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A toast




Things to think about when you are making a toast 

If you have been asked to speak at a wedding, graduation, or some other formal occasion they have asked you for a reason. People love you for who you are so don't use words you would not normally use - be yourself. 

Make it personal. Be specific. Tell us something we don’t already know.

Don't tell inside jokes that only two people know and everyone else is left out of the loop. Remember everyone is listening, so make them feel included and save the private jokes for the group that cares (and knows). 

What is the clink moment (raise our glasses moment) 

Do not start this toast with the following:

I have known ___ for 5 years…
My name is ___.
Me and ___ met back in college.

  • Start with something like: 
Dr. Crowley is ____.
Tonight you will learn why Dr. Crowley ____.
The best story I have about Dr. Crowley starts with ____.

Time for the clink. This is the part of the speech where you can be sappy. It’s your opportunity to offer well wishes, thanks, and gratitude toward the toastee and anyone else in the room. Specifically:

  • Thank the hosts.
  • Offer good wishes or congratulations.
  • Bring in the audience to make those thanks and wishes with you.

The best clinks actually allow the audience to join in with your gratitude and make everyone in the room feel that you speak on their behalf.

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