Adding a toast to a dinner with friends, family celebrations or a special event is a great way to commemorate the festivities and those in attendance. Toasts are typically incorporated into special events like engagement parties, weddings and funerals, however adding a toast to a simple evening with friends can turn your night into a meaningful one by adding a few poignant words. Delivering the perfect toast is easier said than done, follow these simple suggestions for an effortless toast.
Planning the perfect toast:
- Keep your toast short, simple and to the point.
- Focus on the recipient, not yourself. This is your moment to ensure they shine in the best light.
- State the obvious, and mention the person you are toasting by name, and your relationship to them.
- If you are delivering a toast to more than one person, give each recipient equal time in your speech.
- Interject humor by sharing 1-2 anecdotes about the recipient. The perfect toast should make everyone laugh, and where appropriate, cry.
- If this is a formal toast, practice in front of the mirror and leave the note cards at home – a great toast is delivered from the heart.
Delivering the perfect toast:
Timing is everything, before delivering your toast limit your alcohol consumption, and don’t begin the toast until everyone has a full glass and your complete attention.
- Make eye contact.
- Stand up.
- Raise your glass in your right hand.
- Speak slowly and clearly.
- End on a high note. When raising your glass, make your toast specific and clear, for example, “To the perfect Toast!”
- Toasts can be offered with champagne, wine, a mixed drink or a mocktail, however not tea, coffee or water.
Recommended Reading
Sandy, the Reluctant Entertainer, invited me to discuss Guest Books, pop over and discover her fabulous site ReluctantEntertainer.com, and learn more about her inspirational book The Reluctant Entertainer.
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