to share a piece of advice with the groom: in marriage, always remember that a happy wife means a happy life… and also remember to nod and agree, even when she’s wrong!”

“Marriage is a lifelong commitment, just like the gym membership the groom signed up for and rarely uses. But this time, there are no cancellation fees!”

Best Man Speech Tips

best man speech attire groom olly allars

When delivering your best man speech, it’s essential to captivate the audience with your words and presence. Here are some tips to ensure a memorable and engaging delivery:

Maintain good eye contact with the audience: Look directly at the guests while speaking. Eye contact helps establish a connection and shows that you are genuinely engaged with them.
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace: Enunciate your words clearly and avoid rushing through your speech. Speaking at a moderate pace allows the audience to understand and absorb your message effectively.
Use appropriate gestures and body language to enhance your delivery: Use hand gestures and body movements to emphasize key points and add energy to your speech. However, be mindful of not going overboard and distracting from your message.
Incorporate pauses for comedic timing and to allow the audience to react: Timing is crucial, especially when delivering humorous anecdotes or punchlines. Pause before and after delivering a joke to build anticipation and give the audience time to laugh and react.

By implementing these delivery and presentation tips, you’ll engage the audience, leave a lasting impression, and make your best man speech a memorable highlight of the wedding celebration.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid, and how to overcome nervousness or stage fright?

According to wedding planner Mindy Weiss, “speeches can help make or break a wedding” . And we agree with this opinion. Speeches have the power to elevate the celebration, bringing tears of joy and laughter to guests, while also creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. However, poorly delivered speeches can disrupt the flow and energy of the event, leaving guests feeling disconnected and the couple disappointed.

Steven Greitzer convinced that one of the biggest mistakes is when the person giving the wedding speech only talks about the partner they’re closest with, unintentionally making the other partner feel left out and unimportant: “To help remedy this, the Provenance Toast Builder gives you the option to either talk about each partner 50/50, or to talk 70% about your person and 30% about their partner (which is a good rule of thumb). The Toast Builder also has thoughtful prompts to encourage you to share why they’re both 1) good people and 2) a great match for each other.

What is the best man supposed to say in his speech?

The best man should share anecdotes about the groom, praise the couple, thank everyone, and propose a toast. Keep it lighthearted and sincere.

How long should a best man speech be?

The best man’s speech should typically be 5 to 7 minutes long. This duration is long enough to share heartfelt sentiments, humorous anecdotes, and well-wishes without losing the audience’s attention. Keeping it concise and engaging ensures it remains memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

How do I write a good man speech?

Write a good best man speech by including humor, expressing genuine sentiments, avoiding inappropriate content, and keeping it focused on the couple. Practice for smooth delivery and timing.

There is truly something for everyone today to create the perfect Best Man Speech for that very special couple and their after-wedding reception, dinner, and celebration. Fond remembrances, amusing stories and anecdotes, humorous quotes, and emotional phrases end with the joyful ring of a clever, yet heartfelt Best Man Toast to the Bride and Groom. The contemporary wedding is truly a work of love and art with all the trimmings and enticing treats for one and all to treasure and enjoy.

Thank you for reading. Please let us know how we did. Your feedback helps improve and provide content that matters to you!

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Writing a Best Man Speech: Outline and Guide (+3 Examples)

by Marisa Jenkins
January 24, 2024

Being chosen as a bridal party member —especially as a best man or maid of honor —is a big deal. You have been given the opportunity to support someone in such a momentous part of their life. Your role comes with plenty of responsibilities, including making a speech at the reception.

Having an outline for your speech as a best man can be really helpful when you start writing the draft. Here is a classic and timeless example of an outline:

Self-introduction
Short icebreaker ( optional )
Stories about the groom
Talk about the partner
Talk about their relationship
Well-wishes and advice

Below is a more detailed explanation of each part of a best man speech outline, followed by a step-by-step guide—with tips—for writing the speech itself. Some examples are also provided to help you in the process.

Best Man Speech Outline: Easy Template to Use

Greet everyone present (1–3 sentences).

Before anything else, make sure to greet the guests, bridal party, and vendors at the venue. Acknowledge their presence and the effort they put into being there on the newlyweds’ special day.

You can keep this part brief but upbeat to get your guests engaged and listening to your speech as a best man.

Example : Hey everyone! Thank you for making the time and effort to attend Ben and Stephanie’s wedding.

Introduce Yourself (1–2 Sentences)

At the reception, odds are most people—but not all—will know who you are. For everyone’s benefit, briefly introduce yourself and your relationship with the newlyweds.

Example : For those of you who don’t know me—first of all, how dare you? Kidding aside, my name is Ryan Drews, Mike’s best friend and life coach. We’ve known each other since high school.

(Optional) Short Icebreaker (1–3 Sentences)

If you feel like you still need to capture your guests’ attention, consider adding a short joke or anecdote before you get into the body of your best man speech. You can get a good laugh and set the tone for the rest of the speech.

Example : Honestly, I was a bit nervous about giving this speech. People said it should only be as long as Gavin’s attention span. So… I guess that’s all for my speech, goodnight!”

Personal Stories and Memories With the Groom (1–3 Paragraphs)

Share a personal story that showcases your relationship and closeness with the groom. It does not necessarily have to be relatable, but make sure the memory will highlight the groom’s personality and positive traits.

You can also talk about the groom’s growth and development over the years. How much has he changed? How has he changed? Shed light on the positive changes you have observed since he and his partner got together .

Example : [Compare the groom’s personality during high school and today. He might be more mature, patient, and mentally strong than before. If you have one, share a story that illustrates these changes.]

Talk About the Partner (1–2 Paragraphs)

Do not forget about the star of the night—the other newlywed. Talk about your first impressions, the day you were first introduced, and any striking memories you have with them.

Example : [Where did you meet each other for the first time? Did you have dinner somewhere? What did you think of her initially, and how did this impression change?]

Talk About the Newlyweds (1–2 Paragraphs)

Compliment the couple and talk about their relationship. Highlight their strengths, share how you think they complement each other, and tell them how they make you—and everyone around them—feel.

Example : You two are an example of how a healthy dose of annoying each other can actually go a long way in making a relationship better. But all jokes aside, you guys inspire everyone around you to be kinder to one another and themselves.

Conclusion: Well-Wishes and Advice (1–2 Paragraphs)

The last part of a best man speech’s outline can contain well-wishes, advice, or both. Share any wisdom you have regarding marriage, and tell them that you are praying for the best for their future.

Example : Always remember that marriage is a two-player game: both of you must put in the same amount of effort to keep the game going. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Linnehan! May the future be bright and boundless for you.

Writing a Best Man Speech: Steps and Tips to Follow

Step 1: Gather Material by Reflecting

Take a trip down memory lane and think about your relationship with the groom over the years. Write down any funny stories, milestones, and incidents that come up.

At the same time, think back on what you know about the groom’s relationship with his partner. How did they meet? How did you meet his partner for the first time? What makes their bond and journey special?

As you reflect, think about their qualities as individuals and as a couple. These traits will be a great addition to your best man speech.

Tip: Start Early

Do not leave your speech as a best man to the last minute. Ideally, start brainstorming and thinking of what to say as early as a few weeks before the wedding day. This will give you plenty of time to write, revise, and revise some more.

Step 2: Structure Your Speech

The outline above will help you structure your speech. However, feel free to add any personal touches or make changes to the order.

Tip: Decide What Tone You Want to Use

Spend a moment to decide how you want to deliver your speech. Do you want to be funny and witty? Do you want to sound casual? Do you want to flex your poetic muscles? Do you want to incorporate multiple styles and tones?

Step 3: Start the First Draft

Eventually, you have to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Write everything that comes to mind, letting your past reflections guide you as you compose your best man speech.

Do not worry about making it perfect on the first try—no one ever gets it perfect on the first try. Let yourself word vomit until you have written everything you have in mind.

Tip: Do Not Go Too Heavy With Inside Jokes

Although you understandably want to show how well you know the groom and make your guests laugh, avoid sharing inside jokes. Everyone will not get it without explaining the necessary context; you simply may not have the time to do so.

Step 4: Edit and Refine Your Draft

Start with any obvious grammatical errors. Fix faulty subject-verb agreements, incorrect uses of prepositions, and whatnot. You can use apps like Grammarly or built-in grammar checkers to help you with this part.

As you go along, read the speech aloud or in your head to see if there are any awkward spots. You may have to rephrase certain parts or rearrange sentences to make your speech flow better.

Be patient with yourself, as it might take multiple revisions before you get a speech you are satisfied with.

Tip: Keep It Concise

Aim for a best man’s speech that does not exceed 4–6 minutes. Any more than that and you risk losing your guests’ attention.

Step 5: Practice Giving the Speech

After a few revisions, start practicing the speech out loud. One benefit of this is that you will spot more ways to revise your speech to make it better.

At the same time, a practical tip is to mark points in your speech where you will pause for a moment and take a breath. This will make the delivery more relaxed and natural-sounding.

If possible, ask for a close friend or another bridal party member to listen to your speech. They can give you constructive criticism and feedback to further improve the content and your delivery.

Tip: Read the Room

As you practice your delivery to a test audience, pay attention to how they react to what you wrote. They might think that a certain anecdote is too embarrassing for the groom or that your speech has more humor than sincerity.

You might unintentionally humiliate yourself or the groom if you include stories that are too personal. Likewise, you might come across as insincere or performative if you try too hard with your speech.

Adjust your speech and delivery accordingly. As mentioned above, the revision process never stops—even as you give the speech at the reception, odds are you will make a few changes off the cuff.

Step 6: Make the Final Preparations

Print a few copies of your speech on high-quality stationery, as it is good to have extras in case something happens. If nothing else, it can be a wonderful keepsake for the newlyweds.

Make sure to have some positive coping mechanisms for stress as well. Look into breathing practices to help you manage your anxiety and stage fright.

Tip: Engage the Audience

Do not just read off your copy, since this will make you sound robotic. Pay special attention to making eye contact with guests, pausing for reactions, and ad-libbing when the opportunity presents itself.

Speech from the Best Man: Heartwarming Examples

1. Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention for just a few moments? Before I continue with my speech, I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. We know it isn’t cheap to attend a destination wedding, so we do want to make it clear that we will not be offering any rebate or cashback.

Anyway, for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Brian Mills. Nolan’s my cousin, and he has given me the honor—and stress—of being his best man. We actually only became close in high school when we both tried out for the basketball team.

Needless to say, both of us didn’t get in. We did continue practicing in our free time. These games allowed me to get to know Nolan better.

A lot has changed since then, huh? In high school, Nolan was wild, impulsive, and a bit irresponsible—we both were. Now, though, Nolan is reliable, clever, and puts everyone’s needs before his.

I remember when Nolan first introduced me to Lisa. His eyes were lit up in a way that I’d never seen before… not even when the Lakers won that championship in 2020! The more I got to know Lisa, the more I understood how perfect they are for each other; they’re both kind, adventurous, and passionate.

Lisa, I want to officially welcome you to the madness that is our family. We promise not to share too many embarrassing stories… at least until after your first anniversary.

Kidding aside, I have never seen Nolan as happy as he is with Lisa. You both bring out the best in each other, and it’s clear to all of us here that you share a love that is deep, genuine, and enduring.

So, let’s raise our glasses in a toast to Nolan and Lisa. May your love be modern enough to survive the times and old-fashioned enough to last forever. Cheers!

Thank you, everyone. Enjoy the rest of your evening!

2. Good evening, everyone! How’s your night going so far? I hope the food and drinks are all to your liking; we worked very hard tasting every dish our lovely caterer had to offer.

I’m Alex, and I have the great privilege of being David’s best man. Before I start, let’s give another round of applause to the beautiful couple. David, my man, you look sharp tonight! But I think I speak for everyone when I say: Emily, you’ve definitely stolen the show.

I’ve known David for almost 20 years now. We first met in middle school, and our friendship has been a rollercoaster ride ever since. From camping trips that turned into survival missions to late-night study sessions that rarely involved studying, I can say we’ve had our fair share of memorable moments.

But today, I want to focus on the biggest adventure David has had: his adventure with Emily. I still remember the day David told me about Emily. He said, “There’s this incredible woman.” And he was right. Emily, your kindness, intelligence, and sense of humor make you a perfect match for David. And David, well, I guess he isn’t too bad.

Together, you two are like a fine wine—you just keep getting better with time. David, you’ve found your soulmate in Emily. Your partnership is a testament to what every love should have—support, laughter, and a lot of patience (especially when David tries to cook or crack a joke).

Emily, welcome to our small, silly, but very loving friend group. You bring out the best in David, and for that, we are all grateful.

David, I have one piece of advice for you as you enter this new chapter: a happy wife is a happy life. Always remember that.

As we stand here in this beautiful venue, surrounded by friends and family, I am reminded of a quote I once heard: “Love isn’t about finding the perfect person. It’s about realizing that an imperfect person can make your life perfect.”/

So, let’s raise our glasses to David and Emily. May your life together be filled with endless love, laughter, and luck. Cheers!

Thank you, everyone. Let’s make this a night to remember!

3. Hi, everyone! I just want to take a few minutes of your time to say some words about our lovely newlyweds. My name is Charles, and Manny chose me as his best man.

The love story I’ve witnessed over the past six years is nothing short of magical. First of all, their growth as individuals is very laudable; I’ve seen Manny go from a slightly reckless and clueless college student to a calm and collected man. I can confidently say that Jenny’s presence has been transformative to Manny.

Jenny, it is clear that you and Manny are soulmates. Thank you for taking care of him, keeping him in check, and humbling him whenever he needs it.

May your love be a sturdy lighthouse amidst a rough and rowdy sea, shining a light that will guide you through the darkness and unpredictability of life.

Congratulations to you two! Cheers to the future!

Final Thoughts

Being someone’s best man is a huge honor; it means you occupy such a special part of their life they wanted you to have this major role in their wedding.

When preparing a best man speech outline, the most important thing to keep in mind is authenticity—stay true to yourself. If you want to write an amazing, unforgettable speech, just focus on pouring your heart onto paper. Everything else will follow.

Marisa Jenkins

Marisa Jenkins is a wedding planner and event coordinator. Her main goal for WeddingFrontier.com is to simplify the wedding planning process by sharing her years of expertise in the industry.

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Best Man Speech: The Definitive Guide to Smashing it

by Catherine D July 12, 2019

Here’s all you need to deliver an incredible and unforgettable best man speech.

Congratulations!

You’ve just been awarded the highest honor a bro can receive. You’re the best man! And that’s an honor greater than being knighted by the queen. But I’m sure you know what comes with it.

You’ll have to give that best man speech brosef!

Though, you won’t want to give just any speech off the top of your head that nobody is going to give a damn about.

