Toast A toast is a brief tribute to a person or event (O’Hair & Stewart, 1999).

A toast also allows the

speaker to acknowledge accomplishments and express best wishes for the future (Adler & Elmhorst,
2010). Besides being brief (about 30 to 60 seconds), a toast is a speech delivered at a wellchosen time,
which is when everyone is present, such as when guests are seated Chapter 17 special occasion speaking
www.publicspeakingproject.org 17-3 for a dinner or when everyone has a drink in hand. Many people
are nervous at the thought of giving a toast. Therefore, some preparation and practice can help make
the event more enjoyable and memorable. Anyone called upon to give a toast should prepare ahead of
time. Having in mind one or two things that set the person or event apart is an effective strategy, as well
as keeping a positive tone and staying brief. It is advised that you practice in front of a mirror or in front
of a friend to become more comfortable with the toast.

If you are tapped to deliver a toast, take some things into consideration to avoid any awkward or cringe-
worthy moments. For instance, be sober when delivering the toast. Alcohol makes one sluggish and less
inhibited; you do not want people to remember you for the way you slurred during the speech or for
anything inappropriate you might have said. Also, when it doubt, leave it out. In other words, if you are
debating about whether to share a humorous story, it is best not to share it at all. There is the chance
that some members of your audience might not find it funny or tasteful. Finally, while a toast should be
prepared, try your best to come across as spontaneous. A toast should not appear to be memorized;
neither should you deliver a toast from a manuscript. Plan your key points, but use your impromptu
skills to deliver the words in a conversational, informal manner.

roast A roast is a particular kind of toast that is humorous and pokes fun at the honored person in a
friendly way. A roast might be given for someone who is moving away or has achieved noteworthy
success in her or his lifetime. It is generally considered a high honor to be roasted, and in most cases a
roast is reserved for individuals who have achieved respect and a noteworthy reputation. One such
individual is President George W. Bush, who was roasted by Stephen Colbert during the 2006 White
House Correspondents’ Dinner. Within this excerpt is Colbert’s jab at Vice President Dick Cheney:

Key Takeaway
Toasts and roasts honor a member of the community.
Exercises
1. You are called upon to propose a toast to your team leader after your group has just
completed a large contract. Work on this project wasn’t always easy, but now is the time
for celebration and recognition. Write a sample toast in no more than thirty words.
Compare your results with your classmates.
2. What should someone propose a toast to? How should they propose it? Write your
response and include an example. Compare with classmates.
3. If you were the subject of a roast, what would you feel comfortable having people
say, do, or show to make fun of you in public? Write your response and include an
example. Compare with classmates.
References
McLean, S. (2005). The basics of interpersonal communication. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

https://open.lib.umn.edu/businesscommunication/chapter/15-4-celebrations-toasts-and-roasts/

VIDEO OF WEDDING TOAST SPEECH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRxcc_7didA

VIDEO OF EULOGY

https://youtu.be/lsIlEYtfJuM

Funeral Wulogy - How To Make A Eulogy

With Professionalism And Respect

Funeral Eulogy. When somebody passes away, it is always a difficult and

upsetting time.

Arrangements have to be made for the funeral and loved ones begin the
grieving process.

If you're asked to make a short eulogy or speech at the funeral, you must do it
with the utmost respect for the deceased and with the greatest
professionalism.

It's difficult to think of what to say if you've never had to do this before. So
we've provided some tips to help you along.

https://www.public-speaking-advice.com/funeral-eulogy.html

Eulogies Examples

Before we see a great eulogy example, let's look at what a eulogy is.
When somebody passes away, it is always a difficult and upsetting time.

Arrangements have to be made for the funeral and loved ones begin the
grieving process.

If you're asked to make a short eulogy at the funeral, you must do it with the
utmost respect for the deceased and with the greatest professionalism.

A eulogy is a short speech that praises the deceased and highlights the
positive things they have done during their life.

It's important to get your facts right (which may involve speaking to family
members). Any stories or anecdotes should be relayed with compassion and
humour (if appropriate).

You can use humour if humour formed part of the story you are telling.

You must never swear, belittle anyone or make statements that are
controversal. Your eulogy should be straight and true.

Always write out your eulogy and read through it (probably 10 to 20 times)
before the day. You need to be comfortable with the eulogy and how it reads.

The length of the eulogy should be a maximum of five minutes (unless you
have been specifically asked to speak for longer). The optimum speech time
is three to five minutes.

On the day, arrive at the funeral venue 10 minutes early and check out where
you are going to be standing to make the eulogy. If you are in a church, make
sure you can see your eulogy as some churches can be dimly lit.

