How important are the words you use when it is your turn to toast the bride and groom? Have you ever sat through a toast that embarrassed you, and the one being toasted? Are you the Best Man, the Maid of Honor or another wedding VIP?
Realize the profound trust placed in you to say exactly the right thing. You know that timing may be everything, but the words you use are not far behind. Do not just “wing it.” Plan a memorable toast. It is a gift to your friends and family members.
Here are some pointers.
A wedding toast should be “brief, personal, and customized to the occasion. Most of all, it should be heartfelt.”
Speaking from the heart is the key to an appropriate toast. To help you put your best foot forward – and not in your mouth – Mount Forest Motivators Toastmasters club in Mount Forest, offers the following tips:
– Pick a topic that is personal but appropriate.
– Keep it short – no more than a couple of minutes. Essentially, the best advice in public speaking is to always be brief.
– Practice. Think about what you want to say, and practice the toast in advance. Use friends as sounding boards beforehand.
– Stay sober. Being coherent helps.
– Be careful with humour – that personal story you consider harmless may not be seen the same way by others.
– Dress your best. If you look good, you’ll feel more confident.
Speakers are better off going with something from the heart. Honestly. Remember, your friend or family member has chosen you to fulfill a special role on that special day. This is your chance to speak with love and make their day complete.
Mount Forest Motivators, which meets at Faith Baptist Church on London Road on Tuesdays from 7 to 9pm is there to help people conquer public speaking concerns.
The group has joined forces with 12,000 other clubs, as part of Toastmasters International – a nonprofit organization serving more than 250,000 members in 106 countries. For more information about Toastmasters International, visit www.toastmasters.org.
Founded in 1924, Toastmasters International has since helped more than four million men and women develop their public speaking skills and become confident communicators at work, at home, and yes, even at parties.