Just remember what Uncle Ben said to Spidey, “With great power comes great responsibility”. It’s that serious, man.

You’ve probably seen best man speeches like this before. The guy stands up, hits the glass and says something, uninspired, about how he’s bros with the groom, congratulates the bride-to-be, and then sits down.

Or maybe you’ve seen another kind of speech, where the best man stands up and talks about nothing for 10+ minutes, putting you to sleep, because who even cares?

During a reception, there are about a million different things going on. People will forget the things that do not grab their attention, especially at a reception.

Everyone there is busy talking, eating, laughing, and will not care or even remember a boring speech in a few days. But not yours, my friend, you’re going to be the star of the day.

In this guide, we give you everything you need to know in sequence - from the writing process, all the way to delivering that wedding toast. Get your notepad ready for some very important tips on giving your wedding toast!

So How Do You Write the Best Man Speech?

The hardest part is always just getting started. Here are some basic tips on how to write a best man speech so that you can be prepared and dominate when the time comes.

Be Prepared and Plan Ahead

Practice makes perfect. Creating a fantastic speech doesn’t happen overnight.

If you’re going to wow the audience, you’ll need to make sure you’ve done everything you possibly can and covered every base - and man, that takes time.

Generally, 2-3 months is the right amount of time to give yourself when writing for a best man speech to account for the overall writing process and potential rewrites.

Considering all of the events that follow, like the bachelor party and the suit fitting, you’ll be too busy in those final moments to prepare a killer best man speech that’s even half decent.

Record Every Thought

You might be on the bus or in your car and think of an incredible quote or one-liner to say in your wedding toast, but our memories are very limited.

It’s difficult to remember what you even had for lunch two days ago, much less something you thought up some random time.

No matter where you are, record your thoughts. You could write in a journal, use your iPhone’s “Voice Memos” app or an app like Evernote . Scratch them onto a napkin, carve them into a stone near you, just get those wedding toast ideas down!

As long as you start capturing your thoughts, you’ll eventually reach a gold mine.

Think of this more as ‘capturing’ than ‘writing’. It’s easier to capture your raw best man speech ideas than banging your head on the wall trying to ‘write’ something from scratch.

Keep a Positive Tone

When it comes to the best man speech, the main thing to keep in mind is the goal of what you want to accomplish - celebrating the bride and groom. Here are some things to focus on:

Your best experiences with the groom.
How great a pair the bride and groom are.
The best qualities of the groom.
Possible first thoughts on the bride when they met (If they were good thoughts!)

Focus on the best of times, and further expand upon those points the best you can and maybe you can use those for a few wedding jokes!

With that in mind, here’s what not to say:

What Not to Talk About in Your Speech

While you may be writing to make your groom laugh, you need to remember your audience is diverse. You have children, elders, and teenagers so you wouldn’t want to write something inappropriate.

Generally, it’s best to avoid things like these:

Any previous relationships.
Anything about drugs, alcohol, gambling.
Perverse topics, or anything of a sexual nature.
Harsh negativity.
Inside jokes that are too specific.

The idea is to avoid anything raunchy or disheartening during your speech, even if it might be hilarious in your head, you’ll have to avoid it in your best man speech.

Think about how upset Grandma would be if you happened to talk about how her little Jimmy actually hasn’t been saving himself for marriage - what horror!

How Long Should a Best Man Speech Be?

So you have a great speech, and you’ve covered every single talking point that fit. Everyone’s going to love this, right?

Wrong! When writing a best man speech, you’ll want to keep it way, way shorter.

The problem is that what you wrote is almost 30 minutes long! No bueno amigo. Nothing on this Earth could keep people engaged in a wedding toast that long.

You’re not going for a ‘F.D.R. Repairing the American Psyche During The Great Depression’ type of speech. What you want is more like an ‘I Love You, Man’ speech.

It seems like everyone from everywhere throws out an arbitrary number ranging from 1-10 minutes, but really, research shows our attention span is even shorter than a goldfish .

Which means you have 8 seconds to make an impression . Let that sink in.

The best man speech is usually between meals at a reception. That means you have to make your mark - and get in what you have to say in a short time. Meaning that short best man speeches are perfectly fine, you don’t have to overthink it.

It can be 1 minute, it can be 5 minutes. Keep the audience engaged in your speech and don’t ramble off unnecessarily.

How do you do that? Practice!

It’s All About Practice

You know, it’s okay to feel unsatisfied with what you wrote. After all, you’re not the most accomplished writer in the world. You just want to prepare a great best man speech and get back to Netflix binging.

The writing process can be tough, so here’s an ideal approach that most people use when writing the best material:

Write a few pages of content just to get the speech ideas out.
Realize that you’ve written a movie's worth of material.
Take what you really like.
Edit until you stop hating it.

Being intimidated serves no purpose.

Get Interviewed Bruh

If you’re not the best writer (or capturer), the previous steps might seem a little intimidating to you. That’s fine. Not everyone can put pen to paper as well as they’d like, and if that’s you, consider having a friend interview you!

Getting a friend or family member to interview you about your experiences with the groom is a great way of getting wedding speech ideas. Here are a few topics to get interviewed on:

Where did you meet?
Did you like each other at first?
When did you become bros?
What kind of crazy experiences did you have together?
What kind of bad qualities does he have?
What kind of good qualities does he have?

Answering these questions with a recording device can help you when you need to put the best man speech together, and you can recall things you might never have just by writing!

Be (Relatively) Sober

Even if you have a Wade Boggs alcohol tolerance, it’s best to keep the drinks to a minimum.

( The guy drank 64 beers on one cross country flight, what the hell? )

Having one or two drinks is fine if it helps calm the nerves, but any more will mess up any chance of giving a decent best man toast, and you’ll just look silly slurring your words or acting strangely. Remember, all eyes are on you during your best man speech.

Try Some Best Man Speech Jokes or Quotes

So suppose you’ve got your speech together, but you have a placeholder like:

[ Put a joke in here! ] in 3-4 spots, and you really have no idea what to put in there.

We got you covered.

Here are some best man speech opening lines you could work with and personalize for whatever you may need, because the opportunity for wedding jokes is a rare thing! These make great icebreakers to warm your audience up.

“Well, where do I even start? [Groom] is just incredible. He’s brilliant, funny, caring… Anyway, I can’t really read your handwriting [Groom], so just tell me whatever the rest was after.”

“[Bride], you really are an incredible woman. You deserve an absolutely incredible husband, so I’m not going to stop until I figure out what’s wrong here.”

“Thank you everyone for bearing with me, I Googled ‘best man speech jokes’ and every site asked for my credit card before showing me any examples, so here goes nothing.”

“For those of you who know the bride, she’s really a wonderful woman who deserves a wonderful man. So good job, [Groom], for marrying her before she found one.”

“For anyone who finds this speech particularly not funny, I got all of my jokes from [Groom] so please, blame that guy.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, I wasn’t given a microphone tonight and I deeply apologize. To anyone in the back, If you hear silence at the front, be sure that you’re not missing anything.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, before I begin this speech I’d just like to say I am absolutely thrilled that I beat the bartender at rock-paper-scissors twenty minutes ago for the honor of best man.”

Putting Together a Best Man Speech Outline

Now that you have an idea of how to write a best man speech, it’s just as important to know how to structure it. While there are canned free best man speech templates out there, it's really best to get a bird's eye view on what you want to say and create a structure that works for you personally. Don't just take any random free speech template from online and fire it up. Not every outline or template will work for your needs, so get a good idea of your vision first then begin to structure it.

Flow matters, and it’s the most important thing in putting together great best man speeches. Without good flow, you’ll lose the crowd and people won’t follow what you’re saying.

Here are some great ideas to nail the best man speech structure and make your speech shine.

The Introduction

The introduction needs to serve a single purpose: Getting people engaged! This is the key aspect of any best man speech formula.

The One-Liner Approach

An incredible one-liner is a great way of getting started. A good idea for this would be to roast the groom a little bit, he probably wouldn’t mind.

For example, what faults does he have? You can take advantage of that to make slight jabs at him.

Or you can even make fun of yourself in the process, what do you both suck at? Maybe you want to talk about that awkward mullet phase you both had in high school. Live it up!

The Congratulatory Approach

Alternatively, you can open by showing gratitude to:

The bride and groom, for bringing everyone together.
The guests, for attending this incredible event.
The parents of the bride and groom, for bringing them into this world.

This approach is a good option at the beginning. You can use it as a Plan B if you think you can’t gather an appropriate one-liner.

It’s easy to get lost in thought about what to follow up a good opener in a best man speech, but nothing is safer than a good story to engage your audience.

The idea is to create a connection to the groom and then present it to the guests.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Where you met the groom.
What makes him a great guy.
Crazy stories that show who he is.
Why he’s an excellent fit for the bride.
How he changed for the better after he met the bride.

Really, anything goes, and they’re all sure to keep people interested. Focus on the organic story of your friendship and don’t be robotic.

You’ll want to accomplish this in a way that stays kosher, though, avoiding unsavory details mentioned in our #4 tip.

Congratulate the Bride

So, you don’t have to do this, but we definitely encourage it. The issue is, not everyone really knows the bride. Honestly, maybe you met her a month ago, or a week ago.

Who knows, you could have met her literally just now. When your buddy gets hitched, it’s quite common to not really know the lady herself.

If this is true, you can handle this two ways:

Stick to something like:

“I knew she was a great fit for you the moment I saw you together”.

“She really is the perfect match for you dude.”

Sure the groom will know you barely know her, but whatever, if he really is your bro, he’ll appreciate that you’re saving face like this.

2. Avoid it.

Look, you’re the best man, it means the groom chose you, he knows you. Which means that he’s most likely expecting your best man speech to be about your experiences together, so keep the content focused around your relationship.

This means that it’s okay to avoid any mention of the bride after the first few words when writing a best man speech.

It works in most cases to just congratulate her in the intro, and then continue on with your speech avoiding her entirely.

This might sound a little underhanded, but it works, and most likely, the audience won’t notice.

If you know the bride, then speak about her.

If you’re just as close to the bride as you are to the groom, then you need to take all of the prior steps to make a compelling speech for the bride too, which won’t make the best man toast easy but hey, you don’t want to piss her off.

You could share a story about her too, or you can talk about one where the bride and groom shared with you, which is always a safe bet.

How to End Your Wedding Toast

Here’s where you wrap up your thoughts, and keep this part short, you don’t have to stress it too much.

It’s as easy as saying something like,

“Jack, Jill, to a lifetime of good health, love, and joy!”

There are a thousand different things you can say here, but the main idea is to keep the tone positive, upbeat, congratulate their love and wish the best for them.

NOTE: It is absolutely acceptable to keep a paper copy of your speech on hand because you’re not remembering your speeches like a world leader at the U.N. You’re just a guy who’s happy for his bro.

Best Man Speech Examples

Even if you have everything else down, it’s always best to have some speech examples of how to tackle your wedding toast.

People have done it before you, so why go in blind? Here are some different types of best man speeches for unique scenarios you may want to try for your best man toast.

Funny Best Man Speech (Example)

“Hello Everyone, I’m John, I’m the best man, and if you find this speech unfunny, [Groom] and I have the same sense of humor, so please blame him.

I’m just joking, of course, I promised [Groom] I wouldn’t roast him too much today or talk about anything too weird, so I’ll just talk about the good parts of his character...

...Thank you, everyone, have a great evening.

But really, [Groom] and I have been friends since before I knew how even to tie my own shoelaces. He’s a brother to me, even more than my actual brother, sometimes.

Sorry, Alex.”

Emotional Best Man Speech (Example)

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I’m the best man, Chris. [Groom] and I go way back, all the way from high school. Through the years, he’s grown from a pain in the ass, into a fine man.

[Groom] was always shy when it came to meeting new people, and that’s sorta hard to hear considering how a guy like that could be such a perfect match with [Bride]. But I can’t imagine him without you, because I’ve seen what it looked like.

[Bride], you are both so dear to me, please take care of [Groom], please keep him out of trouble.”

Short Best Man Speech (Example)

“Good evening, everyone, from the moment that [Groom] met [Bride], I knew that this was going to be something special.

The way you two talk to each other, you’re so alike sometimes that honestly, it kind of scares me.

But to quote Mark Twain, ‘To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.’ May your love be timeless.”

Hopefully these wedding toast examples give you ideas on how to model your own best man speech!

The Presentation - Delivering the Best Man Speech

You have the writing and the flow down. Great! Most of the hard work is all done.

But don’t forget, you’re delivering a best man speech. And grand statements are always accompanied by excellent speech etiquette.

Here are some best man speech tips that’ll help you deliver, so that you don’t look like an uncomfortable 4th grader at a talent show your Mom forced you into.

Practice Your Speech on Camera

You’re noticing a trend, right? Practicing the actual delivery of the best man speech in front of a camera is a great way to see what poor and good habits you have.

And then, you need to keep practicing to eliminate the bad ones. For example, do you notice that you slump too much? Do you happen to mumble? Do you look down a lot?

Take note of all of these when you look at the recording and then try the speech again while mindfully avoiding bad habits and watching out for awkwardly delivered wedding jokes.

Practice in Front of People

Sure, using a camera is an excellent way to correct issues, but there’s nothing better than getting an outsider opinion.

Getting a spectator to sit and watch you deliver your best man toast lets someone tear into your bad habits without any bias. It may be painful, but this is what you want, and a larger group of people is best.

That way, when it’s time to give the best man speech, the concerns an audience member might have are already known to you.

The Honest Truth Man

Remember that a best man speech is a celebration of the love and joy that the bride and groom share. You don’t have to stress about every minor detail, because the audience isn’t (and they’ll most likely all be drunk anyway).

They’re already lightened up, and in the mood for a good few words, so why spend your time being nervous? It’s not worth it. Enjoy yourself up there and just deliver that crushing best man toast.

After it’s through, you can start drinking again, which is what you’ll probably want to do anyway.

Say what you have to say, and raise a toast to the bride and groom. Use this guide as a helpful resource and come back to it as many times as you need to ensure a totally awesome best man speech.

Good luck on your best man speech!

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Quick & Short Best Man Speech Template

24th Nov, 2021

Jump to the good bits

Speech details.

Speech duration: 5 – 7 minutes

Speech style: Short, sweet and funny

Note: This short Best Man speech template uses the name ‘Tom’ for the Groom, Sarah for the Bride, ‘Ben’ for the Best Man and other example names. Insert the names for your group as needed.

Your short Best Man speech template

1. opening and introduce yourself .

Good afternoon everyone, I’m sure you’ll all admit this has turned out to be a brilliant wedding celebration, yet every silver-lining does have a cloud, and that is, that you’ve now got to listen to me, unfortunately. I suppose I should introduce myself properly. I’m Ben, Tom’s best friend, and today his Best Man. I have to admit I am absolutely honoured to be chosen.

