Toasting 101
Wealth Creator presents the secrets of giving a succesful toast at any function.
While you may hate public speaking, getting up in front of your team to give a presentation is a key business skill which needs to be mastered.
But you don’t necessarily need to rush out and buy a copy of Powerpoint just yet – a short, well delivered toast could provide the same level of public engagement in just a fraction of the time.
Toasts can be used for almost any occasion, for celebrating the end of a trying quarter to welcoming the newest member of the team.
So what is the secret to giving a good toast?
Firstly, remember to make eye contact. The point of the toast is to deliver a shared message to the group, so ensure you have everyone’s attention and engagement by looking into their eyes. It doesn’t have to be a long stare, mind you, just enough to show that you care.
Second, don’t overthink it. You won’t need an A4 sheet of notes or presentation slides or a laser pointer – well, you can keep the laser pointer if you like – but the key here is to be spontaneous and genuine. This means using no notes and speaking from the heart. If the thought of speaking without notes terrifies you, consider this – the whole point of the toast is to deliver one message. That’s all you have to remember.
Thirdly, speed is the essence here. You’re trying to get across a simple message, so limit yourself to one story, or one feeling. For example, if we are toasting David in sales for his successful up-selling of a key client we simply need to mention how he clinched the deal and why he is appreciated for it.
Finally, raise your glass and drink in their honour. That’s it – message delivered and, no doubt, received.