It is acceptable to have your eulogy in front of you as a memory aid, but try
not to read it directly. This will be obvious to your listeners and ruin your
eulogy.
When it is your turn to speak, make your way calmly to your speaking position
and make your speech. After your eulogy, return to your seat. When you are
walking, keep your head slightly bowed and avoid too much eye contact with
the other attendees.

Here's a great eulogy example. It was given by Bindi Irwin, daughter of Steve
Irwin - 'The Crocodile Hunter'.

"My Daddy was my hero – he was always there for me when I needed him. He
listened to me and taught me so many things, but most of all he was fun.

I know that Daddy had an important job. He was working to change the world
so everyone would love wildlife like he did. He built a hospital to help animals
and he bought lots of land to give animals a safe place to live.

He took me and my brother and my Mum with him all the time.We filmed
together, caught crocodiles together and loved being in the bush together.

I don't want Daddy's passion to ever end. I want to help endangered wildlife
just like he did.

I have the best Daddy in the whole world and I will miss him every day. When
I see a crocodile I will always think of him and I know that Daddy made this
zoo so everyone could come and learn to love all the animals. Daddy made
this place his whole life and now it's our turn to help Daddy."

Good luck!

https://www.public-speaking-advice.com/eulogies-examples.html

Examples Of Famous Eulogies

Below are four examples of eulogies for famous people.

They are the actual eulogies used at their funerals and contain many great
examples of what type of things to say in a eulogy.
Please read the examples and think of them in context. You'll benefit greatly
and be able to transfer the techniques into the eulogy you are making.

Obviously you should not copy word for word, but use the examples to help
you.

Example 1: Martin Luther King

Example 2: Stanley Kubeck

Example 3: Mahatma Ghandi

Example 4: John F. Kennedy

https://www.public-speaking-advice.com/famous-eulogies.html

Introduction of
Guest Speaker Speech

The introduction of guest speaker speech was one of the specific speech

topics we covered on the Dale Carnegie training course I attended many
years back.

In fact there is quite a simple formula for introductory speeches.

Well there are probably a number of good ways to introduce a guest speaker,
but here's the one which we were taught.

There are three basic principles:

 The final words of your introduction should be the name of the guest
speaker. For example, you can finish with "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to
welcome Bill Gates".
 In your introduction of guest speaker speech, do not give your own
speech on the same topic that the guest speaker will be covering.
 Instead cover some interesting points about the guest speaker, such as
some of their past achievements or credentials.
Given these three principles let's see how you can put together an
introductory speech.

You can start by an upbeat phrase such as "Ladies and gentlemen, we're in
for a real treat tonight"

Then you can say a few sentences build up the credentials of the speaker in
the mind of the audience such as, "Our guest speaker is a man who has been
the driving force behind this project for many years".

Then you finish by giving the name of the speaker - on an upbeat note. (Don't
just say "So without further ado I'll hand over to Bill Gates".)
https://www.public-speaking-advice.com/introduction-of-guest-speaker-speech.html

Sample Introductory Speeches

This page gives you some brief sample introductory speeches and also some links to a site where you
can buy a longer ready made speech.

These sample speeches relate to the situation where you are introducing a guest speaker. There are
three basic principles:

The final words of your introduction should be the name of the guest speaker.

Do not give your own speech on the points which the guest speaker will be covering.

Instead cover some interesting points about the guest speaker, such as some of their past achievements
or credentials.

https://www.public-speaking-advice.com/sample-introductory-speeches.html
Welcome speech

How to prepare an opening address in 4 easy steps

By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 09-10-2019 | First published: 02-01-2008

Find out just how straight-forward writing a welcome speech is by watching the video. It's an overview
of the process you'll use and the resources available to you on this page.

Understanding the function of a welcome speech

Before you write it's a really good idea to have a handle on what a welcome speech does, or its
functions. There are several.

The most obvious is that it signals the start of any special event or occasion requiring a formal opening. 
For instance a meeting, a lecture, a workshop, or a celebration could all be officially opened with a
welcome speech. 
89Save

Tone setting - starting as you mean to go on

A less obvious function is how a welcome speech sets the tone for an event. The words chosen, how
they are structured and delivered all come together to create tone. 

Get tone wrong, and it's a disaster.

(Yes, that's a little bit of hyperbole but I'm sure you get the idea!)

Get it right, and it's a triumph!

Everyone appreciates it and you're asked to do many more welcome speeches because you've
demonstrated how good you are!

