Standing Ovation Speeches

Birthday Speech or Toast for Son or Daughter from Dad

How This Birthday Speech Example Helps Fathers Write Sweet Birthday Message for Their Sons and Daughters without trying so hard

 

Is your son or daughter’s birthday around the corner? And are you looking for help with any of these ideas?

 

• What to say at your son’s or daughter’s birthday party

• Tips and ideas to help you write a heartfelt birthday toast for your son or daughter

• How to write the best ever birthday speech toast for your son’s or daughter’s 1^st, 16^th, 18^th, 21^st, 30^th, 40^th, etc., birthday party

 

If you nodded yes to any of that, don’t worry because I have got you covered.

 

Does This Sound Like You?

I once read a very moving quote that still speaks to my heart. It goes like this:

‘’There’s no greater love than a father’s love for his children’’

That’s obviously true because a father’s unconditional love shapes his children and perfectly molds them into great adults.

 

 

From when you son or daughter was born, you have been a very loving father. You have showered him or her with countless gifts, pampered them when you could and given them sound piece of advice.

 

When you sit back and watch how far your son or daughter has come down the road of life, you can only smile, give thanks to God and feel grateful that you were there for your own children in good times and the bad.

 

Speaking of the good times remind of the beautiful milestones in our lives and your child’s 1^st, 16^th, 18^th, 30^th, 40^th, etc. birthday celebration is one of them.

 

Well, one of the priceless gifts you can ever give your son or daughter on this memorable day is a sweet happy birthday toast.

Well, it’s easy to wing it. But you know what, dad?

 

Is This Your Best Gift Ever?

 

Our lives are centered on words and what you say on your child’s birthday will go a long towards helping your son or daughter make wise and responsible choices in life every step of the way.

 

I am sure you are still wondering how best you can do that since you are probably not too great words or you absolutely hate speaking in public.

 

You don’t have to worry about that at all because I am going to share with you a short birthday speech toast example delivered by a father to his child.

 

I hope it will not only inspire you to come up with one but also get your creative juices flowing so you can write a heartfelt birthday message for your son or daughter.

 

Here you go:

Birthday Speech Toast Example or Template for Your Son or Daughter

 

Please note: This is for a much older son. But we are going to break it down bit by bit after we have seen the entire example so you can use the lessons gleaned to write your own birthday wishes for your son or daughter.

 

Hello everyone. I’m Jim the proud father of Dan.

Wow, I still can’t believe I’m saying that! I’m grateful that we can all be together today to celebrate the life of our beloved son.

 

It’s hard to believe that our son is 18 years old today! How time flies by so fast. It seems like yesterday he was born.

 

He was born 9 weeks early and we liked to joke that he was in a hurry to get here and make his entrance, but man it was also scary.

 

When I look at him now, it’s hard to believe how small and fragile he looked back then.

Thank God, he’s grown into a handsome young man with a quick wit.

 

Someone asked the other day if he was the character that starred in the hit movie ‘’The Boy From The Other Side Of Earth’’

That was a nice compliment that really got to my head.

 

Dan always kept us on our toes. As a kid, he was always moving, always busy.

 

He loved playing games and paint ball and hanging out with friends.

 

When he was in Junior High, we started to worry because he could walk from end of our town to the other.

So we nicknamed him The Walking Robot because he had sturdy feet.

Dan grew to be so strong, physically and in character.

 

When he was in high school and joined the rowing team, we had no idea what that would turn into.

 

His Light Weight Crew was undefeated and won the National Rowing Championship, which led to him being elected Captain of the Crew team at Fordham and the NY Athletic Club, eventually securing his induction into the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame. His coach called him the greatest rower of all time at Fordham.

 

Dan has always sought to be financially independent. So, in high school, he took on extra jobs. His favorite was being a paper boy which made him so popular in the neighborhood.

 

Once, he was distributing papers when he saw this huge black lab at the entrance of one of the houses. He accidentally stepped on its toes and it bellowed and howled so loud that he attempted to flee for his dear life.  In the process, he fell into a small sewer.

 

I was home at that time and heard this loud knock on the door and someone yelled….’’Dad, he wants to take my life. Please open the door’’ even as he kept banging on it furiously.

Lo and behold, I answered the door and the guy was totally drenched in sweat and he looked pale as though he had seen a ghost!

 

That was his last day on the paper route and he shifted his attention to baking cakes and selling them to parents whose kids were going to have their birthday parties. 

 

He can still bake. He’s a great chef and he actually prepared that beautiful birthday cake all by himself.  When you taste it, you will know why they call him Dan The Chef.

 

Dan got that culinary skill while in high school.  

Now look at you Dan. A man. All that hard work you put in, all the lessons you learned along the way has helped him become a hard-worker, fiercely loyal, caring, responsible, fearless, and smart young man. You really are a great son.

I am so proud of you and honored to be your father. 

 

 

As you enter adulthood, please know that you are going to have ups and downs.

 

But as long as you believe in yourself, trust in God and make the right choices, you will reach for the stars because you have so many great gifts and talents your world needs.

Congratulations on reaching this milestone and enjoy it as much as you can.

 

God bless you and fill your life with love, joy and happiness.

We love you so much. Happy birthday, Dan!

 

Did You Enjoy That Example?

 

I don’t know about you. But I really enjoyed this birthday speech. Not only was it touching but also quite hilarious.

 

It’s actually easy to write something like that and in the next few lines, I am going to take it bit by bit and show you how you can easily write a short birthday speech for your son or daughter even if they are celebrating their 1^st, 5^th, 13^th, 16^th, 18^th, 21^st, 30^th, 40^th birthday.

So, please just bear with me a little longer and I will give you all the tips to help you make your son or daughter proud with your dad birthday toast.

 

Can We Start?

 

Well, if you go back to read that example or template, you will realize that it has three main parts: the introductory, the content or story line and the conclusion or piece of advice.

 

To make the writing process a breeze, you should take it from that angle too. So, let’s first consider how to write a great opening remark since it will determine how the rest of your presentation would go.

 

For the objective of our study, let’s re-look at excerpts of the above example.

 

‘’ Hello everyone. I’m Jim the proud father of Dan. Wow, I still can’t believe I’m saying that! I’m grateful that we can all be together today to celebrate the life of our beloved son.  On behalf of Margaret and myself, welcome.

It’s hard to believe that our son Dan is 18 years old today! How time flies by so fast. It seems like yesterday he was born. ‘’

 

Now, if you look at that extract carefully and cast your mind back to other birthday speeches you have ever heard or read, you will realize that most birthday toasts have a few key elements.

 

Do you have any idea what I am talking?  Ok, let me help you out here.

All kinds of speeches have the following embedded in the introduction.

• The name of the speech give…in this case Mark, Dan’s father
• A short greetings
• Acknowledging the guests
• Thanking them for coming from far and near

Action Tip: Quickly grab your journal and pen and write down a simple introduction that incorporates the four points I just mentioned.

Now, back to what I was saying. After a short self-introduction and expression of gratitude, it’s common for fathers to start talking about their son’s or daughter’s and what they mean to them.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with starting that way. But quite frankly, most are very dull and that’s where they fall short.

Aside from introducing yourself, your opening remarks should capture the attention of the party guests’ right from the start.

Well, below are a few tried and tested tips you can use to make your introductory remarks very memorable.

