How to Write a Great Toast

Video Transcript

"Hi, this is Laura Turner. And today we're going to talk about how to write a great toast. Now if you want to write a regular toast, just go ahead and do it off the fly. But if you want to write a great toast, it actually takes some preparation. I've heard a couple of great toasts in my life. And the ones that were great actually contained quotes. And ideas from other writers who are great. To illustrate the person's point. But we should try to do is, try to incorporate quotes and ideas from other people. That actually relate to the person you were toasting to. For example, if you're going to use an excerpt from Lord Of The Rings. And the person you are toasting to, has never read it before. Try to think of something that is a little more along their lines. Before you use it. So using the words of other people to be inspiring to the occasion. Also think about you know, how can you use the particular text to enhance. What you're saying about either the wedding or the birthday or the anniversary of the people. That you are toasting to. Next, if you want to write a great toast. Actually sit down and write it. Write it and rewrite it over and over again. Until you have actually you know, sort of, made it have a clear beginning, middle, end and a point. And come to a circle that you think is whole. Then I think, you should actually practice it, ahead of time. In front of other people. So that especially, if you're nervous about talking in front of other people. You can get that out of your system, just a little bit. Also try to memorize your speech, if you can. That's going to help you. Hopefully, with the stage fright. Finally, don't reveal anything too embarrassing about the honoree, in your toast. The bad toasts that I have seen and the toasts that have been talked about for ages. After they've been said or the ones that sort of, reveal something. That the parents of the bride did not know. And all of these things that people should not say in a wedding toast. So be sure to censor yourself. But also be honest and eloquent and be prepared."