21st Birthday Speech

[latenightapplepie]

I have to give a short speech at a very close friend's 21st birthday party. I have some idea about how to proceed, but I'm still interested in any general advice you folk might have.

Things to keep in mind:

- His parents, some additional family and other grown-up boring people will be there.
- It's tomorrow, so I don't have the time to make something complicated such as a short film/video.

 

[dmase]

Dont be offensive but embarras him a little.

 

[Melian]

Highlights of his life (the good kind and the sort of good kind, and maybe some bad ones but with a good spin to them) that speak of what kind of person he is/has become.

 

[Death_Korps_Kommissar]

Always good to start with:
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve...."
Edit: Now having actually read the OP I see that my post is in fact useless...
My bad

 

[Anarchemitis]

Always good to start with:
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve...."
Edit: Now having actually read the OP I see that my post is in fact useless...
My bad

Or consider "I was born at a very young age."

 

[Berethond]

Just bust out his baby pictures.

 

[delvin313]

Try to think of a light-hearted, funny story. Everyone can appreciate a slightly embarassing moment or feel-good story.

 

[BENZOOKA]

21st birthday party? A speech? Isn't that a bit... Oh, well I dunno.

I spent mine at work, followed by building a fence for dogs. Got one message stating "Nice birthday you have there", how heartily I laughed.

Just improvise it on the spot. It can't be that formal.

 

[Nickolai77]

A 21st birthday speech? Never heard of those before....

The other posters here are offering sound advise, i don't need to contribute further unless you want me to write a script!