2. Wedding procession observations and give thanks

Before I undertake the customary duty of giving Tom an uncomfortable few minutes, I would like to say a few thank-yous first. The lovely Bridesmaids, Alison, Niamh, and Nicola. The very glamourous mothers Mary and Jackie. They all look wonderful and have done an excellent job today. Indeed they are only eclipsed by Sarah herself, who, I’m sure you’ll all agree, looks absolutely stunning. Thanks also to the Groomsmen who did an excellent job of standing still and looking pretty.

3. A few words about the Groom (and you)

So where do I start with Tom? Well for starters he’s… handsome. witty, intelligent. He’s char… charm…. Sorry… Tom …. I’m having trouble reading your handwriting, what does that say?

What can I say about Tom Smith. When I first met Tom I thought he was very laid back and normal. Boy was I wrong. I heard whispers from his family that he could be very highly strung. No, I thought, you must be exaggerating. That was until we lived together for a few years during college. As the months went on I started noticing little things:

the many conspiracy theories
only being able to eat diagonally cut sandwiches
the hunger tantrums – his colour coded wardrobe
his preference for baths instead of showers
his vast Dolly Parton record collection
and singing ’Working 9 to 5‘ in the bath
the night terrors
the collection of nun-chucks and other weapons
And last but not least, an unhealthy obsession with Matthew McConaughey

Tom, all joking aside you are an excellent friend and it is truly an honour being your Best Man today.

4. A few words about the Bride

It’s not just the groom who gets a mention in the Best Man speech. I also have a few words about the Bride. It’s not often that the Best Man is also close friends with the Bride. Not that close, Tom, don’t worry. Sarah is one of the nicest and kindest people you will ever meet. She is also a bit of a control freak. Luckily, Tom is really lazy so they are a perfect match!

5. The Bride and Groom together

Tom and Sarah have a lot in common, actually. They are both very hard-working, generous, passionate, quite stubborn, and they both think Tom Smith is the most handsome man in the world. They are both like a fine wine, Sarah gets better every year, and Tom will take a long time to mature.

6. Your gift and messages from well wishers

(Read out any messages and/or present your gift).

7. Final words and toast

OK, time to wrap this up. I’m sure I speak for everyone in this room when I say we all wish you the happiness that you deserve. We are so glad that you have found one another, and this day is a reminder that the best is yet to come. And on that note, can everyone please raise their glasses in a toast to the newlyweds, Tom and Sarah, Mr and Mrs Smith!

Get the Best Man Speech Guidebook

If you are thinking about your upcoming Best Man duties or need to draft your speech in a hurry you can check out the book the Best Man Speech Guidebook for even more tips and a full list of Best Man speech hacks. It contains the important do’s and don’ts in wedding speech etiquette, some great one-liners, visual gag options, but most importantly a clear speech structure and tried and tested speech templates.

The Best Man guide

For more advice and ideas for all of your Best Man duties, check out our Ultimate Best Man Guide page.

More Best Man speech advice

12 Clever Best Man Speech Hacks
Best Man Speech: 13 Must Do’s
Best Man Speech: 10 Absolute Don’ts
20 Unique Best Man Speech One Liners
3 Ideas For Best Man Speech Visual Gags
How To Write A Best Man Speech: Part 1
How To Write A Best Man Speech: Part 2
Funny Best Man Speech Template

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How To Write A Killer Best Man Speech (With Templates)

A great one-liner:

This could be a funny joke, a compliment, or an inspirational quote about brotherhood or marriage. The first 15 seconds of the toast should capture the audience’s attention and leave them excited for more. Modify this: “I’d like to begin by congratulating the groom for his superb taste in choosing the best man [chuckle].”

Build your respect with the guests by highlighting things you like about the wedding. For example, you can compliment the beauty of the venue, the delicious food, or the great choice of music. Modify this: “All jokes aside, this is a beautiful wedding. The bride and groom look like a movie star couple together. And if you didn’t taste the cake, you are missing out!”

Compliment the wedding:

Say “thank you” to those who made the wedding possible and show appreciation to the groom for choosing you as his best man. Modify this: “I am so grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Zimerman for hosting us here today, and thank you to the bride and groom for inviting me to be part of their special day.”

Express gratitude:

Did you and the groom meet as kids on the baseball field? Were you there when he first met his bride? Did you share a funny experience in college that is appropriate to share ? The “meat” of the speech will be a short story about your relationship with the groom.

Tell a story:

Strengthen your bond with the newlyweds by expressing your support for their marriage. If you know a bit about the bride and groom’s relationship, list a few things you admire about their bond. You may emphasize how the bride has positively impacted the groom’s life or how they make a great team.

Admire the couple:

For further reading, check out the article

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in: Character , Etiquette , Featured

Brett • April 11, 2022 • Last updated: April 20, 2022

10 Steps to Giving the Best, Best Man Speech

Best man speech in a marriage ceremony photo.

At some point in your life, one of your buddies or your brother will probably ask you to be the best man in his wedding. This is a great honor. One of the duties of a best man is to give a speech wherein you say a few kind words about your friend/brother and his new wife. If you’ve been to many weddings, you know that oftentimes best man speeches can quickly devolve into an awkward, drunken spectacle. The mixture of booze and lack of preparation results in the best man rambling and sharing inappropriate and embarrassing stories about the groom in front of hundreds of family and friends.

If you don’t want to make yourself look like a real ignoramus, and you want to truly be the best man, here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you prepare to give your speech.

Note: We originally published this article over 10 years ago and since that time we’ve gotten hundreds of emails and letters from best men sharing how our guide to the best man speech helped them deliver a speech that got compliments from not only the bride and groom, but also from everyone else at the wedding. This guide is battled tested and works.

1. Prepare. Don’t walk into the wedding reception thinking you’ll know exactly what to say when you get there. If you have a few weeks before the wedding, start mulling over some ideas for the speech. Begin brainstorming and jotting down thoughts, stories, jokes, and quotes you might want to use. If you don’t know a lot about how your buddy and his wife met, ask. Think of stories from you and your buddy’s past that show what a great guy he is. The goal of the speech is to celebrate the couple and make them look good.

2. Stay sober. Sure, you want to enjoy yourself, and yes, alcohol may help take the edge off of giving a speech in front of hundreds of strangers; they don’t call alcohol liquid confidence for nothing. But make sure you’re not sloppy drunk when you give your speech. You don’t want to be completely uninhibited or you might say something you’ll regret later on. Besides, a man doesn’t need a crutch to help him tackle a challenge. Be man enough to postpone your own gratification until after the speech is completed.

3. Open by expressing gratitude. Thank all the people who made the day possible. Single out the bride and groom’s parents by name, and offer a toast to them for not only putting on the wedding but for raising two fine people. Thank the guests for coming.

4. Tell a story–make a connection. The ideal way to structure a best man speech is to find a connection between a story about your friend and your support for the couple. Share a story about how your friend would always lament that he would never find a woman with x,y, and z qualities, but how he finally did in his new bride. Or tell a story about the moment when you were hanging out with the couple and you realized your friend had found his match. Another good angle is to talk about the way that the bride and groom balance one another. Relate a funny (not embarrassing, see below) anecdote in which one of your buddy’s personality traits tripped him up in some way. For example, the story could be about how your friend is very shy and how this shyness caused some humorous event to occur. You then talk about how bubbly and outgoing his bride is, and how they therefore balance each other and make a perfect team.

5. Avoid controversial topics. Keep your speech on topics that aren’t controversial, offensive, or embarrassing. You would think this is common sense, but people somehow forget this when they’re standing with a microphone in their hand in front of a crowd of people. What gets people in trouble is attempting to be funny by sharing some embarrassing story or cracking some lame joke about a ball and chain. It usually comes out horribly and no one laughs. It’s okay to share a humorous anecdote, but not one that gets laughs at the expense of your friend and his new wife and embarrasses them and their guests.

Don’t talk about the groom’s past relationships, don’t tell people what you really thought of your buddy’s wife when you first met her, don’t slam the food, don’t make comments about “looking forward to the honeymoon” while winking at the bride–basically, just use some tact and common sense.

6. Avoid inside jokes. I hate when people do this in small groups. I hate it even more when people do it in front of larger groups. If you want to keep people’s attention, save the inside jokes for when it’s just you and your friend.

7. Keep it short. Nothing irritates people more than some rambling drunk going on and on and on. People have probably already listened to the maid of honor and the bride’s father give their spiel. By the time they get to you, the crowd is ready to eat cake and get on with it. Shoot for no more than five minutes.

8. End with a quote. An easy way to end is by using a quote that wraps the speech up nicely. In “How Do You Know When She’s the One?” I shared the quote my father-in-law used at my wedding. You can’t go wrong with it: “Marriage is not about finding a person you can live with, it’s about finding the person you can’t live without.” After that you can simply say, “My friend has found that person.” The End.

9. Raise your glass and propose a toast. Raise your glass and say something to the effect of: “Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love for ____ and ____!”

10. Remember to be yourself. No need to get formal or try to be someone you’re not. And there’s no need to follow these instructions exactly either. Simply use them as a guide and be yourself. Let it flow naturally. Use your natural voice and mannerisms. Make it personal and sincere and say things from the heart and you should be golden.

Here’s your crib sheet:

1. Open by thanking those who made the day possible–end the intro with saying “Thank you to all those who have made it here today.”

2. Transition to your speech: “I am especially glad to be here on this occasion to celebrate this wonderful day with my friend/brother.”

3. Talk about how you know the groom, why you’re grateful for having him as your friend, and why he’s such an upstanding guy.

4. Share a story about your friend and connect it to the couple.

5. Raise your glass and ask everyone to join in a toast to the happy couple.

6. Let out a sigh of relief.

A black and white photo of a groom and bride.

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How to Deliver a Great Best Man Speech, with Examples

November 6, 2020 - Dom Barnard

The best man speech is a huge part of the wedding so make sure yours is memorable. There are many areas to think about while preparing your speech; who is in the audience, how big is the audience, how long should the speech be, should I be telling jokes and so on.

Below we’ve listed essential best man speech tips on dealing with these questions and guidelines you can use to write your own speech.

Essential best man speaking tips

Tip #1: do your homework and plenty of practice.

Being prepared is the key to any successful speech. Write down bullet points of you key message, jokes, quotes etc. Spend time revising the content of your speech using different tips from our blog , adding in literary techniques , noting tactical pauses and best ways to end a speech.

Once the speech is written, spend hours practising it, the more you practise the less nervous you will be and the more natural you will sound. Don’t learn your speech off by heart, learn some key points and improvise around them. This will make you sound less wooden and monotonic.

For additional information, read this article on best man tips for before and after the speech.

Tip #2: Open by expressing gratitude

Thank the ones that made the day possible, the happy couple’s parents (single them out by name) and offer a toast to them for raising two fine people. Don’t forget to thank the audience as well. It’s a good idea to say something about how beautiful the bride looks and what a remarkable woman she is – this is guaranteed to go down well with everyone.

Tip #3: Introduce yourself to everyone

Many people at the wedding won’t know who you are. Briefly say who you are and why you’re such good friends with the groom.

Tip #4: Speak confidently and clearly

You know the groom better than most, so take the chance to introduce the real him to everyone. Talk slowly and clearly, taking time to pause and take deep breaths. Have a glass of water you can sip on during the speech, to help calm the nerves and break up the speech.

Tip #5: Get a joke in early

Getting a joke in early will help relax the mood. Spend time preparing the right joke – funny but not offensive, something that will appeal across all age groups, and make sure you learn it by heart.

Self-deprecation can go a long way, so it might be something told at your own expense. The audience will expect the speech to be somewhat funny so starting strongly will help engaging the audience.

Tip #6: Tell a story

Every great man speech includes a story, which could be how you met the bridegroom or a funny incident which you both went through. You can also tell a story about when you realised your friend had found his other half, or about when your friend would complain about being single for so long. Tread carefully when telling these and don’t cross the line with them!

Tip #7: Stay away from controversial topics

Anything embarrassing or offensive should be avoided by all means. Although this is common sense, once you get up there with a mic in front of you and a crowd waiting to see what you have to say, the situation might be so tense that cracking a crude joke or sharing an embarrassing story may seem perfect to lighten the mood. You’ll be left with a frozen audience that doesn’t want to laugh at the expense of the bridegroom.

Tip #8: Best to avoid past relationships

Try to avoid talking about the groom’s past relationships or reveal what you thought of the bride when you first laid eyes on her. Winking at the bride with comments such as “looking forward to the honeymoon” is absolutely out of the question when writing your best man speech!

Tip #9: Keep it short

Ideally, a best man’s speech should be no more than 1,000 words. The guests have already listened to the bride’s father and maid of honour speeches and are minutes away from eating the cake, so shoot for five minutes tops.

Tip #10: Summarise your friend’s good character

After the bulk of your speech, make sure you list the essential qualities of the groom which you have discovered over the years. You want the audience to think you’re a nice guy and convince the bride she picked the right man to marry!

Tip #11: End with a quote

Wrap everything you have said up nicely by ending with a quote , such as: “Giving a best man speech is a choice. And, these two people have clearly chosen!”

Tip #12: Propose a toast

It’s time to raise your glass and toast for a lifetime of happiness and love for the couple… or something to this effect.

Use these best man speech tips to deliver a powerful speech people will remember for a very long time.

Best Man Speech – things to avoid

Inside jokes – you and a handful of people might find them funny, no one else will
Getting drunk – even though it may be tempting to calm the nerves beforehand
Panic and get too nervous – the key to avoiding this is to practice the speech until you really know it
Waffling – keep to 5 minutes of good quality content
Reading straight from an A4 sheet – take bullet points written on cue cards instead
Speaking too quietly or loudly – record your voice and play it back to yourself to hear what you sound like
Discussing complex topics – the audience will be left clueless if you talk about his latest PhD work

How to write a Best Man Speech – detailed guide

The opening.

Like any form of public speaking , you need to have your audience on side right from the beginning. Be confident. After all, you know the groom better than most in the room and your best man speech is the perfect chance to introduce him to everybody else!

Introduce yourself and say why you are best friends with the groom.
Outline your speech (briefly).
Feel free to improvise rather than sticking to the script you have prepared at home. Maybe something struck you as moving or funny during the ceremony. Mention it!
Praise the bride early on (personality, looks, etc.) to buy good will right from the start and set everyone she knows at ease.
Consider self-deprecation as it is something that will appeal across all age groups and it a great way to get a joke in early.

The main section of the speech

The important thing to remember is that the speech is not about you but the groom. Therefore, it’s okay if your best man speech paints a picture of your relationship with the groom but you need to concentrate on what a great guy he is, so everything you say has to revolve around that.

