Workbook: Give a toast or a few words

Congratulations — and don't worry, a great toast is short and from the heart. Here's the simple recipe: a warm memory of her, a kind word about the person she's marrying, and a wish for their future. Tell me a little: What's she like? A memory that captures her? Her partner's name? And do you want it warm, funny, or both? How long — about a minute?

Here's a draft (about a minute spoken):

"Good evening, everyone. For those who don't know me, I'm Sarah's very proud dad. As a girl, Sarah loved horses — and she had the determination to match. That same big heart and gentle stubbornness are exactly what make her so easy to love. Tom, from the day we met you, we knew Sarah had found her match — someone kind enough to keep up with her, and wise enough to never try to slow her down. Sarah, Tom, may your life together be full of laughter, patience, and love. Everyone, please raise your glass — to Sarah and Tom!"

Want it shorter, or funnier?

Absolutely — I've broken it into shorter, simpler sentences with natural places to pause and breathe. Spoken words work best when they're short. Read it aloud once and you'll feel the difference; it'll roll off the tongue much more easily now.

You'll do wonderfully. A few tips: Practice it out loud three times — that alone calms most nerves. Bring note cards with just the key points, not the whole speech. Speak slowly and it's perfectly fine to pause. Look at Sarah and Tom, not the crowd. And remember — everyone there is rooting for you, not judging you. Short and heartfelt always lands.