Delivering a toast can be a nerve-wracking experience for some, so we’ve compiled this list of tips to help you next time you’re asked to raise a glass and say a few words.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH.
You want to make sure you’re calm when you’re giving your toast. Taking a deep breath can help lower your heart rate and calm your nerves, making you more relaxed when you speak.
LOOSEN UP.
People can tell when you’re tense. Make sure you relax your body before you speak. Remember to relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and stand up straight. Not only will you look relaxed, but you’ll look and feel more confident too.
KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE.
If you’re nervous about standing up in front of a group of people and speaking, the good news is that for a toast, you don’t need to speak for that long. A simple toast such as one you would say before starting dinner is usually less than a minute. For toasts honoring people at events and weddings, around 3 to 5 minutes is sufficient.
PLAN AND REHEARSE.
Like with most things in life, you should prepare for your toast. This means you already should know what you want to say and how you want to focus on the person of honor. A toast should also have a beginning, a middle, and an end just like a regular speech. It gives the toast structure and prevents you from going on a long tangent. End your toast with a thank you, a “Cheers!” or similar valediction.
And while you don’t need to script your speech, rehearsing, even if in front of a mirror to yourself, will help you confidently deliver your toast.
SPEAK FROM THE HEART.
When giving a toast, you want to provide context. Toasts are well-received when they have meaning behind them. No one wants to receive an impersonal toast, so why give one? Also, remember that humor translates differently for everyone, so opt for being meaningful over humorous. A toast should always come from a place of admiration and that’s the most important thing to remember.
These are just a few simple tips to help you confidently deliver that toast, next time you’re called upon. To learn more, check out toastmasters.org and scienceofpeople.com.
Looking for a great sparkling wine to accompany your toast? Try one of the following:
Foley Sonoma Brut Sparkling Wine
Vibrant aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry, and red cherry. Beautifully bright acidity of strawberry, raspberry, and honeysuckle flavors with a lively mouth-feel. Crisp on entry, the lively bubbles offer a persistent finish.
Shop Foley Sonoma Brut Sparkling Wine.
Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé
The flavors display nice strawberry and wild cherry fruit, with a touch of richness on the mid palate. It is balanced with dry, crisp acidity and complimented with a creamy texture and long finish.
Available in select wine shops and restaurants.
