If you're nervous, stand up as soon as you can to avoid obsessing over what you're going to say. When it's your turn, don't point out your lack of experience or apologize to the audience for a tremor in your voice or fluttering hands. No one cares. Act confident even if you don't feel that way. And if there's ambient chatter in the room, resist the urge to tap your glass with a spoon. Instead, gently clear your throat and ask for everyone's attention. "This may take longer," says Sue Fox, author of Etiquette for Dummies, $22, www.amazon.com "but clinking is gauche and can damage fine crystal."