As with all wedding traditions, the actual reason behind the best man's speech is almost always lost. Yes, despite the tendency for embarrassing anecdotes, the best man's principle role at the reception is to respond to the groom's toast on behalf of the bridesmaids. So with that out of the way, you can relax and deliver a memorable, witty and enjoyable speech. Nervous? You needn't be. You'll be speaking to a captured audience, relaxed by a champagne reception and typically a three course meal. And it's more than likely that a fair few of the reception guests may welcome the chance to sit back and take a break from being social at their table. But If you're still nervous, we've put together a few tips for the perfect best man's speech. Or at least a better best man's speech.

Before sitting down to prepare your speech (yes, you do need to prepare), decide what type of speech you want to deliver. More importantly, check what kind of speech the bride and groom would appreciate. After all, it's their day and there's no point in creating a memorable speech for all the wrong reasons. But be yourself. If you're a cheeky chap, play on this and deliver a risque speech. If you're not a natural comedian, there's no harm borrowing a few tried and tested best man's jokes. There's so many floating around the Internet and don't be afraid to use them - despite hearing the same jokes at almost every wedding, the guests always laugh and as long you don't abuse them, they can be great openers for the speech.

I've no doubt you'll know all manner of intimate secrets about the groom. And I've no doubt everyone else in the room knows the exact same stories (including the father of the bride), but sometimes less is more. That's not to say you shouldn't recount those embarrassing stories, but you don't need to go into graphic detail. Let the guests make their own assumptions as these will almost always be funnier than anything you could have invented yourself.

We've said it before, but we'll say it again. Be prepared and do your research. You can get away with a fair few 'stock' best man jokes at the start of the speech, but to really impress you'll need to make it personal. You'll be amazed at just how many stories friends and relatives have, and no matter how well you know the groom you're guaranteed to learn something new.

Once you've researched (yes, you really do have to research), it's on to preparing the delivery. Some of us prefer to deliver speeches based on notes, others like to read a prepared speech either from memory or a written version. Do whatever you're happy with and don't be afraid to read out a speech if that's what you're comfortable with - just make sure you can read your own writing (and yes, the joke about not being able to read the groom's writing is a great way of breaking the ice). Most people recommend rehearsing you're speech - and then rehearsing a bit more until you're sick of it. Although a good for some, this can mean you're speech becomes a procession and you can end up losing your natural rhythm.

Most importantly enjoy the speech and the chance to talk to a captive audience. The guests are on your side, believe me! I've heard some truly awful speeches get a fantastic reception because the guests are there to have fun. They understand you're not a comedian (even if you secretly think you are!), and most interruptions will add to your speech. Enjoy finding out about the newly weds, and deliver a fun speech. Good luck!

More resources:

Sample speeches: Sample speeches at hitched