Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Opener: The opener needs to be very short. A quick joke or a short reflection on a few major events of the last year.
Example: “The best toasts follow three simple rules. Stand Up. Speak Up. Then, Shut Up. I'll stick to that advice.”
Step2
Past: Take a moment to reflect on past events. Try not to make this part a personal reference. It can be something personal to someone else in the room as long as everyone present will pick up on the reference. Major political events or pop culture are good for this.
Example: “Many of our loved ones have seen repeated trials in the last year as they went to war in Iraq or Afghanistan. Many have even struggled with loss.”
Step3
Next year: Tie the past years reference into the New Year. Again, don’t make it personal. Make this part of the speech something that everyone can relate to.
Example: “The New Year brings hope as our countries soldiers return home.”
Step4
Emotional Response: Now share something heartfelt about yourself or someone close to you. Then give hope for the New Year in relation to what you just shared.
Example: “Dad struggled all last year with cancer, but now he sits before us cancer free and we all hope he sees many more new years. “
Step5
Ending: It’s good to end with something funny. If you can’t come up with a joke or you just don’t feel it’s appropriate for the crowd, then quote some famous profound saying. At a last resort just say something like, “Best wishes to all for the new year”, or whatever works for you.
How to Make a New Years Toast
Opener: The opener needs to be very short. A quick joke or a short reflection on a few major events of the last year. 
Authority 
