How to Make a Toast

Toasts are a big deal. They're all about sharing love and good times at weddings, graduations, birthdays, and all kinds of parties. But coming up with a great toast? That can be scary. Don't worry, I'm here to help you write a toast that everyone will remember.

1. What's the Deal with This Toast?

Before you start writing, think about what's going on. Ask yourself:

• What's the party for? Is it a fancy wedding, a casual birthday, or a work thing? You'll want to sound different for each.
• How close are you to the person being honored? Are you best friends, family, or just work buddies? Your relationship will tell you how personal you can get.
• What's the vibe you want to go for? Funny, sentimental, inspiring? This will help you pick the right words.
• How long should it be? Most toasts are around 2-3 minutes. Unless someone told you differently, keep it short and sweet.

2. Writing a Toast That Rocks

Now you know what you're doing, it's time to write. Here's how to do it:

a) Start with a Bang

• Grab their attention! Start with something catchy. Maybe a funny observation, a heartwarming feeling, or a quick story. Like, "I've never seen [honoree] so happy as they are today!" or "When [honoree] asked me to do this, I was honored... and a little scared!"
• Say what you're toasting to. Make it clear who you're celebrating and why you're there. For example, "Tonight, we celebrate [honoree], a true friend and inspiration." Or "It's an honor to raise a glass to [honoree], an amazing person who's achieved so much."

b) Tell Stories That Shine

The best part of a toast is the stories. Pick some that show the honoree's personality, what they've done well, or something special you shared. Remember:

• Keep it positive. Focus on the good things about the person. Don't bring up bad stuff or embarrassing moments.
• Make it interesting. Choose stories that connect to the honoree and everyone else there. Don't ramble or share private stuff that's not right for the occasion.
• A little humor goes a long way. A joke can make your toast memorable, but make sure it's funny for everyone and fits the party. No mean jokes!

c) Show Your Appreciation

Let the honoree know you're thankful for them. Tell them what you admire about them, their accomplishments, or how they've helped others. This is also a chance to encourage them for the future.

d) End with a Powerful Finish

Wrap it up with a memorable ending that leaves everyone feeling good. Here are some ideas:

• Summarize your main points. Briefly recap why you're so happy for the honoree.
• Raise your glass! Invite everyone to toast with you. Say something like, "To [honoree], may your future be filled with joy, success, and love!" or "Cheers to [honoree] for being so kind, funny, and awesome!"
• Leave them feeling good. Make them feel loved, admired, and excited for what's next.

3. Delivering Your Toast with Confidence

You've written a great toast, now it's time to practice and make it sound awesome. Here's how:

a) Practice Makes Perfect

• Say it out loud. Practice your toast several times until you're comfortable with the words and how fast you speak.
• Time yourself. Make sure it fits within the time limit. Adjust the toast if it's too long or short.
• Record yourself. Listen to your recording to see if you need to change anything. Maybe your pace, your voice, or how clear you are.

b) Speak with Energy

• Speak up! Make sure everyone can hear you, but don't shout. Just use a normal, clear volume.
• Say your words clearly. Speak slowly and carefully, so everyone understands what you're saying. Don't mumble or rush.
• Change your voice. Don't be boring! Use different tones to show happiness, seriousness, or excitement. It makes your toast more engaging.
• Look at your audience. Make eye contact with different people while you speak. It makes the toast feel more personal.

c) Be Yourself

The best toasts are genuine and heartfelt. Don't try to be someone you're not. Let your real personality shine through in what you say and how you say it. Let your humor come out, but don't be too self-deprecating or braggy. Remember, you're celebrating someone else, not yourself.

4. Toast Ideas

Need some inspiration? Here are some common types of toasts and ideas to get you started:

a) Wedding Toasts

• Tell their love story. How did they meet? What's special about their relationship? Share their journey together.
• Talk about what makes them great. What are the best things about the bride and groom? What makes them unique and special?
• Give them advice. Share your wisdom and support for their future as a couple. What do you hope for them?

b) Birthday Toasts

• Remember fun times. Share funny memories, inside jokes, or special moments you've shared with the birthday person.
• Celebrate their achievements. Acknowledge their accomplishments, big or small, and how proud you are of them.
• Wish them well. Say good things about their future and what you hope for them in the coming year.

c) Graduation Toasts

• Praise their hard work. Acknowledge their dedication to their studies and how much they've worked hard to get here.
• Talk about how they've grown. Share how they've changed and matured throughout their time in school.
• Encourage them for the future. Offer inspiration and support for the next chapter in their lives.

5. What to Do (and Not Do) When You're Making a Toast

Here are some basic rules to keep in mind when writing and giving your toast:

Do

• Keep it short. Around 2-3 minutes is perfect. A short, powerful toast is better than a long, rambling one.
• Share personal stories. Tell stories that are interesting and relevant, but don't share anything too private that might be embarrassing or inappropriate.
• Practice, practice, practice. Rehearse your toast a lot so you feel confident and comfortable.
• Sound excited! Speak up, change your voice, and engage with your audience.
• Be respectful. Make sure your toast fits the tone and formality of the party.

Don't

• Make it about yourself. This is about the honoree, not you.
• Use offensive or inappropriate language. Make sure your jokes and stories are appropriate for everyone at the party.
• Be too critical or negative. Focus on the good things about the honoree.
• Forget to say thank you. Express your gratitude for the honoree and how they've impacted your life.
• Avoid eye contact. Connect with your audience by looking at different people while you speak.

Conclusion

Making a toast is a great way to show your love and support for someone special. By following these tips, you can write a great toast that everyone will enjoy. Remember to be yourself, practice your delivery, and have fun celebrating!