Honoring someone with a toast can be a thoughtful tribute on a special occasion. BMW of Freehold knows it can also bring on a bout of performance anxiety as you struggle to deliver just the right words. If the thought of making a toast turns you into a bundle of nerves, some preparation and practice will help you learn how to make a toast that is sure to be appreciated.
Understand the Occasion
There is a big difference between giving a toast at your best friend’s bachelor party and honoring your boss at a corporate function. Before you even begin to write your toast, it’s important to understand the tone of the occasion. Is it a formal event or a casual party? Is it a happy occasion or a somber one?
Know Your Audience
In addition to understanding the tone of the occasion, it is crucial that you know your audience. There are many things you would say to your best buddies but wouldn’t dream of saying in front of your grandmother. Make sure your toast is appropriate for everyone in the room.
Toast-Writing Tips
There are many reasons to make a toast, but generally they are used to honor a person or persons. Be complimentary and speak from the heart. You can include humor, but avoid relating anecdotes that make the person you are toasting look bad. Remember, a toast is not the same thing as a roast!
Practice the Toast
Once you know what you are going to say, practice giving the toast. You can practice in front of a mirror, record yourself with a camcorder or ask a friend to watch and offer advice. Practicing the toast will help you relax when all eyes are on you.
Speak Slowly
Nerves have a tendency to make people talk quickly. Take a deep breath before you make a toast. Speak slowly and clearly, even if it feels like you are talking slower than you normally would.
Make Eye Contact
Instead of focusing on reading your toast, make sure you take moments to look out at the audience. Make eye contact with various people in the room and be sure to look directly at the person you are honoring at the end of your toast.
Have a Clear Ending
When you are finished with what you want to say, end your toast with a clear statement that can be easily repeated by others. Often this will be simply stating the name of the person (or people) you are honoring, such as: “To Bob and Nancy!”
