How to Make a Great Toast:

Next time you're asked to raise your glass, feel confident and ready to deliver a heartfelt tribute.

Toasting is an age-old tradition that adds warmth and camaraderie to any celebration. Whether it's a wedding, birthday, graduation, or a simple gathering of friends, a well-crafted toast can leave a lasting impression. Here’s how to create a great toast that resonates with your audience, along with some inspiration from memorable speeches.

Know Your Audience

Before you begin crafting your toast, consider who will be listening. The style and tone should vary depending on the occasion and the crowd. A wedding toast might call for a mix of humour and heartfelt sentiments, while a business celebration may require a more formal approach. Tailoring your message will ensure that it resonates with everyone in the room.

Start with a Hook

Begin your toast with an engaging opening line to capture attention immediately. This could be a light-hearted joke, a surprising fact, or a touching anecdote. For instance, at his daughter's wedding, comedian Jerry Seinfeld famously said, “A man is incomplete until he is married. After that, he is finished.” This charming quip lightens the mood while setting the stage for a personal story.

Share a Personal Story

One of the best ways to connect with your audience is by sharing a personal story related to the occasion. This helps to humanise your toast and makes it relatable. The story could be about your relationship with the honoree, a shared experience, or a defining moment that highlights their character. Remember to keep the story concise and relevant, ensuring that it ties back to the reason you’re toasting.

For instance, Oprah Winfrey’s memorable commencement speech at Harvard University included personal insights about resilience and courage. She shared, “The key to success is to be true to yourself, and those around you will see the real you.” This reflects how personal authenticity can make a significant impact.

Keep it Short and Sweet

While it may be tempting to go on at length, great toasts are typically brief and impactful. Aim for around two to three minutes—enough to say something meaningful without losing your audience's attention. Avoid inside jokes and overly complex narratives; simplicity and clarity are essential.

One of the most famous toasts came from actor Robert De Niro at a friend's wedding, when he said, “Love is not about how many days, months, or years you have been together. Love is about how much you love each other every single day.” This succinct phrase captures the essence of love without unnecessary embellishment.

End with a Strong Conclusion

As you wrap up your toast, bring it full circle with a memorable conclusion. A great ending not only leaves a lasting impression but also encourages everyone to join in the toast. Consider including a call to action, inviting guests to raise their glasses and celebrate.

During his iconic toast at the 60th anniversary event for the United Nations, former President Bill Clinton concluded with an inspiring message: “Together, we can build a world that is a little better for all of us. So let's raise a glass and make it happen.” Such a finish picks up the spirit of hope and collective action.

Remember the Toasting Etiquette

Lastly, remember proper toasting etiquette. Hold your glass up to eye level, make eye contact with the honouree, and maintain a pleasant demeanour. Speak clearly and confidently, and don’t forget to smile!