At some point in time, you will be asked to give a toast...maybe during a wedding, birthday, or at Toastmasters' meetings. This can be intimidating especially when you were not given time to prepare for it.
Here are a few tips on how to give a toast in any situation unprepared.
If you are giving a toast at a wedding or dinner, make yourself visible and bring everyone's attention with "can I please have your attention please?" or simply stand by your chair and raise your glass
Use the 7 seconds tease - Right upon seeking everyone's attention, use the first 7 seconds to connect with your audience by telling a story, or by sharing a fun fact about the person you are toasting to.
Tell the audience why you have been chosen to give the toast and why we are here to celebrate this person
Be brief and positive- Depending on the situation, highlight a few remarkable items that the person has accomplished.
End your toast by asking everyone to stand up, raise their glasses and cheer to the special person you are toasting to
What not to do:
Do not read your toast from your script, but rather use a cheat sheet and keep eye contact with the audience
Do not toast to yourself ( less narcist and more modesty)
Do not wave, scream, or shout to get everyone's attention
Do not give a 10 minutes toast
A toast is a simple emotional photograph that bookmarks the moments we shared with others #cheers
