10 best man speech brainstorming prompts for best friends

The greatest wedding toasts always contain memorable anecdotes – anecdotes that shine a light on your best friend’s unique qualities, and illustrate why they’ll be a great spouse. But even if you’ve spent a lifetime with someone, it can be hard to conjure best man speech ideas.

Even though your brain feels awash with memories, the prospect of a speech has you like a deer in headlights. Suddenly, you’ve got no inspiration.

If that sounds familiar, don’t fret. This list will help you think of ideas, so your speech gets remembered for all the right reasons. 

10 prompts to spark great story ideas for a best man speech at your friend’s wedding

1. Your first memory of your best friend. This can be a significant early memory that gives a glimpse into the person they have become. 
2. The first time you met your best friend’s soon-to-be spouse. What were your first impressions, and have they changed over time?
3. A defining moment in your friendship. This could be a time when your friendship deepened, or a moment that showed the true nature of your friendship. What does it say about the kind of life partner they’ll be?
4. A funny or embarrassing moment. Sharing a story that makes everyone laugh is a great way to make your speech memorable. Reflect on what this says about your best friend’s ability to be a good spouse – even if it’s just the fact that they can always be counted on to lighten the mood!
5. A special bond you share. What makes your friendship unique, and why has it lasted for so long?
6. A memorable adventure. If you and your friend have shared any exciting experiences, this is a great opportunity to add colour to your speech. Tell the audience how your friend is sure to bring vibrancy and adventure to their marriage.
7. A time when they demonstrated true friendship. This could be a time when they went above and beyond for you or showed empathy and selflessness.
8. Your friend’s relationship with their spouse. What makes their relationship special and what have you learned from it?
9. A common interest. This could be a hobby or something you both enjoy that has brought you closer over the years. What have you observed about the way they pursue this hobby? What have you noticed about them during times you’ve spent enjoying this activity together?
10. The moment you knew your friend’s relationship was for keeps. What was it about your friend and their partner that made you know they were in it for good?

Once you’ve jotted down these ideas, you can:

Pick your favourites, and draft them into a golden wedding speech. Remember, the most important thing is to be authentic and heartfelt in your speech, and share stories that best represent traits that’ll make your friend a great spouse.

Want to write a comedic speech?

Don’t fret if your initial ideas don’t seem all that funny at first glance. It’s not necessarily the content of the story that makes it amusing, but the delivery: the way you write it, and how you say it.

For guidance on how to turn your stories into comedic gold, check out my 5 Step Guide to Crafting a Hilarious Speech. This guide delves into the techniques used by professional comedians to turn mundane anecdotes into unforgettable, knee-slapping tales and provides you with the tools to do the same.