9 TIPS ON HOW TO TOAST

December 21, 2018

As seen in our first custom publication, Medawar Magazine.

True toastmasters make giving the perfect toast an art form. Whether at an awards banquet, a wedding, or and enjoyable evening out with friends, they always have just the right words and present them effortlessly. For the rest of us, here are nine tips to help you shine.

1. CONNECT THE DOTS Creating a sense of connectivity will go a long way when presenting a speech. People may not remember every word you speak, but they will remember the feeling of community and togetherness you create.

2. SHARE THE MOMENT You may be delivering the speech, but it is not about you, even when it is. Minimize the use of “I” statements in your speech. That includes “me” statements as well. If the event is in your honor, use this time to show your appreciation to your guests and those who have been by your side.

3. STORYTIME After you have drawn the group together, you don’t want to lose them to their own thoughts, this speech is still yours to give after all. Take a moment in the spotlight by sharing a story, or two if you have time to fill, about you and the guest(s) of honor. It is okay to say “I” or “me” at this point, but keep it to a minimum.

4. TOAST, DON’T ROAST As you make your toast, it is important to consider your audience. Your audience and the type of event will determine how far you should go as you toast. Mild embarrassment of yourself or the persons you are toasting is acceptable, but keep it family friendly.

5. AU NATURALE Keep your toast fluid and sincere by leaving the script at home. If you tend to wander with your thoughts, or you are nervous about forgetting a point, narrow it down to bullet points that will keep you on track. When you read a speech, your voice lacks tone and you lose your audience.

6. PRACTICE SHOWS Practicing helps you find your rhythm and boosts confidence. Think of your toast as a performance. Great plays do not come together the day before opening. Take time to run through your speech, with or without an audience, before delivering it at the event.

7. ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE In addition to practicing for tone and authenticity, make sure to practice your body language. Approximately 55 percent of what we say is delivered through our body language. Practicing in front of a mirror will help you open up your body language, making you appear confident and amiable.

8. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE Make sure you understand how much time you will have to make your toast, and fill it. Going over is inconsiderate of those who also have toasts to make, but being severely under is just as bad. Whether you choose to work on pacing or have an additional story to share, be mindful of the clock.

9. SWEET ENDINGS The moment is here. You have brought everyone together into the same mental space. You have shared your stories, happy and sweet. Now is the culmination of all your hard work. Take a moment to thank the hosts and well-wish the guests of honor on behalf of everyone (remember your “we” statements), and tie it all up with the perfect clink.

Written by Heather Douglas for Medawar Magazine. Medawars.com

June 29, 2026
When it comes to creating a polished, professional space, the details matter. One of the most effective and affordable ways to elevate your workplace is with custom vinyl lettering for walls, windows, and other smooth surfaces. Whether you’re branding a storefront, organizing an office, or adding clarity to a facility, vinyl lettering helps turn everyday spaces into intentional brand experiences. 
June 29, 2026
Lewis & Knopf recently reached a milestone, celebrating 90 years in business. To honor this achievement, they partnered with Behind Your Design to create custom anniversary apparel with a custom anniversary logo, that highlights their legacy while giving employees something meaningful to wear. Custom Company Store for Employee Apparel Instead of offering a single apparel option, we created a custom online company store for Lewis & Knopf employees. This allowed staff to choose from a variety of apparel styles and sizes, ensuring everyone could select something that fit their preference while maintaining the anniversary branding. Premium Custom Apparel Details What set this project apart were the elevated design details included in each piece. For this custom order, sublimated branding was applied inside the collar, creating a subtle detail that enhances the garment without overpowering the design. This sublimation can also be used in hoodie linings and shirt cuffs depending on the design goals. These hidden details turn standard corporate apparel into something more memorable. We also incorporated custom zipper pulls, which elevated the overall look and feel of the collection. The company store model allowed flexibility in ordering. With a minimum order of 24 pieces, Lewis & Knopf was able to mix and match apparel styles while still meeting production requirements, making it easier to offer variety without committing to one bulk item.
June 9, 2026
In a world full of branded merchandise, it takes something different to capture attention and make a lasting impression. That’s where Solar Ink comes in. SolarPro Ink is a unique printing technique that keeps your design nearly invisible indoors. Once exposed to sunlight or UV light, the graphic suddenly appears in full color. It feels unexpected, interactive, and memorable.
Four decorated drink cans and a black sneaker lined up on a black table against a white wall.
June 8, 2026
Koozies are versatile promotional items for events. Enhance your brand visibility with custom designs. Contact us for options!
May 8, 2026
When it comes to promotional apparel, the details really do matter. One of the best ways to elevate a sweatshirt or hoodie is through raised embroidery, a technique that gives logos a bold, dimensional look you can see and feel. We recently created a custom zip-up hoodie for the Maryville Retreat Center using raised embroidered logo detailing. The result was a piece that didn’t just display their brand, it brought it to life through texture and craftsmanship. For Maryville Retreat Center, the goal was to create apparel that felt welcoming, durable, and aligned with their mission. The raised embroidered zip-up hoodie achieved that balance, offering a clean design with just enough texture to make it feel special. It works well for staff, volunteers, and guests, making it both functional and meaningful. What Is Raised Embroidery? Raised embroidery, sometimes called 3D or puff embroidery, uses specialized stitching and sometimes a foam base to lift parts of a design off the fabric. Instead of lying flat like print, the logo stands up from the garment, creating depth and texture. It’s a simple technique that instantly makes apparel feel more premium and intentional. Why Raised Embroidery Works So Well It elevates the look and feel Raised embroidery adds instant dimension, which naturally makes apparel feel higher quality. Even simple logos look more refined when they have texture and depth. It creates a strong first impression Because the design physically stands off the garment, it catches light differently and stands out without needing bold colors or oversized artwork. It’s built to last Embroidery is stitched into the fabric, not sitting on top of it. That means no peeling or cracking over time, even with regular wear and washing. It works especially well on hoodies and sweatshirts Heavier fabrics like fleece hold embroidery well, allowing the raised stitching to stay clean and structured. It helps strengthen brand recognition A textured logo becomes more noticeable and memorable, helping your brand stand out in everyday settings. Raised embroidery turns apparel into something people actually notice and remember. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how your brand is perceived. 
May 8, 2026
Showcasing a Michigan Manufacturing Company Through Professional Photography
Show More