Process & resources

You'll find everything you need here to deliver an excellent welcome speech: notes on language choice
(tone setting), a speech template, a sample speech, a blank downloadable speech outline planner, as
well as extra tips on writing and rehearsing.

Here's your 4 easy steps. Click a link to:

1. Use the easily adaptable template to ensure you cover off everything you need to.

2. Read the sample speech.

3. Download and complete the greeting address planner .

4. Write, using the notes you made in the plan outline.

Getting the focus and tone right

The focus is always the audience and your goal is to make them look forward to whatever is coming
next. You are uniting and bringing them together in the common purpose at the heart of the occasion.

To strike the right tone in the language you use consider the audience and the event itself.
89Save

Is it a fun event? Or is it a serious event?

Think about the common interest everybody shares - their reason for coming together at the event. This
will give you clues to guide your language choice.

What is appropriate?
Is it formal language, informal or somewhere in between?

Is this an informal "Gidday, howzitgoin?" or a formal "Good morning, how lovely to see you" event?

Do spend some time thinking it through. Getting it wrong can be very embarrassing for everyone. If in
doubt, ask!

1. The foundation or speech template

To be effective, to fulfill its purpose, your speech must meet expected, as well as specific, requirements
dictated by the occasion.

Standard welcome speech content ingredients

89Save

The essential ingredients or elements to cover in your opening remarks are:

 to specifically acknowledge and welcome any important guests

  to generally welcome all the guests, stating the name of the event and its host and to thank
them for coming

 to give a brief introduction of the host (the business, organization, family or person)

 to give a brief introduction of the occasion

 to introduce the next speaker if appropriate

 to conclude having made everybody feel at ease, eagerly anticipating what is to come

This forms a basic welcome speech template. Pick, and alter, the elements you need to suit your
occasion.

Return to Top

2. Welcome speech sample

Now let's put all the elements above into some simple, effective, opening remarks you can adapt for
your own use.

*(The speech is pure fiction! I made it up to show you how it's done. You'll see its tone is formal rather
than informal as fits the occasion.)

Example welcome speech - "Readers by Right"

"Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith, Jane Brown and all of our guests, welcome.

My name is April Molloy, and it's my privilege and pleasure on behalf of Parents United to welcome you
here today.

We are delighted to have you with us to participate and share in our 5th annual Children's Day. Thank
you for coming. That many of you have traveled long distances to be here serves as a reminder to us all
just how important our work is.
Parents United is committed to actively raising the quality of life for every child. We want all children,
regardless of race, creed or circumstance to achieve their full potential. Our task is to make it possible.
Our mission is to provide practical, step by step assistance.

This year our theme is literacy. We've named the day 'Readers by Right'.

Thanks to the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights we are aware of 'rights' in
many spheres, including education. That agreement declared in Article 26 education should be
compulsory and free for children.

That goal, is as pertinent today as it was then. It's a goal I know we all share - the full development of
every child. As a body Parents United recognizes good reading skills established in childhood as the
foundation of fulfilling, and ongoing education.

We are honored to have Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith and Jane Brown with us today. All three are
esteemed specialists in teaching young children to read.

Sue-Ellen has worked for many years with educational authorities to establish programs that put in place
the necessary pre-reading skills. Her efforts need no introduction. The results speak for themselves.
Jim and Jane bring their passion and knowledge of how to reach those in our communities who are
frequently overlooked or bypassed. Their work among English-as-a-second-language families has
bridged gaps that were deep dark chasms.

Prepare yourself to be challenged, excited and inspired.

And before I handover to Lesley Watts, our coordinator for 'Readers by Right', who will outline the day's
events, I want to say once more on behalf of the Parents United organizing committee, welcome. It's
wonderful to see so many of you here." 

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3. Get your welcome speech started

Save yourself time

Shortcut wondering "Should I say this?" or 

"Maybe I should say that?" and, "Then again there's also ..."

I have a very simple solution for you.

Get yourself a welcome speech planner

Download and print my special greeting address planner.

It includes ALL the necessary ingredients you've just read about that go into preparing a successful
speech. It's simple to use and easily filled out. Once it's done writing your speech will be a lot less hassle
as you'll have the core content ready to work with.
Psst ...

If you are really stuck for time and need a welcome speech very quickly, I have a solution.  Check my
speech builder out. 

Get a hand with vocabulary

And if you'd like a hand with words to use, click the link to find a large selection of adaptable welcoming
phrases with samples.

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4. Write

 Tips to help you get your writing right

 Ensure you've got the names of all the special guests you need to mention specifically and, that
you know how to pronounce them.
  Double check the remarks you're going to make about your guests are factually correct.

