In a world full of phobias, public speaking is up there at the top – right next to that spider at the end of Arachnophobia. And yet, men and women both dream about absolutely dominating the room with the perfect toast. Many secretly dream of raising a glass and speaking off-the-cuff with such prose that the ladies swoon and someone starts a slow-clap.

It may not go quite as dramatically, but there’s actually a good formula for making sure your toast is remembered for the right reasons, and not because you embarrassed yourself or someone else. Here are 7 keys to help you speak in front of a crowd... especially when you are tasked to give the perfect toast.