Toasting Etiquette

Many people hesitate to get up and deliver a speech or a simple toast. But with a little practice, and perhaps some guts and courage, one can learn to face - even share their feelings - with others and enjoy a few minutes of fame.

Toasts are oftentimes much shorter than speeches but they can be as meaningful and memorable. Because they normally express heartfelt wishes rather than a concept or a discovery, you do not need to be an authority or an expert to deliver a toast. What matters most is sincerity.

Once you become comfortable at toasting, you will find that there are several occasions at which toasts are appropriate. This gracious gesture can be delivered by anyone. All it takes is a little preparation and a familiarity with some toast etiquette and protocol.

. Preparation is one of the most important things to do when giving a toast. You should not attempt to give a toast without planning what you are going to say and practicing it several times. This will allow you to refine your delivery and avoid boring your listeners.

.If you are having trouble getting people's attention, it is alright to clink a piece of utensil against a glass to get everyone to turn to you.

.The first toast should be made by the host.

.Try to speak slowly and loudly enough that you can be heard without yelling. It is important that your message be clear and poignant.

.Practicing may help reduce nervous feelings and make you more confident in your presentation.

.Think of your toast as a commercial. Thirty seconds or so is a nice length. Beyond that, people are likely to put their glasses down or start drinking from them. Talking for a long time will also draw attention away from you.

. When you are being toasted or recognized, you do not drink to the toast. (It would be like patting yourself on your own back.) Everyone else drinks to the toast.

.It is most common to use an alcoholic beverage such as champagne or wine for a toast but other suitable beverages to toast with may include sparkling fruit juice, soda or punch. Never make a toast with coffee or tea.

.Except in very small and informal gatherings, a toast is offered standing.

.Mention those being toasted by name, your relationship to him and a thought about this wonderful event.

.At a christening luncheon, toasts are offered to the child first by the godparents followed by the parents, the siblings and then any guests.

.Make sure that the toast you are delivering is appropriate to the intended audience and occasion.

.Absolutely do not have too much to drink before giving a toast. Also keep your emotions in check, as an emotional outburst or tears during a toast can be awkward.

.Don't forget to cap off the toast with a hearty ending like "cheers."

Toasts can be made for a variety of reasons and it is a good idea to have at least one "generic" toast memorized that works for almost any situation you find yourself in. Here are a few examples that will help you out when you're at a loss for words or are in need for some catchy phrase to impress.

Birthday. "Here's to Eduard. Although another year is past, he seems no older than the last."

Health. "Here's to good cheer, health and happiness for us all."

Graduation or promotion. "We wish you the brightest future filled with hopes, dreams and promises of a wonderful life."

Wedding. "A toast to love and laughter and happily ever after."

Retirement. "A well-deserved reward for a job well done."

Death. "Here's to our dear departed friend who lived life to the fullest."

(Reference. Great Toasts by Andrew Frothingham)