Gentleman’s Etiquette – The Toast
Words: Support BMAS
The art of giving a good toast is rather illusive. It is a fact universally acknowledged that what may be acceptable on one occasion, is completely unacceptable on another. The situation depends on several variables: your host, your audience and the tone of the event. If the feeling of giving a toast feels similar to the feeling of drowning, our five pointers below will act as your life-belt and keep you afloat the murky seas. To swim to shore however, well, we’re afraid that part is all down to you.
Rule 1: Know when it is appropriate. Generally, toasts are best kept for private occasions. If you must toast in a restaurant, do so with discretion. Your toast, important as it may be, is of no importance to those dining alongside you.
Rule 2: Ensure you have the full attention of your audience, no matter the size. You have no chance of delivering a successful toast if people are not listening and you will be undermined when their mutterings distract others. Clinking your glass with your fork will silence the crowd in an elegant fashion.
Rule 3: Content: this, we are reluctant to offer instruction on for reasons explained above. Delivery though, is key: a good toast should always be done with confidence and eye contact. No notes certainly look smoother but are no problem if needed. Watch out for the pace at which you are speaking; a gentleman does not need to rush.
Rule 4: Time-keeping. Knowing when to stop is vitally important. If you start to drone on, people will begin to mutter or even heckle and you will look a fool.
Rule 5: If in doubt, keep it short and candid. Not all of us are funny, and that’s just fine.
Rule of Thumb: Never give a toast when drunk. Better to keep quiet, raise your glass and pretend to drink.
For Gentleman of every Nation:
“Prost” German
“Santé” French
“Salud” Spanish
“Kanpai” Japanese
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