Groom's Autistic Brother Delivers Sweet Best Man Speech in Video Viewed 3M Times

When Sam Waldron delivered his best man speech on his brother's wedding day, laughs, tears and cheers were shared amongst the guests. But his speech also held the attention of over three million online strangers.

Newlyweds Jonah and Maddy Waldron shared Sam's best man speech to their joint TikTok page last week. The video, captured by Ross Kyker, has received over three million views and more than 400,000 comments. Both the bride and groom, as well as many commenters, shed tears in response to the sweet message Sam had for his brother and new sister-in-law.

"Hello everyone, my name is Sam Waldron," the speech began. "I am the best man. I am the best man to the best brother that I could have ever asked for."

Sam said that he considers Jonah to be his best friend and his hero. And while it was an honor for him to stand before the crowd as his brother's best friend, he was also "terrified."

"You see, I have autism," he said. "My autism can make me terribly scared to interact with people, let alone give a speech in front of 170 of them, for Pete's sake." At that admission, the crowd laughed and cheered, causing Sam to burst into a big smile. The bride, Maddy, also reached for tissues.

"But there is one person in the world I would do this for," he said as the cheering subsided. "Jonah Waldron. Check that. There are two people in the world I would do this for: Maddy and Jonah Waldron."

Sam continued by officially welcoming Maddy into their family. He joked that the Waldron family is like a "good fudge一mostly sweet but with a bunch of nuts."

After cracking a couple more jokes, Sam decided to get serious with his sister-in-law.

"You have all the makings of a great sister," he said. "Just like my sister Clara, my whole family loves you. When you are around, they light up."

According to Sam, Maddy is beloved by his parents and brings "happiness" to every family gathering. He also admitted that while he often struggles when interacting with others, he has never once felt uncomfortable around Maddy.

"For me personally, Maddy, you know that sometimes I can get very uncomfortable and nervous around many people...I have never been that way around you. You give me peace.

"You bring peace to all of those around you," he continued. "I love you, Maddy."

He then addressed his brother by calling him his "best brother."

"Jonah, growing up as your little brother, you never looked down on me," he said. "You lifted me up and looked out for me. You always reminded me that being different is a real strength, not a weakness.

"You were, and are, patient and kind," he continued. "You love me just as I am." This part of the speech was posted in a second video to the TikTok page.

Maddy passed a tissue to Jonah so he could wipe the tears from his eyes.

Sam told Jonah that he made Sam's life easier. He explained that Jonah helped Sam learn to deal with all of his "struggles."

He, of course, made jokes and recounted years' worth of brotherly competition, reminding Jonah that while he was a great student, he never performed a rap at a pep rally and was never voted homecoming king by his peers. Sam, however, accomplished those things. Everyone laughed.

But he ended the speech on a sweet note, saying: "To this day, you support me. You listen to me, you are in the present, [and] I am so proud of you and Maddy...God bless you, I love you both."

Sam received a standing ovation at the end of his speech.

Newsweek reached out to Jonah Waldron for comment but did not hear back in time for publication.

The wedding guests weren't the only people to shed a tear or two in response to the speech. Thousands of commenters expressed that they, too, became emotional while watching.

"I am sobbing," said one commenter. "This is such a heartfelt speech! Great job Sam!"

"TikTok got me crying like this is my brother giving a speech to me...this is beautiful," commented another.

Sam's speech appeared to hit almost every item on a checklist created by experts at Brides. In an article titled, "How to Write the Perfect Best Man Speech," the publication recommends best men consider a variety of factors when writing their speeches including authenticity, positivity and striking the perfect balance between delivering jokes and "sharing your feelings."

Brides also recommends that best men practice reciting their speech before the big day. Given Sam's well-timed pauses and jokes, it appears he rehearsed multiple times before delivering his heartfelt toast.

"The best thing to do is practice with a friend," speechwriter David Litt told Brides. "Anybody giving a big speech rehearses beforehand. If you've already gotten good feedback from field-testing your remarks with a smaller group, then you're going to come out on the wedding day comfortably knowing you have a good speech.

"It's that uncertainty that can be scary when you're up there speaking," he continued.

So, best men might want to take a few notes from Sam Waldron when sitting down to write their speeches. After all, he did charm 170 guests—plus a few million netizens.