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If you have not had the distinct pleasure – of course, I'm using the word "pleasure" after it's been dipped in a huge vat of sarcasm – to be present at a wedding reception when a wedding toast slowly crashed and burned into a pit of agonizing distress … consider yourself lucky. For when a speech, backed by several amps, goes awry, the awkward silence that follows can be deafening.
So, it is important to keep a few things in mind when raising your glass. Below are some helpful tips to ensure your wedding toast will take the cake:
Above everything, a toast master needs to be mindful of the occasion and the audience. This is not Spring Break 2K7; this is Wedding Day 2K9. A person can still be witty without being over the top. If you remember only one rule, remember what Ms. Franklin has been belting out since 1967 – RESPECT !!!
Avoid the use of overly offensive and profane language. Great-grandma Faye and baby cousin Olivia do not need to be a part of a sailor's rant. Sexual, racial, political and religious jokes will probably always fall under this category. The basic rule of thumb: if you have to question whether or not something may or may not be appropriate, it probably is not. So, go ahead and use something else.
For the most part, past marriages, relationships and deaths in the family should evade any wedding toasts at all costs. These are topics that generally make people uncomfortable and sad, and the occasion should be kept light hearted and celebratory.
* Please note, all of the above are generally exploited when the following rule is not put into play: DO NOT drink too much. If you are under the influence of too much alcohol, while equipped with a mic, the results can be catastrophic. And no one wants to wake up the next day and be considered "that" guy / girl.
Always stand when giving a speech and refrain from fidgeting as much as possible. Even though the majority of the population has some level of stage fright, counteracting this fear with nervous ticks only makes matters worse. If you stand still, tall and confident, no one will pay any mind to the fact that your insides are shaking.
Never chew gum. Not only can it be seen as rude, but it might also hinder the clarity and pronunciation of your speech.
Try not to overuse inside jokes. Because while they may be hilarious to those on the inside, the majority of the audience is on the outside, and you will lose their attention.
Finally, keep your speech short, sweet and to the point. The natives tend to get restless if the music is cut off for too long, and no one – especially the bride and groom – wants too long of a lull in the middle of a celebration.
If you follow these guidelines and speak from the heart, you are guaranteed to deliver a speech that will surely make a fabulous impression. And if you find yourself stuck on how to begin, try starting with a quote about love, friendship or marriage. There are a number of quotations out there that can help you with this. Thinkexist.com has a directory full of famous quotations, which are easily categorized by topic, author and keywords.
No matter what, remember the reason you're there and the people you're toasting. After all, it's not your day; it's their. So, celebrate them appropriately and with great love!
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Source by Mary Kidwell
