You see a toast is not only having to speak in public ¨C when we toast we are expected to say something that¡¯s funny, impressive, or sentimental about someone we know. The pressure is on in a big way and we feel it.
Is there a way to tackle this fear? Is there a way to ensure that whatever comes out of our mouth we¡¯ll be certain of not embarrassing the person(s) honored and to be sure we won¡¯t humiliate ourselves?
Surprisingly, it¡¯s easier than you think.
First, forget about being funny unless that¡¯s something that comes natural to you. Funny is hard to master so you are best off without it. Secondly, forget about trying to be impressive. You¡¯re more likely to end up boring the audience and possibly looking a bit arrogant or stuffy. The answer is in being sentimental. Not in a sappy way ¨C but in a humanistic story telling way.
You see all humans are starved for stories and if you can tell a good story, people won¡¯t only listen, they¡¯ll like it. A story that¡¯s about the person with and interesting twist that gets to the heart of why they are being honored will get you more applause than you would have thought possible.
Perhaps you think coming up with this ¡®story with a twist¡¯ approach is too hard. It¡¯s not. Let¡¯s break it down. First if you know the person well (why else are you toasting?) you probably have a large number of personal episodes. Funny things, embarrassing things, difficult times you both went through together. Draw upon those episodes ¨C it¡¯s easier than you think.
For example, assume you are the best man for your best friend who you¡¯ve known since kindergarten. Now was there a time where your friend got into a bit of hot water by not following through or committing? You see you can tell the tale of how your friend missed out on something and then found it.
Maybe you were in Cub Scouts together and your friend didn¡¯t spend any more than an hour on his soap box derby car and when it was time to race it, a wheel fell off. Later when he was 18 he got his first car and unlike the car he was to make for the derby, this car got all his attention. But despite the care and attention he lavished on that first car, despite the way he looked at it as through it was the best car in the world, it paled by comparison to the way he looks at [insert fianc¨¦e¡¯s name].
Of course you¡¯d expound upon this but you can see where I¡¯m going. And when you tap in to real moments, real experiences, the feeling will come through. They become natural stories and the crowd will listen and respond.
And when it¡¯s done, you¡¯ll wonder why you worried in the first place!
As a best man at a wedding you have a lot of responsibilities. But think of it this way, you¡¯ve been honored above others by your friend. And of course there is the groomsmen gifts where the best man often gets a really special gift. Of course if you are the maid of honor, it¡¯s the bridesmaid gifts you¡¯ll be looking forward to. A unique gift is always appreciated.
Resa is the wedding resource at EyeCandyGift.com. She is on top of the latest trends whether it be wedding fashion, reception planning and wedding gifts & favors. Find posts from Resa and others at our unique gifts blog.
When shopping for groomsmen gifts, find unique gifts for him and start your wedding planning now - you'll be glad to have fewer things to worry about when your wedding day draws close.