What makes a good best man speech?

A good best man speech does three things. It honours the couple, entertains the guests, and finishes on a heartfelt note. The best speeches are personal. Instead of saying the groom is a great guy, tell a short story that shows it. Instead of listing qualities, describe a moment. Specific details make people laugh and feel connected. Balance is important. You can tease the groom, but never humiliate him. Avoid stories about exes, embarrassing secrets, or anything that would make the couple uncomfortable. If a story involves alcohol or wild behaviour, keep it mild and make sure the couple are happy with it. The speech should also include the partner. Talk about how the couple met, what you admire about them together, and why they suit each other. This matters because the speech is for both of them, not just the groom. Structure helps. Open with thanks, move to stories, then a short reflection on love or commitment, and finish with a toast. Keep your language simple. Do not try to sound like a comedian or a poet. Speak as yourself. A good speech is about 5 to 7 minutes long, but the quality matters more than the length. Finally, practise. Read it aloud, time yourself, and cut anything that feels flat. A confident, kind delivery will always beat a flashy one.