Giving a toast strikes fear in many people. Ever find yourself worrying, “I don’t know what to say.” “I hate making toasts.” And yet, especially at this time of year at both social and business events, you may have to give a toast. At company holiday parties, at a retirement party, at a New Year’s celebration, toasts are an important part of the occasion. So be prepared.

Most people’s fear derives from the too often gut-wrenching experience of watching really bad toasts and then worrying that our own efforts will be equally embarrassing. Usually, those really horrendous toasts fail because they go on and on and on, or because the attempted humor is totally inappropriate, or because the subject of the toast is the butt of a ridiculous story.

Good toasts work because they:

• Are brief
• Are on subject
• Have a touch of humor
• Are sincere
• Never disparage the subject of the toast

A little forethought can go a long way. So plan your toast in advance. If you are a really nervous public speaker, write it down. Then practice it. Practice it enough so when you give it you can focus on the audience and not have your face buried in your cheat sheet. When you actually give your toast, try looking at individuals in the crowd. Move your gaze from person to person and talk to them individually. That will take your mind off the crowd. When you arrive at the moment to “raise your glass,” turn to the honored guest, focus on him or her and when you are finished smile at them and then take a sip from your glass.

This thing about taking a sip is important. Tipping your head back and draining the glass with a self-satisfied smacking of the lips really doesn’t cut it. The goal here is to pay respects to the person you are toasting, not make a spectacle of yourself.

The mechanics of toasting is simple. The toaster stands and invites the everyone to join him or her in a toast to Ms. Employee of the Year. Everyone else stands except Ms. Employee of the Year. When the toast is completed everyone takes a sip from their glass. People who don’t drink alcohol should join in as well with whatever they are drinking. Ms. Employee of the Year does not drink to herself. After the toast Ms. Employee of the Year stands and offers a heartfelt acknowledgement and thank you.

At more informal business dinners or social occasions, it is perfectly acceptable for everyone to remain seated, even the toaster and toastee. Personally, even in a small group, if I’m giving a toast, I prefer to stand.

At this time of the year I would like to offer my own toast to all of you who read RealtyTimes. So, virtually, I stand and offer the following to you:

May you have warm words on a cold evening,

A full moon on a dark night,

And the road downhill all the way to your door.

A happy holiday and best wishes for a productive and profitable New Year to you all.

Published: December 19, 2001

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