How to Toast a Girl

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Ensure others are prepared for the toast.

   Toasting is a group activity, so be sure that everyone's wine glasses are filled, they are paying attention, and whomever is being toasted is present., Standing guarantees everyone can see you, and it helps your voice carry to the crowd.
   
   In smaller settings such as a single table, standing is optional. , Often, this is done by saying, "I would like to propose a toast to..." Clinking cutlery against the side of the wine glass also grabs attention and sets the mood.
   
   Wait for your associates, dining partners or event attendees to recognize your intentions and to lift their glasses from the table if they are not already holding them. , You might mention how you know the woman you are toasting or what she means to you.
   
   Don't be overly formal. , It's best to mention her name at both the beginning and end of the toast, especially in longer toasts.
   
   It is fine to use her first name only, unless you are toasting at a formal business event. , This can be done with a small anecdote or inside comment.
   
   Make sure, however, that the story is clear to those who weren't there. , Make sure you avoid any potentially hurtful comments such as embarrassing anecdotes or nicknames.
   
   You don't want to have fun at the honoree's expense., Wish the honoree well in whatever endeavor you are celebrating.
   
   Be sincere in your wishes.
   
   End with a nod of support or celebration. , A toast at a large event should be no more than 2 or 3 minutes.
   
   A toast in front of a small group might last less than a minute., A sample toast, for example, might begin with, "I remember the first time I met Karen," followed by a short story of your first meeting and a joke about your initial impression of her.
   
   Then, you might finish by saying, "I now want to thank Karen for the past three years and her promise to be my wife.
   
   Here's to Karen." Those who are very uncertain about word choice might even consult a book or website that offers sample toasts. , The toast should never be too long that you can't memorize it.
   
   Keep your tone natural and easy. , While you should always begin and end the toast making eye contact with the woman you are toasting, you should look across the rest of the audience throughout the toast. , If you are sitting, hold it at shoulder level.
   
   Make sure you don't widely gesture with the glass to avoid sloshing or spilling your drink. , Hold it at eye level and in the direction of the woman you are toasting.
   
   In a small group you can offer your glass forward, inviting others to touch the rims of their glasses to yours in a show of accord and agreement with what you have stated. , As the speaker, you may be the first person to drink, and the rest of your group will follow.
   
   Take only one drink in merriment.
   
   Definitely don't guzzle. , Doing so will signal that everyone can relax and continue what they were doing.
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   Step 2: Stand up

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   Step 3: if toasting in front of a large group.

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   Step 4: Call attention to the fact you intend to raise a toast.

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   Step 5: Be personable.

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   Step 6: Use her name.

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   Step 7: Offer a personal memory about the honored guest.

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   Step 8: Insert comic relief with a light ribbing.

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   Step 9: Address the occasion.

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    Step 10: Keep it short.

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    Step 11: Follow a standard toast pattern

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    Step 12: if you can't decide what to say.

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    Step 13: Do not read from a note card or other prompt.

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    Step 14: Maintain eye contact.

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    Step 15: Hold your glass at waist height

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    Step 16: if standing.

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    Step 17: Raise your glass at the end of the toast.

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    Step 18: Take a sip of wine.

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    Step 19: Set your glass down after the toast.

Detailed Guide

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