Speaking: Functional Language C1
Giving Formal Speeches & Toasts
Structuring a Short Formal Speech 🎤
A good formal speech is short, well-organized, and has a clear purpose. Follow this classic three-part structure for maximum impact.
Address the important guests and the audience. Clearly state the purpose of the event.
"Good evening, Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen."
"On behalf of [organization], I would like to extend our warmest welcome. We are gathered here tonight to honor..."
This is the core of your speech. Express thanks, congratulate someone, or share a brief, relevant anecdote.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to..."
"Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of..."
End with a powerful concluding thought and invite the audience to join you in a toast.
"In closing, let us look forward to a future of continued success."
"Now, if you would all please raise your glasses. I would like to propose a toast to..."
The Art of the Toast 🥂
A toast is a mini-speech where the key principles are to be brief, positive, and sincere.
- Get Attention: "If I could have your attention for a moment, please."
- State Your Purpose: "I'd like to say a few words about our colleague, Mr. Rithy."
- Share a Positive Quality or Wish: "Rithy's dedication and good humor will be deeply missed. We wish him all the success in his new venture."
- Raise Your Glass: "So, please join me in raising your glass. To Rithy!"
Scenario: A Wedding Toast
Listen to this example of a toast. Notice the structure and warm, sincere tone.
"(Taps glass gently) Excuse me, everyone. If I could have your attention for just a moment."
"For those of you who don't know me, my name is Lina, and I've had the privilege of being Soriya's best friend since we were children... David, I have never seen her as happy as she is with you. You bring out the absolute best in her."
"So, would you all please stand and raise your glasses with me? I would like to propose a toast."
"To Soriya and David! May your life together be a beautiful journey filled with endless love, laughter, and adventure."
Advanced Skills & Practice 🎯
💡 Delivery is Everything: Speaking with Gravitas
The delivery of a formal speech is as important as the words. You need to convey a sense of gravitas—seriousness and importance.
- Slow Your Pace: Speak more slowly and deliberately than in a casual conversation.
- Use Strategic Pauses: Pause before and after your most important points to give them weight.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Connect with your audience by looking at different people around the room.
- Be Sincere: Let your genuine feelings show through a sincere smile and a warm tone of voice.
🎓 Practice Quiz: Identify the Function
1. "On behalf of the graduating class of 2025, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to our professors and our families." What is the function of this phrase?
A) The main body of the speech.
B) The opening, stating the purpose and thanking people.
C) The conclusion and call to action.
→ Answer: B. This is a classic opening line that acknowledges others and states the intent to show gratitude.
2. "So let us raise a glass to the future of this company. To innovation! To success!" What is the function of this phrase?
A) The body of the speech.
B) A personal anecdote.
C) Proposing the toast at the end of a speech.
→ Answer: C. This language clearly signals the final moment of the toast.
Key Vocabulary
- Formal Speech A prepared speech delivered on a serious or official occasion.
- Toast An act of raising a glass and drinking in honor of a person or thing.
- Distinguished Respected and admired for excellence. Used to formally address important guests.
- To Honor To show great respect for someone or something.
- Gravitas A serious and important manner that inspires respect.
Your Mission: The "Tribute Toast" Challenge ⭐
Your mission is to prepare and practice delivering a short, formal toast.
- Choose a person you admire (a family member, a mentor, a public figure).
- Prepare a 60-second toast to honor them. Structure it clearly: introduce the person, mention one specific quality you admire, express a positive wish for their future, and propose the toast.
- Record yourself delivering the toast. Focus on a slow, deliberate pace and a sincere, respectful tone. Use pauses to add emphasis.