Be pleasant and nice and give your best man speech a flow. Every section and paragraph should run smoothly, jokes should be brief, and each story (you could also include other friends’ favourite memories, too) should reveal some more of the groom’s character and life.

The conclusion to the speech

So, by now you will have used all the funny stories and are ready to wow your audience with something emotional that will make their eyes water. You can say something about love and philosophise a little. It is also a good time to emphasise the love story of the bridegroom.

End your best man speech by saying how one completes the other and how happy you know one will make the other as they walk the paths of married life together. Your end to the best man speech should be as noteworthy as your opening comments so don’t fade away.

Best Man Speech examples

Here are some of our favourite best man speech examples:

Greatest and funniest best man speech at a wedding
Best brother wedding speech kills crowd
Best man speech by Daniel Buccheri
Best man speech – receives standing ovation

Final points to remember

There is no need to try too hard to be formal or present yourself as someone you are not. It’s important to just be yourself. This includes not necessarily following your prepared speech exactly. After all, these best man speech tips were written to provide you with a guide.

Your natural mannerisms and voice is what will make the difference so make it sincere, personal and if you talk from the heart, your best man speech will surely be golden!

For additional examples and best man speech tips, check out this website – Best Man Example Wedding Speeches.

Witty Best Man Speeches

Want your speech to reflect a more contemporary, deadpan style? Then fill your boots with the gags and one-liners here. Many of these centre on topics that would usually be considered serious, or even a bit taboo. If you can carry off irony and dark laughs, take a punt on this edgier material.

A Tongue-in-cheek Trashing

(A single Best Man takes a tongue-in-cheek look at his relationship with the Groom, and his special role on the wedding day.)

Here, the Best Man moulds the trials and tribulations of spending his formative years in the company of the Groom into a humorous (but meaningful) wedding speech. If you and the Groom were ever high school buddies, this speech demonstrates how to tell audience-winning anecdotes. You’ll also see how to keep details in check, ensuring the speech makes sense, and that the humour doesn't stall.

For those of you who don’t know me, my name’s John and I’m Paul’s Best Man. As my first best manly duty I would like to thank you all, on behalf of Paul and his new wife, for sharing in their special day. For helping to eat, drink and dance through £15,000 worth of their hard-earned cash, and ensuring they begin their married life in debt up to their pretty eyeballs…

Traditional Best Man Speech Treatment

(The Best Man chronicles the Groom's personal journey from school boy idiot to charming, coveted husband.)

The Groom receives the traditional Best Man Speech treatment and is presented as a fool brought into line by a sassy Bride. This speech demonstrates how to not alienate the crowd by making them feel like impostors at your school reunion. Everyone’s in this together!

I would like to point out that the bridesmaids did a tremendous job of ensuring the bride was cured of all her wedding day nerves. I wish you could have seen the empties...

Groom’s Hopes and Dreams (Edited Liberally by the Best Man)

(All Grooms have hopes and dreams aside from marrying the Bride. This speech takes a whimsical look at these, all the way back from school, right up to the wedding day itself. Whether any of these hopes and dreams are accurate is another thing entirely...)

The Groom has come a long way to be where he is today. This speech shows you how to celebrate that, and have some fun while you're at it. It's packed with entertaining quips about the Groom's under-performance in sports, school and at work. Oh yes, this speech also demonstrates how a full-on roast can plausibly conclude on an optimistic note. The audience (and especially the newlyweds) will appreciate that.

Early on in Paul's school life, he decided to tread the boards as a thespian. His first opportunity came when his junior school was putting on a production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, in which Paul was cast as one of the dwarfs. From the outset, Paul became his character day and night. Many still say they’ve never seen such a virtuoso performance of Dopey.

A Wedding Speech Gamble

(An irreverent toast that reveals the full extent of the Groom’s persuasion to gambling.)

If your Groom enjoys a flutter every now and again, this is a great speech to pick him up on his vice. The important thing about this speech is that while being funny on the subject, it doesn’t go overboard. You certainly don’t want to be putting second thoughts into the head of the Bride!

Apparently I have a reputation as someone who likes to waffle on. It has even come to my attention that Paul is running a book on the length of this best man's speech. He has personally put £100 on me droning on for over 20 minutes. Well thanks for listening, I'm done now.

Best Man’s Advice for a Happy Marriage

(The Best Man has no idea what makes for a happy marriage. Yet that doesn’t stop him from imparting his infinite wisdom.)

Struggling to find amusement from the Groom’s personality and past? This speech will get you out of a rut. The gags here are of the please-all variety; safe with guaranteed laughs. The extract below will give you an indication of the style and tone.

Linda, you make a fine bride. You are beautiful, caring, smart - and, in Paul, I think you've made a wonderful choice of first husband.

Best Man’s Take on the Groom’s Accomplishments

(The Best Man offers an alternative perspective on the Groom’s finest accomplishments to date.)

Tongue-in-cheek revelations ensue in this classic roast format. The Best Man uses his speech to celebrate the Groom’s achievements on his ultimate day of success… but perhaps these achievements aren’t all they’ve cracked up to be. As you’ll see from the following sample, this type of speech is best for a Groom with broad shoulders.

I've known the groom for a number of years, but Paul likes to keep himself to himself, and so when it came to sitting down and creating this speech, I was stumped. So, I thought of getting some visual help by asking his mother if she had any cute pictures of Paul when he was young. I got a puzzled look and a confused reply: ‘Pictures, yes. Cute, of course not!’

Best Man’s Wedding Day Duties

(The traditional duties of a Best Man are examined, providing the perfect set-up for Groom character bashing.)

It’s not easy being Best Man. This speech helps you use your own wedding day worries to hilarious effect. Ultimately, you still want to talk about the Groom though. Therefore as each duty is discussed, it serves as a springboard for a one-liner about the Groom. Clever and comical.

When Paul came to me and said he wanted me to be best man, it was a great honour. However, when I checked all the duties required of me, I felt he’d be better off choosing someone else. But here I am anyway. Which reminds me, does anyone know how to tell if a fifty quid note is genuine?

Pushing the Boundaries

(The Best Man cheekily reflects on the relationship between Bride and Groom, and how it's developed since they met.)

Here, the Best Man recounts his version of the Bride and Groom’s courtship; focussing on both of them ensures everyone pays attention (that's savvy speechmaking). The humour in this speech can at times cross the ‘could cause offense’ line; that's a second reason why people will be listening avidly! However, if you think a line might evoke a squirm from the Bride, leave it out!

First of all, I’d like to apologize in advance for any misdemeanours that may happen in the next fifteen minutes or so. I don't think I've said or done anything wrong yet, but that apology at least gives me some scope…

Childhood Friend and Best Man

(If you and the Groom go way back, there's nothing like a nostalgic reminisce to raise some laughs. Especially if you focus on some of the Groom's lesser attributes while he was growing up.)

The Groom is put to the sword by a marauding Best Man who pelts him with jokes about their past together. Remember, the audience needs to see why you’re recalling a particular anecdote; in this speech you’ll see how to tee up those tales.

The last time I spoke at a wedding I held the audience open-mouthed. Actually, I think they all yawned at once.

Nervous Best Man

(The Best Man adds to the party spirit with a barrage of witticisms aimed firmly at himself. )

If you think you’ll be a quivering wreck, the material in this speech will save your bacon, not to mention guarantee some giggles. The speech primarily laments the loss of the Groom’s sporting prowess, questioning how the Bride will cope with his sloth-like nature. The Best Man is married so he can talk with authority on the new life that awaits the Groom.

Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen. I’m very disappointed at the moment, but I hope it doesn’t show. It’s just that this is the first time Paul has ever paid for my dinner, and I’ve been too nervous to eat anything.

To a Recent Friend

(Only been mates with the Groom for a short while? Don't panic! It doesn’t have to be a long friendship to be a strong one. This speech proves that.)

Nervous that you don't belong in the Best Man role? Here's a memorable way of introducing yourself to the crowd; ideal if you’re concerned about looking like a stranger in a tux. This particular speech features an executive Groom and contains a gag or two about his journey up the greasy corporate pole. But it's easy enough to tailor this speech to your own Groom.

Paul has been a great friend to me since we met all those hours ago. But seriously, over the relatively short time we've known each other, Paul has always been there for me. In fact, I remember him being there to comfort me after my first car crash. Only fair, as he was driving at the time.

The Reluctant Best Man

(A reluctant Best Man and hesitant public speaker fulfils his obligation. )

Wedding day nerves? This speech shows how to poke fun out of your predicament and prompt the audience to empathise. No one wants to be in your shoes, so people are behind you from the offing. With a touch of careful crafting, you’ll deliver a speech that’ll go down better than you could have ever wished for.

It is a great honour, not to mention the most terrifying experience of my life, to be asked to be the groom's best man. Paul, make sure you get this marriage to work. There's no way I'm going through this again.

Best Man Speech Examples

By mac molli, updated on 07/01/24.

Part of the Groom Hacks

Your friend’s wedding is around the corner, and the groom has asked you to be the best man, congratulations! Being the best man is a great honor but comes with several responsibilities. During the reception, the best man typically gives the best man speech, which may be incredibly intimidating for some people. Of course, you want your speech to be brilliant, but where do you start? Writing the best man’s speech is easier than you think, and we are here to help! Here we will provide some valuable recommendations for writing your speech, including an outline and even best man speech examples!

How to Write a Best Man Speech: Opening Lines to Closing Remarks

Starting your best man speech and coming up with best man speech ideas may seem daunting if you’re new to speech writing. So, let’s begin by developing an outline of the elements you’ll likely want to include. This will be the best man speech structure:

Opening statement
Background context
Tell a story
Take home message
Congratulations and closing toast

Use this best man speech template to start thinking about how to structure your speech and each element you must include. In the following section, we will discuss each piece, what it should look like, and best man speech examples to guide you along the way.

Catchy Opening Line

A great best man speech opening line can capture the wedding guests’ attention, get them invested in your speech, and set the tone. Consider if you’re going for a romantic or funny best man speech; this should determine how you start.

Remember, if you’re going for a funny speech, make sure you also include something sentimental – the take-home message and the closing toast are great places to focus on the sentimental.

Tip: don’t mention that you’re nervous; people assume that you’re nervous you don’t need to say it out loud.

Best man speech examples of opening lines:

I want to congratulate the groom on his excellent taste [pause] in best men. He has really outdone himself this time.
The newlyweds have asked me not to share embarrassing stories or make jokes at their expense during my best man’s speech [pause]… so I guess that’ll be all from me!
There are friends, and there’s family, but friends can become family. This is so true for [Name] and me. We’ve been friends for X years, and I’ve always considered him my brother.
I’ve heard that the best relationships come from a foundation of friendships. Experts say laughter, respect, and enjoying each other’s company are ingredients for a long-lasting marriage. After knowing [Name] and [Name] for X years, there’s no doubt in my mind they make a great pair.

Thank Previous Speakers & Express Gratitude

You should thank the people who spoke before you, compliment the wedding and express gratitude to those who made the wedding possible.

Tell a Story

This is likely the biggest part of your speech and should take up the most time.

You’ll likely want to include some background context before jumping into the story that gives the guests an idea of who you are and your relationship with the groom. Use it as an intro to build up some anticipation for the stories you will tell but make sure to make it about the groom and not about you.

Then, jump into the story or stories you’d like to tell. Since this is the most significant part of your speech, you want to choose a captivating or funny story that will interest the guests. Include sensory details to help bring them into the story and make them feel like they were there with you. End with a final punch line that leaves the audience with a big feeling – laughter, tears, or surprise.

Don’t forget to mention the groom’s partner. Say how you initially met their partner or some sweet things you love about them.

The story portion is the body of the speech where you’ll bring in some funny moments, poke fun at the groom, and maybe share something a little embarrassing, but you’ll want to bring it all together with a take-home message. Bring it back to the relationship you’re celebrating or a theme you’d like to focus on.

Propose a Toast

Finally, end your speech with a toast to the newlyweds. Raise your glass, and deliver a short, heartfelt toast of optimistic good wishes to the couple. Alternatively, you can end with a funny toast if that’s your preference, but end on a positive note, even if it’s weird. Your speech should end with congratulations to the couple.

Best man toast examples:

Please join me in a toast to the happy couple – to [Name] and [Name].
To [Name] and [Name] – here is to a lifetime of love and happiness
Here’s to the past for all you’ve learned. Here’s to the present and this beautiful movement we all share. Here’s to the future you both have to look forward to. Cheers to the happy couple.
Things Not to Mention in a Best Man’s Speech

Often, the best man tries to be funny in their speech, which is excellent, but there are a few things you shouldn’t mention, trust us.

The groom’s past relationships
Sexual jokes
Insecurities of the groom
Significant past mistakes
Overly embarrassing stories
Insults to the bride or other wedding guests

Try to keep things lighthearted and playful. Funny best man speeches that include witty banter and playful teasing are great, but don’t take it too far; avoid insulting the groom or highlighting any major insecurities – you know your relationship best, so only you know where that line is.

Also, remember to keep it (mostly) clean. There may be parents, grandparents, and children in the room.

Best Man Speeches Examples

Even with a solid best man speech template and all the funny stories to tell, writing might still feel challenging. So, here are some good best man speech examples that can give you some ideas.

Best man speech from a brother – the brother makes some jokes, thanks the bride for how she has improved the groom, welcomes the bride to the family, and makes a toast to the bride and groom.
Funny best man speech from a brother – takes his story back to the beginning.
Best man speech from a childhood friend – brings the story he tells back to how confident the groom was marrying his partner.
Best man speech from a best friend
Tips on Giving the Best Man Speech

Just because you’ve written the speech doesn’t mean you feel confident about getting up in front of a room full of people and giving it; that’s okay. Here are some best man speech tips to help you prepare to give the speech that will help you feel more confident on the wedding day. Whether you’re delivering a long speech or opting for short best man speeches, these tips will guide you to success.

Practice the Speech

Take the time to practice your speech by reading it aloud; it will help you prepare the delivery, help you feel more confident in your words, and recognize areas where changes in wording may be necessary. Try to practice in front of an audience. If you don’t have an audience to give you feedback, you may want to consider recording yourself giving the speech so you can watch it back to see how you can deliver it better.

If you want to give the best speech, you’ll likely want to try to memorize it or at least tell parts of the speech from the heart, such as cute anecdotes or stories. So, rather than taking up the entire speech written down word for word with you, consider writing notes or prompts to help you through.

Vary Pace, Tone, and Emotion

Varying the way you give your speech will help you capture and hold your audience’s attention.

Best Man Speech FAQs

How long should a best man’s speech be?