First, you can break into a song about the gift of life. That is, if you really have a good singing voice. Songs like John Waller’s ‘’Life is a gift’’

 

 

Second, if you have nothing at all to say, you can simply copy what the speaker did in the above birthday speech template.

 

Third, if you are a Christian or a religious person, you can use a few words from the Bible about the gift of life or blessings.

 

Below is an example from James 1:17…Every good and perfect gift comes from The Lord.

 

Now, please watch me write some few lines with that verse.

 

Family and friends, scripture tells us in James 1:17 that every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord. Tonight, we are here to give thanks to God for Kim’s life on her 21^st birthday.

Did you see how I did that? That’s how to compose a brief piece with bible quotes if you are a bible-believing Christian.

 

Fourth, if you want to start on an emotional note, you can borrow any of the following quotes and customize them to suit your writing needs.

• "Dads share wisdom with their children in the hopes they spread it throughout the world."

 

• "Thank heaven for the special relationship between fathers and daughters. It is blessed from above."

 

• No truer words were ever spoken than those of 'I love you' from a father to a son."

 

 

1. "Every man a woman meets is measured through her father's eyes."

 

1. "A daughter's love is one of a father's true joys."

 

1. The best times in a son's life are those spent quietly with his father, learning strength in silence."

 

 

Well, I want to illustrate how you can use the first quote a. "Dads share wisdom with their children in the hopes they spread it throughout the world." to write a simple example.

 

Again, just look at me carefully and see how I am going to write it.

 

We fathers find joy when our children find joy. Tonight, it’s a joyous occasion to celebrate the 21^st birthday of my son.

 

He’s grown into a man and he reminds me a lot of those days when I was about to turn 21. On the eve of my 21^st birthday, my dad looked me in eye and said:

‘’Mark, come over and let’s talk. I remember him saying that if you share your wisdom with your children, they would spread it through their own worlds.’’

 

Then, he said, when your own son is turning 21 someday, please keep this tradition going by passing it on to your child.

 

Did the underline phrases give you any clue or hint?

 

 

 

Now, let’s see…

 

How You Can Write the Content of Your Birthday Speech Toast for Your Son or Daughter

 

Writing this part of your presentation should be a walk in the park but most fathers really struggle to distill many years of memories into a short and sweet message. You can turn things around by following this proven but simple plan.

 

First, you need to get an idea of how it’s done. If you have never made a speech before, then I recommend that you watch these videos before you jot down your ideas.

As you do this, write down tips and ideas you think you can blend into your birthday message for your son or daughter.

 

By the way, here are some video clips you can watch for some great ideas.  

 

Birthday speech for your son video #1

 

 

Birthday speech for your daughter video #2

 

Second, you have to decide on the kind of speech you really want to give.

You could choose from any of these: funny, sentimental, poetic, rhythmic or a combination of all styles if you are a very talented speaker. 

Just make sure your style reflects your personal demeanor and not what you have seen someone else do because you are unique in your own way.

 

Third, starting from when your son or daughter came into your life, write down fun and fond memories you can remember.

 

If your child is particularly young, say 1 to 5 years old, you can briefly state the circumstances surrounding his or birth, how you prepared for his or her delivery and why that child is a blessing to your family. Of course, you could add what you see in their future.

 

However, if your children are much older, you can simply write down so many memories and pick out stories you wish to add to your birthday toast for him or her. But make sure you don’t say anything that would embarrass him or her.

 

 

That brings me to the next chapter of the equation:

How to End Your Birthday Toast with a Bang

 

Your concluding remarks are just as important as your opening address. While it may seem easy to write one, most fathers don’t end on a bright note.

 

They simply end with a wish or two. Not too bad. But you can go beyond that by wrapping up so well that it will leave the birthday celebrant and guests wanting to have more.

 

Here are some cool ways to do just that.

 

First, if you believe in God or you are a Christian, you can end with a prayer. A powerful prayer you can use is from Numbers 6:24-26

²⁴ “The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
²⁶ The Lord ^[a]lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”

And Isaiah 54: 17

No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord.

 

Second, you may end with one or two of these birthday wishes.

• Someday I hope you’ll be a better man than I, love you always and forever my son. Hearty birthday full of blessings!
• You are truly the man that changed my life and there is never a day I am not thankful for you my son. I wish your birthday will be unforgettable just like me, your dad.
• Can’t wait for you to be a better father than I am, you are the greatest son ever. Happy Birthday my boy!

• Happy birthday to my darling daughter! You are unbelievably precious to me, and I hope you realize that you are my everything. May your birthday be filled with splendor and love.
• You are such a positive, charming, and absolutely adorable daughter. I am so proud that I get to call you my daughter because no other person could ever hope to compare to you. Happy birthday to my perfect little girl!
• A daughter as sweet and loving as you is hard to come by, and I am so fortunate that I was blessed with a wonderful daughter like you. May your birthday be filled with lots of presents and cake. Happy birthday to my baby girl!

 

Third, you can make it truly exciting, unique and memorable by substituting a few words in the ever popular birthday song and singing it this way.

 

Here’s the birthday song

 

 

We can change the lyrics to these to make it more fun

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to Mark

Happy birthday to my son(daughter) Mark

Happy birthday to the apple of my eye

I am so proud of you

You have just turn 18 years old

I can’t wait to see you grow older

I know that you will be a great person

Because you are the apple of God’s eye

Happy birthday to youuuuuuuuuuu

 

 

 

Birthday Speech or Toast for Your Mom from Son or Daughter

How every son or daughter can easily write inspiring birthday tributes for their moms

 

I am sure you are going to celebrate your mom’s birthday very soon. But, let me ask you a few a simple questions.

• Can you really write a heartfelt birthday speech or toast for your mom on her 40^th, 50^th, 55^th, 60^th, 65^th, 70^th, 75^th, 80^th, 85^th, 90^th, 90^th, or even on her 100^th birthday?

• Are you looking for ideas and tips to help you say something sweet about your mom on her birthday?

• Are you looking for mom’s birthday speech samples or templates or samples that you can model your toast after?

 

If you answered yes to the above questions, then you are in good company because in this post, I am going to share with you everything you need to know (even if you are not good with words) about writing a great birthday speech for your mom on her special day.

 

 

Who is The Greatest Person in Your Life?

If you ask any child, who their favorite person is, they would tell you it is their mom.  

A very wise writer once described a mother’s love this way:

‘’A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path. ‘’

Does this quote speak to your heart? I always tell others that every mother works so hard like a wall clock and they only stop working when they die!

 

How true that is seeing that when a woman’s job as a mother comes to an end, she naturally assumes the role of a caring grandmother who is still there for her own children and her grandchildren.

 

The above quote by Agatha Christie’s really speaks to my heart and reminds me of the unconditional love and sacrifices that my own mother Millicent has made to help me reach thus far in life and that’s something I am eternally grateful for. Love you mom!

 

I am pretty sure you mom’s dedication has seen you through the hills and valleys of life and on her birthday, you should come up with the best speech ever even if you don’t have a way with words.

 

To get our discussion going, let me first share with you a very good example or template of a child’s birthday toast for her mom.

 

Please note: This is for a 50^th birthday celebration. But please don’t worry because I am going to break it down bit by bit afterwards so we can figure out what really went into writing it.

 

Here you go:

 

Birthday Speech for Mom Example/ Template

 

I would like to thank Mitch Williams and birthdaymessage.net for this lovely tribute.

