How long should a best man speech be?

The ideal length for a best man speech is between 5 and 7 minutes. This gives you enough time for a warm opening, one or two stories, a sincere section about the couple, and a toast. It is long enough to feel meaningful but short enough to keep everyone's attention. If you speak at a normal pace, 5 minutes is roughly 600 words. Seven minutes is about 800 words. Do not aim for the maximum. Most guests prefer a speech that is slightly too short to one that drags. If you finish in 4 minutes, that is fine. If you go over 8 minutes, you risk losing the room. People get restless, especially after a meal. The best man speech is usually one of several speeches, so keep it respectful of the overall schedule. Practise with a timer. Read it aloud and cut anything that feels repetitive. A good rule is to write your draft, then cut 20 percent of it. You will not miss the removed words. Remember that pauses, laughter and applause add time. If your speech is 6 minutes when you practise alone, it may run to 7 or 8 on the day. Build in a little buffer. If you are nervous, you may speak faster, so practise slowing down. The goal is not to fill time. It is to say something true and kind, and to sit down while people still want more.