speeches

This year, once again, we are celebrating Cupid's holiday by giving away our selection of Valentine's Day Toasts, Poems, and Verses. This year we added three brand new poems. Get them now, read them over a few times, select you favorite one, and most importantly - put it to good use on February 14th!

Go to www.occasionalwords.com for your free copy

Happy Valentine's Day
Occasional Words Team

Reply by Retiree

Let me first say I'm slightly confused by all these wonderful things people have been saying about me all evening. Not that I don't agree with your comments. In fact, I could add a few other qualities I think you've overlooked. But what genuinely confuses me is that none of you've bothered to mention these feelings to me before. Heck, if you'd only come and spoken to me before I retired, who knows, I might have given you a raise or a promotion. I would have at least spoken a little more kindly of you. Even towards you, for that matter.

Honestly, though, I couldn't be more honored by tonight's ceremony. To hear those who are the closest and most important people in my life recounting such touching memories is a very special pleasure.

My sincere thanks goes out to [ORGANIZERS OF EVENT] for making such a magical evening for me. To my work colleagues, thank you for making my Mondays to Fridays (plus the occasional weekend) so enjoyable. Looking back on my career and thinking of all the wonderful people I've had the opportunity to work with is something that I'll always treasure. To my children, my siblings and other relatives both here and absent, quite simply, I couldn't stand here tonight without the support you've provided me over the years. And naturally, there is the one person who has made all the difference in the world - who has defined love, loyalty and true happiness for me. I can't begin to explain how extraordinary she/he is. To [SPOUSE], all I have to say is%u2026 get used to having me around the house.

Now to all of my old work colleagues, I'd hope that my retirement doesn't mean you'll abandon me. Just because I'm not lurking around the office doesn't mean I'm not interested in hearing what everybody's doing. I'll miss my [IDENTIFY A DAILY/WEEKLY RITUAL] and somebody's got to be responsible for keeping me in the gossip loop. And if by chance I can convince some of you to take an extended lunch and come [GOLFING/FISHING/SAILING] with me some afternoon, I hope it won't take too much effort.

In the meantime, you know where you can find me. Thanks again so much for such a lovely evening. I'll never forget it.

This sample is a good example of how a speech or toast can be structured. Apply it to any speech or toast you write yourself.

Anniversary toast for grandparents

What an honor it is to speak at my grandparent's [#] anniversary. It's not often we get an opportunity to celebrate an event like this, so I think, first off, congratulations are in order.

[#] years! Some day I hope I'll be able to say I even lived that long. But to be married! To actually live with another person for that length of time - it's remarkable. I mean, our parents had us out of the house after 18 years, and, admittedly, all of us kids had probably had enough of them by that time, but [#] years! This should win you a prize of some sort, shouldn't it?

Honestly, now, I know we don't get many opportunities to tell you, but you should realize how much of an inspiration your marriage is to all of us. It gives us all great pleasure celebrating the commitment you have shown one another in your lives, and you should know the influence of your love is not lost on this family. I'm sure part of the reason Mom and Dad have such a wonderful marriage is because, in this case, (mom/dad) grew up in a very loving household. Naturally, that spirit of love and support has been passed along to our generation.

Of course, as grandchildren we always revere what you've said. Some of our fondest memories from childhood revolve around them. What stands above all is the impression that you were always so happy to see us, always interested in what we were doing and thinking.

Later, as we grew up and began seeing you for the adults you are, we began appreciating all that you've done with your lives. [Granddad and Grandma] have very much become a symbol for the joys of leading a long and healthy life. You show us that life doesn't stop at any age, and that it keeps on getting better if you tackle it with the same energy and interest every day. Naturally, if you're lucky enough to have a partner there to share the experience, life will be all the more rich.

Having said that, I'd like to propose a toast to the couple who helps show us the way. Would you all raise your glasses and drink to [NAME & NAME], still, after all these years, the happy couple!

For more anniversary selections please visit us at http://www.occasionalwords.com

To celebrate the 4th of July holiday we are giving away our selection of 4th of July toasts. Here is one sample with audio. You can download the entire selection for free at http://www.occasionalwords.com

Family Party Toast

Today, on the Fourth of July,
let us remember Roosevelt's Four Freedoms
of this country, and the entire world.

First, there's freedom of speech and expression.
To say what is on our minds.
To shout, if we want to.

Next, is freedom of every person
to worship in his own way.
Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim,
Buddhist and on and on...

Third, is freedom from want.
We all deserve food, clothing
and shelter. Let us pray for the world.

Finally, there's freedom from fear.
We should be free from terrorism
and war. This is our goal,
our mission.

Happy Independence Day, everyone.