best man do's ...
1) remember to breathe - deeply and rhythmically. It pumps oxygen into your blood and keeps the brain sharp.
2) imagine it's over - This is a very popular NLP (neuro linguistic programming) technique. Before you stand up, you visualise the end result as you feeling elated and relieved with everyone smiling and clapping. Thinking how great you'll feel will relax you in the present moment.
3) have a laugh - Just before you stand up, think of a funny story or event that really tickles you. Really get into it and make yourself laugh - even just a little - and it will loosen you up and feed a sense of fun and enjoyment.
4) smile! - Be welcoming and warm. It sets the tone straight away and people will immediately warm to you without knowing why.
5) relax - It's your time, so take it. Everyone will listen to what you have to say. They want to. The speeches are always fun. Remember this and you'll deliver your words with confidence and ease.
6) make eye contact with the audience - Look around. The trick is to imagine you're simply chatting to everyone there.
7) speak slowly and clearly - Many speeches get a, 'it was good, but I couldn't make out half of it' response. Bearing this in mind will prevent you from rushing.
8) forget yourself - Take the weight off your ego by reflecting that this is about other people - not you. Don't take yourself too seriously - if people shout out heckles, go with it. More than half room, especially the coffin dodgers, won't even remember your name after a few drinks let alone the speech.
9) and, when you expect a laugh, wait for it - If it's slow in coming, encourage them. Do not hurry on. Give people time to laugh and don't start again until it has died down. Enjoy it. If you get an unexpected laugh - check your flies.
10) look smart - You're going to be centre stage for a very short time, so look your best.
best man dont's
1) pretty obviously don't be offensive - only use safe, gentle humour, appropriate to the situation and ALL the wedding guests - including children, older people and maiden aunts. Don't criticise anyone present. And if either the bride or groom has had a colourful past, don't dredge up material that could embarrass them. Nobody wants jokes at their expense on their wedding day, however much you might think they do - they won't thank you for the public humiliation.
2) don't get too laruped, you'll look like a berk - unless you're a very funny drunk, and it'll upset the top table.
3) wear clothes, keep your jacket and tie on - respect the audience.
useful best man info ...
• Best man's advice - a quick breakdown of what you need to know
• Best man's speech - introduction, this could help!
• Best man's speech 2 - top tips in a list
• Best man duties - what's expected of the best man |
