I was teaching a speech writing workshop in the DC area, and several participants asked for advice on giving a toast. Here are some tips:
Keep notes nearby , so you can refresh your memory in those precious seconds before you begin to speak. (After all, you’ll never get a second chance to give this toast. Make sure you don’t forget to say something important. It’s now or never.) Stand tall , with both feet confidently planted – no rocking from foot to foot, please. Make strong eye contact with the whole audience initially (so everyone feels included). Then look directly at the person you’re toasting. Don’t start until everyone is quiet. Don’t mispronounce anyone’s name. (If you plan to mention the person’s spouse or children, be absolutely certain you’re saying their names correctly.) Don’t confuse your role: You’re giving a toast to honor someone else. This is not the time to draw attention to yourself or your own achievements. Don’t attempt contrived humor. There’s nothing worse for a speaker than humor that falls flat – especially when it falls flat during a toast. (This embarrasses both the speaker and the person being toasted, as well as the entire cringing audience.) Enjoy!
