A best man is usually a brother or a good friend of the groom. His speech and toast at the wedding should reflect his close relationship. It is permissible, indeed desirable, for the speech to include jokes and anecdotes but they must be in good taste. It is never, never suitable to embarrass anyone present by saying anything blue or tasteless. The best man usually doubles as Master of Ceremonies on the wedding day so his comments must be polished and polite and light-hearted. He should be complimentary to the hosts, the guests, the couple and to the bridesmaids. After all it is his duty to respond to the groom’s toast to them. His speech needn’t be long but if he is toasting the couple at the end then it would be preferable if he ended his speech with an unusual toast rather than use the usual “Let us raise our glasses in a toast to the bride and groom”. He might write his own toast or search for an unusual one. The Irish are renowned for their writing and their toasts so the best man might find one of theirs suitable for his needs. Above all he should see that the wedding day goes off smoothly for the happy couple. Saying the right things at the right time, including his speech, is one of the best ways to ensure that.

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Weddings are as different as the people who marry. The same applies to wedding speeches and toasts. Nonetheless there are some sentiments that are common to all. The father of the bride will usually be proud of his daughter and wish her happiness.

The mother of the bride naturally feels the same. Their speeches will show their connection with and rearing of the bride. If a father is not speaking the task is the uncle of the bride or some other relative. Such a speech will be loving but will not have the intimate touches of a father or mother’s speech. Most of these speeches end with a traditional toast but it, of course, nicer if you can have a different one or end with say, an Irish toast. The toast is, after all the last thing said to the couple so it is appropriate that it should be meaningful and memorable and reflect your wishes for them..

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Obviously the first thing you should consider when writing a speech is your subject choice. You may, of course, be overwhelmed by the thought of speaking at all but a well chosen subject will attract your audience. Your subject will, of course, depend upon the occasion and most importantly, it will depend upon the audience. You may have a choice in subject matter or you may not. In some respects I think being given a choice makes it harder.

Whatever you choose I recommend that you write your speech about something that you know about. The reason for this is simple. It will make it easier to find something interesting to say about a subject that you enjoy. Secondly your passion and enthusiasm will communicate itself with your audience.

If you have been given a subject that you consider boring, you will write and give a boring speech unless you can tackle that subject from an unusual angle. If you have to talk about bees, for instance, maybe you could do your speech as though it were written by an overworked Queen Bee. If you are talking about music perhaps you could talk about students who have stumbled their scales on your keys. Stimulate your audience by making their imagination work. It’s the secret of a good speech.

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Giving a good speech helps your self confidence and self esteem. It is a valuable skill to have. The more speeches you give the more likely you are to be less nervous. The better prepared your speech the more confidence you will have and the easier it will be to speak..

The first thing to consider when giving a speech is the topic. What subject are you going to talk about? That will depend upon the occasion and most importantly, it will depend upon the audience. You may have a choice in subject matter or you may not. In some respects I think being given a choice can make it harder to choose.

It is important that you know your subject. Don’t speak about conquering outer space if you know absolutely nothing about it. It is much easier to speak about a subject you enjoy. You might, for instance, speak of your love of horse-riding. Your passion and enthusiasm will communicate itself with your audience.

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It is an astounding fact that many people say the fear of public speaking is worse than death. Giving a speech certainly is a nerve wracking experience. Some of those nerves are necessary. Many of the worries about giving a speech are in fact about the content of that speech. If you have written your speech well or have had one written by an expert, you will be comfortable with what you are going to say.

If you are sharing information that is interesting and relevant, people will be more interested in your speech. That enthusiasm will connect with the audience and make your job easier. If your speech is well written and informative, no matter what kind of speech it is, it will be a pleasure to listen to.

You may never be asked to speak at a Senate commission or on nationwide television… You may, though be asked to speak at a birthday or on an anniversary. A good speech can help in class and help you socially. It will help you in your career and even one day perhaps when you win an award or say farewell to a colleague. Whatever the occasion a few well chosen words will help make the occasion special.

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