A perfect maid of honor speech is one that touches the heart of the bride by giving her pleasure and adding to her joy on the day.
It does not have to be perfectly delivered, it does not have to be perfectly structured but it does have to express how you feel about the bride.
And that is the starting point for your speech.
Start by putting these feelings on paper.
Simply write as these feelings come to you - you can tidy them up later.
While you may not have to be the World's best speaker you do not want to spoil the sentiments you are expressing with poor presentation or with a poorly prepared speech.
Here are some ideas you can use to make sure you say what you want to say in the way you want to say it.

1. Do not let the prospect of giving a maid of honor speech intimidate you.
   Rather, set out to enjoy the occasion and to make sure the bride enjoys herself.
   Think of the many times you had fun together and make this just another one of those times.
   
2. Tell one or two stories about those good times you had together.
   They could be about some of the funny things that happened or they could show a part of the bride's character.
   There will be people present who do not know her well, so you can show her in her best light.
   Make sure any stories do not embarrass the bride.
   The audience will enter into the spirit of the occasion and enjoy those stories.
   
3. Are you a poet? If so, express how you feel in verse.
   If you are not, use someone else's poem.
   This is a tender way to express your sentiment and it would fit in with the occasion and your friendship with the bride.
   
4. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
   Preparation is the real secret to a successful speech.
   The best speakers are generally the best prepared.
   Go over your speech until you know it thoroughly, preferably by heart.
   If you need prompts, jot down the important points and speak to those.
   It is better not to read your entire speech but if you have to, make sure you do not bury your head in the sheet of paper.
   
5. Be brief - three minutes or so is generally enough.
   
6. Before you get up to speak, take a couple of minutes to compose yourself by breathing slowly from you stomach.
   When you do stand up, pause for a few seconds, look at the audience and smile.
   Stay composed and smiling as you deliver your speech.
   

Remember, this is another fun time for you and the bride.
You are both going to have a great time and you are going to do your best to see that happens.
If you approach the day with that attitude and prepare yourself well, you will make a perfect maid of honor speech.