Best Man's Speech: Note Cards As A Lifeline

Being the best man at a wedding is a huge honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important duties of the best man is to deliver a speech that celebrates the newlyweds and their love. While this can be a daunting task, there are several tips and tricks to help you deliver a memorable and meaningful speech. One common question that best men have is whether they can bring note cards to their speech. The short answer is yes, you can bring note cards to a best man speech. In fact, it is recommended to have at least some concise notes to refer to during your speech.

Note cards as a safety net

Note cards are a great way to ensure you don't get off track during your best man speech. While it is important to know your speech well, concise notes on note cards can act as triggers for you to move onto the next section or subject, enabling you to look sharp and confident. They allow for a bit of spontaneity in your speech and can be a safety net if you get nervous.

Pick the Right-Sized Cards

Index cards 4”x6” or slightly larger are a good size for note cards. You can make your own by cutting craft cardstock in half. These fit comfortably in a purse or jacket pocket. Write on one side only, using a broad-tipped black marker to write legibly in block letters that you can read in low light and without reading glasses. Number each card in case you drop them.

Write Only What is Essential

Short bullets or keywords can serve as an outline for your speech. This will help keep you from going astray and will make it easier to find your place if you lose it. Do not telegraph that you are using note cards. Glance gently at them and return your eyes to the audience right away. Hold your cards in your non-dominant hand so that you are not fanning yourself with the cards when you speak and gesture.

Practise!

Make sure you practise your speech with the note cards in advance. This will help you feel more comfortable with your material and reduce the risk of sounding disoriented. Practising will also help you perfect your pacing and ensure that you don't end up reading your speech verbatim.

Ask a Friend for Help

It's worth asking a friend to carry a spare set of cards in case you lose or mislay yours. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that you don't get flustered if something goes wrong.

What to write on note cards

It is perfectly acceptable to bring note cards to a best man's speech. In fact, it is encouraged to have notes to refer to, as it is easy to forget parts of your speech due to nerves. Here are some tips for what to write on your note cards:

Pick the right-sized cards

Use index cards that are 4”x6” or slightly larger. This size fits comfortably in a pocket and can be easily held in one hand. Write on one side only, using a broad-tipped black marker to write legibly in block letters that you can read in low light and without reading glasses.

Write only what is essential

Write down keywords and short bullet points to jog your memory and keep you on track. Include any numbers, statistics, and complex names that are necessary for your content. Number each card in case you drop them, and highlight certain words to indicate where emphasis is required.

Memorise the first few seconds

Memorise the first 10 to 20 seconds of your speech to hook your audience and pave the way for the rest of your talk. This will ensure you grab their attention and set the tone for the rest of your speech.

Include a full backup copy

Print a copy of your full speech, in case of a brain freeze or if you lose your note cards. You won't be glued to the script, but it will give you peace of mind.

Practise with your note cards

Practise your speech with your note cards, so you know how to refer to them without sounding awkward. Rehearse so that you are referencing your notes as little as possible, and avoid turning pages in the middle of a sentence or an important idea. Look for natural breaks in your speech to advance to the next page.

Don't read verbatim

Resist the temptation to read your speech word-for-word. This will make your delivery sound robotic and unnatural. Instead, use your note cards as a guide, glancing at them briefly and then returning your eyes to the audience.

How to use note cards effectively

Using note cards is a great way to ensure you don't miss any key points during your best man speech. Here are some tips on how to use them effectively:

Preparation:

Before the wedding, it's important to prepare your note cards carefully. Firstly, choose the right size of cards. Index cards or flashcards are a good option, as they are small, solid, and easy to hold. You can also make your own cards from craft cardstock. The cards should be comfortable to hold and easy to store in your pocket. Write on one side only, using a broad-tipped black marker to create legible block letters that you can read easily. Number each card in case you drop them, and be sure to test that you can read them in low light and without reading glasses.

Content:

When it comes to the content of your note cards, keep it concise. Write down only the essential information, such as keywords, bullet points, or short outlines of your speech. This will help you stay focused and prevent you from getting lost in your notes. Include any important names, numbers, or statistics that you need to mention. If you are worried about forgetting parts of your speech, you can write out the full speech on your note cards, but be careful not to overcrowd them.

