You met up with your best buddy the day he bought the ring. You reassured him that she’s his perfect match and you admire the playful outlook they share on life. You co-hosted a nautical-themed engagement party that played up their shared love of sailing, and you know he had a great time, because he, who never dances, had to be dragged off the floor when the club closed. You organized an amazing bachelor party in Dallas – 50-yard line tickets to see his all-time favorite team win the big game. Bottom line, you have been…so far… a model best man.
As you are well aware, however, for most your performance as best man will come down to the speech you deliver at the wedding. How do you ensure a speech that will cement your performance as the World’s Greatest Best Man? You keep doing what you’ve been doing, and make your speech all about your friend – his life’s path, his greatest passions, his annoying habits, the things that define him to those who love him most.
You could say, “Paul has been a good friend since we met back in college, and I’ve known since he first introduced me to Linda that he saw something special in her. They share common interests and she even puts up with his more independent obsessions…” Remarks like these are safe, but you should ask yourself if they could easily be spoken at any other couple’s wedding. If the answer is yes, you have more work to do.
Let’s revisit these same lines with a personal spin worthy of your fun-loving friend from college who is a horrible dancer, an obsessed Dallas Cowboys fan, and an accomplished sailor.
Rather than stating that you met back in college, you should introduce your college roots while poking a little fun at something that defines their relationship, for example, their playful outlook. “I had considered talking about Paul and Linda growing up, but unfortunately I didn’t know either of them until college, and to be honest with you, I haven’t seen any evidence to suggest that they have actually grown up yet.”
Next, share a fun memory from college, dig up a little harmless dirt and give everyone a laugh. “Back in college, we cemented our friendship over many late nights at Bullwinkles, a popular bar just off campus. It was there that I first witnessed the raw and still undiscovered talent of Paul’s rhythm. He would often empty the dance floor with his awkward moves that left all the ladies speechless - so speechless, in fact, they never spoke to him. Fortunately, Linda and her friends hung out elsewhere.”
Next, rather than mention that they share common interests and Linda puts up with his independent obsessions, get specific and keep the laughs rolling. “Not long after meeting Paul I was introduced to his first love, a love that has stood the test of time. I am of course talking about the Dallas Cowboys. My strong advice to Linda is to tell him that you understand the offside penalty rule. Of course, you don’t and never will, but it will save you hours of tedious explanations with salt and pepper shakers being moved around the table. Thankfully Linda shares Paul’s second great love: sailing. Because let’s face it, when Paul starts going on about his beloved boat, there’s never a dull moment … it’s all dull.”
If you really want to be the world’s greatest best man, remember in the end it will come down to your speech, and the best way to deliver a great speech is to leverage your personal history and exploit the groom’s unique character traits. Visit for the world’s largest collection of best man speech material, including each of the anecdotes mentioned above. helps best men turn generic well wishes into meaningful, blockbuster speeches that leave the groom and entire audience in awe. So visit , and take your shot at earning the title of World’s Greatest.
