How To

How to Write a Great Toast

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(20 Ratings)

Toasts are a public way of honoring a dinner guest, ceremony honoree or party invitee.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Stationery
  • Writing Pens
  1. Step 1

    Keep it brief and to the point. Some of the best toasts are just a single line or two.

  2. Step 2

    Mention an unusually brave, heroic, romantic or awesome act performed by the honoree.

  3. Step 3

    Match the toast to both the honoree's personality and the event.

  4. Step 4

    Use part of a poem, a famous speech, a quote or even a portion of a love letter in your toast.

  5. Step 5

    Choose simple, but substantial, words to convey your feelings.

  6. Step 6

    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.

  7. Step 7

    Write the toast ahead of time. Don't attempt to wing it.

  8. Step 8

    Practice giving the toast. Say it a couple of times until you can give it fluidly.

  9. Step 9

    Remember that the toast puts the spotlight on the honoree, not on you.

Tips & Warnings
  • Make sure your toast is appropriate for everyone at the event.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Here are the things you need to include if you want more than a one-sentence toast:

1. Explain your relation to the couple/honoree.

2. Thank parents and organizers, if needed.

3. Pick 1 or 2 values or characteristics this person exemplifies (one is best).

4. Tell a humorous, positive, and specific story showing how they embody this characteristic.

5. Note how this value makes them a wonderful partner, groom, couple, co-worker, etc.

6. End with a congratulatory line and lift your glass as you say it.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/15/2008 Step 1: Find an inspiring, secluded place; take a deep breath; sit back and think about how much these people really mean to you, and then let it flow onto paper.
Step 2: Edit

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Practice your toast in the mirror! Say it out loud! You'll show more confidence, if you aren't worried about how you look and/or sound in front of all those people! You'll also want to practice, not sounding like a recording! :)

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Use the tune of a popular advertising jingle, but change the words to suite your subject. Sing the verse once, and then have the whole room join in.

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