 

Good evening and welcome everyone to my sweet mom’s 50^th birthday.

 

For those of you who don’t know me or I haven’t me, my name is Jeff. But I am popular called Candy a cool nickname mom gave me when I was a grade 5 because my mouth was always stuffed with them and that name has stayed with me till today.

 

Today 50 years ago a blessing was sent to this earth, an angel by the name of Karen, and I am truly honored to have you in my life.

 

You and I have only known each other for the last 26 years but of those years I have got to know the best part of who you are.

 

Someone with a passion for life and a love that never falters. Everything I am and will become is because I have been raised by you mom, your wisdom and care are only a few of your many wonderful traits which I will take with me into my life. I know I speak not only for myself but for anyone that knows you, but you mom are one in a million, no matter the challenge you always hold your head high.

 

Always smiling and warming the hearts of all, as you give selflessly to anyone in need.

My best memories are the ones that I’ve shared with you not only the serious moments, when I’ve lost my way, and but also the crazy moments where we laugh and I watch as your mischievous eyes twinkle.

 

I know that gran is watching down of you and she is smiling and watching with pride at what a beautiful person you have become. We too as your family are so proud and honored to have you in our lives.

 

For me, today is a chance to say proudly that I feel so fortunate and honored to have you not only as my mother but also as my inspiration. Along with your tremendous love and support, you've brought, by example, immense joy and purpose into my life. 

 

I'm so glad that you've always had my back, even when you told me to keep my back (and the rest of my body) at school, not at home. I know I have caused you — and still cause you — a little bit of stress. It's not on purpose.

 

It's actually payback for all the times you've embarrassed me in front of my friends [pause for laughter]. Seriously, though, I will try my best to be a better me, Daughter 2.0, a version of me that's modeled on the best of you. You are so special to me, to our family and all your BFFs.

 

Many, many, many thanks for all you do. You truly live by the motto of giving everything and expecting nothing in return. I don't think I know a more thoughtful and generous person. For everyone who knows and loves you, you are our resourceful, loving matriarch and health nut, devoted to family and friends, over whom you fuss, spoil and most definitely feed — hungry or not — whenever we come to visit you [pause for laughter].

 

 

[Holding the hand of your mother or still looking at her] Happy 50th birthday, Mom! May you celebrate many, many more birthdays — <mock whispering under her breath> under the radar, of course. I love you, Mom! After 22 years of living under your roof, I can honestly say two things: (1) You are an amazing mother and (2) I plan to live another 22 years under your roof. Live with it.

 

Thank you for being my best friend and confidant for so many years. Not everyone is blessed to have a caring, loving mom like I am. 

Mom, I haven't known you for my entire life, but I struggle to remember a time that you weren't there. Thank you for accepting me as yours.

 

[Turning to your guests] On behalf of my Mom and myself, I want to thank all of you for coming here to celebrate her 25th-for-the-second-time birthday. Tonight wouldn't be nearly as special without you. Now let's all raise our glasses to our birthday girl, drink up and enjoy the rest of the party! 

 

I promised to analyze it for you. So, first and foremost, let’s go back and recap the introductory remarks.

 

‘’Good evening and welcome everyone to my sweet mom’s 50^th birthday. For those of you who don’t know me or I haven’t me, my name is Jeff. But I am popular called Candy a cool nickname mom gave me when I was a grade 5 because my mouth was always stuffed with them and that name has stayed with me till today.

 

Today 50 years ago a blessing was sent to this earth, an angel by the name of Karen, and I am truly honored to have you in my life.’’

                                

Did you notice in particular when you read that extract?

Well, that excerpt is the opening lines of the toast and it takes me back to my high school days when my English teacher said there are three main parts of every write up: introduction, body or content, and conclusion.

 

That simple introduction reinforces the notion of starting birthday toasts with a bang. Every introduction typically comprise of the following basic elements:

• Greetings: ’Good evening and welcome everyone to my mom’s birthday…..
• Short self-introduction: For those of you who don’t know me or I haven’t me, my name is Jeff….

 

It doesn’t end with the two bulleted points.

For your speech to become truly memorable, you have to start well and give the birthday guests a reason to listen to your entire story about your mom.  

 

Here’s how Jeff began his opening remarks.

‘’Today 50 years ago a blessing was sent to this earth, an angel by the name of Karen, and I am truly honored to have you in my life.’’

 

It’s a good piece but not a very exceptional opener. How then can you write a great introduction that will get everyone talking about your birthday wishes for your beloved mom? It’s actually simple and I am happy to share with you a couple of tips to help you get started.

 

First, if you don’t have anything to say at all, you can use the basic example we looked at.

‘’ Today 50 years ago a blessing was sent to this earth, an angel by the name of Karen, and I am truly honored to have you in my life.’’

 

Second, you can start on a lighter note by singing the ever popular happy birthday song before you deliver your birthday toast.

 

Let’s sing it together. 

 

 

 

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

How old are you now? How old are you now?

May God bless you now

May God bless you now

Hip hip hip Hurray!

 

To jazz things up a bit, you can customize that song with your mom’s name

 

Happy birthday to my sweet mom

Happy birthday to the world’s most beautiful woman

Happy birthday to my sweet

How old are you now? How old are you now?

May God bless you and make you much younger!

May God bless you and make you more beautiful!

Hip hip hip Hurray!

 

Now, don’t you think that will lighten up the atmosphere and make mom giggle with laughter? You better try it and mom will be so proud of you.

 

Third, you can make your toast very unique by surprising your mom with a funny video before you even start your speech. It could be this one from the Queen of England wishing her a happy birthday or this one from this funny Arabian.

 

 

Fourth, if you have a good singing voice, you can write a short poem about your mom’s life and sing it beautiful to the admiration of your family and loved ones and your birthday speech for her will be a massive hit.

 

Fifth, you can start off with a bible verse or two if you or your mom is a Christian or religious. These bible verses can help.

Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

 

Psalm 95:1-3

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.

For the Lord is the great God,
    the great King above all gods.

 

Ecclesiastics 3: 1A Time for Everything

3 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,

Now, I am going to use these words to illustrate how you can start your speech if you are a Christian or a faith based person using Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

 

Here’s my short example based on that verse.

 

Scripture enjoins us to be thankful to God in all situations because he’s the one who gives life. Tonight, we have gathered here to give thanks to God for the gift of life. 70 years ago, he gave life to my mom and what a blessing she’s been to the family and everyone who knows her.

 

Now, let’s see….

How to Write the Body or Content of Your Birthday Speech for Your Mom

The body of your message is basically a reflection of your mother’s life and what she means to you.

Using good stories about her life, you can quickly write something that will give everyone something to smile about.

The temptation here is to quickly write something down after reading a few good examples.

But that shouldn’t be the case even if you decide to wing it.

 

You need to have to plan, prepare, and then do a little brainstorming before you sit down to write a touching birthday speech or toast about your mom.

Remember, if you fail to plan, then you will fail to make a favorable impression even if you think you know mom very well like the back of your hand.

To do that, you have to prepare yourself mentally and it involves going through these few simple basic steps.

 

First, you should watch a few videos of how such toasts are given. Well, I found two great clips you can watch for inspiration.

 

Birthday toast for mom video#1

 

 

 

Birthday toast for mom video #2

 

 

 

Second, you should decide on the number of minutes you want your speech to last. Most speech givers often get worried about the duration of their speeches.

