This month Trina McKinley AKA “The Sage”has given us the salient points on how to master The Toast. Trina McKinley has been with Toastmasters International since 1988 and has been a Club Rescue Officer – renamed Club Coach-for Morningside Toastmasters. Trina is now “Proudly”a Rivonia Toastmaster.
MASTERING THE TOASTToasts generally make reference to the occasion and/or to the person being honoured and offer some thought or perspective on the occasion. A typical toast will bestow best wishes as wellas hopes for health, happiness and good fortune and other positive thoughts. Some offer advice. All can be as serious, witty, sentimental or poetic as the giver wishes.
Basic PrinciplesThe Basic principles regarding the components of any speech still apply. The only difference being that the introduction is very short, and the conclusion is the actual proposing of the Toast.
The IntroductionThe introduction mentions the occasion, or the reason why the Toast is being proposed.
The BodyThe body deals with the relevant features, or achievements of the organisation, or the achievements or personality characteristics of the individual concerned.
The ConclusionThe Conclusion relates to the filling of glasses ("charging of glasses"), the standing of the audience, and the actual drinkingof the Toast.
Preparing the ToastThe nicest toasts are those that are personalised by the giver for the recipient or for the occasion. Such toasts often includepersonal stories about the recipient or the occasion and perhaps an appropriate quote. A well-done, personal toast requires careful thought.
When preparing a toast remember the following:- Prepare an opening, body and conclusion. A toast is a speech.
- Make sure it fits the occasion in both mood and language. For formal gathering, the toast should be dignified, although some humour is appropriate. For informal occasions, where guests are likely to be acquainted with one another, toasts can be lighter in tone and phrased to fit the relaxed atmosphere.
- Avoid clichés. Tired expressions such as "Down the hatch!" or "Here's mud in your eye!" are the last refuge of the uncertain speaker.
- Be sincere. The best toasts are heartfelt.
- Don't embarrass anyone. Be sensitive to your audience and to the occasion.
- Use vocal variety; the same techniques used for a speech are applicable to your toast.
- Toasting Etiquette
- Timing is important when giving a toast. Generally, the best time is after the chosen beverage has been poured for all guests and the room is relatively quiet. For large public occasions such as banquets, stand and look about the room until you have everyone's attention. If a few people continue to talk, gently tap a glass with a spoon to suggest the sound of a toast. When all have done so, give the toast, making eye contact with guests around the room. If toasting one or more people, finish your toast as you look at each of them.
- For formal occasions, ask the guests to rise with you in drinking the toast. If the toast is being directed to a particular person or several people, the individuals remain seated and do not drink with the others; after the toast is drunk they rise and briefly thank the others.
- For informal occasions, all remain seated as the toast giver lifts her glass, pronounces the toast then leads the assembled company in gently lifting glasses before sipping their beverages. Again, if the toast is made to a particular person orseveral people, those people do not drink with the others; they simply thank them afterwards and then drink.
- (Toastmaster Meeting presentation time for Toast of Evening 1 -1½-2 minutes
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