You may be asked to participate in or even help organize a “roast” at some point in your life. The roast maybe from a person you know well, or maybe someone you don’t know at all. A roast is like a long speech or toast about a person, using harsh, cutting, and humorously insulting humor to “skewer” or “mock” said person. They can be very fun and entertaining and actually serve to increase the feeling of calm and social togetherness among friends or associates.

The first important step in participating in or organizing a barbecue is to have an accurate idea of ​​the sensibilities of the person and the crowd. Are they more conservative or more liberal in terms of language, ideas, private life, etc.? Are they especially profane, with an anything goes mentality or are they very piously religious and refrain from using even light profanity? Keeping barbeque jokes within the correct bounds for the crowd’s taste and sensibilities will help ensure an effective barbeque that will help everyone involved feel at ease and appreciate the great light-hearted humor of the event.

Where does one begin to find specific topics on which to roast the honoree? What about your appearance, attire, personal style, job, habits, weaknesses, likes and dislikes, extreme habits, relationships, work history, speaking style, favorite phrases or sayings, eating habits, etc.? Make sure that no specific topic is overly sensitive to the roast and/or her immediate family, so much so that it is truly “off limits.” As long as you stay away from terribly embarrassing or deadly serious topics, things that might seem overly harsh or insulting at a business meeting, potluck, or cocktail party will likely make great fodder for your barbecue. Remember, the idea behind a barbecue is a shame-free, consequence-free environment in which to shower the honoree with attention and regaling them with memories and impressions, albeit through the prism of teasing and prodding. Done correctly, the warm attention and honor that the person sitting in the famous “hot seat” receives more than makes up for the good-natured banter at the hands of their friends, family, or colleagues.