Men's Skill #6 Propose a Toast

Excerpt from RVR's Men Skills Book
'Propose a Toast' chapter written by famed public speaking coach, Fred Rivera

It's All About Practicing!

Hamlet said, “Since brevity is the soul of wit… I will be
brief.” Mark Twain quipped, “I didn’t have time to write
a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” Wise words, especially
when it comes to proposing a toast.

Things to Absolutely Remember

Write down your toast and practice it.
Memorize your toast. You can use a cheat-sheet and place
it on the table in front of you in case you go blank—print in
large type so you can read it at a glance.

Before you give the toast, be sure to greet the honoree’s
relatives and close friends so they know who you are; it will
make all of you feel more at ease.

Eye contact is very important—because of size, you may
not be able to address everyone but you can address every
section.

Keep your toast as brief as possible while still including
the name of the person you are toasting, both at the beginning
and end of the toast; how you know him or her; a brief
personal reminiscence about the honored guest; and sincere
wishes for the person or persons you are toasting.

CHEERS!