Practice:

It is crucial to practice with your note cards before the wedding. Get comfortable with glancing at them briefly and then returning your eyes to the audience. Hold your cards in your non-dominant hand so that you can gesture naturally with your dominant hand. Practising will help you feel more confident and ensure that you don't end up reading directly from the cards on the day. Memorising the first part of your speech will also help you to feel more at ease and allow you to make eye contact with the audience.

Backup:

Although you should aim to use your note cards as a guide rather than reading directly from them, it's always a good idea to have a full backup. Print a copy of your speech or create a spare set of note cards and ask a friend to hold onto them in case you lose or misplace yours.

Delivery:

On the day of the wedding, try to resist the temptation to read verbatim from your note cards. Use them as a prompt to keep you on track and to jog your memory. Speak confidently and naturally, making eye contact with the audience. If you need to refer to your notes, do so briefly and then return your focus to the crowd.

Benefits of note cards over smartphones

It is perfectly acceptable to bring note cards to a best man speech. In fact, it is encouraged to have some form of notes to refer to, as it is easy to forget details or lose track of your place in the speech. Note cards are preferable to a smartphone for several reasons.

Firstly, note cards are less distracting than smartphones. When using a smartphone, it is easy to become reliant on the device, constantly looking down at the screen and losing eye contact with the audience. With note cards, you can quickly glance at the key points and then return your focus to the audience, maintaining a connection with them.

Secondly, note cards are less likely to malfunction or experience technical issues. With a smartphone, there is always the risk of the device freezing, crashing, or running out of battery, leaving you without your speech notes. Note cards are a more reliable option, ensuring that you have your key points at hand without the worry of technology failing.

Additionally, note cards allow for more flexibility in your speech. You can easily rearrange the order of your points or add and remove sections as needed. With a smartphone, you are often limited to a linear format, making it more challenging to adapt your speech on the spot.

Note cards are also less obtrusive and less noticeable to your audience. Flashcards can be held discreetly in one hand, allowing you to use the other hand for gestures and emphasizing your points. Smartphones, on the other hand, can be bulky and may draw attention away from your speech.

Finally, note cards can help you avoid the temptation of reading your speech verbatim. With note cards, you are more likely to engage with the audience, make eye contact, and adapt your delivery based on their reactions. Smartphones may encourage a more rigid delivery, making it challenging to deviate from the script and connect with your audience on a personal level.

Practising with note cards

Choose the Right Card Size and Format:

Select cards that are easy to hold and fit comfortably in your hand or pocket. Index cards or flashcards are ideal, with dimensions such as 4"x6" or 5.5"x8.5". You can also create your own cards by cutting cardstock to the desired size. Consider using thick cards to hide any shaking hands and opt for a legible font size, such as 14-point Arial.

Keep it Concise:

Write only essential information on your note cards. Use short bullets, keywords, and key phrases to jog your memory and keep you on track. Include any complex names, numbers, or statistics that you need to mention. Number each card, and hold them in your non-dominant hand to avoid fanning yourself with the cards while gesturing.

Practise, Practise, Practise:

Get comfortable with your note cards by practising your speech repeatedly. Memorise the first few seconds of your speech to ensure a strong start, and then use the cards as triggers to guide you through the rest of the speech. Practise moving from one card to the next, and remember to number the cards in case you drop them.

Avoid Reading Verbatim:

While note cards provide a safety net, avoid reading your speech word-for-word. Glance at the cards and then return your eyes to the audience. Practise this technique to ensure you maintain eye contact and don't lose your connection with the guests.

Prepare a Backup:

It's a good idea to have a printed copy of your full speech as a backup. You may not need it, but it can give you peace of mind. Additionally, consider asking a friend to carry a spare set of note cards in case you misplace yours.

Know When to Turn the Page:

Practise turning the pages of your note cards at natural breaks in your speech. Avoid turning pages in the middle of a sentence, important idea, quote, or story. This will help you maintain a smooth flow and ensure you don't lose your place.

By following these tips and practising with your note cards, you'll be well-prepared to deliver a confident and engaging best man speech that the wedding guests will remember fondly.

Frequently asked questions