Club helps overcome public-speaking fears

By Vicki Kluever

We’ve all been to at least one function when the speaker changed the mood in the room from upbeat and festive to awkward. Sadly, this happens often during the wedding toast. Either the speaker was too nervous, wasn’t prepared, talked too long, or made inappropriate remarks. It creates an uncomfortable memory at an event that we want to be filled only with happiness. No one wants to be remembered as the person who burned the toast!

If you’re the best man, maid of honor or other wedding VIP, you should be aware of the opportunity and the trust that has been placed in you to say exactly the right thing during the toast. A good wedding toast inspires laughter or tears. A great toast evokes both.

A wedding toast should be “brief, personal and customized to the occasion,” says Jana Barnhill, past president of Toastmasters International. “Most of all, it should be heartfelt.”

Speaking from the heart is the key to an appropriate toast. To help you put your best foot forward – and not in your mouth – Palmer Toastmasters Club offers the following tips:

• Pick a story or topic that is personal but appropriate. Think of how your own life is richer because of your connection to the couple.

• Be careful with humor. That personal story you consider harmless may not be seen the same way by others.

• Keep it short, no more than about two minutes.

• Write it down, and re-write as necessary. There is a reason why the first written draft is called a “rough” draft. Cut the unnecessary parts that don’t add value to your story or to your toast.

• Practice. Use friends as sounding boards beforehand.

• Stay sober. Being coherent helps you with poise and composure.

• Dress your best. If you look good, you’ll feel more confident.

• Speak naturally, slowly and clearly.

• Stand up. This helps to better project your voice.

• If a microphone is available, use it. If a microphone isn’t available, speak as loudly as you can. This is a memorable occasion and everyone, especially 92-year-old Auntie who is hard of hearing, wants to hear the toast.

Remember, your friend or family member has chosen you to fulfill a very special role on their special day. This is your chance to help make their day complete.

Palmer Toastmasters Club meets at the MTA building lower level conference center in Palmer each Tuesday evening from 6-7 p.m. We are here to help you conquer your public speaking concerns.

Palmer Toastmasters Club has joined forces with 14,350 other clubs as part of Toastmasters International – a nonprofit organization serving more than 292,000 members in 122 countries. Since its founding in 1924, Toastmasters International has helped more than 4 million men and women develop their public-speaking skills and become confident communicators at work, at home, and yes, even at parties.

For more information, visit toastmasters.org, or palmer.toastmastersclubs.org, Or, call (907) 539-7111. Better yet, come be our guest at a meeting. Our meetings are free and open to the public, and everyone is welcome. We can help you give a beautiful and memorable toast, without burning the toast!

Vicki Kluever is president of the Palmer Toastmasters Club.