While there are no specific rules to know before writing a best man speech, you should take into consideration a few general tips that can improve the tone of the speech. 

The best man speech has to follow up with speeches made by the maid of honor, bride's father, and groom. So, the best man is under immense pressure to perform casually in front of hundreds of guests. 

The probability of the best man speech going wrong doesn't depend only on the choice of words but also on how the speaker delivers the lines. But, the words used during the speech and their timing also play a significant role in creating an impression on the guests present at the reception.

Take a look at a few tips for best man speech to consider before you start writing.

• Make it funny:

Include a few lighthearted jokes in your speech and make sure to use them at regular intervals. You don't want to bore the guests with a serious speech.

However, be careful not to include any offensive jokes or jokes about his ex-girlfriends. It's better to skip a joke than to use one that can offend the newlyweds.

Skip any in-jokes that the guests might not understand.

• Make it simple:

Use simple words that can be easily understood by the guests at the wedding. 

The best speech is not meant to be a test of your vocabulary. Don't use complicated words that most people need a dictionary to understand.

Also, don't use complex analogies or anecdotes. You can use a few quotes but make sure to relate those with the wedding or the couple. 

• Avoid upstaging the bride and groom:

While you are expected to introduce yourself and talk about your relationship with the groom, you should be careful not to divert attention from the newlyweds. Just remember you are not the star of the day, the bride and groom are.

• Rehearse your speech:

Always rehearse your speech multiple times before giving it at the wedding reception or the rehearsal dinner.

Just like public speaking, the best man speech also needs a few attempts before it can be delivered with perfection.

Unprepared speeches often end up in embarrassing moments where the speaker gets stuck or disoriented. To avoid this, practice giving the speech in the mirror. Also, if you have a fear of public speaking, try saying it in front of a few people before giving the speech at the official ceremony. 

It is best to record your rehearsal speech to find out that you look and sound appropriately during the speech.

• Express gratitude for the couple:

Staying humble is one of the best ways to make sure that you don't screw up the speech. 

Express gratitude towards the newlyweds and the hosts for making you a part of their special day. Don't forget to thank the groom for making you the best man at his wedding. 

Use kind words to thank the hosts and the staff who worked to make the event possible. 

• Use appropriate language or jokes:

Avoid using inappropriate language or jokes during your speech. Even if children are not at the reception, the bride and groom's parents, family members, and work colleagues attend the reception. 

Use kid-friendly language to communicate your message to the couple and other guests present at the ceremony. 

Also, the best man speech is not about roasting the groom. While you can include a few lighthearted jokes at the groom's expense, don't tell any embarrassing jokes related to his insecurities or past relationships. 

• Avoid drinking alcohol before the speech:

Drinking alcohol before giving a speech is never a good idea.

While some individuals might use a drink to boost confidence, getting drunk can cause the person to stutter or slur during the speech. 

Appearing drunk or disoriented is not only an embarrassment for the best man but also for the married couple as guests will start questioning the groom's choices. 

• Keep it short and sweet:

A normal best man speech should last between three to five minutes. A shorter speech might not be enough to communicate your message and a speech longer than five minutes might make the guests bored. 

So, you should accurately time your speech during rehearsal. Omit any unnecessary points if your speech is longer than five minutes. Likewise, add some interesting points if the speech turns out to be shorter than three minutes.