I’ll admit, at the moment my head is less full of the practices, theories, and philosophies of public speaking and more focused on the giant pile of presents I have yet to wrap.
.
So instead of my usual post, I’m leveling a challenge your way.
.
Yes, it’s time for you to take some action, stand up in front of a crowd, and let your inner speaker shine! Or at least pretend to have an inner speaker while you fight down the butterflies in your stomach.
.
Here is the challenge:
You are going to deliver at least ONE toast at a Christmas/New Year/Holiday gathering.
.
Yes, you. You will fill your glass, stand up, and give a nice, short toast for everyone present. Whether it’s a small gathering of six or a big party of 60, you can and will do this!
.
Toasting is one of those social activities that are rarely done spontaneously but are actually quite a lot of fun provided they are short and light. You don’t need to give a big long rambling speech – you shouldn’t do that at all. Instead, figure out a general statement that includes everyone, usually through a shared experience, raise your glass to the season or to the new year, and invite others in on the toast.
.
20 to 30 seconds, that’s it. That’s all you have to do. But you have to stand, you have to raise your glass, and you have to invite others to join you in the toast.
.
.
Worried about what to say? Here are some pointers.
.
If 2016 was a crappy or difficult year, make a statement about overcoming adversity or even to just surviving the year and supporting each other through it. Then, raise your glass to everyone at the table for getting through the year together. Or, for more hilarity, physically or verbally flip 2016 the bird and invite others to do the same.
.
.
If 2016 was a triumphant year, mention those triumphs and how they were shared. Raise your glass to prosperity or hustle or to everyone there for making amazing things happen.
.
If 2016 was a year of huge change, mention a few things about the changes, make a joke about what change does to people (like creating “wisdom marks”, AKA grey hairs and wrinkles), then raise your glass to the growth and learning that comes with change.
.
Are you at a small, intimate gathering? Make a short comment about the pleasure of sharing a special moment with your friends/family (or whoever is there), and raise your glass “to us.”
.
Are you at a bigger party, with people travelling to be there? Make a statement about how wonderful it is to have so many people you care about taking the time and trouble to gather in one place to celebrate together, and raise your glass “to us” or “to friends and family.”
.
You get the idea. Keep it short and simple and sweet. Giving a toast like this isn’t about being brilliant, it’s about being brave enough to stand up and publicly share a piece of your heart.
.
And you never know…you might inspire others to stand up and give toasts of their own!
.
I’d love to hear your toasts! Post them to me over here on Facebook, or share them @lsergy on Twitter with the hashtag #HolidayToast!