 Use your introduction of them/or the event, as a "teaser" for what is going to come. It will help
create anticipation in the audience. Don't ruin it by giving too much away! Just enough to tempt
and no more. 

 Unless you've been requested to do otherwise, keep it brief. One to two minutes is generally
sufficient.

Use the S-S-S formula for success: Short, Simple and Sincere. Your listeners will appreciate it.
Return to Top

Related very helpful pages

Help rehearsing your welcome speech

Get step by step instructions on how to rehearse including how to make and use cue cards.

And please do rehearse. It makes a huge difference! You'll sound, and look better. Taking the time to
rehearse shows respect for yourself, the audience and the event. Truly.

Help to manage pre-speech jitters

Nervous? If you're shaking in your boots at the thought of having to speak in front of an audience,
click overcoming public speaking fear for assistance. Take your time. Follow the steps and you will be
fine.

Help with other types of welcome speeches

Or perhaps you need welcome to the family speeches or a church welcome speech sample? Click the
links to find easily adaptable examples.

https://www.write-out-loud.com/welcome-speech.html#:~:text=to%20generally%20welcome%20all
%20the,the%20next%20speaker%20if%20appropriate

VIDEO OF WELCOME REMARKS https://youtu.be/gJdNaFNQzh0

Speech to Close an Event

By: Dr Gareth Evans - Updated: 31 Jan 2020 |  *Discuss

 
As the ice-cream van, once lost behind a thronging kaleidoscopic snake of queuing people, now stands
alone and the tombola stall boasts only shampoo bottles and garish ornaments to lure in the stragglers,
the time has come to draw things to a close.

Whether it’s a village fete, a conference, or a major charity ball, closing any event properly is an
important part of the proceedings – and it can be a tricky one to get right. If it’s your job to give that
essential final speech, you’ll need to do a bit of a balancing act between making all those involved feel
suitably valued, highlighting the successes of the day and inspiring people for the future – without
talking for ever. It’s been a long day and everyone has had their fun. Although they want to hear how
well things have gone, and maybe even a complimentary mention of their name, by now home – or
perhaps the local pub – is definitely beckoning. If there’s one maxim to bear in mind for this kind of
thing it has to be KISS – Keep It Short and Simple!

1. Getting Started

It’s often best to start with all the necessary votes of thanks and then it can be useful to move on to a
quick reminder of what the event had set out to do.

 Thank the organisers, sponsors or owners of the venue

 What was the goal of today’s event – or the reason for it?

 What was required to make it happen?

Example: I’d like to start by thanking Lord and Lady Bellstone-Smythe for allowing us to use Lakefield
Hall for our Charity Ball tonight. I’m sure you’d all agree, their beautiful home made the perfect setting
for the whole event. Our thanks must also go to the committee who have worked so tirelessly to make it
all such a success, and especially Gabby Hodge – our delightful compere tonight – who made sure
everything ran so very well. Finally, we couldn’t possibly go home without mentioning the tremendous
efforts of all of the Lakefield staff – from the kitchens for keeping us so well fed, to the gardeners for the
magnificent floral displays you see around you. We came here to raise some money for one of the
country’s least known, but vitally important charities, and we have certainly done that tonight!

2. Celebrate Success

This really is the bit that everyone’s been waiting for – how successful has it been? If you’ve just raised
£15,000 for Comic Relief, this part’s a doddle, but if the event has been a lot less successful than had
been hoped, you may struggle. However bad it’s been, try to accentuate the positive – there’s always
something upbeat you can find to say, though you may have to search a bit at times to find it!

 Congratulate everyone for what’s been achieved

 If possible, add in some up-to-date facts or results

 Be positive; nobody likes to feel they’ve been wasting their time, but don’t “over-egg” it, you’ll
just sound insincere and everyone knows – or suspects – the truth anyway.

Example: It’s been a (fantastic / enjoyable) time and (amazing / some good) things have been achieved
(in this afternoon’s glorious sunshine /despite the rain). I’ve just heard that we’ve (raised over £5,000 /
never had so many entrants in the egg-and-spoon-race) and our little event is even going to be featured
(on tonight’s local TV news / in next month’s community newsletter). For an event of this type, that’s a
(tremendous success / pretty good effort) so well done everyone!

3. Be Inspirational

Finish by sending everyone home inspired. Local shows and school fairs come around, year after year,
and there’s always a conference or a charity event to go to, somewhere, so part of your job is making
sure that everyone is motivated to do it – or something like it – all over again. If it’s been a roaring
success, the feel-good factor will do this for you; if it hasn’t, again, you’ll need to work at it.