If you are, then this is my candid advice based on my experience as a speech writer. 

Your words should be long or short enough to capture the main ideas in a very meaningful way. 

 

Third, you have to decide on the style of your birthday speech. The styles to choose from are poetic, sentimental, funny, and narrative styles.

It’s also possible to combine two or more styles (fun and narrative). But it’s always best to blend narrative with something emotional since that’s always proven to resonate with the birthday party guests.

 

After you have completed the first three stages, you then go on to gather a few stories about your mom.

 

Well, if you are someone who finds it hard to remember details, these pointers can set you on the right track to coming up with the right anecdotes about your sweet mom.

 

Action Tip: Take your pen and journal and write down answers to the following questions.

• Why do you love your mom?

• What makes her a special woman or mom?

• How does she inspire you to become a better person?

• Do you recall funny memories you wish to add to your birthday toast for your mom?

• What are some good memories you wish to share about her life? Write down as many stories that come to you and pick a few interesting ones you wish to weave into your presentation.

 

Action Tip: Having collected the right ideas for the content of your message, you can then proceed to write a rough draft of your message and then revise it until you are very happy with what you have written on the sheet of paper.

 

Let us finally look at…

 

How to End Your Birthday Toast with a Bang

This looks very easy to write on the surface. But great ones are hard to find like pearls in the ocean bed.

 

You see, you have to work hard on the concluding remarks as you would for your opening lines because they carry the same weight and function.

 

Below are a few tips you can use to wrap up well.

 

First, if you can’t think of anything to say, you may borrow Jeff’s closing remarks.

‘’On behalf of my Mom and myself, I want to thank all of you for coming here to celebrate her 25th-for-the-second-time birthday. Tonight wouldn't be nearly as special without you. Now let's all raise our glasses to our birthday girl, drink up and enjoy the rest of the party! ‘’

 

Second, you can also shower mom with lots of best wishes. You may choose from the following:

• Happy Birthday Mom! You are the best, and I am blessed to have you as my mother.

 

• No matter how old you become, you’ll always be the same beautiful amazing lady in my eyes. Happy birthday beautiful!

 

• Happy Birthday Mom! Thank you for always showering me with unconditional love!

 

• You gave me the best life and you are the best gift from God. Life without you is impossible for me. May God keep you healthy and happy in life!
•  
• Thank you, mom, for showering so much love on me. You mean the world to me. Happy birthday to you. May your day be spent with a smile on your face!

 

Third, you can end with a prayer or faith- based proclamation if you are a Christian.

 

A prayer for mom on her birthday:

 

Dear Lord, Bless every mom with the finest of your spiritual blessings today. Confirm in her heart and spirit the work of her hands and the love that she has so freely given to those children under her care.

Validate her worth daily, fill her heart with love, peace and wisdom so she has no reason to doubt whether she is loved, valued, and cherished in the eyes of her Heavenly Father.

 

You can probably use this Psalm to write a special grace or blessing for your mom.

Psalm 128

A song of ascents.

¹ Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
    who walk in obedience to him.
² You will eat the fruit of your labor;
    blessings and prosperity will be yours.
³ Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
    within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
    around your table.
⁴ Yes, this will be the blessing
    for the man who fears the Lord.

⁵ May the Lord bless you from Zion;
    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
    all the days of your life.
⁶ May you live to see your children’s children—
    peace be on Israel.

 

Fourth, you can make the birthday evening one to remember by honoring her with a very special gift to your mom.

 

 

 

 

Birthday Speech or Toast for a Friend: How to easily write an inspiring birthday message for your best friend on his or her special day

 

I am pretty sure you arrived here because you are looking for one or more of the following ideas:

• How to write a sweet birthday speech or toast for your best friend on his or her 18^th, 21^st, 30^th, 40^th, 50^th, 60^th, 70^th, 75^th, 80^th, 85^th, 90^th, 100^th birthday

• How to use birthday speech examples or templates to write a heartfelt toast that will make your best friend feel so special and loved

...Plus a whole lot more ideas even if you think you are not great with words.

 

Before we go into that, let’s start with this short story as it holds the key to all that we are going to look at pretty soon.

 

 

Would You Want Someone Like This To Be Your Friend?

Mark thought his dreams would never come to pass. After graduating college, he dreamed of finding a good job with great pay.

 

Although, he had great grades and strong work ethics, he couldn’t find a job that best suited him.

 

He had always loved to teach others how to manage their money and live financial independent lives. He set up shop but his small business folded up just two years after he commenced operations.  

Luckily enough, he met an old school friend whose father taught him the ropes and was soon back on his feet.

 

 

When his friend Dan wanted to celebrate his birthday, Mark thought of giving him a gift that will outlive time itself.

After carefully considering several options, he felt the most enduring way to honor his best friend was to deliver a heartfelt birthday toast that will convey their relationship over the years and how much his friend means to him.

 

Mark was not known to be a great speaker, let alone a good writer. Yet, he certainly felt that was the way to go after talking to several people he knew.

 

He worked so hard on this birthday message for his friend for two months and came up with this short and inspiring birthday wish for his childhood friend.

 

Please note: I would like to express appreciation to Susan Dugdale of Write It Loud for letting us post this example here on this page.

 

Please note:  Although this is for a 50^th birthday example,

I am going to break to break it down for you bit by bit so we can figure out how to use our observations to

write a great birthday toast for your close friend even if you are writing a birthday message for your friend or his or her 18^th, 21^st, 30^th, 40^th, 50^th, 60^th, 70^th, 75^th, 80^th, 85^th, 90^th, 100^th birthday.

 

 

Here you go:

 

50^TH Birthday Speech Example for a Friend

"Good evening all. It's great to have you here. Most of you know my feeling on birthdays.

 

 

Generally I say, what's the big deal?

By the time you've had over thirty, there should be a cease and desist order against them.

They're not unusual. Everybody has them and at the same rate as everybody else - one a year. They happen whether you want them to or not.

Believe me, I know. I've had quite a few and looking around this room I can see it's the same for others as well.

So why are we here?

 

It's not to celebrate the inevitable passage of time but something much more. Everyone has birthdays but not everyone is my friend, Alan West.

Alan, you are unique. And today I'm gladly putting aside my grumbles about birthday speeches, balloons, presents and silly hats, to honor you.

 

You've reached the 50 milestone. 50 birthdays, that's a whole lot of living. Enough to establish the character of a man, to know who he is. And I've known you through about 30 of them.

So what I want to know is, when are you going to give up the idea that you're a surfer? 

 

We all know your geriatric surfboard has gone to the beach with you every summer for at least the last 15 years and never once got wet. Millie says you're waiting for the big one. I say it happened in 1988 and you were too busy zinc coating your nose to notice.

 

Rumor has it that your surfboard has been bolted to the top of whatever wagon you've had is ever since.

 

Likewise his growing collection of fancy running shoes. He says he can't seem to get a good fit these days. I say his days of being good and fit have long since gone, up and over the hill.

 

And then there's the annual season tickets to 10 nights of film festival screenings.

 

They seem like a good idea. They were a good idea in the days when the ratio of surplus energy to the number of hours in a day was higher.

Doesn't he know, he's at that age when his back is expected to go out more frequently than himself?

 

But seriously folks, aside from his lamentable quirks of character Alan is a friend - a real one. He's there when you need him - offering practical advice on just about everything, from how to unblock the drains to how to meet personal tragedy with courage.

