How to Give a Retirement Toast

Retirement is a crossroads between a career and a more carefree existence. Being asked to give the retirement toast at a party celebrating this milestone is an honor. This is your chance to let your colleague or loved one know that you hold them in high esteem and to honor the hard work they have put in all their lives. The right words will be the crown to any retirement party.

Instructions

1. Know the difference between a retirement speech and a retirement toast. A toast is usually one or two sentences long and generally follows a speech. Try to make the tone of your toast a contrast with the speech to either add levity, or bring the mood back to heartfelt sincerity.

2. Plan ahead what you want to say. A toast can be something you come up with specifically for the retiree (i.e. “We will miss your unique presence in the office”) or it can be more traditional such as “mazel tov” or a short poem or inspirational quote. If you decide on a more humorous toast, keep it in good taste. Double-check to make sure that any toast that pokes fun at the guest of honor is appropriate.

3. Some amount of rehearsal is helpful if you are a nervous public speaker. If you need to, write your toast on a small note card you can reference if you get stage fright. Even if you plan to improvise, it is a good idea to have a back up toast as well. Although it is tempting to soothe nerves with alcohol, keep your drinking to a minimum until after the toast so you are able to present it at your best.

4. Familiarize yourself with the size of the room in which you will give the toast so you will know what your volume should be. Keep in mind that an empty room will carry sound better than one full of rustling people. Take a deep breath and speak loudly and clearly.

5. When you have finished the toast, be sure to raise your glass in the direction of the guest of honor. Don’t forget to take a sip yourself.