Toasting: Keep it Short and Sweet

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.