Gloria Starr, President of Global Success Strategies, Inc., has consulted with many top executives for over 20 years on matters of etiquette as it pertains to business encounters. Starr recommends, "When you are toasting, you don't cling glasses. You just hold the glass up and you look directly at the people around the table and give a slight nod." This will indicate when you have finished speaking and that everyone should raise his or her glass and drink. She adds, "The person who is being toasted or recognized with the toast does not drink to the toast. Everyone else drinks to the toast."
The proper way to get the attention of those around you is to stand and say something like "May I have your attention please?" or stand and quietly raise your glass high enough for everyone to see. Never hit your glass with a spoon or other utensil. This is highly improper and a severe breach in etiquette. Once you have everyone's attention remember to sit your glass down before proceeding with the toast. When you have finished speaking you may again raise the glass and sip from it. It is a good idea to see that all glasses have been filled before presenting your toast.
It is advisable to plan and rehearse what you intend to say so that you get to the point without rambling and stammering over the words you want to say. When offering a business toast, you should give a synopsis of the recipient's achievements and express hospitality to the entire group. Try to speak slowly and loudly enough that you can be heard without yelling. It is important that your message be clear and poignant. Toasts typically should be no longer than a few minutes and may be as short as a line or two. Make sure you are sober when you give a toast. Save emotional or reflective toasts for more personal occasions like weddings or retirements. A bit of humor is acceptable as long as it remains in good taste. Do not use any profanity or offensive remarks in your toast. Always sip your drink and never guzzle it after a toast. It is most common to use an alcoholic beverage such as champagne or wine for a toast but other suitable beverages to toast with may include sparkling fruit juice, soda, or punch. Never make a toast with coffee or tea.
Not everyone feels comfortable with making toasts, but if you are in a position where this is an obligation you must meet, it is a good idea to work on how to best present toasts when necessary. Try to relax and be genuine in your thoughts and words. Practicing may help reduce nervous feelings and make you more confident in your presentation. There are many ways to give a toast; it is not an exact science. If you follow the tips presented here you should be able to perform toasts with virtual ease.