 

And Alan's not a mere theorist who has read the books. He walks his talk and walks it tall.

I know he's shy about having his good deeds displayed in public.

A less kind person than myself might say that's because if everybody knew just how helpful he could be, he'd be called upon all the time. And that would mean no time for polishing the surfboard or adding another pair of shoes to the collection. But I know better. He's modest.

 

However on this occasion I'm going to ignore his finer feelings. 

I thought it would be great to publicly acknowledge all the personal and lovable qualities we admire about Alan. So I asked around.

 

I had a couple of contributions. One from Sam who mentioned his foot size was similar to yours and that his runners were down at heel.

The other was from my son who said he'd be willing to take the film passes off his hands.

Neither was the type of thing I had in mind. So I was forced to think for myself.

 

Alan, you're an important touchstone in my life.

For 30 years we've stood by each other through the good as well as difficult, challenging times.

 

I value your opinion (when it's not on the dubious merit of old surfboards). I value the way we can agree to disagree and still count each other as friends. I admire your humor and humility. Then there's your persistence which some might call stubbornness.

 

I could go on but because I want to preserve what's left of our friendship and myself, I won't. They say, looks can't kill however the one you're giving me now seems murderous.

 

So before I'm forcibly shut-up, I'll do it myself.

In conclusion, please raise your glasses to Alan, to friendship and to birthdays. May you have many more."

 

Wow! That was a great example of what to say to your friend on his or her birthday. I found it very inspiring and touching.

 

Did you learn a thing or two from this short but sweet birthday toast?

I am sure you might be wondering out loud if you too can write something close to that, if not better.

 

Believe it or not, you can because I am going to  break that sample speech down and explain using appropriate examples how you can write a unique and inspiring speech for your beloved friend.

 

Just Start with Any of These Tips and Your Birthday Message Will Be a Massive Hit

 

First, let’s start with the introductory remarks about Alan.

Here’s an excerpt.

‘’ "Good evening all. It's great to have you here. Most of you know my feeling on birthdays.

 

 

Generally I say, what's the big deal?

By the time you've had over thirty, there should be a cease and desist order against them.’’

 

Do you remember the good old days in High School when your English teacher said that every essay has three parts or divisions?

 

Congratulations if you do. Do you recall what your teacher said they are? If you mentioned introduction, body and conclusion, then I am going to give you a pat on the back!

 

Please don’t bury your head in the sand if you didn’t get it right. Well, I found the opening lines above quite funny.

 

You see, every great write up starts with an opening address which sets the perfect tone for the rest of your presentation. Thus, giving your listeners this assurance they are in for one of the best birthday speeches ever.

 

Your introductory remarks should do a brilliant job of letting everyone know how you are and your relationship with the birthday celebrant. A more classic way to begin is by saying this:

 

‘’Good evening everyone and it feels so great to be in your midst. For those of you who don’t know , I am Matt, Dan’s childhood friend. Most people call me Matt The Tiger and I like that nickname very much. Dan gave it to me when we were in grade 3 and I pounced on him like a furious tiger for snatching my candy and running away with it.  ‘’

 

Don’t you think that was a nice way of warming up your listeners for the rest of your story?

 

Stories are just one of the ways of doing that. There are several ways to accomplish that and I am going to share them with you.

 

First, to make your birthday wishes unique, you can start by writing a short poem about your friend and singing it out to the beat of a well-known song if you have a good singing voice.

Below is an example

 

 

Second, you can creatively and imaginatively come up with a short funny video like the one below before you even deliver your birthday speech for your best friend.

Remember, birthday toasts are meant to be fun and not too serious.

Please click on the play button to watch it and you will smile like a little child with a piece of candy on his tongue.

……………………………………………………….

 

Third, if you or your friend is a bible believing Christian, you can start with a few verses from the scripture or Holy Bible.

 

• The Lord will keep you from all harm—
  he will watch over your life;
  the Lord will watch over your coming and going
  both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:7-8

• Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16

• As water reflects the face,
  so one’s life reflects the heart.

Proverbs 27:19

 

Now, please watch me carefully as I use the second bible verse to write something brief about God’s gift of life and his faithfulness.  

 

 

Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 5: 15-16 to make good use of our time and every opportunity. Tonight, we are here to celebrate the life of a very special person who has made the most of his time on earth for 70 years!

Did you see how I wrote that with that verse? That’s how it’s done.

 

Fourth, if you want to write an emotional birthday message for your colleague, you may start with some witty lines or quotes about friendships. Below are a couple you can personalize to suit your own writing style.

• “Don’t make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up.” — Thomas J. Watson
• Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” — Tennessee Williams

• “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller

• “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” — Walter Winchell

• Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” — Oprah Winfrey

 

Can you use any of the above lines to write something touching ?  Ok, I am happy to help. I will make something out of Helen Keller’s quote.

 

A Beautiful Example for Your Best Friend

 

A very wise woman once said that the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. 

 

I only understood what she said by that when Michelle came into my 50 years ago. She’s 80 years old today and I have the privilege of sharing my life with her for 5 decades. So, as I always jokingly tell her and our friends, I know at least 50 things about her. I have learned one thing about her each year and I couldn’t be more right!

 

Aww…Wasn’t that sweet? You be the judge.

 

Now, let’s move on to

 

How to Write the Content of Your Birthday Speech for Your Friend

 

This part of your speech is undoubtedly the easiest portion to write. But it gets a little bit harder when you have to organize your scattered thoughts into a very coherent message about your bonds of friendship.

 

If you are struggling with putting across your random thoughts into a beautiful speech about your friend, then I recommend that you follow this simple process.

 

First, watch a few videos to whip up excitement about this writing task as it will ultimately influence the words you use for your tribute and how you will speak.

 

By the way, I found these clips for you. Please enjoy them and write down anything that comes to mind as you do that.

 

 

Birthday Toast for Your Friend video#1

 

 

Birthday Toast for Your Friend video#2

 

 

 

Second, decide on the kind of tribute you wish to give. You could pick from any of these: funny, rhythmic, poetic, musical, narrative, gratitude or a combination of all these.

 

Third, after picking your style, you can then go on jot down memories about your friend. If you are a childhood friend, then you obviously can recall lots of good and interesting anecdotes you wish to share.

 

All in all, these questions can help you narrow your focus about the right facts to use for his or her birthday toast.

 

Questions like

• How did you meet your friend?

• Where did you meet your friend?

• What drew him or her to your side?

• Do you remember the early years of your friendship?

• How did your friendship evolve?

• Do you want to throw in some funny memories?

• What has been the influence of your friend in your own life?

• How has your friend grown professionally and as a person?

• What are a few things you really admire about him or her?

 

Action Tip: Without wasting time, please pick up your pen and journal and start to do a little brainstorming to help you write down ideas that comes to you about the questions asked.

 

Then, write a very rough draft of what you wish to say.

 

Afterwards, let the speech sit idle for a while (if you still have more for the birthday party) and keep editing it until you are happy with what you have produced.

 

 

Now, let us see…

 

How You Can Write the Ending of Your Toast on a Memorable Note

 

After working so hard on the introductory remarks and the subsequent chapters, most speech givers get to the end with this conviction that they have done justice to their presentation.

 

When this happens, complacency sets in and they often don’t wrap up on a good note.

You definitely should put in the same effort you did when you started your presentation since what you say and how well you climax it will stick in the minds of the party goers like glue for years to come.

