Best Man Wedding Speeches: Imagining The Audience In Their Skivvies

Tons of remedies for stage fright exist, and it's all about finding the one that works for you. However, the best thing you can do is to be prepared. Just being prepared takes a load of stress of your back, instantly putting you in a more secure place. You can go into your speech feeling confident that you know what you want to say, and that you are capable of presenting it. Practicing in the mirror is a good way to prepare yourself. Shut your eyes, pretend you're at the wedding reception, and start your best man wedding speech. The first few times, practice only small parts, then eventually build up to the entire speech. Once you become more familiar with your speech, try to do it without stopping. If you stumble, gather your thoughts and keep going. Try to remain calm when you stop, because getting flustered will only make it worse. By practicing under stressful situations and preparing for the worst possible case, you can be prepared if it happens, or even avoid it altogether.

There are tons of natural and effective ways to reduce your nervousness. Even just some simple breathing exercises are a proven effective way to reduce tension. Speaking of breathing, don't forget to breathe during your speech. I have to prepare and present many speeches, and my biggest issue is remembering to breathe. Having to take a gasping breath is never convenient. Just relaxing can automatically trigger a more regulated breathing pattern and keep your heart from pounding. Make a conscious effort to relax your muscles and feel free to move around a little bit. You don't want to look rigid and stiff like a statue, but you also don't want to pace back and forth.

Move around a little bit, but avoid pacing. Picture the natural way a comedian looks on stage. A few sips of a drink can calm you down and reduce your nervousness a little. However, do NOT drink too much. Saying your speech while drunk, while it may be funny, will only result in embarrassment for yourself as well as the couple and will leave the groom feeling disrespected. Don't let your nerves bait you into drinking too much.

Have something in your non-microphone hand, but make sure it's not noticeable. A rolled-up paper towel or two is a great DIY stress ball, and it also absorbs sweat. Keeping it inconspicuous allows the audience to stay focused on you and what you have to stay, as opposed to the mysterious object you keep waving around. Keep a glass of water nearby, but don't hold it in your hand. You don't want to accidentally spill it or toss it on the Bride. Again, think comedian when going for a drink. Don't stand there and chug the whole glass while the audience watches. A few good sips won't interrupt the flow of your speech and will give you a good quick mid-speech refresher.

Look directly above the heads of the audience. You can pretend your speaking to a room of mannequins, but that may or may not freak you out a little. Don't look straight up at the ceiling, but scan the back wall of the room with your eyes. You don't need to make eye-contact with anyone if you can make it look like you are. Pretend you're alone or just talking directly to the Groom. This sounds like it's easier said than done, but it can be pretty simple. Take a few seconds before you start your best man speechs to "get in the zone." Seriously, take your time. It might feel like a century to you, but time hasn't slowed down. Give your self a quick pep talk. You were chosen out of all the people in the crowd to be the Best Man for the Groom. Be proud of that! There are tons of people who will never get the opportunity to give such a memorable best man wedding speech to their best friend, father, or son.