Speaking from the heart is the key to an appropriate toast.
A wedding toast should be “brief, personal and customized to the occasion,” Toastmasters International president Jana Barnhill says.
“Most of all, it should be heartfelt,” she added.
Members of the wedding entourage like the best man, maid of honor and other important personalities should be aware of what to say exactly.
The Taipan Toastmasters Club offers the following tips for the wedding party:
1. Pick a topic that is personal but appropriate.
2. Keep it short – no more than a couple of minutes. “Essentially, the best advice in public speaking is to always be brief,” says President Barnhill.
3. Practice. Think about what to say, and practice the toast in advance. Use friends as sounding boards beforehand.
4. Stay sober. Being coherent helps.
5. Be careful with humor – that personal story you consider harmless may not be seen the same way by others.
6. Dress your best. If you look good, you’ll feel more confident.
The club meets at the City Sports Club Cebu every second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of the month at 8 p.m. to give advice on public speaking concerns.
For more information, please visit taipan.freetoasthost.biz or send an email to info@taipan.freetoasthost.biz.
To know more about the club, please visit www.toastmasters.org.