A speech from the best man is an essential part of the wedding reception, and the length is really up to you, but we suggest keeping the speech in the 3 to 5-minute range. If you’re not a public speaker, it’s okay for it to be shorter; but make sure to include the appropriate thank yous and say something nice to the couple. A short best man speech is just as good as a long one. just keep it under 10 minutes; there are often many speeches during a wedding, and if it’s too long, you will lose the interest of the wedding guests.

Who should the best man thank in their speech?

The best man should thank the groom and the couple on behalf of the wedding party. They may also choose to thank the couple’s parents. Generally, the best man’s speech aims to tell stories about the groom.

When does the best man give their speech?

Speeches traditionally happen at the wedding reception before dinner. Some people believe there is a proper order in which the speeches should happen, but it doesn’t necessarily matter. Make sure you know when you are supposed to speak to be ready.

Can you read your speech at a wedding?

Yes! Some people aren’t great at public speaking but still want to support their loved ones by giving a speech, so bring your notes if you feel it will help you. However, it is vital to be familiar with your speech so you aren’t just reading it word for word from your notes if you can.

When should I start writing my best man speech?

Planning ahead for the best man’s speech is wise. Consider starting to write your speech about two months in advance so you have ample time to prepare, revise and practice.

What happens if I make a joke and the guests don’t laugh?

If you plan to make a joke, you should pause to give people a moment to laugh before continuing, but what if they don’t laugh? That’s okay! Our jokes aren’t always going to land, don’t let the lack of laughter derail your speech. If the laughter doesn’t come, you can chuckle at yourself and let the audience know they’re supposed to laugh by adding another one-liner or making fun of yourself. For example, say, “This is where you’re supposed to laugh,” or joke, “Is this thing on?” or “Sound guy, can you cue the laugh track?”. Then keep going; they will likely laugh at some of your other jokes.

Visit The Groom Club for More Tips

At the Groom Club, we help grooms up their game at every stage of the wedding process, from the proposal to the honeymoon. Ready to propose? Learn how to make it perfect. Need help deciding what to wear to your engagement party? We’ve got tips.

Make the Groom Club your go-to spot for all the latest on how to make your wedding unique and memorable. Discover all our latest articles today and subscribe to our newsletter for more TGC content.

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How To Write A Best Man Speech

Speechwriting can be daunting, especially when it comes to the best man speech, i.e. often one of the most talked about moments of the day. Whether you’re the best man in question, or getting married and looking for something to give your best man a nudge in the right direction, our list of simple top tips will make sure your speech goes off without a hitch. For more inspiration, check out our wedding readings podcast episode, and article on funny wedding readings . If you’re giving a speech in an alternative wedding role , a lot of this advice will still apply, so stick with us!

WHAT IS A BEST MAN SPEECH?

Traditionally, the running order of speeches goes: father of the bride, groom, best man. However, as the Rock My Wedding saying goes: it’s your day, your way! You can throw this malecentric lineup out the window and have whoever you like speak at the reception. Rules were made to be broken, baby. We absolutely love a bride’s speech , and the rise in popularity of the best woman .

Ultimately, the best man speech serves to bring everyone together, tell the newlyweds’ epic love story and raise a final toast to their future. We recommend keeping it between 3-5 minutes long, but if public speaking isn’t your forte, there’s nothing wrong with making it short and sweet. So, without further ado, here are our top tips for writing a best man speech that everyone will love.

HELPING OUT WITH WEDDING PLANNING?

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INTRODUCE YOURSELF

First thing’s first: a massive thanks to the previous speaker and another round of applause, giving a wedding speech is no easy job! Before you begin your epic best man speech, you could also share any messages for the happy couple from those who couldn’t be there on the day.

When it comes to introducing yourself, people will always want to know how you came to be best mates with the groom. The goal is not just to give a cracking speech, but for the guests to connect with you too. First impressions are everything, so we’d advise pacing yourself on the bubbly ahead of your speech to avoid any mishaps. You’ve got the rest of the day to enjoy a few drinks, so don’t let your hard speechwriting work go to waste by getting wasted yourself.

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Now everyone knows who you are, but do you know your audience? One of the most important aspects of a best man speech is for it to be enjoyable for everyone, so keep the content appropriate for all audiences. This isn’t to say you can’t be a bit cheeky of course, but be mindful that grandparents, young children or colleagues could be there. There’s nothing more cringeworthy than an inappropriate story about the groom being met with a few nervous titters (save it for the afterparty). If you’re second-guessing yourself on any anecdotes, it’s likely best to leave them out. Topics that are generally a no-go zone include money, sex, politics, religion or past relationships.

MAKE SURE YOUR JOKES ARE FUNNY

Keep things upbeat; it’s a toast, not a roast. This is the happiest day of their lives and one joke too far could really ruin the mood. Being best mates, of course a few friendly digs are to be expected, but check in with the couple before the wedding so you know exactly where the line is.

There’s nothing less engaging for an audience than listening to too many in-jokes that they can’t understand. Avoid any ‘you had to be there’ moments - your job is to tell a story that makes the guests feel like they were there anyway!

TELL THEIR STORY

The key to a great speech? It’s got to flow. Rather than string together a few choice anecdotes, your best man speech should tell a story - their love story. Find a theme, identify your key messages and build your speech from there. Include some variety, a few tales to make ‘em laugh and cry. Sadly, you can’t fit everything you want to say into a few minutes, so make it count.

Additionally, this speech isn’t solely about your relationship with the groom - as close as you may be - it’s about their epic love story. Give everyone an insight into their lives and who they are as a couple. Don’t be afraid to get emotional! Whilst searching the internet for best man speech inspiration is a great place to start, make sure yours is ultimately authentic and personal. Think about your relationship with the both of them, any memorable moments or tales from when they first met. If you have a sweet story that their other half may not know, like how nervous the groom was on their first date, that’s perfect. You could even include a quote from their favourite film, poem or book.

BE PREPARED

Practise, practise, then practise some more. Look up examples and templates online, or search YouTube for epic best man speeches. Reading your speech aloud and in front of others will help you figure out what works in terms of timing, anecdotes, and your delivery. Ask for feedback and keep going until it’s perfect.

Top tip: having your speech printed or written down on paper automatically makes you look a lot more prepared than reading it from your phone. Plus, it’s a nice memento for the couple to keep if they wish.

TAKE YOUR TIME

Public speaking certainly isn’t for everyone, it’s totally normal to be nervous. The best advice we can give for beating those pre-speech butterflies is to pace yourself; take time to pause, breathe, and leave room for audience reactions. You don’t need to tell every funny story or joke one after another, either. Find the right balance between emotional anecdotes and witty banter. If your comedic timing is just right, those snappy one liners will land even better after a touching story.

Your hours of practise should help you keep your cool. However if, on the day, you’re flagging and a joke just isn’t landing right, don’t be afraid to go for an easy positive reaction. Ask everyone to give the happy couple another round of applause or a big cheer for someone who has helped put the ceremony/reception together. Just take a breath, and get back on track.

If you want to make sure guests are completely hooked, practise strong eye contact, upright posture and voice projection. If you’re closed off and mumbling, people will sense that you’re uncomfortable. Even if you’re not the most confident public speaker, a smile and some eye contact goes a long way!

RAISE A TOAST

Always finish by reiterating how much you love the newlyweds, how happy you are to be a part of their special day and ask everyone to raise a glass to their happiness. Then, get ready to hit the dance floor!

Now you've nailed your best man speech, it's time to organise a bit of fun. This 60 questions game is great for both stag-dos and on the day. Plus, this wedding at Steeton Hall has some great groomsmen & groom wedding photo inspiration.

Written by Georgia Gallant

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Best Man Speech Examples (Written By Speechy)

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Home » Best Man Speech Examples (Written By Speechy)

(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways the Speechy team can help you write & deliver a great speech. Or check out our new AI-powered team member, SpeechyAI .)

Lessons from our speech examples

Length – no more than 1,300 words
Structure – Don’t begin with wedding-waffle, start with the stories and hook in your audience
Resist Googled-gags, cliches, and platitudes – focus on good storytelling
Remember to give a proper tribute to the groom’s partner.
Have the sentimental summary towards the end of your speech

Ultimately though, every speech should be unique and tailored to the individual speaker’s style.

For obvious reasons, we cannot share the full range of speeches we write for our clients but these are generic (and made-up) speeches, written by our team of writers and our speechwriting tool SpeechyAI, to give you an idea of a good structure.

Your speech may be more sentimental, shorter, or poetic. Crucially, it needs to be more YOU!

Example 1 – Short Best Man Speech

Hello & intro.

“Good evening, everyone. Firstly, on behalf of Misty and Joe, I’d like to extend a warm thank you to each of you for being here today. And a special shoutout to our English friends, who’ve braved the journey north into Scottish territory. Consider it a feat akin to venturing into the Squid Games. Your courage is commendable!

As most of you know, I’m Reuben, and as Joe’s best man, it’s my duty to regale you all with the tale of how our beloved groom stumbled into the clutches of matrimony with the ever-delightful Misty.

Funny tribute to the couple

So let me take a moment to acknowledge someone who was pivotal to this love story, and that person is, of course,…me. Yes, I played cupid to these two lovebirds six years ago. Now my matchmaking skills might not have been the most poetic, describing Joe as ‘average looking, but he wears nice shoes’, but hey, it clearly did the trick!

When Misty and Joe finally met at my birthday bash, sparks flew. They talked about life, hobbies, future plans and how when Misty was a kid, she was obsessed with Winnie the Pooh. Yes, even as a teenager. Which makes it not at all surprising that she’d end up with someone like Joe: a chubby character with one shirt and an aggressive appetite.

It was evident from that first night that they were a perfect fit and Joe, with his charm and wit – and of course, good shoes – left quite the impression. The next day, Misty couldn’t stop talking about his impressive ability to flawlessly rap every word of Eminem’s ‘Stan’. And if you want a rendition of that, I suggest you hang around the bar later.

And what was Joe’s first impression of Misty? Well, supposedly he knew she was the women for him, when at the end of the night, she turned to him, pursed her lips and asked in her lilting Edinburgh accent… ‘Fancy a kebab?’. Joe knew right then and there that he was head over heels.

Sentimental Tribute to the Couple

Now, it’s fair to say Joe has had a ‘chequered’ love life – think Ronnie Woods meets Boris Johnson but without all the sex. Just a long list of unsuitable women, drunken nights, and a handful of illegitimate babies.

Only kidding. Well, as far as we know.

Needless to say, meeting Misty gave meaning to Joe’s concept of love.

She’s his missing piece, the cheerful Winnie the Pooh to his grumpy Eeyore. They are just the right amount of similar, and just the right amount of different to be perfect together. And now, seeing them here together as husband and wife, it’s clear they’re meant to be.

So finally, I’d like to end my speech with some marriage advice from the greatest philosophers of our time– Winnie-the-Pooh himself.

‘’If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”

I think such wisdom could help many marriages in this room, including my own.

Toast to the Newlyweds

And with that, let’s raise our glasses to Misty and Joe—to love, laughter, and a lifetime of 90s rap, shish kebabs, and mutually good shoes.

to Misty and Joe”

We have further advice on how to start a best man speech , best man speech opening lines and length of best man speech .

Example 2- Older Groom, International Audience

Hello & intro.

“Honoured guests, friends and family, Spaniards and Americans – today is a momentous occasion as we witness the union of two cultures in the marriage of Michelle and Andre.

Today, we celebrate the merging of the Spanish Imperial Eagle with the American Bald Eagle. We blend hamburgers and fries with paella, creating the unforgettable McPaella. And as we play the Marcha Real alongside the Star-Spangled Banner, we honour the rich diversity that defines this beautiful union.

Tribute to the groom

As Andre’s devoted wingman for over forty years, I have seen the effort he has put in to getting to this happy ending and I’m delighted to, finally, get the chance to be his best man today. As you may know, Andre is more mature than the traditional groom and may have extended his ‘eligible bachelor’ years by a decade… or two.

As his friends and family members all got married, he was there at a succession of weddings, always on the single table. In case you were wondering, the single table is Table Five today. Please stop by and pity them, it’s what they deserve.

It’s fair to say that Andre made the most of being single and enjoyed his bachelor life. He seemed to enjoy being free to pursue his career, travel the world, drink copious amounts of red wine and live in a house where there are fewer than two cushions in the entire place. So, why did he decide to give it all up?

Funny Tribute to the Couple

Well, I think seeing the beautiful bride walking down the aisle today, answers that question.

Michelle and Andre’s love story is one for the ages. They met through the intervention of their friend Katya, who played cupid and brought them together. Say hello Katya. And yes, she is sitting on Table 5.

After being introduced, Andre told me Michelle was rude to him and bossy. He couldn’t understand this American powerhouse. She told him to take her out for coffee and somehow he lost the power to resist. All of his bachelor strength was drained, and he found myself nodding and doing as he was told for once. Their courtship was nothing short of a whirlwind. Michelle, with her infectious energy, swept Andre off his feet from the moment they met. Despite his initial resistance, Andre found himself captivated by Michelle’s charm and wit, unable to resist her magnetic pull.

To be fair, these two are poles apart so no wonder they’re attracted to each other.

Michelle works as the director of a charity, and she lives her life for other people. She cares for other people on a daily basis – and Andre is clearly her biggest charity project yet. One day, after years of rehabilitation, I suspect she will release him back into the wild, but let’s hope not.

Meanwhile, Andre is a greedy property developer, making money from the ruins of other people’s lives and hopes. His day is not complete until he’s pushed at least three widows out of their houses and turned their homes into flats.

Now, a mix of personalities and cultures is not always an easy thing, but the newlywed have proven it can work. Together, their music is harmonious, their meals are delicious and their respective nation’s birds have not pecked each other to death.

Inclusion of Guests

The newlyweds warned me that we had an international guestlist today and I’m told many of our Malagan guests might not have the greatest command of the English language. For some of them this is the first time that they have been abroad. I won’t embarrass him by name, but one of the guests asked me where Mickey Mouse was, and I had to explain that the mouse isn’t everywhere.

So, to make them feel more welcome I thought maybe I could teach you some useful Spanish phrases that could help you integrate. If you look on your table you will see a card for you each so you can read along with me. So listen to me and repeat please!

‘He bebido demasiado Sangria y no puedo sentir mis piernas.’
Come on, I know you can do it.
That is a very useful Spanish phrase which means:
‘I have drunk too much Sangria and can no longer feel my legs.’

Ok, another:

‘Me gustaria bailar Flamenco contigo hasta una hora desaconsejable.’
That means:
‘I would like to dance the flamenco with you until an inadvisable hour.’

Excellent! Now finally:

‘Hola, me puedes llamar un Uber. No recuerdo nada de anoche.’
That translastes as:
‘Please call me an Uber, I have no recollection of last night.’

