Speaking: Functional Language C1 - Lesson 3: Giving Formal Speeches & Toasts
Welcome back! At certain important moments in our professional and personal lives, we are asked to speak formally. The ability to deliver a well-structured formal speech1 or a heartfelt toast2 is a hallmark of a confident and respected C1-level communicator. This lesson will provide you with the frameworks and formal language to excel in these high-stakes situations.
Structuring a Short Formal Speech
A good formal speech is typically short, well-organized, and has a clear purpose. Follow this classic three-part structure.
The "Welcome - Message - Toast" Framework:
- 1. The Opening: Welcome & State the Occasion
- Address the important guests and the audience. Clearly state the purpose of the event.
- "Good evening, Your Excellencies, distinguished3 guests, ladies and gentlemen."
- "On behalf of [organization], I would like to extend our warmest welcome. We are gathered here tonight to honor4..."
- 2. The Body: Deliver Your Key Message
- 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..."
- 3. The Conclusion: Final Thought & Toast
- 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. 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 departing colleague, Mr. Rithy."
- Share a Positive Quality or Wish: "For five years, Rithy has been the heart of our team. His dedication and good humor will be deeply missed. We wish him all the success in the world in his new venture."
- Raise Your Glass: "So, please join me in raising your glass. To Rithy!"
Scenario: A Wedding Toast
Listen to a maid of honor, Lina, giving a toast at her best friend's wedding. Notice her 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 have had the privilege of being Soriya's best friend since we were small children. I have seen her grow into the intelligent, kind, and beautiful woman she is today. And David, I have never seen her as happy as she is when 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."
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 gravitas5—seriousness and importance.
- Slow Your Pace: Speak more slowly and deliberately than you would in a casual conversation. This gives your words weight.
- Use Strategic Pauses: Pause before and after your most important points. This gives the audience time to reflect on your message.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Connect with your audience by looking at different people around the room. If toasting a specific person, make sure to look at them as you speak about them.
- Be Sincere: A formal speech should still be warm. Let your genuine feelings show through a sincere smile and a warm tone of voice.
Practice Quiz: Identify the Function
Read the phrase and identify its primary function in a formal speech or toast.
1. "On behalf of the graduating class of 2025, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to our professors and our families."
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 for a formal speech at an event, acknowledging others and stating the intent to show gratitude.
2. "So let us raise a glass to the future of this company. To innovation! To success!"
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, where the audience is invited to drink.
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 teacher, a public figure).
- Prepare a 60-second toast to honor them. Structure it clearly:
- 1. Introduce the person.
- 2. Mention one specific quality you admire.
- 3. Express a positive wish for their future.
- 4. Propose the final toast.
- Record yourself delivering the toast. Focus on a slow, deliberate pace and a sincere, respectful tone. Use pauses to add emphasis. This is excellent practice for any real-life formal occasion you may face.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Formal Speech: (Noun Phrase) - សុន្ទរកថាផ្លូវការ - A speech, often prepared, delivered on a serious or official occasion. ↩
- Toast: (Noun) - ការលើកកែវស្រាប្រសិទ្ធិពរ - An act of raising a glass and drinking in honor of a person or thing. ↩
- Distinguished: (Adjective) ថ្លៃថ្នូរ - Respected and admired for excellence. Used to formally address important guests. ↩
- To Honor: (Verb) ផ្ដល់កិត្តិយស- To show great respect for someone or something. ↩
- Gravitas: (Noun) - ភាពប្រកដប្រជាថ្លៃថ្នូរ - A serious and important manner that inspires respect. ↩