How to Write a Toast Speech

Toasts are given on a variety of occasions. When you are asked to give a toast, personalize the toast to that individual, and keep that person as the center of attention. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Find out about the person you will be toasting. Talk to other people who know her. You might be able to find out some fun or interesting stories.

2. Outline the speech. Even if you think you are the best speechwriter you know, there's always a chance that you will forget something or lock up during your speech. A small notecard with an outline can help you get back on track if you lose your line of thought. Writing can also help you organize your speech.

3. Introduce yourself to start the speech. Not everyone at the event will know who you are. In this quick introduction, mention how you know the individual or individuals you are toasting.

4. Gear the speech toward your own strengths. While many toasts include a joke or funny statement, if you do not feel comfortable delivering one, then don't. There is no rule that the toast must start out with humor.

5. Tell a short story about the individual or individuals you are toasting. It can be from your experience with them, or a story that you found out about while talking with others.

6. Refer to the purpose of the event. Congratulate the person or people that you are giving the toast for, and end the toast.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful not to confuse a toast and a roast. Remember that everyone there will not know who you are, and they might misinterpret your good-natured jokes directed at the subject of your toast as being rude.

• Keep your toast short. The focus of the event is on the person or people you are toasting and not on your toast itself.

References

• Tips For Giving A Toast
• Wedding Toast Tips