• Keep them short. One minute is the
  accepted time.

• Never read a toast.

• Do not clink glasses. It is an old custom
   having to do with driving evil spirits away.

• Stand to get the attention of your guests
   when presenting a toast to a group - never
  clank your glass.

• Do present a toast even if you're not drinking    alcohol. Anything will do.

• The host is always the first to present a toast.

• Do not toast yourself, just sit there, smile and
   say thank you.

The toast originated sometime during the middle ages. At that time people would put a piece of dried or scorched bread into a tankard of beer or wine to improve the flavor of the drink. This custom is still followed in England on occasion.

Today we present a toast to honor or bring special attention to a guest or guests. You don't have to be particularly clever. A simple toast welcoming your guest might be: "I am so pleased that you all could be here today to share each other's company. Welcome. One word toasts are universally accepted as symbols of welcome. Do be sure to learn the correct pronunciation when toasting people in their native tongue.
Toasting ia a way to bring people together, and it is important to present it as smoothly as possible.