Funny Best Man Speeches
Everybody loves a good joke but is there really a place for funny best man speeches? Its far too easy for the best man to forget about the fact that the day is not about him and that whatever he does is a reflection on the groom and how this special day pans out for the bride and groom. Like all things in life there is a right way and a wrong way to add comedy to your speech. When done the right way, you speech can hit a home run. If done the wrong way you can lose your friendship with the groom (and I’ve seen this happen).
Before we look at the speech itself its worth mentioning that there is a common belief in the culture that its okay to play pranks on the groom. Although this started out in good taste, its certainly crossed the boundary quite a few times in recent years. If you are inclined to participate in this, let me remind you that the real duty of the best man is to be the groom’s right hand man. You are there to be by his side – not ruin his big day with elaborate pranks and silly jokes.
We all have an inherent fear of public speaking. Great speakers have learned to deal with it and are able to speak comfortably without any problems. For the majority of us this does not come naturally. Humor is a great way to help you cope with this.
If you can get your audience to laugh it does amazing things for you as a speaker. The value of a funny best man speech is first and foremost the ability to relax you and put you in a good mindset. Being relaxed with your audience immediately creates a very different attitude. It also opens up your audience and helps them to relax and be comfortable with you.
There are some basic guidelines to going the funny route with your best man speech. Here are a few guidelines to follow at all times:
1. Be tasteful
The temptation to use dirty jokes will always be there. Resist it. You may draw a few laughs but it will immediately alienate your audience. Its also that a wedding is not the place to do this. Be respectful of all your audience.
2. Start off well
Your best joke should be the opening of your speech. If you can get people giggling right from the get go then you will draw them in and have their attention for the duration of the speech.
3. Use props
Although this is a bit controversial, you certainly can use props in your speech. If you make it fun it certainly adds an element of surprise. I’ve seen some great best man speeches from guys who used slide shows of funny picture of the groom. It added a personal element that was both classy and funny.
4. Be serious
Remember that your best man speech is not a stand up comedy routine. Humor is good but always remember to add the serious part to it. Work it into the ending of your speech and conclude on a serious note by raising a toast.
5. Avoid cliches
This is a pet hate of mine and one that I would recommend you steer well clear of. Do not use some of the old cliches regarding weddings and the jokes around it. Come up with fresh and original jokes. The best way to do this is to make it all personal and always relate your humor to the groom.
To be honest with you, funny best man speeches can be a gamble. If you can draw the laughs and get the audience going then it will be great. If you can’t and it flops then you will look silly. This is why its always good to add a serious element to what your speech.
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