Towns of York Toastmasters

While the agenda tells us that formal part of the Towns of York meeting begins with an Invocation & Toast, normally only a "Toast" is presented. (An "Invocation" is a form of prayer invoking God's presence, especially one said at the beginning of a religious service or public ceremony.)

Presenting the Toast provides a brief opportunity to speak in front of the club while learning the mechanics of giving a toast, a skill that will stand you in good stead should you be asked to make one at a wedding or other function.  This is an excellent starter role for a new member.

Prior to the meeting, prepare for your role by contacting the chairperson to find out the theme of the meeting.  Then craft a short inspirational message (about 30-45 seconds) identifying who/what is to be toasted, and explaining why we are drinking the toast. The subject of the toast should relate in someway to the theme of the meeting.

Near the beginning of the meeting, you will be asked to stand and deliver your toast. The audience should always be seated when you start the toast.  After your preliminary words, ask the audience to rise by saying "ladies and gentlemen, please rise and join me in a toast to [the subject of your toast] (for example "The Towns of York)." Pause until the shuffling ends and the audience is on their feet, and then lift your glass to eye level and say "To The Towns of York".  The audience should  respond "The Towns of York" (not "to"). Glasses should not be clinked. Once the audience has completed drinking the toast, simply say "please be seated". When the audience has retaken their seats, return control to the chair.

Tips and Other Important Points

• Be prepared.  Choose your words carefully and refine your idea into a short message of goodwill and, if necessary, memorize it.  Avoid cliches.
• Keep it brief - no longer    than one minute Be brief - generally no longer than a minute or minute and one half.
• Keep the toast praise short and simple (i.e. “To the  Towns of York” rather than “To the  Towns of York Toastmasters Club #1609 in Aurora”).
• The timing for this role is between 1 to 1 1/2 minutes (Total time 2 minutes ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM)!

Note: If you plan on doing the Special Occasions Speeches manual (part of the Advanced Commuications and Leadership Program) be sure to arrange to have a member do a "silent evaluation" so you can recieve credit.