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| Beverly's Tips on Toasts for All Occasions: |
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One of the most frequently-asked questions
I receive from people hosting landmark occasions such
as weddings, anniversary parties, Bar/BatMitzvahs, reunions,
birthday parties, etc. is how to make a toast. Public
speaking is typically the number one fear in life. However,
with a little preparation and an understanding of how
a good toast is ultimately a gift to the guest(s) of honor,
giving a good toast can become more comfortable.
A toast is the main tribute to the guest(s) of honor and
sets the tone for the entire celebration event. Therefore
it should come from the heart, be unique and above all,
concise.
I've included some interesting information below to help
you prepare for your toast. From the history on the origin
of the toast, to actual techniques designed to help the
speaker feel more comfortable, to actual toasting verbiage
suggestions.
The History of Toasting
Provided by Korbel
Champagne
Throughout history, toasting has been
integrated into special occasions in almost every country
in the world. Although the custom dates back to biblical
times, the first toast on record was in England in 450
AD at a huge feast given by British King Vortigen to his
Saxon allies. This first toast was to good health and
fortune and over the years has evolved through many stages.
During the 17th century, it was believed that the clinking
of glasses' bell-like noise would banish the devil, which
is repelled by bells. It wasn't until the late 17th century
that the term "toasting" was used. It started
with the Roman custom of placing a piece of burnt bread
into a wine goblet to improve the flavor, which attendees
passed and shared. "Toasting" came about when
the last person who sipped from the glass claimed the
"toast" at the bottom. The 18th century brought
the position of the "toastmaster", whose duties
included proposing and announcing toasts, making sure
all toasters were given a chance to make his/her contribution.
Finally, by the 19th century, toasting had turned into
the "proper" thing to do. The British Duke insisted
that every glass during dinner had to be dedicated to
someone and that to leave out toasting a guest was a piece
of direct disrespect.
Today, toasting is a symbolic gesture to honor the guest(s)
of honor with affection and a personal tribute.
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In spite of its long history, the toast
should be kept simple and short, but warm and heart-felt.
The following are some tips to help you prepare for your
toast:
•Coordinate with Banquet Captain or Event Coordinator
to make sure banquet staff knows when to start pouring for
the toast. Most of the time, the "toasting time"
will have been pre-determined on a banquet contract. Check
and see when your time is. Otherwise, the timing is up to
you. You can make an announcement with a microphone or simply
(gently) clink your champagne glass with a spoon. Once the
room gets quiet, introduce yourself and your relation to
the guest(s) of honor. Then you can simply say, "Please
join me in a toast to_______." You can leave it like
that or elaborate with a story, poem or thought you have
well-prepared in advance.
•Stand and hold the glass straight from your shoulder
•Make sure that your glass as well as all the other
glasses are filled before you propose a toast
•Clink the glasses after the toast has been proposed,
but before it's drunk
•Stand to give a toast, remain seated to receive one.
•Speak slowly and loudly enough for all guests to hear.
•Keep it short. Lengthy prose does not automatically
mean respect and love for the guest(s) of honor.
•Do your homework. You probably already know the guest(s)
of honor whom you are toasting, but talk with them. What
are some special moments they shared? Some scary moments?
How did they come through them? What is their secret to
a long-lasting marriage or a happy life? Just talking with
them can provide insight into another side of them you never
knew existed and provide a heart-warming story to share
in a toast.
•Consider your audience: is there an age mix? Are they
primarily elderly guests in which case you may need to speak
more loudly and slowly? Remember humor that is cross-generational
and appropriate if your audience includes a wide age range
or religious range. A joke that may go over well with your
closest friends may not be well - suited for a group of
older or religious individuals.
•Call the one(s) you are toasting by name.
•Share a cute (but appropriate) anecdote about the
guest(s) of honor and then tie it into how great they are
and how lovely it is they are celebrating their anniversary.
Always keep everything positive. Talk from the heart. If
you're feeling happy about the guest of honor and celebration,
say so and tell why.
•Don't forget to end your toast with a resounding "CHEERS!"
If it is difficult to come up with your own words, the below
links offer favorite poems and quotes that have been used
and are excellent thoughts for toasts:
•General
Toasts
•Wedding
and Anniversary Toasts
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