My Roasted Toast (My first Best Man experience)

My best friends wedding day.

Bachelor party - check
Suit fitted - check
Ring handed off smoothly - check
Best man's speech - uh oh.

I remember 45 minutes to the speech and I was still scribbling notes, crossing off things that didn't make sense, and regretting that I didn't start editing and practicing earlier.
Throughout the whole day, as I stood in front of the bathroom mirror at the cabin, people would walk by, laugh at me, and then wish me good luck. I remember wondering why I was so nervous, I've spoken in front of people before, and that never was an issue... but this was my best friends wedding and this would be the first toast, something that mixed in some humor with some deep feelings. 30 minutes to my speech I realized mine had neither.
I don't know what it was, maybe I looked as nervous as I felt, but people would come up to me and encourage me and tell me not to worry. It was weird, I didn't have to mention anything about nervousness. And then Eddie came up to me and gave me advice that I'll never forget.
A nice burning shot of blue label before I walked down to the microphone with my champagne in hand. As I introduced myself, I remember looking at my notes and everything just started to come out. And as I ended with my toast, I couldn't help but feel accomplished.
I wasn't sure how well my toast, or my roast as some called it, faired with the audience, but I know that I enjoyed every single minute I spent up there.

Advice that was given to me by several more experienced brothers:
-Keep it short 5-7 minutes (I think I broke this one)
-Remember that it isn't for myself but rather for Victor
-People might not be looking at you but they'll be listening, so don't feel discouraged
-Have fun up there

It was an awesome experience being the best man. I had the privilege of serving my brother from his last hours of unmarried life and into his first hours of married life. I'm thankful for the opportunity and so blessed to have such awesome brothers (groomsmen) to share it with.

Best Man's speech - check.