Speaking up
How to give a toast at a wedding or birthday
You’re talking to a guest at your table. A birthday or wedding dinner. Glasses are full, and it’s your turn. The goal: give a 60-second toast with who you are, one short story and a wish, then raise your glass.
Your first line
“Hi everyone. For anyone who doesn’t know me, I was Mia’s roommate in college, and I’ve got one quick story.”
Toast shape: who you are first, then a promise of one short story. No “I’m not good at this,” so the room leans in.
What a guest at your table might say, and what to say back
a guest at your table: “Mm.”
You: “So, our first week of college, I got locked out at 2 a.m., and Mia walked across campus in her pajamas to let me in.”
a guest at your table: “Sorry, who are you again?”
You: “Mia’s college roommate. The one she rescued in her pajamas.”
a guest at your table: “Ha… okay.”
You: “And that’s Mia. She shows up for people, every time. So please raise your glasses: to Mia!”
Two things that trip people up
- Opening with “I’m not good at this” or a long apology.Start with who you are and how you know them. Then tell the story.
- Inside jokes, embarrassing stories, or running past two minutes.One short, kind story everyone can follow, a wish, then “Please raise your glasses.”
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with a guest at your table pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Lee, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Toast shape.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.