The author introduces his book in the following way:

I decided to write this book for the simple reason that on almost every occasion I have attended a wedding reception, I have noticed that the Best Man, and to some degree the Groom, are both extremely nervous about making their speeches.

It is strange to see otherwise easy going, naturally sociable men worry themselves into a frenzy or even to the point of convulsion, over what should be such a simple thing to do, namely to speak to a small group of people for a few minutes.

I have also discovered that after the proceedings, both Groom and Best Man are invariably not only relieved that their ordeal is over but also surprised that it was not as bad as they had expected. They are left wondering why they allowed themselves to become so nervous in the first place.

With these things in mind, I resolved to write this book, not for the aspiring public speaker but for the ordinary man who may have been asked to be Best Man by the Groom, simply because he is his friend or brother and probably not because he has any experience or skill at speaking to an audience.

I have centred this book on the Best Man's speech, as it has usually more importance attached to it than that of the Groom, though the advice given can be used with improvisation by the Groom or any other person who has to speak.

My aim is to help my readers overcome any fear they may have of speaking to an audience, to give a few ideas as to how to compile a speech and last but not least, how to remember it all without using those little bits of paper.

Illustrated with amusing cartoons