With
Spring in full bloom and a number of special events upon
us---graduations, Mother's and Father's Day, weddings,
job promotions, retirements, and the like---here are a
few tips on how to give and receive a toast..
TOAST-GIVER
Always take time to
prepare and write down your toast. Make it fun,
brief, and simple. When describing an honoree,
speak from the heart sharing a fun and amusing
story in your own words, for no longer than one
minute. Conclude by inviting everyone to raise
their glass and join you in a toast to the honoree.
Never use
a piece of flatware and a glass as your way of getting
people's attention. Rather, alert key people in the room
ahead of time to help you get their table and area quiet
when the time arrives. Say, in a loud projecting voice, "May
I have your attention please." Repeat as needed,
continuing to look around the room to get everyone's attention.
Remember to make good
eye contact with the honoree by raising your glass
to shoulder height in front of you, and gesturing
toward the honoree and others around you, stating, "Cheers!", "Here's
to you (and/or his/her name)."
TOAST-RECEIVER: As the honoree,
...
Always remain seated through
the entire toast being proposed to you.
Never raise
your glass along with the others when you are being toasted
and honored. Otherwise, it appears you are toasting yourself.
Remember you
should return a toast of thanks immediately following the
one you were given. Whether the toast-giver stood during
his/her remarks or remained seated, you must do the same.
Do thank the host for hosting the event in your honor;
do say a few words about the event for no more than one
minute; then conclude by inviting one and all to join
you in another round of toasting, by saying, "and
thank you one and all for being here."
Bonus Tip: The clinking of glasses
is a popular and fun activity. Nevertheless, when
toasting an honoree it is not performed. Simply
raise your glass to shoulder height in front of
you, make good eye contact with the honoree and
others, and gently gesture toward the honoree.
Happy
Toasting!
P.S.
I want to thank everyone who sent messages about last month's
bathroom etiquette tip regarding which way a roll of toilet
tissue is to be unrolled from its holder. I appreciated
everyone taking the time to write. Keep it coming. My first
reaction was, "gosh, people really do read these." Thank
you! No doubt this is a debate which could go on for some
time. Etiquette is afterall ever evolving.
