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Retirement Toast.

A Retirement Toast is a special kind of speech presented to honour a co-worker.

The occasion involves sentiment and ritual.


The retirement toast is different from a retirement speech. A retirement toast may be quite brief, less than a minute, incorporating one or two sentences. It is usually delivered at the retirement party and involves raising a glass to honour the retiree.


A typical toast will bestow best wishes as well as hopes for health, happiness, and good fortune. The words may be serious, witty, or sentimental and should never inadvertently cause embarrassment.


Keep the following tips in mind when preparing a toast:
  • A toast should have a beginning, middle and end.

  • It should be personalised through stories, anecdotes or quotes.

  • The tone and language must fit the occasion.

  • Be sincere. But don’t do a whitewash!

  • Don’t embarrass anyone.

  • Time-maximum two to three minutes.


Toasting Etiquette:

  • Stand and look about the room until you have everyone’s attention

  • Gently tap a glass to indicate the toast is about to begin

  • Say, “I wish to propose a toast to...”

  • Give the toast, as everyone lifts their glasses, making eye contact with the guests and finish by looking at the retiree

  • The retiree remains seated and does not drink with the others

  • After the toast the retiree briefly thanks the attendees in a modest and dignified manner.


(I wish to acknowledge my membership of Toastmasters International, and my participation in their advanced communications programs as the source of some of the tips and techniques outlined above.)



Also - visit these great quotation sites from my friends and associates:

Quotes to Live By offers a wide range of quotes for all sorts of life situations.



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