The Wedding of
Mr. Paul Gould
to
Miss Lucy Hinchliffe

8th August 1998

The Best Mans’ Speech By Adrian Gould

On behalf of the bridesmaids', Thank you for the toast.

Well, g'day to you all. The dunny is through this door (points) and to the right. (For the non Australian speakers in this room, that means the toilet is through this door and to the right.)

In preparing for this speech, I have to admit that I have come to a conclusion or two. Firstly, public speaking and teaching are two very different realms. It has taken me possibly four or more times as long to prepare this as it takes me to get ready for a four hour class, and possibly even more drafts than I would normally would make (This is the fourth one to date, and I wish I had a word processor and printer with me.)

Despite this, I would never turn the opportunity down, and I was honored that my brother asked me, for this special occasion, to be his best man. It is a pleasure to be here today with all of you.

I've had various, and often conflicting, opinions as to what I can, and cannot, put into this speech.

These included:

With this in mind, I hope I can live up to the reputation that my parents and others within this gathering, know from the letter for my parents' silver wedding. I'll ask for marks out of ten for style, artistic impression, and technical ability at the end.

Today is a defining day in the lives of this young couple. A step that shows commitment and a willingness to work together. This is something that is often lacking in the current society, and I congratulate Paul and Lucy for making this outward expression of their commitment to each other.

Tradition has it that some embarrassing moment in the life of the bride and groom are unearthed at this point. This is usually done by the best man. I could relay a picture of a much younger Paul, who, as a teenager could get the family to run a telephone answering service for him. This was just so he could decide which young lady of the six, or so, to see. Thankfully, these days were a long time ago, and whilst he was at high school. Paul has now settled since these early days. Thankfully.

The advent of Lucy onto the scene changed Paul. When Lucy was first introduced to me, something told me that this gregarious young lady was going to change Paul's life. This she has started to do, but it also has taken a willingness to change on my brother's part.

I have always admired, some may say been a little jealous of, my brother's ability with his hands. He is a skilled mechanic with a loving and caring nature, especially when it comes to cars. Thankfully, I believe that Lucy shares some of that love of this form of transport.

Paul and I have not been the most respecting of brothers that we are today. We are now closer and happier in ourselves. Paul and Lucy have grown together over the past few years, and as a result, I believe Lucy has nurtured Paul's loving and caring nature and brought it more to the fore.

Some will question my ability to speak about this couple. I may not see them frequently, but this could be an advantage. Every time I see the two of them, I see that they are developing in earnest together.

The two of them share themselves with each other, they have common ground and also their own personal likes. These are important factors in their relationship, and ones that should be nurtured.

Lucy has shown to me, in the short period of time that I've been able to sit and enjoy her company, that she is a chirpy, and effervescent nature. This though, is tempered by a serious and wise side that handles organization and other important areas with general ease and aplomb.

Lucy has her vices though, as we all do. I share her love of wine, but in my case it is more on the red side.

Now you will be glad to know, that I am about to wrap up this little tale up for the afternoon. This will allow you all to return to your eating, drinking, and socializing. Before I do so, I'll make a few concluding remarks.

To my brother. I express my congratulations on the formalizing of a wonderful relationship with Lucy. I pray that you will continue in your efforts to help provide the best for you both. To Lucy, my sister-in-law. I thank you for being a loving, caring and sensible young lady. I pray that you, also, will continue to develop in this friendship and loving relationship. That you endeavor to provide the best for the two of you.

Together I pray that you will see your 25th Wedding anniversary and far beyond.

As a final note. It has been said that Angela is losing the best man servant she has ever had. And I gather that Lucy is pleased with his services. Car services that is.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, please be charge your glasses and be upstanding.

It is my pleasure and honor to present to you the bride and groom, Lucy and Paul, and ask that you raise your glasses in a toast to long lives, happiness, fruitfulness, and love.

To Paul and Lucy.

This has been an
Otter Fun production.

Produced for you by
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Copyright © 1998, Otter Fun Pty Ltd and Adrian Gould
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E-Mail: [email protected]

This document may be reproduced by
the express permission of
the bride and/or groom, Mr and Mrs Hinchliffe-Gould.