 

In these concluding lines, I am going share with you a few ideas you can use to end well.

 

First, if you have nothing to say at all, you can end with a toast like he did.

‘’ So before I'm forcibly shut-up, I'll do it myself.

In conclusion, please raise your glasses to Alan, to friendship and to birthdays. May you have many more."

 

Or even with this one…see below

 

I want to raise a glass to an absolute gentleman, a loving husband, and amazing dad and my best friend ever. Words cannot express the way we feel towards you as you continue to radiate your happiness to each and every one of us. You truly are an example of who a friend is and I would like us all raise a glass to wish this man a happy birthday!

 

Second, if your friend is a Christian, you can pronounce some blessings over his or her life or even conclude with this prayer from the fourth book of the bible.

 

Numbers 6:24-26

New King James Version

²⁴ “The Lord bless you and keep you;
²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
²⁶ The Lord ^[a]lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

 

Third, you can as well end with some well-wishes. Below are a few of them.

1. Every year on your birthday, I get reminded of how much you mean to me as a best friend.
2. Birthdays only come once a year, and your friendship only comes once a lifetime.
3. Cheers to the nights that turned into mornings and the friend that turned into family. Happy Birthday!
4. May you have all the love your heart can hold, all the happiness a day can bring, and all the blessings a life can unfold. Happy birthday!-Unknown

1. Life should be lived with a smile on your face and no one does a better job of putting one on my face than you. Happy birthday!-Unknown

 

Fourth, you can end on a bright note by singing a happy birthday song for your friend. To make it very hilarious and more personal, you can substitute a few words here and there with a few details about your friend.

 

Watch the video and see how I have done that below. Can you hum the tune and sing along to the beat of the song?

 

Ready? Ok….Let’s sing it together!

 

Happy 60^th birthday to my best friend

Happy 60^th birthday to my pal

Happy 60^th birthday to my friend foe

Happy birthday to Amanda

We have fought for 50 years

But we are still good friends

We have fought for 50 years

But I still love you

Thank you for always being there

 

 

Birthday Speech or Toast for Myself

 

How to write an inspiring birthday message about yourself

 

I am here to help you out because I can see that you are looking for help with your birthday wishes.

 

Well, just give me a few minutes of your precious time and I will help you easily write a memorable 21^st, 25^th, 30^th, 40^th, 50^th, 60^th, 65^th, 70^th, 75^th, 80^th birthday speech or toast for yourself even if you think you are not cut out for speaking in public.

 

 

A Happy Birthday Gift for You

 

First and foremost, let me congratulate you on your birthday and wish you a happy birthday filled with health, love, laughter and happiness.

 

I have a little surprise for you. Can you guess what it is? It is evergreen birthday song specially dedicated to you!

 

Please click on the video clip to enjoy this song before we continue with this and it will certainly make your day.

 

 

 

I am sure you smiled as you listened to that beautiful piece of music. You actually deserve more than that because you are a very special person.

 

Now, let’s dive right in. You obviously have been to lots of birthday parties. But I am pretty sure you didn’t pay much attention to how the speeches were delivered.

 

I am sure you never thought someday you will have to stand in front of your family and friends to say something about yourself on your birthday.

 

Your friends and family will be coming over to celebrate with you and they are going to shower you with tons of gifts and beautiful cards that convey their best wishes because you mean the world to them.

 

And there’s no better way to express gratitude than to let them know how incredibly thankful you are for their love and support over the years because you are a living product of their unconditional love.

 

A great thank you birthday message or speech can help you accomplish just that. But it shouldn’t end with words of gratitude if you really want to inspire the party-goers with heartwarming stories of  your life and how you have come out stronger for it.

 

I always advise birthday celebrants celebrating their 50^th, 60^th, 65^th, 70^th, 75^th, 80^th, 85^th etc. birthday parties to tell inspirational stories about their lives since that's what their friends and family will remember most after they have downed their glasses of wine and filled their tummies with food. 

 

 

Why You Should Do This before You Write Your Birthday Speech or Toast for Yourself

 

Before you even think of putting your message together, you first have to decide on the goals of your birthday toast.

 

Do you want to simply say a few words thanking everyone for coming? Or do you want to pack your speech with fond memories?  

 

If your goal is to thank certain personalities who have played a key role in your life, then this is what I recommend you do right away.

 

Grab a pen and note pad or journal and write down names of those individuals and mention why you are thanking them.

 

You can say a special thank you to people like  

• God for the gift of life…

• Your own parents if they are alive…If they have returned to dust, you can say something like:

 

My mom and dad are not around. But I am sure they are looking down at me with pride and gratitude …

 

• Your friends....even if they can’t make it, just mention their names and let them know how blessed you are to have to have them in your life.

• Your husband or wife.

• Your own children

• Your in-laws

• Of course, you should thank guests who traveled from far and near to attend the party as well as people who sent in their best wishes.

 

By the way,  here is a very…

 

Short birthday thank you example or template

 

I would like to thank Imp Center for this sample.

 

Short birthday thank you example 1

 

I thank you all for making this day special with all these lovely gifts.

My birthday is certainly is a very special day in my life. What makes it really special is the presence of all the guests who are here to show me just how much they love me. Once again, I would like you to know just how thankful I am.

 

 

Short birthday thank you template or example 2

 

Dear friends and Dearest kids, a warm welcome to all of you!

I am highly honored and grateful to all of you for making to this event. As you all are aware, a year ago, on the same date, our little princess was born. She brought a lot of happiness and charm to our life along with big hopes and dreams.

 

We had been waiting for this event to celebrate her birthday and thank all those people through this occasion who gifted us with their blessings and wishes.

 

First of all, I would thank God for bringing this moment in our life when I am standing in front of all of you along with my daughter who is dressed up as a princess waiting to cut her cake and hear the birthday song.

 

Very few of you know that my pregnancy was full of complications but all thanks to our gynaecologist, Dr. X, who never gave up hoping a normal delivery. I would specially like to take this opportunity to thank her on this special occasion. Doctor, we are truly grateful to you for making it so simple and memorable for us.

 

I would like to thank my husband for standing by my side and loving me unconditionally. All my family members are great and have always stimulated my hope of having a child and see, because of their wishes; I am celebrating this event today.

 

I would especially like to thank my sister for organizing such a grand party on this occasion. The music, lights, cake, balloons, food and drinks, everything is amazing. Thank you Y, you have been a great sister and a darling aunt to my daughter. This party comes to me as a surprise and let me tell you, I just loved it.

 

I would also like to thank all my colleagues and relatives who have visited us tonight and are a part of this celebration.

 

Today is a week day and I was not expecting many people to attend this event, but this is really overwhelming for me to see you all here and thank you very much bringing those lovely gifts.

Dinner is arranged on the first floor and I request all of you to assemble in the hall upstairs right after half an hour from now to have your dinner.

 

Kids, please don’t go without taking your balloons, birthday caps, masks and off course your respective return gifts. Parents have to make sure that no child goes empty handed.

Thank you once again everyone, please enjoy!

 

That was a very simple and witty example you can customize to write a birthday message for yourself.  

 

How to Put Your Ideas Together to write a Birthday Toast for Yourself

 

To get your ideas flowing in a chronological order, there are a few steps you have to follow before you tie the loose parts together.

 

First, put yourself in the mood by watching a few videos about how birthday speeches or toasts are made.

