By NICOLE MARSHALL MIDDLETON Food Writer on Dec 30, 2011, at 4:24 PM Updated on 12/30 at 4:24 PM
TASTE
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For many, standing in front of a room full of people and proposing a toast sounds like something straight out of a nightmare.
But for others, the prospect is not nearly intimidating enough. So they crash and burn in a dust cloud of overconfidence and become a cautionary tale.
It helps to do a little bit of preparation and get a few pointers from someone who has raised a glass or two before.
Eileen Seefluth, Vice President-Public Relations of Tulsa’s Will Rogers Toastmasters Club, said she has witnessed toast disasters before.
“If someone is not prepared, their sentences are too long or they are not enthusiastic that ruins everything from the get go,” Seefluth said.
Rude and crude jokes, drunkenness and slurred speech are also no-nos.
“Sloppy language, using slang, having slurred speech or not having enough facial expressions can all add up to a bad toast,” Seefluth said.
Here are a few other toasting tips from Toastmasters International:
* Be prepared. Discuss details with the event organizer. Become acquainted with the room, the audience and your equipment.
* Practice the toast in advance with a friend.
* Use humor, but make it tasteful and appropriate. Don't say anything that could possibly offend or embarrass anyone present.
* Avoid alcohol until after the toast.
* Stand, lift your filled glass by the stem and say, "I'd like to propose a toast." Pause to allow guests to shift their attention toward you and lift their glasses. When you start speaking, lower your glass about waist high.
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