Toasting

Find out about the person you will be toasting. Talk to other people who know him/her. You might be able
to find out some fun or interesting stories.

Outline the speech. Even if you think you are the best speechwriter you know, there's always a chance
that you will forget something or lock up during your speech. A small notecard with an outline can help you
get back on track if you lose your line of thought. Writing can also help you organize your speech.

Introduce yourself to start the speech. Not everyone at the event will know who you are. In this quick
introduction, mention how you know the individual or individuals you are toasting.

Gear the speech toward your own strengths. While many toasts include a joke or funny statement, if you
do not feel comfortable delivering one, then don't. There is no rule that the toast must start out with humor.

Tell a short story about the individual or individuals you are toasting. It can be from your experience with
them, or a story that you found out about while talking with others.

Refer to the purpose of the event. Congratulate the person or people that you are giving the toast for, and
end the toast.

Keep it brief and to the point.

Mention an unusually brave, heroic, romantic or awesome act performed by the honoree.

Match the toast to both the honoree's personality and the event.

Use part of a poem, a famous speech, a quote or even a portion of a love letter in your toast.

Choose simple, but substantial, words to convey your feelings.

Weave humor into your toast, but refrain from embarrassing the honoree. If the assembled group is close,
you may refer to shared experiences, but don't make the toast a private joke between you and a few
people.

Practice giving the toast. Say it a couple of times until you can give it fluidly.

Remember that the toast puts the spotlight on the honoree, not on you.
You will be graded on the following:
Length
Nonverbal Comm.
Verbal Comm.
Introduction
Comments about Person Honored
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