 

 

Thankfully, YouTube has a lot of them and I am happy to share with you two examples so you can figure out what goes into writing a sweet birthday wish.

 

As you watch these short clips, please look out for ideas and tips that can help you express the deepest sentiments of your heart.

 

Please jot down ideas you think you can incorporate into your own birthday message as you watch them.

 

 

Here you go:

 

Birthday Speech Video #1

 

Birthday Speech Video # 2

 

 

 

Second, decide on the style you wish to use for your birthday toast. Do you want it sound funny, sentimental, or you just want to tell a simple story?

 

It’s always best to use a combination of all styles even if you want to tell a story since it’s the surest way of making your birthday message very unique and memorable.

 

Third, you should always read and study well written birthday speech or toast templates and model yours after them if you don’t want to spend countless hours thinking about what to say and what not to say.  

 

To make things easier for you, I am going to share with you a short birthday example that captures what I was talking about in the last paragraph.

 

Please note: Although this is for a 70^th birthday speech example, we are going to break it down afterwards and use the lessons learned to write your own birthday speech even if you are celebrating your 30^th, 40^th, 50^th, 60^th, 65^th, 70^th, 80^th, 90^th birthday.

 

Now, here we go:  Writer Mark Twain’s 70^th Birthday Speech

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, and Colonel Harvey, I will try not to be greedy on your behalf in wishing the health of our honored and, in view of his great age, our revered guest. I will not say, 'Oh King, live forever!' but 'Oh King, live as long as you like!'"     WELL, if I made that joke, it is the best one I ever made, and it is in the prettiest language, too. I never can get quite to that height. But I appreciate that joke, and I shall remember it -- and I shall use it when occasion requires.     I have had a great many birthdays in my time. I remember the first one very well, and I always think of it with indignation; everything was so crude, unaesthetic, primeval. Nothing like this at all. No proper appreciative preparation made; nothing really ready.   Now, for a person born with high and delicate instincts -- why, even the cradle wasn't whitewashed -- nothing ready at all.   I hadn't any hair, I hadn't any teeth, I hadn't any clothes, I had to go to my first banquet just like that. Well, everybody came swarming in. It was the merest little bit of a village -- hardly that, just a little hamlet, in the backwoods of Missouri, where nothing ever happened, and the people were all interested, and they all came; they looked me over to see if there was anything fresh in my line.   Why, nothing ever happened in that village -- I -- why, I was the only thing that had really happened there for months and months and months; and although I say it myself that shouldn't, I came the nearest to being a real event that had happened in that village in more than two years.   Well, those people came, they came with that curiosity which is so provincial, with that frankness which also is so provincial, and they examined me all around and gave their opinion.   Nobody asked them, and I shouldn't have minded if anybody had paid me a compliment, but nobody did. Their opinions were all just green with prejudice, and I feel those opinions to this day.   Well, I stood that as long as -- well, you know I was born courteous, and I stood it to the limit. I stood it an hour, and then the worm turned. I was the worm; it was my turn to turn, and I turned.   I knew very well the strength of my position; I knew that I was the only spotlessly pure and innocent person in that whole town, and I came out and said so. And they could not say a word. It was so true.     They blushed; they were embarrassed. Well, that was the first after-dinner speech I ever made. I think it was after dinner.   It's a long stretch between that first birthday speech and this one. That was my cradle-song, and this is my swan-song, I suppose.   I am used to swan-songs; I have sung them several times. This is my seventieth birthday, and I wonder if you all rise to the size of that proposition, realizing all the significance of that phrase, seventieth birthday.   The seventieth birthday! It is the time of life when you arrive at a new and awful dignity; when you may throw aside the decent reserves which have oppressed you for a generation and stand unafraid and unabashed upon your seven-terraced summit and look down and teach -- unrebuked.   You can tell the world how you got there. It is what they all do. You shall never get tired of telling by what delicate arts and deep moralities you climbed up to that great place.   You will explain the process and dwell on the particulars with senile rapture. I have been anxious to explain my own system this long time, and now at last I have the right.   I have achieved my seventy years in the usual way: by sticking strictly to a scheme of life which would kill anybody else. It sounds like an exaggeration, but that is really the common rule for attaining to old age.     When we examine the programme of any of these garrulous old people we always find that the habits which have preserved them would have decayed us; that the way of life which enabled them to live upon the property of their heirs so long, as Mr. Choate says, would have put us out of commission ahead of time.   I will offer here, as a sound maxim, this: That we can't reach old age by another man's road.   I will now teach, offering my way of life to whomsoever desires to commit suicide by the scheme which has enabled me to beat the doctor and the hangman for seventy years.   Some of the details may sound untrue, but they are not. I am not here to deceive; I am here to teach.     We have no permanent habits until we are forty. Then they begin to harden, presently they petrify, then business begins.   Since forty I have been regular about going to bed and getting up -- and that is one of the main things. I have made it a rule to go to bed when there wasn't anybody left to sit up with; and I have made it a rule to get up when I had to.   This has resulted in an unswerving regularity of irregularity. It has saved me sound, but it would injure another person.   In the matter of diet -- which is another main thing -- I have been persistently strict in sticking to the things which didn't agree with me until one or the other of us got the best of it. Until lately I got the best of it myself.   But last spring I stopped frolicking with mince-pie after midnight; up to then I had always believed it wasn't loaded.   For thirty years I have taken coffee and bread at eight in the morning, and no bite nor sup until seven-thirty in the evening. Eleven hours.   That is all right for me, and is wholesome, because I have never had a headache in my life, but headachy people would not reach seventy comfortably by that road, and they would be foolish to try it.   And I wish to urge upon you this -- which I think is wisdom -- that if you find you can't make seventy by any but an uncomfortable road, don't you go.   When they take off the Pullman and retire you to the rancid smoker, put on your things, count your checks, and get out at the first way station where there's a cemetery.   I have made it a rule never to smoke more than one cigar at a time. I have no other restriction as regards smoking. I do not know just when I began to smoke, I only know that it was in my father's lifetime, and that I was discreet.   He passed from this life early in 1847, when I was a shade past eleven; ever since then I have smoked publicly. As an example to others, and not that I care for moderation myself, it has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep, and never to refrain when awake.   It is a good rule. I mean, for me; but some of you know quite well that it wouldn't answer for everybody that's trying to get to be seventy.   I smoke in bed until I have to go to sleep; I wake up in the night, sometimes once, sometimes twice, sometimes three times, and I never waste any of these opportunities to smoke.   This habit is so old and dear and precious to me that I would feel as you, sir, would feel if you should lose the only moral you've got -- meaning the chairman -- if you've got one: I am making no charges.   I will grant, here, that I have stopped smoking now and then, for a few months at a time, but it was not on principle, it was only to show off; it was to pulverize those critics who said I was a slave to my habits and couldn't break my bonds.   To-day it is all of sixty years since I began to smoke the limit. I have never bought cigars with life-belts around them. I early found that those were too expensive for me. I have always bought cheap cigars -- reasonably cheap, at any rate.   Sixty years ago they cost me four dollars a barrel, but my taste has improved, latterly, and I pay seven now. Six or seven. Seven, I think. Yes, it's seven. But that includes the barrel. I often have smoking-parties at my house; but the people that come have always just taken the pledge. I wonder why that is?   As for drinking, I have no rule about that. When the others drink I like to help, otherwise I remain dry, by habit and preference. This dryness does not hurt me, but it could easily hurt you, because you are different. You let it alone.   