This is a sample 7-8 minute speech of about 750 words for the best man at a wedding. It assumes a normal speaking rate of about 100 to125 words per minute. This speech should take about eight minutes with time allowed for pauses and (hopefully) some laughter.

Hi, my name is Charlie Visserly and as you probably know, Peter asked me to be his best man. What that means is I was responsible for several very critical things. (1) I had to get Peter to the wedding on time. Check. I couldn't hold him back if I tried. (2) I have to mix with the crowd and keep things moving as pleasantly as possible during the reception. That's been easy because Peter and Sandra have such a great bunch of friends and relatives. Check. (3) I had to make sure drinks and libations were readily available to the guests at all times. To that end, I have placed a flask of Jack Daniels on the wedding party's table, and you should all feel free to help yourself. Check. And one last thing. (4) I have to give a speech. Well, the pundits say that giving a speech for many people is as stressful as open heart surgery. I can only say that in my opinion, that is understated. This is terrifying.

Before I go much farther, I would like to give a shout out to the bridesmaids who are just beautiful and have done such a wonderful job supporting Sandra and making the wedding and this reception so elegant. They've been great and are outpaced by only one person, our wonderful bride. Sandra is simply glowing with grace and charm. And she also happens to be gorgeous.

Well, I have known Peter since fifth grade and rumors to the contrary, he did not spend three years there. In fact, he rolled through every stage of grammar school with a perfectly acceptable C and D average. This is a good thing since by coincidence, Sandra will be teaching fifth grade in the fall. I'm sure she can give him any remedial training he requires.

Grade point average notwithstanding, Peter showed some remarkable talent at one thing. He found Sandra, knew it was good, and didn't let go. Persistence is a virtue and today is proof of that.

I am not married myself, but I can guess that Peter is in for a slight change of life style. Poker with the boys on Friday nights? Probably not so often. Tailgating with face and body paint at Giants home games. Hmmm...maybe not every one. And the frequent gathering after work with his construction colleagues at Chantilly's Go Go. I'm guessing that's history. Well, the truth of the matter is none of this has the appeal it once did, and from spending as much time with Peter as I do, I know that he can't wait to finish the work day and get home to his wonderful, new wife. Peter in fact couldn't wait for this day to finally arrive and formally start his new life with Sandra.

Now what can we say about Sandra and Peter? Let's contrast some elements of their personalities.

• Sandra is grace and elegance. Peter is a mutt.
• Sandra loves to read and study. Peter gets an allergic reaction at the very thought of it.
• Peter enjoys a six pack of Budweiser. Sandra favors a fine Chardonnay.
• Peter ends some sentences with the word "at" and can often be heard asking, for example, "Where's Sandra at?" Sandra recoils in horror and has considered having him repeat fifth grade.
• Finally, Sandra loves Peter. Peter on the other hand loves her more.

Well, I have used this moment in the spotlight to poke a little fun at Peter and Sandra, but there is a serious side to this as well. This is one of the most profound and meaningful of life's passages, and while it actually pains me to give Peter a compliment, both he and Sandra are as committed to this union as any two people can be. I will close by saying that I hope to be back on this stage some time in the distant future toasting and roasting them both on their 25th wedding anniversary.

Peter and Sandra, we love you both and it has been our privilege to be part of your wedding celebration. Everybody, please raise your glasses and drink a toast to our beautiful couple.