Should We Ditch a Nervous Toast-Giver?

Our best man is very nervous about his speech. Should we ask someone else?

It might be too late to sign your best man up for Public Speaking 101, but the decision to face the mic should be his. That said, you can help by offering suggestions that will put him more at ease. If it means he’ll stick to introducing the wedding party and raising his glass in a toast, perfect. It might not be the most crowd-wowing speech filled with funny stories and cute anecdotes, but it will be coming from your new hubby’s best pal—and that speaks for itself. Also, you could suggest he write his speech on index cards: He can either read straight from them or use them as backup in case he goes blank. If your best man does want to have someone pinch hit for him, ask him to make a brief introduction to let guests know he’s a key player in the party. Then he can turn the floor over to another groomsman or relative who’s more comfortable working the crowd.