How to Write a Great Toast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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! :)

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.