If you want to learn about best man speeches then you'll want to read this article. Specifically we'll discuss why you shouldn't fear being best man, the basic structure of a traditional best man speech and how to generate some great ideas to use. After reading this article you should be perfectly equipped with all you need to give an unforgettable speech on the wedding day.

Many men feel under real pressure when they're asked to be best man, despite how honoured they may initially feel. This is perfectly normal because few of us are used to public speaking and therefore unsure how to do it well.

However, you should remember that this anxiety and nervousness can be used positively as the boost of adrenaline you'll get on the day will help you. Also, by preparing thoroughly you should be confident that you'll say the right things. And finally remember that although you may feel pressure at being expected to be funny, the truth is that the wedding guests will laugh at whatever you say and will be behind you completely. The only thing you should be careful of is not to offend anyone even sin the slightest. If you are at all unsure about any content of your speech then leave it out - it's just not worth it.

Traditionally the best man's speech follows the Father of the Bride and the Groom and is the last speech at the wedding reception, although you'll need to check with the bride and groom to ensure this is the case.

The Groom's speech traditionally finishes with a toast to the bridesmaids and so you should start yours by thanking the groom on their behalf. Obviously you need to find out what traditional elements there will be and fit your speech around that, but if you adapt the traditional format you can't go wrong.

Following the thanks you should introduce yourself and say a few words about how you know the groom. I like to say something funny here to help me relax and also to warm the guests up for the real humor.

Once I've introduced myself it's time for the real meat of the speech - tell a funny anecdote about the groom, some funny stories or one-liners. You know the groom best, so you decide what to say, but I prefer one main anecdote and some funny comments about it. I can almost guarantee that you'll get laughs, and when you do you should pause to let them enjoy the moment - enjoy the moment yourself too - and carry on when the laughter has subsided and they can hear you again.

Finally you should say something about the bride and then propose a toast. That's it, you've just given a great best man speech.

When trying to think of ideas for a best man speech I like to write down as much about the groom as I can think. Everything that comes into my head goes down on paper and when I can't think of anything else I leave it.

If I go back after a few days usually there will be some other ideas, so once again I start writing until everything is exhausted. Once you get to that stage you should remove anything that is in bad taste, crude, offensive or unsuitable for the bride, her family, or any wedding guest to hear.

That leaves you the basis of your speech. Pick the best ideas and expand them. If they're not funny rewrite them until they are. Once you've got that out the way you're ready to go.