Since I was seven years old I have seldom taken a dose of medicine, and have still seldomer needed one. But up to seven I lived exclusively on allopathic medicines. Not that I needed them, for I don't think I did; it was for economy; my father took a drug-store for a debt, and it made cod-liver oil cheaper than the other breakfast foods.   We had nine barrels of it, and it lasted me seven years. Then I was weaned.   The rest of the family had to get along with rhubarb and ipecac and such things, because I was the pet. I was the first Standard Oil Trust. I had it all. By the time the drug-store was exhausted my health was established, and there has never been much the matter with me since.   But you know very well it would be foolish for the average child to start for seventy on that basis.   It happened to be just the thing for me, but that was merely an accident; it couldn't happen again in a century.   I have never taken any exercise, except sleeping and resting, and I never intend to take any. Exercise is loathsome. And it cannot be any benefit when you are tired; and I was always tired. But let another person try my way, and see where he will come out. I desire now to repeat and emphasize that maxim: We can't reach old age by another man's road. My habits protect my life, but they would assassinate you.     I have lived a severely moral life. But it would be a mistake for other people to try that, or for me to recommend it. Very few would succeed: you have to have a perfectly colossal stock of morals; and you can't get them on a margin; you have to have the whole thing, and put them in your box.   Morals are an acquirement -- like music, like a foreign language, like piety, poker, paralysis -- no man is born with them. I wasn't myself, I started poor.   I hadn't a single moral. There is hardly a man in this house that is poorer than I was then. Yes, I started like that -- the world before me, not a moral in the slot.   Not even an insurance moral. I can remember the first one I ever got. I can remember the landscape, the weather, the -- I can remember how everything looked.   It was an old moral, an old second-hand moral, all out of repair, and didn't fit, anyway. But if you are careful with a thing like that, and keep it in a dry place, and save it for processions, and Chautauquas, and World's Fairs, and so on, and disinfect it now and then, and give it a fresh coat of whitewash once in a while, you will be surprised to see how well she will last and how long she will keep sweet, or at least inoffensive.   When I got that mouldy old moral, she had stopped growing,because she hadn't any exercise; but I worked her hard, I worked her Sundays and all.   Under this cultivation she waxed in might and stature beyond belief, and served me well and was my pride and joy for sixty-three years; then she got to associating with insurance presidents, and lost flesh and character, and was a sorrow to look at and no longer competent for business.   She was a great loss to me. Yet not all loss. I sold her -- ah, pathetic skeleton, as she was -- I sold her to Leopold, the pirate King of Belgium; he sold her to our Metropolitan Museum, and it was very glad to get her, for without a rag on, she stands 57 feet long and 16 feet high, and they think she's a brontosaur.   Well, she looks it. They believe it will take nineteen geological periods to breed her match.   Morals are of inestimable value, for every man is born crammed with sin microbes, and the only thing that can extirpate these sin microbes is morals. Now you take a sterilized Christian -- I mean, you take the sterilized Christian, for there's only one. Dear sir, I wish you wouldn't look at me like that. Threescore years and ten!  "Your invitation honors me, and pleases me because you still keep me in your remembrance.   That was obviously a great birthday message by a great man and writer.   Now, let’s break it down bit by bit and see what went into it.   Twain’s birthday message had three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Let’s start with his opening remarks and figure out how to write something close to that, if not better. ‘’ Now, ladies and gentlemen, and Colonel Harvey, I will try not to be greedy on your behalf in wishing the health of our honored and, in view of his great age, our revered guest. I will not say, 'Oh King………… I have had a great many birthdays in my time. I remember the first one very well’’   You see, the introduction of your own birthday speech is like meeting a girl you intend to marry for the very first time.   You’ve got to make a favorable impression if you want the guests to salivate for more.   I am sure by now you are wondering how best you can do that. You don’t have to worry about that because the following tried and tested tips can easily help you start with a bang if you are not even great with words.     First, if you are old enough say 50, 60, 70, 80, etc., you can start with something witty or inspirational.   Suppose, I am giving my 75th birthday speech, then I can start like this:   ‘’Once, we were on the bus traveling to a town after ours when I bumped into a young wise man. After chatting for a while, he looked me in the face and said’’ You looked like my grandfather. But it looks like you are much younger!   That got me excited. So, I said. I am actually a young man and I would be 75 next week.  I am so happy you called me a young man. Most people have told me I don’t look this old.’’   This young man then asked, ‘’ Sir, are you ageing in reverse? I am only 30 but people don’t believe me when I say that. Someone remarked the other day that I actually looked 50!   To which I said, when you begin to think like a young man, you will always feel much younger. You seem to carrying so much on your shoulders. Then, I said, you have got to give back to the world what you can’t keep and keep what you want to keep.   Ladies and gentlemen, for 75 years now, that has been my personal motto and that has kept me still going strong.   Did you notice how I weaved in that little story? That’s one of the best ways of endearing yourself to the guests on a very personal level because we are all wired for stories.   Second, you can start with a joke. It could be about a nickname and how you got it if your friends and family don’t know about the story behind that name. Or even a funny story you wish to share that will make your birthday an event to remember.   Third, if you like singing, you can begin by writing a simple thank you birthday speech and sing along to the beat of a well-known song.   Fourth, if you are known to be a serious person, you can start with a quote about life.  I want to show you how you can use this simple quote to capture the attention of the party goer’s right from the get go.   Below are quotes to help you get started.   ·         a. Count your age by friends, not years. ...         ·         b. Your birthday is the beginning of your own personal new year      ·         c. Your birthday is an opportunity to reset your life.       Here’s my example based on the last quote.  Thank you so much family and friends for being her on the most important day of my life.   Many of you were with me all those dark years and I couldn’t have made it to 40 without your love and support.   As you know, my whole life was a mess when I first met some of you. It was until I read this quote that your pieces of advice began to make sense to me.   Maggie gave me a gift on my 35th birthday as a gift and on the back was this quote that said your birthday is an opportunity to reset your dreams and expectations.   At that point, I thought my life wouldn’t be good enough until…   Action Tip: You may read those four tips above and decide the route you want to take and just start writing your opening address.     Now, let’s see… How You Can Write The Content Of Your Birthday Speech   Before you write the storyline of your birthday speech for yourself, you should take a few things into consideration first.   A few things like the kind of speech you want to make and the theme of the celebration. Which will both influence your choice of words.   While it is pretty common to give a narrative account of how far life has brought you down the road, some speakers prefer to inspire their listeners by giving them an account of stuff that have helped them survived the rough times.   The temptation here is to give a detailed account of your life particularly if you are wizened by age. But, remember, your birthday speech toast is not an autobiography and it shouldn’t sound like one.     Well, if you are a young person, say from 21 to 45 years old, then you obviously haven’t been through a lot in life.   For example, if you are still a young person, you can make the theme of your birthday speech with any of the following ideas: ·     4 Things I am Grateful For In 30 Years of my life ·     5 People Who have made All The Difference In My Life For The Last 40 years If you don’t want to use any of that, you can share a few memorable events about your life.   If you are an old man or woman, you can share with the party goers the secrets of longevity by lacing your speech with stories about your personal life and you will give everyone something to smile about.   Action Tip: Relax and write memorable events about your life and decide the kind of stories you wish to add to your own birthday speech toast.