Need to make a memorable toast? Missed the Public Speaking Club “How to Give a Toast” workshop led by etiquette consultant Jodi Smith from Mannersmith? The following are a few tips that will help you with your next toast.
TIP #1: Do your homework
A roast for a buddy at a bachelor’s party is very different from toasting him at the wedding reception replica watches uk. Take the time to learn about your audience, position in the lineup, etc. so that you can craft a toast appropriate for the event.
Research your audience. Who are they? What will they find touching, funny?
Determine your position in the lineup. The later you speak, the higher the expectation for your toast.
Ask about the length of the toast replica breitling. Toasts are generally around two minutes.
Learn the appropriate dress code for the event. You should dress at or one notch above the event dress code.
TIP #2: Craft an appropriate toast
Match the tone of your toast to the event. Jokes may be well-received at a roast but not at a solemn dinner. Always remember what you want your desired effect to be.
Use your own words and speak from the heart. It will be more meaningful.
Keep your toast brief. The focus should be on the honoree, not you.
Be complimentary. The point of a toast is to say something nice.
Exclude inside jokes unless you are willing to spend time setting up the joke for everyone.
TIP #3: Practice, practice, practice
Practice your toast several times. Aim to repeat your toast without notes.
Go to the venue and practice your toast, on the day of the event
Walk around the venue and practice speaking from different locations so that you can become comfortable with speaking in the new space.
Make certain to speak with different members of the audience before your toast. You can focus on these individuals when you speak.
TIP #4: Gain everyone’s attention
Do not click glasses to get your audience’s attention. This is a sure-fire way to break fine crystal.
To gain attention, stand up and use eye contact to quiet your audience and get their attention.
TIP #5: Hold yourself confidently
Stand up, especially for large parties and dinner parties of six and more people.
Keep your body open (i.e. no crossed arms; feet just less than shoulder width apart).
Hold a glass of wine, champagne, or a liquid that looks like wine or champagne in one hand. Do not use water to toast; in some cultures, toasting with water could be offensive.
TIP #6: Make eye contact
Look at the honoree while you deliver your toast.
Also look across the audience, making eye contact with a few people throughout the crowd. This gives the appearance of addressing the entire crowd.
TIP #7: Speak slowly and deliberately
Take a breath to calm your nerves and make sure everyone is looking at you before you begin.
Speak very slowly so that everyone can understand you.
If needed, use short silences to calm your nerves in the middle of your toast.
TIP #8: Sip, not chug, from your glass
Lift your glass and ask everyone to join you in toasting the honoree, at the end of your toast.
Sip, not chug, from your glass.
