Everyone has sat through at least one excruciatingly boring wedding toast, and many of us witnessed the offensive speech, where the brides scurrying off in tears.

So what is it about a great wedding speech that makes people sit up and listen? And if you were chosen to deliver the toast, what exactly should you say? You must remember that a wedding toast is more than just saying'Congratulations'and raising your champagne glass to the crowd at the end of it all. It is one of the most important events of the night, where you pay a special tribute to the happy couple. So if you've been asked to carry out the task, you really should feel honoured. Traditionally, the best man was always the one chosen for the job, but these days, anyone from the bride's best friend to the newlyweds'parents, can be asked to make the toast. But how would you prepare for this big role, and how can you ensure its perfect execution?

First up, making short notes is something all good speakers do before they get up on stage, so decide what it is you want to say, and write it down. If you are best friends with the bride, then mention something about your relationship with her. Throw in a couple of anecdotes for good measure, too, like "Back when we were in primary school..." - you get my drift, but remember to keep this part short. Next, tell a funny, warm-hearted story or two about the couple -such as how they met, how he proposed, and how you feel about them being married. Keep your eyes level at all times, and speak clearly and confidently. Also keep in mind that, you may be the keeper of the bride's dark and dirty secrets, but this is no time to talk about them, because you don't want to offendthem, because you don't want to offend or embarrass anybody. Try not to refer to anything sexual, and don't get too personal, because what you say can make or break your toast. Sure, you're her best friend, but to other guests, the bride may just be an acquaintance or work colleague. Maintain a light, positive tone throughout your speech, and get those happy vibes going.

One other thing you should think about is confidence, but don't dwell on it too much to the point that it worries. All good speakers display confidence - in the way they talk, as well as in their body language. If you think you're going to be nervous, have a glass of wine before you get up on stage. Having four hundred pairs of eyes on you is not exactly easy to deal with, but the more you focus on what others are thinking, the worse off you'll be, so try to remain calm, in control and relaxed. If, in any case, you do falter from your nervousness during the speech, try to turn the situation into something funny tension, and if you get the crowd laughing, this will instantly put you in a relaxed state.

When you've finished your speech, get your champagne glass out, and make a toast to the happy couple and their families. Choose an appropriate quote to go with your toast (visit a few quotation websites for some suggestions), and there, you're done. It's really not that hard, and remember, as long as you choose your words carefully and project some confidence, you can't go wrong. Good luck!

WeddingToast Dos

• Be positive about what you have to say - and keep it relevant to the event
• Try to stay calm and relaxed
• Project confidence - stand tall with your shoulders back and chest out you.
• Run through what you plan to say before you get up on stage- Keep your speech succinct - try not to bore anybody
• Think of ways to make your speech entertaining

WeddingToast Don'ts

• Talk about the bride or groom's ex- partners or sexual adventures - don't ofend anybody
• Get side-tracked
• Leave long pauses between sentences this is a sure-fire way to break the - - Talk in a dull tone - this will just bore everyone
• Be afraid or nervous
• Talk too softly

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