How to Give a Toast

Learning How to Give a Toast makes social public speaking both a cinch and a pleasure.

Giving a Toast

This video provides an overview of how to give a toast, walking you through a step-by-step process that begins with preparation, and ends with you locking eyes with the person you are toasting. The video highlights the importance of being prepared, which means jotting down some notes about the person you will be toasting, and formulating an outline that has a distinct beginning, middle and end. Try to keep the toast under two minutes, and practice before you give it. Make sure when you are giving the toast that you speak in a voice that is clear, and loud enough for most people to hear.

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Introduction
- Many of life's big occasions call for a toast. If you're reading this, chances are the burden of demonstrating public grace and eloquence has fallen on your shoulders. Maybe you'll soon be raising a glass of champagne to deliver a speech at your best friend's wedding. Or perhaps your boss is retiring and she'd like you to say a few words. Whatever the occasion, you're planning to stand up in front of a room full of people and talk. Many people find this daunting task akin to an out-of-body experience (that's the adrenaline), but you will find it painless—perhaps even enjoyable—once you learn how to give a toast.
Preparing the Toast
- Keep your toast simple, sincere and personal.
Step 1: Before the Occasion
- Write your toast out beforehand. Don't torture yourself over squeezing humor out of every comment or appearing brilliant. Your toast should be short and sweet, so there's no need to spend more than a few hours writing it.
1. Brainstorm qualities, memories and standout facts about the honoree(s).
2. Write a short complimentary speech:
  1. Mention the toastee(s) by name.
  2. Mention how you know them.
  3. Note a few relevant accomplishments.
  4. Tell a brief story that exemplifies these attributes.
  5. Mention the occasion.
  6. Include a sincere compliment.
3. Commit the speech to memory.
  - Memorization can be a tough task. But since you're delivering a short speech on a topic that you know well, it should be pretty simple. Here are a few memorization tips:
  1. Break the speech down into sections.
  2. Write each section out on a paper or note card.
  3. Read the first section of the toast aloud.
  4. Try to repeat this section of the toast from memory.
  5. Repeat for each section until you have all of them memorized.
  6. Combine the sections and practice until you can recite the entire speech aloud.
  7. If you still feel unsure, practice delivering the toast in front of someone.
Step 2: At the Occasion
- As you prepare to deliver your toast, keep these things in mind:
1. Be sober. One or two drinks to take the edge off of public speaking is acceptable, but hold off on slamming shots or drinking to excess until after the toast.
2. Wait until there are no distractions (music, dancing or activities) to request the crowd's attention.
3. Ensure that the honoree is in the room before you begin delivering your toast.
4. Ensure that everyone's glass is full.
How To Propose a Toast
Step 3: Deliver the Toast
- It's go time. You've prepared a few simple, complimentary words. No one's expecting William Jennings Bryan, so don't be nervous. It will be over before you know it.
1. Hold up a clean glass with an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
2. Look into the honoree's eyes and then around the table.
3. Deliver your speech.
4. Look back into the honoree's eyes.
5. Raise your glass.
6. Sip your drink.
Step 4: Get the Room's Attention
- Before giving a toast, you must get the attention of everyone in the room. There are proper and improper ways to do so:
- Do:
- Find an appropriate moment to ask for attention.
- Stand up silently and hold your glass in the air for all to see.
- Politely request the the room's attention. Ex: "May I have your attention please?"
- Do not:
- Interrupt a major event such as an important dance or cake cutting to begin your speech.
- Shoosh the room or tell people to "be quiet" or "shut up".
Step 5: After the Toast
- You've delivered the toast, and you can rejoin the ranks of the pressure-free party crowd.
1. Be gracious.
2. Go ahead and have that drink.
Toast Rules
1. Honoree does not drink the toast.
2. Everyone else drinks the toast.
3. Do not embarrass the honoree.
4. Do not make the toast all about yourself.
5. Avoid clichés.
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