 Recap the achievements

 How have the participants themselves benefited?

 What needs to be done in the future?

Example: We’ve achieved so much in the time we’ve been here and gained a lot ourselves too. This
event is finished, of course, but it doesn’t really stop here – and it’ll soon be time to be thinking about
organising the next one. I know I’ve enjoyed today enormously and I hope you all have too. Ladies and
gentlemen, as they say north of the border “safe home” – and see you next year!

Now shake those remaining hands and then join everybody else in the general exodus homewards – or
down the pub; you’ve earned it.

http://www.greatspeech.co.uk/speech-close-event.html

Speech to Open an Event

By: Dr Gareth Evans - Updated: 6 Mar 2017 |  *Discuss

Being asked to open an event – whether it’s a small local “do” or a major national occasion – is certainly
flattering and it’s an important role to take on. After all, the opening speech should help get the day off
to a good start and can make the difference between the assembled crowd feeling buoyed up to spend
money and have a good time, or bored to tears before anything’s even started.

Exactly what you say obviously depends on the type of occasion and the people involved, but as the
following template shows, although the actual words may be different, from village fetes to major
charity events, the general points remain pretty much the same.

So, if you’ve been asked to open the local Christmas Fair or the next Upper-Crust Charity Ball, follow
these simple guidelines and you won’t go far wrong.
Opening Words

A good opening speech doesn’t have to be long – in fact, it’s almost always very much better if it isn’t.
However, it does need to grab the audience’s attention and interest them quickly, with a few well-
chosen words.

 Say how honoured you are to have been asked

 Explain a little about the charity or organisation

 What does it mean to you?

Example: (Name any specific dignitaries or VIPs), ladies and gentlemen, thank you for inviting me to
come here to open your (charity auction / village fete / event) today. When you first asked me, I was
(delighted / honoured but a little surprised) because (as you know, this is a cause that is dear to my
heart / I have to admit I had never actually heard of zongular tendonitis before, much less that there
was a charity devoted to it) so I’ve been (looking forward to this moment / busily finding out as much as
I can about it) ever since.

Addressing The Audience

The best kinds of event openings don’t just talk at the audience, they engage with them and encourage
everyone to take part in the event. This section of the speech should be slightly inspirational and
directed at the people who have braved the weather and turned up to do their bit. However, don’t
overdo it – no hard pressure selling, or bad impressions of TV Game Show hosts, please!

 Make those who have come feel welcome and mention the turnout – how big it is (if it is); if it
isn’t, say how good it is of those who have come to be there

 List some of the key attractions of the event, especially lesser known or particularly interesting
ones

 Get everyone involved in helping “the cause” – whether that’s raising money for charity or
simply helping make the event a great success – and motivate them to participate

Example: It’s great to see (such a large number of / as many) people here this afternoon (in this
glorious / despite the dreadful) weather, to help (with this excellent cause / make the event a success)
and there’s no shortage of (items to bid on / stalls to visit / activities to try) from (antique crystal
glassware to a range of paintings from local artists / bottle tombola to pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey /
ferret racing to welly-wanging). There’s also plenty of (ice cream and cold drinks / coffee and hot
sausage rolls) in the refreshment tent so we should all be able to (cool down / warm up) as the need
arises. Last (year / time there was one of these events) I know (more than £10,000 was raised for charity
/ there was a record number of entries in ‘dog with the waggiest tail’ competition) and I’m really looking
forward to seeing how this (year / time) will do.

Now Open The Thing!

The essence of a good opening speech is that it should be welcoming, informative and short – and then
get on with opening the event! People will generally listen to you very politely – but don’t try their
patience for too long. Make any announcements you’ve been asked to make and then just declare the
thing open.

 Make any important announcements or pass on any information from the organisers

 Wish everyone an enjoyable time

 Make it clear that the event is now open

Example: I know you’re all keen to get started but, before we do, I’ve been asked to make a couple of
quick announcements. Firstly, just in case anyone should need it – and of course we all hope nobody
does – First Aid treatment is available in the (foyer / tent behind the children’s play area) and secondly
the organisers have asked me to remind everyone that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. So now,
ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to declare this (charity auction / village fete / event)
well and truly open – enjoy yourselves!

Now you’ve delivered your rousing opening speech, don’t forget to show a bit of an interest in what’s
going on, before you head off to the refreshment tent in search of some of that coffee – or ice cream –
for yourself.

http://www.greatspeech.co.uk/speech-open-event.html