By: Doug Messel
Listen up, men: Giving a short speech at a wedding reception
is a tradition. However, people always forget this and do things to embarrass
themselves or other people. Here are some sure-fire ways to make sure your
toast is a success:
Stand up if you’re toasting—stay seated if
receiving it.
When you give a toast,
make sure that everyone can see you. There’s a reason they handed you a
microphone to do it.
Prepare ahead of time. Don’t just “wing”
it.
This
doesn’t mean you need to write a five page speech, but knowing what you want to
say and in what order to say it prevents you from being long-winded
and annoying everyone there.
Don’t drink too much beforehand.
This is a
surefire way to do something dumb like offend the bride’s mother or father.
Also, it keeps you from telling that ridiculous story about the bachelor party
or your days in college.
Add witty anecdotes if they’re in good
taste.
I went to a wedding once
where the bride and groom had known each other since preschool. The best man’s
speech referenced this and gave everyone a chuckle. As I said before, make sure
it’s in good taste, and for God’s sake don’t talk about the bachelor party.
Mention your toast’s recipients by name,
how you know them, and a thought about this special event.
This should
already be a given, but it’ll help solidify your nature as a “good friend.”
Likewise, make sure your thought about the special event is positive.
