Introduction to the Georgian Toasting Traditions (as found on www.tamadaonline.com)

‘Do you want to know where the Georgian man reveals himself in his entire splendor?
This is the Georgian Table! If you are invited to one of those parties try not to miss one as it is supposed to be a real performance put up by the toast-master, or the Tamada. Tamada acts like a director of the party announcing traditional toasts to peace, health, happiness, well-being, beautiful women, love, etc. etc. High-flown and magic words seem to help him to establish contact with Heaven….’

Here are some of the unwritten rules for Tamada:

Sense of Humor
Entertainment is what all is about. Constantly look for material to expand your repertoire of dramatic material, jokes, legends, poetry, episodes from epics, drama or literature.

Hierarchy
Determine who the most important guests are. Toast them first. At weddings toast the fathers of the bride and groom first, then the mothers and then the newlyweds. Speak about both fathers together. That goes for the mothers too.

Timing
Toast is really a dramatic art form. Don’t rush. You have all afternoon or evening three or four ours. Take at least five, ten or more minutes for each toast. With a bit of ingenuity, even ordinary people can be verbally painted into portraits of heroes and heroines, princes and princesses, and even social redeems of the world.

Women in the Kitchen
Never forget the women in the kitchen who have dedicated themselves to making this party a success-especially when it comes to preparing the food. Make sure the granny, aunties, moms and sisters are invited into the presence of the guests and toasted. Honor their efforts. Praise the meal and the conclusion of the toast, tag on the traditional saying: ‘May we never lack your guidance and care’ or ‘May your hands and arms always be healthy.’

More on: www.tamadaonline.com
Here you can read and edit your own speeches: www.speeches.com
Example for the toast ‘Don’t let Credit Cards Rule Your Life’ http://speeches.com/speech2.aspx?A=S&S=585