Cheers, Salute, Votre Sante, Skal - A fine way to toast - GWCC

Presenting a toast is often done by dignitaries, presidents of companies, best men, maids of honor and others at more formal occasions. In the United States, toasting is a tradition at certain events, but not the norm during business meetings. When it comes to international business, toasting is an important custom. The international host is well prepared and offers a well intentioned toast to their international associates. Memo to self…be prepared.

Preparing a Toast

If you have ever had to offer a toast, you already are well aware of the time it takes to compose just the right words that say that special something. Your goal is to make the toast memorable. With that said, how many toasts can you remember? Here are some pointers to help you with that memorable toast. It is as simple as this – The Four “B’s.”

Begin, Be Kind, Be Brief and Be Seated.

How to Begin

When you offer the toast, begin by standing up with your glass raised in your right hand. Next, you want the attention of the guests. This might be a bit of a challenge, but know that yelling and excessive glass clanking is not good form. Begin with the words “I’d like to offer a toast to……” or “Please raise your glasses with me as we toast….”

Be Kind

Have you ever been to a wedding and the toast turned into a “roast?” It is in poor taste to say disparaging words about anyone; especially in a toast. Prepare your toast with words that everyone will enjoy; this is a group occasion.

Be Brief

A toast should be to the point; concise. The proper length of time is between one to three minutes. The ideal toast lasts about one minute.

Be Seated

After your final toasting words “Here is to ….,” you extend your arm and raise it a bit, then take a sip of the toasting beverage. Next step, be seated.

A Friendship Toast….to all my Chamber Friends

“There are good ships, and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the sea.

But the best ships are ours friendships, and may they always be.”

Joan R. Stokely (jrs@thesocietyofdiplomacy.com) is the President of The Society of Diplomacy, Inc., a protocol and etiquette consulting firm. We offer extraordinary training programs for corporate professionals who desire greater success in their careers. Increase your knowledge of business protocol and etiquette, your corporate image, international intelligence and social skills by attending programs specifically designed for you.

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