HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
Age of the Guests:
Does the guest list vary widely in age, or did they all grow up in the same era? A joke about your friend's New Kids on the Block obsession can go over the heads of the elderly guests in attendance.
Sophistication of the Guests:
Are you speaking to a literary crowd, or your family from a small town? Tailor your toast to the experiences and tastes of the people in attendance to avoid alienating the crowd.
Even if you're a riveting speaker and love to entertain, it's imperative that you keep your toast under three minutes. Studies show attention spans start to wane after two and a half minutes.
Have a Beginning, Middle and End:
It sounds basic, but it's an oft-forgotten rule that should always be followed.
- Beginning: Start your speech out with an introduction to who you are (if there are people in the room who may not know you) and how you know the person you are toasting.
- Middle: Include one or two brief stories that reveal something positive and endearing about the person's character. You can do this in a roasting manner, but it might be easier to keep it sincere and succinct.
- End: Conclude by asking the crowd to join you in raising a glass to the individual and congratulating or thanking them, etc.
And practice some more. When you practice, it is crucial that you practice out loud, at the same volume and rate that you plan to speak during the toast. Do it in a big empty room, and look around the room while you speak as if you're connecting with the other guests with your eyes and speaking sincerely. Sounds crazy -- but it works wonders.
Stand Up Straight, and Smile:
There's nothing worse than someone giving a toast with his or her hands stuffed in their pockets, looking at the floor with a petrified expression on their face. Instead, while you're practicing, remind yourself to stand up straight, use hand gestures and start off with a big smile to chase away the nervous butterflies.
Being a Party Guest:
H...
Guide To Entering
and ...
Gracious Guest
