Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

175. Mastering Toasts and Tributes: Making Your Words Count


Listen Later

Crafting impactful toasts for every occasion.

"Almost reflexively, most of us focus in the moment on how others are perceiving us, yet these situations aren't about us at all." Matt Abrahams, host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, shares an excerpt from his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot, on the art of delivering effective toasts and tributes. With a focus on public speaking in celebratory contexts, he offers a structured approach to crafting meaningful remarks.

Matt introduces the WHAT structure—a four-part formula designed to guide speakers through the process. This method helps ensure that the focus remains on the honorees, transforming speeches into gifts for the audience. He further shares tips for refining remarks, including the importance of brevity and the need to prepare for emotional moments. Matt advises, "Be brief and to the point. Long toasts, tributes, or introductions are usually bad ones." He also highlights the significance of setting others up for success, ensuring a smooth flow for subsequent speakers.

With insights from his book and practical examples, Matt equips listeners with the tools to deliver impactful toasts and tributes, making these moments memorable for all involved.

Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.


Episode Reference Links:

  • Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot


Connect:

  • Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
  • Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
  • Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
  • Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
  • Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
  • Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn


Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (02:58) - Key Insight: Toasts, Tributes, and Introductions
  • (04:29) - Why it Matters
  • (05:19) - Craft Your Content
  • (06:30) - Step One: Why Are We Here?
  • (07:14) - Step Two: How Are You Connected?
  • (08:05) - Step Three: Anecdotes or Learnings
  • (09:13) - Step Four: Thank
  • (09:55) - Refine Your Remarks
  • (10:22) - Tip One: Be Brief and to the Point
  • (11:12) - Tip Two: Prepare to be Emotional
  • (13:04) - Tip Three: Shine the Spotlight Away From You
  • (13:34) - Tip Four: Make Your Anecdotes Accessible and Appropriate
  • (14:04) - Tip Five: Strive for Unity
  • (16:40) - Tip Six: Set Others Up for Success
  • (17:33) - Conclusion

  •  ********
    Thank you to our sponsors.
     These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.

    This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription.

    Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication TechniquesBy Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7

    4.7

    710 ratings


    More shows like Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

    View all
    TED Talks Daily by TED

    TED Talks Daily

    11,099 Listeners

    The McKinsey Podcast by McKinsey & Company

    The McKinsey Podcast

    386 Listeners

    The Look & Sound of Leadership by Essential Communications - Tom Henschel

    The Look & Sound of Leadership

    1,167 Listeners

    Coaching for Leaders by Dave Stachowiak

    Coaching for Leaders

    1,470 Listeners

    HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

    HBR IdeaCast

    154 Listeners

    All Ears English Podcast by Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan

    All Ears English Podcast

    2,262 Listeners

    TED Business by TED

    TED Business

    1,099 Listeners

    Cold Call by HBR Presents / Brian Kenny

    Cold Call

    197 Listeners

    After Hours by TED Audio Collective / Youngme Moon, Mihir Desai, & Felix Oberholzer-Gee

    After Hours

    1,249 Listeners

    Inside the Strategy Room by McKinsey & Company

    Inside the Strategy Room

    176 Listeners

    Confident Business English by Anna Connelly

    Confident Business English

    152 Listeners

    How to Be a Better Human by TED

    How to Be a Better Human

    1,409 Listeners

    Coaching Real Leaders by Harvard Business Review / Muriel Wilkins

    Coaching Real Leaders

    678 Listeners

    Business English from All Ears English by Lindsay McMahon

    Business English from All Ears English

    84 Listeners

    HBR On Leadership by Harvard Business Review

    HBR On Leadership

    170 Listeners