| Today one of my clients is throwing one of her | | | | you admire them? |
| good friends a 40th birthday party. She actually | | | | After you've put together your toast it should |
| used to date him and now they're good friends. | | | | look something like this: |
| She has the perfect dress, has supplied the | | | | "Welcome to the 40th Birthday party for our |
| beautiful country club for the party and now she | | | | friend Clyde. It's great to see everyone here. For |
| was considering whether or not she should also | | | | those who know Clyde, you'll know that he is a |
| give a host! | | | | determined, fun and successful individual. But there |
| My answer to her? ALWAYS give a toast if you | | | | is something that you might NOT know about |
| can!!! | | | | Clyde!! |
| First of all, whoever is throwing the party has a | | | | Tell funny or poignant story here.... And when the |
| responsibility of welcoming people to the event. | | | | laughter dies down.. |
| It's nice to publicly introduce yourself and | | | | "So tonight, we wish to honor you Clyde, for who |
| welcome everyone. It also establishes your | | | | you are to all of us. We appreciate you, we love |
| credibility when you speak in front of people | | | | you and we wish for you many more happy and |
| Next, it's an opportunity to show off! When | | | | healthy years to come." |
| people see you completely composed in a | | | | The story that you tell is extremely important. |
| somewhat stressful situation, they're impressed. | | | | But even MORE important is how often you |
| Little do they know how much preparation when | | | | practice this speech! Practice it in front of the |
| on behind the scenes. You can make it look like | | | | mirror dozens of times until the words role off |
| you pulled the toast out of thin air! | | | | your tongue gracefully. Tape yourself as you |
| When writing a toast, there are a few things to | | | | practice and rewrite it as you go along. Practice |
| do that will make your job easier. | | | | visualizing yourself in the room beforehand, and |
| How do you want to come across? Do you want | | | | practice looking at people in the eyes so during |
| the toast to be fun, lighthearted and funny or do | | | | your speech you'll be able to do that with ease. |
| you want it serious? This will help you determine | | | | During the last part, when you're bringing honor to |
| the "story" that you share during the toast. | | | | the person, look at that person RIGHT in the |
| How do you feel about the person? What do | | | | eyeballs with as much sincerity as you can |
| they mean to other people? How do people | | | | muster up, to let them know that you genuinely |
| respond to them as individuals? Are they funny, | | | | do care. |
| articulate, smart, a great dresser or a terrific | | | | If you do all of these things, you'll blow the people |
| story teller? Be specific and write down all of the | | | | away. The response you'll get is "wow, I wish I |
| adjectives that you can to describe this person. | | | | could just pull something like this out of my hat" |
| What is a funny story or a really great story that | | | | and "that was such a great toast... good job". |
| you can tell about this person? Is there some | | | | No one has to know that you practiced over and |
| secret passion that this person has that causes | | | | over until it felt right. No one has to know that |
| them to spend excessive time on something? | | | | you changed the toast dozens of times until you |
| Was there a time that the two of you were | | | | got the story right. But what you and everyone |
| together that impressed you or made you laugh? | | | | else WILL know is that after you've given the |
| What story can you think of that EXPLAINS what | | | | speech and knocked it out of the park, your |
| this person is to you? This can be lighthearted or | | | | status will be elevated. |
| serious, depending upon the tone that you want | | | | By presenting an incredible toast you will have |
| to create in the room and with the toast. | | | | created a great memory for the person you are |
| Lastly, what does this person mean to YOU? Do | | | | honoring. And THAT is who its all about, after all! |
| you want to honor them? Do you love them? Do | | | | |