Giving a toast is appropriate at plenty of events, but birthday toasts are a fine time to demonstrate just how great the guest of honor is. Generally, if you are asked to give a birthday toast, you are a close friend or relative of the guest of honor, so take this time to praise the guest of honor and deliver a meaningful and memorable birthday toast.
Know the audience you will be speaking to. Is it a formal gathering that includes co-workers and community members or just an intimate friends and family gathering? Including inside stories or jokes in party toasts can alienate a vast majority of the guests, so be sure to provide what background is needed to appreciate your sentiments.
When you are just about ready to give the birthday toast, check to see that the other guests are prepared. This means that everyone is present, the wine glasses are full or nearly full and the guest of honor is seated. You should stand with your glass and wait until everyone is paying attention before starting-it's bad etiquette to start talking when the attention is not on you yet.
What to say in a toast depends on your relationship to the guest of honor as well as the audience. Unless everyone in the room is deeply acquainted, introduce yourself and say how you know the guest of honor. Share a few stories about the guest of honor in his younger days, reflecting on funny anecdotes or personal experiences. Always wish the birthday guest good health and happiness. Never share embarrassing stories, hurtful comments or otherwise negative speech in birthday speeches.
When giving the toast, speak clearly and don't go too fast. A party toast should only last for about two minutes, so don't ramble on. Never use notes during a birthday toast and avoid clichés that sound tired or dull. Avoid gesturing with your full glass, as you could spill easily. When you are finished with the toast, raise the glass and take the first sip.
 | Giving a toast is one of those basic skills everyone should possess. It is, however, a rarely-used skill for most of us; most people aren't often called on to give toasts, which makes it a nerve-racking experience, especially if you are being asked to do so for the first time. Luckily, if you follow some basic rules, chances are that everything will go just great. |
 | Making a toast or speech that is simple, heartfelt and memorable is easy to do if you follow this step-by-step process and give yourself plenty of time to practice the speech. |
 | Learn what is proper and what is not when it comes to toast etiquette. Toasts are common in weddings, business luncheons or receptions and formal dinner parties. |
Holiday toasts convey warm, entertaining messages that set the tone for holiday gatherings, even the holiday season. |
Learn how to write a speech, especially a thank-you one, just in case you find yourself having an honor bestowed upon you. You don't want to feel unprepared for a big moment. |