And hopefully that will ensure you’re fully prepared for the evening ahead.

Concluding Tribute to the Groom

Finally, to my friend Andrew – your bachelor life has ended. No more Table Five. No more aunts and mothers asking you when you will get married. So many more cushions.

Congratulations my friend.

From now on, you shall be the perfect trophy husband that Michelle wants, you will nod and you will look pretty.

Now, if you’ll all join me in raising a toast to the newlyweds—Michelle and Andre, may your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and countless unforgettable memories.

To the bride and groom”

You may want to read our best man advice page when you have read all the examples, in order to understand better how to start and structure your speech.

Example 3 – A Roast

“Honoured guests, for those who don’t know me, I’m Archie, a friend of Matt’s, or, as he is known to a certain special someone, ‘Bear’. And just to be clear, that certain person isn’t me. If I had a nickname for Matt, it would probably be ‘Tightwad’.

Many of us here today are journalists and this evening I have a scoop for you. The life and times of Matt Munton. So, hold onto your hats (and possibly your drinks) as we navigate through the untamed wilderness of the groom’s extraordinary life.

Tribute to The Groom

So, where do I begin? Well, let’s just start with how ironic his new nickname Bear really is. Matt started life as bald as a coot. He was three before he finally developed a full head of hair, before losing it all in his early 20s. Less Bear, more… (peer at groom) … blobfish.

Matt and I first crossed paths on the overnight team at BBC TV News. It was 3 am, the coffee was almost as bitter as my disposition, and in strolled Matt, bright-eyed and full of infectious energy. Before long, we were partners in crime, two insomniac journalists thriving in the wee hours and sharing an undeniable penchant for … talking bollocks.

Mat was fearless in the face of Emily Matlis and other news heavyweights, and it quickly transpired, equally unafraid of weights down the gym. Whilst I struggled to push a pen, he piled on the muscle in his mission to become the newsroom’s answer to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The one time I went to the gym with him, I brought along an old tshirt and some jogging bottoms. He wore the type of Lycra shorts and vest that Kanye West usually gives to his girlfriends. Let’s just say he’s not shy. The only thing he covers up is his feet.

On the plus side, going out with Mat on a night out, feels like I have my very own bodyguard. Yes, he drinks his weight in IPA each night but no doorman dares look at a list when he comes to the door.

To be fair, Matt is an expert in navigating tricky situations, whether it’s jumped-up bouncers or getting involved in debates with fellow commuters on a late bus. He’s weathered more storms than most people could even read about. There was this one time when Matt got locked in a plane toilet flying over Colombia – don’t ask, expiration of official secrets and all that – but somehow it made the local news. Yes, in a country suffering from an outbreak of dengue fever and upsurge in criminal ganglands murder at the time, a bald man from Yorkshire getting locked in a toilet made the headlines.

But Matt is full of surprises. A rare combo of James Bond and Mr. Bean, he always finds himself in the most absurd situations, like drifting in the ocean off South Africa’s coast in nothing more than a dinghy. After he sent me a slightly alarming text, I was here in the UK trying desperately to contact a local rescue team. Meanwhile, Matt had another beer, waited till it got dark and managed to navigate himself to land using nothing more than the stars.

Our time together is sprinkled with such moments – memorable, ridiculous, and distinctly Matt. A shared love for good food, travel, odd literature, and, well, slightly dodgy company at times, has uncorked endless bouts of laughter.

Tribute to The Bride

And then from the heavens descended Sophie, a radiant woman, full of Northern charm! Matt often muses about their first encounter on a Jet 2 Flight, when Sophie’s dramatically down-to-earth candidness made him think, “Ahh yep, she’ll do!”.I bet Sophie never expected the phrase “Love is in the air” would be quite so literal!

Her dramatic flair complements Matt’s pragmatic demeanour in a beautiful dance of partnerships, creating an atmosphere where creativity and practicality intersect. Their shared love for the arts, culture, and their fabulous sense of style is impeccable – I am yet to see an interior as carefully curated and beautifully crafted as theirs!

Soph, we welcome you with open arms and admire you for your ability to handle this Bear. With your love for travelling, kindness, and a shared passion for melted cheese, you’ve managed to tame our Bear in the best possible way.

The Affectionate Conclusion & Toast

I firmly believe fate had a hand in your meeting. It’s poetic, isn’t it? Two people with hearts so golden, the sun itself might feel envious. So today, we raise a glass to you – a couple who exemplify resilience, love, and an unbeatable sense of humour.

So come on, everyone, raise your glasses as we toast to a couple whose love story started high in the sky and found its roots right here, in home soil. To Matt and Sophie, may your love always keep you soaring.

To the bride and groom.”

We have further advice on best man jokes , best man quotes and how to find your funny . You may also want to temper your jokes by ensuring they are inclusive (external link: Diversity Style Guide ).

Example 4 – Indian Best Man Speech

“Ladies and gentlemen, uncles and aunties, bhaiyon aur behano – namaste and welcome. As Shai’s best man, it’s a pleasure to stand before you all and celebrate this wonderful occasion with our newlyweds, Shai and Priyanka.

First and foremost, let me extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for gracing us with your presence today. And thank you to the newlyweds and their parents for putting on such a wonderful day for us all to enjoy. I’m told Shai and Priyanka’s parents are going to take a well-earned rest next week and sort out the global warming issue.

Now, where do I even begin to describe the beautiful chaos that is Shai and Priyanka’s love story? Well, let’s start with their contrasting personalities – they’re like chalk and cheese, or as some would say, coal and paneer. And trust me, you can tell which one is paneer.

As a primary school teacher, Priyanka is warm, caring, communicative – a real people’s person who works amongst a number of impatient clients every day. As an architect, Shai is concise, introverted, and analytical, which means he’s boring, slow and doesn’t like hanging out with people.

(Look around) Really, I’ve no idea how this all happened.

But, as the saying goes, opposites attract, and the newlyweds are like the Indian version of peanut butter and jelly – you wouldn’t think they’d go well together, but somehow, they just do. Priyanka’s all colorful and bubbly like a pack of Skittles, while Shai’s more like a plain slice of bread, reliable but a bit bland. But hey, who doesn’t love a classic PB&J sandwich, right?

Being witness to the planning of this wedding was like watching a Bollywood movie – full of drama, unexpected dance numbers, and a few tears (mostly from Shai when he saw the bill).

Priyanka wanted a Halloween-themed wedding pyrotechnics and thriller dance routines, while Shai just wanted to make sure the buffet had butter chicken.

But jokes aside, seeing these two together is like watching a Bollywood rom-com – you laugh, you cry, and you secretly hope they end up together in the end (spoiler alert: they did).

Priyanka brings the fun and the excitement to the relationship, and Shai, as an architect, brings the structure and security. It may not sound as fun as colour, but when you build the foundations of a relationship you need both passion and pragmatism to keep it from crumbling when confronted with life’s challenges.

Priyanka, your infectious energy and zest for life have truly transformed Shai, making him realize that there’s so much more to discover beyond the confines of his comfort zone. You came in like an unstoppable rainbow grenade, and I don’t think his life will ever be the same again.

And, Shai, as your best man, I couldn’t be happier for you. Watching your love story unfold has been nothing short of magical, and I have no doubt that you’ll build a beautiful, colourful and a marriage that’s built to last.

So, if you’ll all join me in raising a toast to the newlyweds – to Shai and Priyanka, may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may your lives be filled with endless happiness and laughter. To Shai and Priyanka.”

[End of example speech]

We have provided some niche advice for South Asian best man speech .

Beyond best man speech examples

If you would like further inspiration, please read our best man speech advice , best man quotes or even try our rhyming best man speech tips.

If after having read these examples and you feel like you need some further assistance, please read more about some of the services we offer to best men: best man speech template , AI best man speech generator and other best man speech services .

We would love to help you.

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Our advice has been quoted everywhere from The New York Times to Grazia and from Forbes to The Observer . Our founder has also featured on the BBC Sounds’ Best Men podcast with Jason Manford and written ‘ The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ , published by Little, Brown.

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We fact-checked some of the rumors spreading online about the Trump assassination attempt

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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds a campaign rally in Butler

MISIDENTIFIED SHOOTERS

Altered images, false claims shooting was staged, predictive programming conspiracy theories.

Reporting by Seana Davis; additional reporting Esther Chan; editing by Stephanie Burnett and Christina Agnagnostopoulos

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Fact Check: Posts saying Samsung signed deal with Caitlin Clark, snubbed LeBron James began as satire

Online posts suggesting that technology company Samsung signed a multi-million dollar contract with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, saying the company needs “more people” like Clark and “less people” like basketballer LeBron James, have been shared as real news but originated on a satirical website.

Day 4 of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Fact-checking Trump’s RNC speech

This fact check originally appeared on PolitiFact .

MILWAUKEE — Former President Donald Trump closed the Republican National Convention by accepting the presidential nomination and offering a speech that began somber and turned combative.

WATCH: Donald Trump speaks at 2024 Republican National Convention

First, he recounted surviving an assassination attempt five days earlier in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“You’ll never hear it from me again a second time because it’s too painful to tell,” Trump told a hushed audience. “I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of Almighty God.”

When Trump said, “I’m not supposed to be here tonight,” the audience chanted, “Yes you are. Yes you are.” Onstage, Trump kissed the firefighter’s uniform of Corey Comperatore, whom Trump’s would-be assassin killed.

After about 20 minutes, Trump’s speech shifted. He countered Democrats’ claims that he endangers democracy, praised the federal judge who dismissed the classified documents case against him and called the legal charges “partisan witch hunts.”

Though he criticized the policies of his opponent, Democratic President Joe Biden, Trump said he’d avoid naming him.

Trump occasionally offered conciliatory notes, but more often repeated questionable assertions we’ve repeatedly fact-checked. Here are some.

Immigration

Immigrants are “coming from prisons, they’re coming from jails, they’re coming from mental institutions and insane asylums.”.

When Trump said earlier this year that Biden is letting in “millions” of immigrants from jails and mental institutions we rated it Pants on Fire. Immigration officials arrested about 103,700 noncitizens with criminal convictions (whether in the U.S. or abroad) from fiscal years 2021 to 2024, federal data shows. That accounts for people stopped at and between ports of entry.

Not everyone was let in. The term “noncitizens” includes people who may have legal immigration status in the U.S., but are not U.S. citizens.

The data reflects the people that the federal government knows about but it’s inexhaustive. Immigration experts said despite those data limitations, there is no evidence to support Trump’s statement. Many people in Latin American countries face barriers to mental health treatment, so if patients are coming to the U.S., they are probably coming from their homes, not psychiatric hospitals.

“Caracas, Venezuela, really dangerous place, but not anymore. Because in Venezuela, crime is down 72 percent”

Although Venezuelan government data is unreliable, some data from independent organizations shows that violent deaths have recently decreased, but not by 72 percent. From 2022 to 2023, violent deaths dropped by 25 percent, according to the independent Venezuelan Observatory of Violence.

Criminologists attribute this decline to Venezuela’s poor economy and the government’s extrajudicial killings. They said there is no evidence that Venezuela’s government is emptying its prisons and sending criminals to the United States.

El Salvador murders are down 70 percent “because they’re sending their murderers to the United States of America.”

There has been a significant drop in crime in El Salvador, but it is not because the country is sending prisoners to the U.S.

According to data from El Salvador’s National Police, in 2023, the country reported a 70 percent drop in homicides compared with 2022, as Trump noted.

But it’s been well reported — by the country’s government, international organizations and news organizations — that El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has aggressively cracked down on crime. There is no evidence that Bukele’s effort involves sending prisoners to the U.S.

El Salvador has been under a state of emergency, because of gang violence and high crime rates, since March 2022. On July 10, the Legislative Assembly voted to extend its use.

The order suspends “a range of constitutional rights, including the rights to freedom of association and assembly, to privacy in communications, and to be informed of the reason for arrest, as well as the requirement that anyone be taken before a judge within 72 hours,” according a Human Rights Watch report.

The state of emergency has led multiple international human rights groups and governments, including the U.S., to condemn human rights abuses in El Salvador such as arbitrary killings, forced disappearances and torture.

Trump claims Bukele is “sending all of his criminals, his drug dealers, his people that are in jails. He’s sending them all to the United States.” But El Salvador’s prison population has drastically increased in recent years, according to InSight Crime, a think tank focused on crime and security in the Americas.

In 2020, El Salvador’s prison population stood at around 37,000. In 2023, it was more than 105,000 — around 1.7 percent of the country’s population, InSight Crime said.

“Behind me and to the right was a large screen that was displaying a chart of border crossings under my leadership, the numbers were absolutely amazing.”

As he recounted the story of his attempted assassination, Trump mentioned a chart of illegal border crossings from fiscal year 2012 to 2024. We fact-checked the false and misleading annotations on the chart.

For example, a red arrow on the chart claims to show when “Trump leaves office. Lowest illegal immigration in recorded history.” But the arrow points to a decline in immigration encounters at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, when migration overall significantly dropped as nations imposed lockdowns. Trump left office nine months later, when illegal immigration encounters were on the rise.

Later in the RNC speech, Trump said, “Under my presidency, we had the most secure border.”

That’s Mostly False . Illegal immigration during Trump’s administration was higher than it was during both of former President Barack Obama’s terms.

Illegal immigration between ports of entry at the U.S. southern border dropped in 2017, Trump’s first year in office, compared with previous years. But illegal immigration began to rise after that. It dropped again when the COVID-19 pandemic started and immigration decreased drastically worldwide.

In the months before Trump left office, as some pandemic travel restrictions eased, illegal immigration was rising again. A spike in migrants, especially unaccompanied minors, started in spring 2020 during the Trump administration and generally continued to climb each month.

It’s difficult to compare pre-COVID-19 data with data since, because of changes in data reporting. But, accounting for challenges in data comparisons, a PolitiFact review found an increase of 300 percent in illegal immigration from Trump’s first full month in office, February 2017, to his last full month, December 2020.

The jobs that are created under Biden, “107 percent of those jobs are taken by illegal aliens.”

Mostly False.

This Republican talking point paints the Biden years as being better for foreign-born workers than native-born Americans. But it is wrong.

Since Biden took office in early 2021, the number of foreign-born Americans who are employed has risen by about 5.6 million. But over the same period, the number of native-born Americans employed has increased by almost 7.4 million.

The unemployment rate for native-born workers under Biden is comparable to what it was during the final two prepandemic years of Trump’s presidency.

Assassination attempt

Trump: “there’s an interesting statistic, the ears are the bloodiest part. if something happens with the ears, they bleed more than any other part of the body.”.

Mostly True.

Trump said that in reference to the injury he sustained to the top of his right ear during the assassination attempt at his July 13 rally.

