Public speaking is one of the biggest fears people have. So if you’ve been asked to give a toast, here are some tips that’ll help take the pressure off. These’ll come in handy anytime you have to make a little speech – for a birthday party, a bon voyage celebration and so on. We found them in Cooking Light magazine.

• Do a practice run. Maria Moyer, founder of Wink Communication – a coaching company in San Francisco that specializes in presentations, says a lot of people tell themselves, “I’ll wing it!” However, that can lead to a lot of stumbling and awkwardness. To be more comfortable, practice your toast with a friend. Then after your test-run, edit the toast so it’s concise – but still heartfelt. Moyer says there’s genius and power in brevity.
• Plan food and drink choices. Before you speak, have a few bites of lean protein – like a grilled chicken breast. The protein will give you steady energy. Avoid dairy products. Coagulation can occur around your vocal chords making you want to clear your throat.
• When it comes to your delivery, don't sound querulous. That means, don't end sentences with an upward tone like you do when you ask a question. That makes you sound unsure of yourself and what you’re saying.
• Use imagery. To calm your nerves, picture a time when you were with friends and they were amused by a story you told or when your boss was impressed with a presentation you gave. Positive memories like those will boost your confidence.