Although the ears do bleed heavily, PolitiFact could not identify statistical evidence that they are the “bloodiest part” of the body.

READ MORE: Trump’s campaign has given no official info about his medical care following assassination attempt

The ear gets most of its blood from a branch of the external carotid artery. An injury to an artery is prone to heavier bleeding, according to a study published in the European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery.

But other parts of the upper body might bleed more from an external injury, doctors said.

“The scalp is perhaps the most ‘bloody’ part of the body if injured or cut,” Céline Gounder, a physician, senior fellow at KFF and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, told PolitiFact in an email. “But, in general, the head/neck is the ‘bloodiest’ part of the body. The ear is part of that.”

“An injury similar to what Trump sustained to the ear would bleed less if inflicted on a part of the body below the neck,” Gounder added.

During my presidency, we had “the best economy in the history of our country, in the history of the world … We had no inflation, soaring incomes.”

One of the strongest ways to assess the economy is the unemployment rate, which fell during Trump’s presidency to levels untouched in five decades. But his successor, Joe Biden, matched or exceeded those levels.

READ MORE: U.S. continuing jobless claims rise for 9th straight week, though unemployment stays historically low

Another measure, the annual increases in gross domestic product, were broadly similar under Trump to what they were during the final six years under his predecessor, Barack Obama. And GDP growth under Trump was well below that of previous presidents.

Wage growth increased under Trump, but to say they soared is an exaggeration. Adjusted for inflation, wages began rising during the Obama years and kept increasing under Trump. But these were modest compared with the 2 percent a year increase seen in the 1960s.

Another metric — the growth rate in personal consumption per person, adjusted for inflation — wasn’t higher under Trump than previous presidents. For many families, this statistic serves an economic activity bottom line, determining how much they can spend on food, clothing, housing, health care and travel.

In Trump’s three years in office through January 2020, real consumption per person grew by 2 percent a year. Of the 30 nonoverlapping three-year periods from 1929 to the end of his presidency, Trump’s periods ranked in the bottom third.

As for inflation being zero, that’s also wrong. It was low, ranging from 1.8 percent to 2.4 percent increases year over year in 2017, 2018 and 2019. This is roughly the range the Federal Reserve likes to see. During the coronavirus pandemic-dominated year of 2020, inflation fell to 1.2 percent, because demand plummeted as entertainment and travel collapsed.

“Our current administration, groceries are up 57 percent, gasoline is up 60 percent and 70 percent, mortgage rates have quadrupled.”

There is an element of truth, because prices have risen for all of these. But Trump exaggerated the percentages.

The price of groceries has risen by 21.5 percent in the more than three and a half years since Biden was inaugurated in January 2021.

Gasoline prices are up 55 percent over the same period.

Mortgage rates haven’t quadrupled. But they have more than doubled, because of Federal Reserve rate increases to curb inflation. The average 30-year fixed- mortgage rate mortgage was 2.73 percent in January 2021, but 6.89 percent in July 2024.

“Our crime rate is going up.”

Mostly False

He’s wrong on violent crimes, but has a point for some property crimes.

Federal data shows the overall number of violent crimes, including homicide, has declined during Joe Biden’s presidency. Property crimes have risen, mostly because of motor vehicle thefts.

The FBI data shows the overall violent crime rate — which includes homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault per 100,000 population — fell by 1.6 percent from 2021 to 2022, the most recent year with full-year FBI data.

Private-sector analyses show continued crime declines. For instance, the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank, samples reports from law enforcement agencies in several dozen cities to gauge crime data more quickly than the FBI. The council’s data shows the declining violent crime trends continued into 2023.

Property crime has increased under Biden, although three of the four main categories the FBI tracks — larceny, burglary and arson — were at or below their prepandemic level by 2022. The main exception has been motor vehicle theft, which rose 4 percent from 2020 to 2021 and 10.4 percent from 2021 to 2022.

Taxes, Social Security and Medicare

The biden administration is “the only administration that said we’re going to raise your taxes by four times what you’re paying now.”.

Biden is proposing a tax increase of roughly 7 percent over the next decade, not 300 percent, as Trump claims.

About 83 percent of the proposed Biden tax increase would be borne by the top 1 percent of taxpayers, a level that starts at just under $1 million a year in income.

WATCH: Biden announces tax plan at campaign event in Scranton, PA

Taxpayers earning up to $60,400 would see their yearly taxes decline on average, and taxpayers between $60,400 and $107,300 would see an annual increase of $20 on average.

The IRS hired “88,000 agents” to go after Americans.

The figure, which has been cited as 87,000 in past statements, is related to hires the IRS approved in 2022 that included information technology and taxpayer services, not just enforcement staff. Many of those hires would go toward holding staff numbers steady in the face of a history of budget cuts at the IRS and a wave of projected retirements.

The U.S. Treasury Department previously said that people and small businesses who make less than $400,000 per year would see no change, while audits of corporations and high-net-worth people would rise. House Republicans passed a bill in 2023 to rescind the funding for the hires. Passage by the Democratic Senate majority is unlikely. President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

“Democrats are going to destroy Social Security and Medicare, because all of these people, by the millions, they’re coming in. They’re going to be on Social Security and Medicare and other things, and you’re not able to afford it. They are destroying your Social Security and your Medicare.”

Most immigrants in the U.S. illegally are ineligible for Social Security. Some people who entered the U.S. illegally and were granted humanitarian parole — a temporary permission to stay in the country — for more than one year, may be eligible for Social Security for up to seven years, the Congressional Research Service said.

Immigrants in the U.S. illegally also are generally ineligible to enroll in federally funded health care coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid. (Some states provide Medicaid coverage under state-funded programs regardless of immigration status. Immigrants are eligible for emergency Medicaid regardless of status.)

It’s also wrong to say that immigration will destroy Social Security. The program’s fiscal challenges stem from a shortage of workers compared with beneficiaries. Immigrants who are legally qualified can receive Social Security retirement benefits only after they’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years. So, for at least 10 years, these immigrants will be paying into the system before they draw any benefits.

Immigration is far from a fiscal fix-all for Social Security’s challenges. But having more immigrants in the United States would increase the worker-to-beneficiary ratio, potentially for decades, thus extending the program’s solvency, economic experts say.

Electric vehicles

Trump: “they spent $9 billion on eight chargers.”.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Biden signed in November 2021, allocated $7.5 billion to electric vehicle charging. Trump exaggerated the program and charger costs.

The Federal Highway Administration told PolitiFact that as of this April, the infrastructure funding has created seven open charging stations with 29 spots for electric vehicles to charge. They were installed across five states — Hawaii, Maine, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania — the administration said in a statement.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a May CBS interview that the Biden administration’s goal is to install 500,000 EV chargers by 2030.

“And the very first handful of chargers are now already being physically built. But again, that’s the absolute very, very beginning stages of the construction to come,” Buttigieg said.

The cost for equipment and installation of high-speed EV chargers can range from $58,000 to $150,000 per charger, depending on wattage and other factors.

The federally funded EV charging program started slowly. The Energy Department said initial state plans were approved in September 2022. Since April, federally funded charging stations have opened in Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont.

“I will end the electric vehicle mandate on Day 1.”

There is no electric vehicle mandate to begin with.

The Biden administration has set a goal — not a mandate — to have electric vehicles comprise half of all new vehicle sales by 2030.

Later in his speech, Trump said: “I am all for electric. … But if somebody wants to buy a gas-powered car… or a hybrid, they are going to be able to do it. And we’re going to make that change on Day 1. ” The Biden administration has introduced new regulations on gas-powered cars but those policies do not ban gas-powered cars. They can continue to be sold, even after 2030.

“Under the Trump administration, just three and a half years ago, we were energy independent.”

Half True .

There are various definitions of “energy independence,” but during Trump’s presidency, the U.S. became a net energy exporter and began producing more energy than it consumed. Both milestones hadn’t been achieved in decades.

However, that achievement built on more than a decade of improvements in shale oil and gas production, along with renewable energies. The U.S. also did not achieve net exporter status for crude oil, which produces the type of energy that voters hold politicians most accountable for: gasoline.

Even during a period of greater energy independence, the U.S. energy supply is still sensitive to global developments, experts told PolitiFact in 2023. Because many U.S. refineries cannot process the type of crude oil produced in the U.S., they need to import a different type of oil from overseas to serve the domestic market.

Election fraud claims

“they used covid to cheat.”.

Pants on Fire !

During the pandemic, multiple states altered rules to ease mail-in voting for people concerned about contracting COVID-19 at indoor polling places. Changes included mailing ballots to all registered voters, removing excuse requirements to vote by mail and increasing the number of ballot drop boxes. State officials used legal methods to enact these changes, and the new rules applied to all voters, regardless of party affiliation.

The 2020 election was certified by every state and confirmed by more than 60 court cases nationwide.

During his presidency, we had “the biggest regulation cuts ever.”

We tracked Trump’s progress on his campaign promise to “enact a temporary ban on new regulations” and rated that a Compromise.

Near the end of Trump’s presidency, an expert told us that overall the amount of federal regulations was roughly unchanged since Trump took office.

Foreign policy

Russia’s war in ukraine and hamas’ attack on israel “would have never happened if i were president.”.

This is unsubstantiated and ignores the complexities of global conflict. There’s no way to assess whether Russian President Vladimir Putin wouldn’t have invaded Ukraine in February 2022 if Trump were still president, or whether Hamas wouldn’t have attacked Israel in October 2023.

Experts told PolitiFact that there’s a limit to how much influence U.S. presidents have over whether a foreign conflict erupts into war. “American presidents have scant control over foreign decisions about war and peace unless they show their willingness to commit American power,” said Richard Betts, a Columbia University professor emeritus of war and peace studies and of international and public affairs.

During the Trump administration, there were no new major overseas wars or invasions. But during his presidency, there were still conflicts within Israel and between Russia and Ukraine. For example, Russia was intervening militarily in the Ukraine’s Donbas region throughout Trump’s administration.

Trump also supported weakening NATO, reducing expectations among allies that the U.S. would intervene militarily if they were attacked.

Although there’s no way to know how the war in Israel would have played out, experts said the prospect of the Abraham Accords — the peace effort between Israel and Arab nations led by the Trump administration — likely helped drive Hamas’ attack.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that the prospect of the Abraham Accords being embraced by countries such as Saudi Arabia was one of the main causes of the Oct. 7 attack,” Ambassador Martin Kimani, the executive director of NYU’s Center on International Cooperation said.

When the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, we “left behind $85 billion worth of military equipment.”

This is an exaggeration. When the Taliban toppled Afghanistan’s civilian government in 2021, it inherited military hardware the U.S. gave it. But it did not amount to $85 billion.

A 2022 independent inspector general report informed Congress that about $7 billion of U.S.-funded equipment remained in Afghanistan and in the Taliban’s hands. According to the report, “The U.S. military removed or destroyed nearly all major equipment used by U.S. troops in Afghanistan throughout the drawdown period in 2021.”

We rated a similar claim False in 2021.

When he was president, “Iran was broke.”

Iran’s foreign currency reserves fell from $128 billion in 2015 to $15 billion in 2019, a dramatic drop in absolute dollars. The decline is widely believed to be a consequence of the tightened U.S. sanctions under Trump, and although Iran’s foreign currency reserves have grown since then, it’s nowhere near pre-2019 levels.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis pegged Iran’s foreign currency reserves in 2024 around $36 billion.

PolitiFact Chief Correspondent Louis Jacobson, Senior Correspondent Amy Sherman, Staff Writers Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu, Maria Briceño, Madison Czopek, Marta Campabadal Graus, Ranjan Jindal, Mia Penner, Samantha Putterman, Sara Swann, Loreben Tuquero, Maria Ramirez Uribe and Researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this story.

Our convention fact-checks rely on both new and previously reported work. We link to past work whenever possible. In some cases, a fact-check rating may be different tonight than in past versions. In those cases, either details of what the candidate said, or how the candidate said it, differed enough that we evaluated it anew.

More RNC 2024 coverage

Live updates: Trump to speak at RNC Night 4
Live fact check: Night 4 of the Republican National Convention
WATCH: Sen. JD Vance’s full speech at 2024 Republican National Convention
Fact-checking VP nominee Vance’s speech to the RNC
WATCH: Trump tells private event that he got lucky, ‘God was with me’ during assassination attempt
WATCH: Where RNC delegates stand on immigration

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8 takeaways from Trump's RNC speech — the first since his attempted assassination

Trump officially accepted the GOP's presidential nomination for the 3rd time on Thursday.
His first speech since the assassination attempt, it was the longest acceptance speech in history.
He discussed the incident, and even displayed the chart that he says saved his life.

On Thursday night, former President Donald Trump officially accepted the Republican Party's presidential nomination for the third time.

The speech, delivered at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, lasted roughly one hour, 32 minutes, apparently the longest in American history.

It was the former president's first public address since a gunman attempted to assassinate him at a Pennsylvania rally last Saturday. Following the incident, Trump said that he had re-written his speech and intended to focus on unity.

It was also Trump's first speech since he named Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate. And it came as the candidacy of his chief opponent, President Joe Biden, appeared to be on its last legs.

The speech was long, at times rambling, and touched on much of the same themes of his previous campaign speeches.

Here are the 8 top takeaways from Trump's Thursday night address.

1. Trump described the assassination attempt in painful detail

Still sporting the large ear bandage that he's been wearing throughout the convention, Trump began his speech by addressing Saturday's assassination attempt.

"I will tell you exactly what happened," Trump said. "And you'll never hear it from me a second time, because it's actually too painful to tell."

The audience fell dead silent as he described the attempt on his life in detail, describing the "loud whizzing sound" of the bullet grazing his ear.

"[I] felt something hit me really, really hard on my right ear, I said to myself ... it can only be a bullet, and moved my right hand to my ear, brought it down. My hand was covered with blood." — Donald Trump describes the moment he was shot pic.twitter.com/Ay2cue5EFd — The Recount (@therecount) July 19, 2024

"My hand was covered with blood," Trump said, describing what happened after he brought his hand to his ear. "Just absolutely blood all over the place."

He went further into detail, saying the crowd was unmoving because they saw the blood and believed he might be dead.

"There's an interesting statistic: The ears are the bloodiest part. If something happens with the ears, they bleed more than any other part of the body, for whatever reason," Trump said. "So we learned something."

2. He recognized Corey Comperatore, the man killed at the rally

On stage with Trump the whole time was the fire gear belonging to Corey Comperatore , the former firefighter chief who was killed by the assassin's bullet at the Pennsylvania rally.

"But Cory — unfortunately we have to use the past tense — he was incredible," Trump said. The former president added that he had called Comperatore's wife Helen earlier on Thursday.

3. He also used the assassination attempt to his advantage

At the end of the day, Trump is still Trump.

As he wound down his discussion of the Pennsylvania rally, Trump turned toward the myriad legal cases he's faced in the last several years.

"We must not criminalize dissent or demonize political disagreement, which is what's been happening in our country lately at a level that nobody has ever seen before," Trump said. "In that spirit, the Democrat Party should immediately stop weaponizing the justice system and labeling their political opponent as an enemy of democracy."

He went on to tout Judge Aileen Cannon's dismissal of the classified documents case against him, which is likely to be appealed.

"If Democrats want to unify our country, they should drop these partisan witch hunts, which I have been going through for approximately eight years," Trump said.

4. Trump said that JD Vance, his new VP pick, is 'going to be doing this for a long time'

Earlier this week, Trump selected Vance — one of the former president's staunchest loyalists in the Senate — to be his running mate.

In his first public comments after that selection, Trump said he was "thrilled to have a new friend and partner fighting by my side."

He also mentioned Vance's wife, Usha, and focused heavily on the fact that they attended Yale Law School.

"It was an honor to select him. Great, great student at Yale. His wife was a great student at Yale. They met at Yale. These are two smart people," Trump said. "So JD, you're going to be doing this for a long time. Enjoy the ride."

Vance, who turns 40 next month, is one of the youngest vice presidential nominees in American history. If Trump is elected, he'll be just a heartbeat away from the presidency, and he's well-positioned to be the GOP's standard bearer in 2028.

5. Despite his 'unity' promises, the speech wasn't that unifying

Trump promised a unity-focused speech.

Though his tone was notably more subdued than prior public appears, he made plenty of incendiary comments about his political rivals, declaring at one point that Democrats are "destroying our country." And he continued to lie about the results of the 2020 election.

"We don't have fierce people," Trump said when discussing foreign wars. "We have people that are a lot less than fierce, except when it comes to cheating on elections and a couple of other things. Then they're fierce."

He also went directly after Biden.

"If you took the 10 worst presidents in the history of the United States — think of it, the 10 worst, added them up — they will not have done the damage that Biden has done," Trump said. "Only gonna use the term once. Biden, I'm not going to use the name anymore. Just one time."

6. Trump called for the firing of UAW President Shawn Fain, underscoring the GOP's struggle to win over organized labor

Trump's speech contained numerous appeals toward union members, arguing that "unions are suffering" as the result of illegal immigration.

At one point, he took a direct swipe at Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers, who has been harshly critical of Trump and endorsed Biden for president in January.

As he called for the elimination of Biden's electrical vehicle requirements , arguing that the policy was driving manufacturing overseas, he said that the union "ought to be ashamed for allowing this to happen, and the leader of the United Auto Workers should be fired immediately."

Electric vehicle policies have been at the heart of the GOP's attempts to win over auto workers, including when the UAW went on strike last fall. While Fain and the UAW have raised concerns about electric vehicles, they have not wholly rejected Biden's policies on the issues.

"The whole problem that we have is a guy like Shawn Fain blasting Donald Trump," Vance, now Trump's VP pick, told Business Insider in September. "At the very least, just shut your mouth, and take the support from wherever you can get it."

As Trump's speech continued, the UAW fired back, calling him a "scab and a billionaire."

. @realDonaldTrump is a scab and a billionaire and that's who he represents. We know which side we're on. Not his. — UAW (@UAW) July 19, 2024

7. Trump showed the chart he displayed on the day he was shot — arguing it may have saved his life

A major reason why Trump survived the assassination attempt last Saturday is because his head was turned to the side: He was pointed toward a chart produced by the Border Patrol that depicting illegal immigration in recent years.

Displaying it again roughly an hour into his speech, Trump described it as "the chart that saved my life."

"Last time I put up that chart, I never really got to look at it," Trump said. "But without that chart, I would not be here today."

Donald Trump shows the border chart that he says saved his life from the bullet that hit him in the ear. The chart makes it clear that this crisis is Biden's Border Invasion. pic.twitter.com/dmt4oIXKlB — Media Research Center (@theMRC) July 19, 2024

8. It was the longest presidential nomination acceptance speech in recorded history

At 92 minutes, Trump's speech on Thursday night appeared to be the longest ever delivered by a major party's presidential nominee.

According to The American Presidency Project at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Trump exceeded a record he set himself in 2016, when he delivered a nomination speech lasting nearly one hour and 15 minutes.

Trump's 2020 speech was similarly lengthy, lasting roughly one hour and 10 minutes.

By contrast, Biden's 2020 acceptance speech lasted less than 25 minutes.

Watch: Top takeaways from the first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 primary

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The man killed in the assassination attempt on Trump died shielding his family

Meg Anderson

SHOOTING VICTIM PROFILE

Corey Comperatore poses in a photo from a GoFundMe page dedicated to his daughter Allyson in the aftermath of his death. The GoFundMe has raised more than $400,000 so far. Screenshot/GoFundMe hide caption

The man killed Saturday during the assassination attempt on former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pa., died a hero, according to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro during a press conference Sunday. Corey Comperatore, 50, “ dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally,” Shapiro said.

Shots broke out only a few minutes into the Trump rally. One of those bullets struck the former president’s right ear. His team has reported he is safe. Two others in attendance, 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaver, were also shot but are now in stable condition, according to Pennsylvania State Police .

Comperatore’s sister, Dawn Comperatore Schafer, shared in a Facebook post how her brother protected his family at the rally.

“The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most. He was a hero that shielded his daughters. His wife and girls just lived through the unthinkable and unimaginable,” Schafer wrote. The post has since been deleted.

Comperatore, who lived in Sarver, Pa., was the father of two daughters: Allyson and Kaylee, both of whom are in their 20s. According to his LinkedIn profile, he was an engineer at a plastic manufacturing company in Butler. He was also a volunteer firefighter in Buffalo Township, just northeast of Pittsburgh.

Rich Hill, the township manager, said he is "deeply saddened" by Comperatore's death.

"Corey was a dedicated husband, father, friend, and volunteer to the community, and will be sorely missed. Political violence is always unacceptable and should be condemned," Hill said in an email to NPR.

“Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community, and most especially, Corey loved his family,” Gov. Shapiro said. “Corey was an avid supporter of the former president and was so excited to be there last night with him in the community.”

At least two GoFundMe accounts have been started in the aftermath of the shooting. One, focusing its support on Comperatore’s daughter Allyson, has raised more than $529,000, as of Sunday evening. The other, which says the money it raises will go more generally to the victims of the shooting, has so far raised more than $2.8 million.

At the press conference Sunday, Gov. Shapiro called for peace.

“My message to all Pennsylvanians, my message to all Americans is to be firm in your beliefs, to believe what you believe, to advocate for what you believe, and to be engaged in the political and civic process, but to always do so peacefully,” he said. “To remember that while we may be Democrats or Republicans above all else, we are Americans.”

The governor ordered flags to fly at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds.

Here Is the Lineup of Speakers for the First Night of the Republican Convention

Trump has talked of emphasizing “unity” after he survived an assassination attempt. The list features some of the most far-right members of the G.O.P.

Share full article

People are standing around the stage at the Fiserv Forum making preparations for the satrt of the Republican National Convention.

By Maggie Astor and Maggie Haberman

July 15, 2024

The lineup of speakers for the first night of the Republican National Convention on Monday has been finalized, according to a person briefed on the planning.

In the early afternoon, Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, will preside over a series of formal proceedings, including the adoption of the Republican Party’s new platform. The chairmen of the Iowa and Nevada parties will give the nominating and seconding speeches for former President Donald J. Trump, and a roll-call vote will be overseen by Mike Johnson, the speaker of the House.

The prime-time programming will begin around 6 p.m. Central time and will feature an array of speakers.

While Mr. Trump has said that he plans to emphasize “unity” in the aftermath of the assassination attempt against him on Saturday, the people scheduled to speak Monday night include some of the most far-right figures within the Republican Party. At least one has used violent rhetoric himself: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson of North Carolina, the state’s Republican nominee for governor, who said in a recent sermon, “Some folks need killing.”

Notable names, in the order in which they are scheduled to speak, include:

Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson of North Carolina

Representative Wesley Hunt of Texas

Representative John James of Michigan

Senator Katie Britt of Alabama

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina

Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia

Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota

Representative Byron Donalds of Florida

Charlie Kirk, the executive director of Turning Point USA

Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee

Sean O’Brien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Maggie Astor covers politics for The New York Times, focusing on breaking news, policies, campaigns and how underrepresented or marginalized groups are affected by political systems. More about Maggie Astor

Maggie Haberman is a senior political correspondent reporting on the 2024 presidential campaign, down ballot races across the country and the investigations into former President Donald J. Trump. More about Maggie Haberman

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The best man speech is usually between meals at a reception. That means you have to make your mark - and get in what you have to say in a short time. Meaning that short best man speeches are perfectly fine, you don't have to overthink it. It can be 1 minute, it can be 5 minutes.
9 Steps to Write a Best Man Speech
5. Keep your best man speech short and sweet. In terms of wedding speech order, the best man speech is typically first, followed by the maid of honor's toast and parent speeches or father-of-the-bride-speech.Even though you'll go first, a good best man speech is short and sweet, since you want to avoid people growing restless during the later speeches (guests are ready to eat, drink, and dance ...
How To Give the Perfect Best Man Speech (With Examples)
The best tips, including best man dos and don'ts, examples and the perfect template, for how to toast the happy couple in style as you give this important speech at their wedding.
Quick & Short Best Man Speech Template
Note: This short Best Man speech template uses the name 'Tom' for the Groom, Sarah for the Bride, 'Ben' for the Best Man and other example names. Insert the names for your group as needed. Your short Best Man speech template 1. Opening and introduce yourself . Good afternoon everyone, I'm sure you'll all admit this has turned out to be a brilliant wedding celebration, yet every ...
How To Write A Killer Best Man Speech (With Templates)
A funny, heartfelt speech from the best man is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding. Here's how to give a great toast (without embarrassing yourself). ... Say "thank you" to those who made the wedding possible and show appreciation to the groom for choosing you as his best man. Modify this: "I am so grateful to Mr. and Mrs ...
Best Man Speech: Your Comprehensive Guide
The ideal way to structure a best man speech is to find a connection between a story about your friend and your support for the couple. Share a story about how your friend would always lament that he would never find a woman with x,y, and z qualities, but how he finally did in his new bride. ... People have probably already listened to the maid ...
How to Deliver a Great Best Man Speech, with Examples
The guests have already listened to the bride's father and maid of honour speeches and are minutes away from eating the cake, so shoot for five minutes tops. ... After all, these best man speech tips were written to provide you with a guide. Your natural mannerisms and voice is what will make the difference so make it sincere, personal and if ...
Bestman Speech Examples & Ready-made Toasts
The Best Man uses his speech to celebrate the Groom's achievements on his ultimate day of success… but perhaps these achievements aren't all they've cracked up to be. ... Pinpoint the ideas you need from hundreds of professionally written best man speeches. Best man status . Cocky. Speech 9; Speech 22; Speech 34; Speech 43; Speech 91 ...
Best Man Speech Examples
How to Write a Best Man Speech: Opening Lines to Closing Remarks. Starting your best man speech and coming up with best man speech ideas may seem daunting if you're new to speech writing. So, let's begin by developing an outline of the elements you'll likely want to include. This will be the best man speech structure: Opening statement
Top Tips & Advice for Writing a Best Man Speech
Speechwriting can be daunting, especially when it comes to the best man speech, i.e. often one of the most talked about moments of the day. Whether you're the best man in question, or getting married and looking for something to give your best man a nudge in the right direction, our list of simple top tips will make sure your speech goes off without a hitch.
Best Man Speech Examples (Written By Speechy)
We have further advice on how to start a best man speech, best man speech opening lines and length of best man speech.. Example 2- Older Groom, International Audience Hello & intro "Honoured guests, friends and family, Spaniards and Americans - today is a momentous occasion as we witness the union of two cultures in the marriage of Michelle and Andre.
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12 Best Man Speeches To Get Inspired By

Traditional Wedding Speech Order

Things To Include In Your Best Man Speech

Your Best Man Speech Should Cover

Inspiring Best Man Speech Examples

The Absolute Best Man Speech

Heartfelt Best Man Speech With A Touch Of Humor

Killer Best Man Speech Filled With Humor & The Best Toast Ever!!

Best Man Is Superman & Groom Is His Kryptonite

A Truly Inspirational Best Man Speech, Oh! And it Doesn’t Hurt Shawn Johnson’s The Bride.

A Humble Best Man Speech With Witt & Style

Best Man Embarrasses Bride In A Friendly Roast

Heartfelt And Personal

Epic Best Man Speech – Movie Trailer Idea

Short & Sweet Best Man Speech

11 Year Old Best Man Kills His Best Man Speech

Free Short Best Man Speech Examples That'll Capture Hearts

Sample Short Best Man Speeches

Sample Speech One

Speech Three

Funny Short Best Man Speech One-Liners

Contents of Best Man Speeches

Best Man Toast Versus Speech

Give It Your Best

The Ultimate Best Man Speech Guide (Examples And Templates Included)

How To Structure A Best Man Speech

Best Man Speech Do’s And Don’ts

What Not To Do

Tips For Writing A Best Man Speech

Qualities To Talk About In The Best Man Speech

Best Man Speech Examples

Best Man Speech Frequentl Asked Questions

When Does The Best Man’S Speech Happen?

How Long Should A Best Man Speech Be?

What Should You Include In A Best Man Speech?

Who Should You Thank In A Best Man Speech?

Lisa Plaitt

How to Write and Deliver the Perfect Best Man Speech

Best Man Speech Template

Find a Theme

Build a Framework

Nail the Opening

Focus on the Newlyweds

Share Your Feelings

Best Man Speech Writing and Delivery Tips

Consider Your Audience

Put Down Your Notes

Stay True to Yourself

Don't Rely Solely on Humor

Keep Things Positive

Don't Upstage the Newlyweds

Keep It Appropriate

Get a Second Opinion

Keep It Short

Limit Your Drinks

Mind Your Body Language

Best Man Speech Openers

Introduce Yourself With a Twist

Crack a Joke, Even a Corny One

Be Hilarious With a Straight Face

Introduce a Recurring Theme

Ask a Question to Answer Throughout

Rhyme-Master Flex

Read a Definition from the Dictionary

Tell a Story of How You Met

Begin With a Quote

Read Something in a Different Language

The Bottom Line

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Best Man Speech Magic: Crafting Words that Resonate and Inspire

Top Best Man Speeches Examples

Best Man Speech For Friend

Best Man Speech for Brother

Short Best Man Speeches

Funny Best Man Speeches

Best Man Presentation for Sarah & Simon

Speech for Neil and Claire