After-dinner speakers typically address an audience that is already full and somewhat intoxicated – an audience which makes for a much easier, relaxed speaking environment.
But a memorable after dinner speech shouldn’t simply consist of jokes; it should have an overarching message and professional delivery.
Sport
Sport makes an entertaining after dinner speech topic, easily relatable and providing plenty of laughs. Just make sure that any humor used is appropriate – no making fun of individuals or groups who could potentially offend listeners; religious, ethnic, sexist or political humor would only cause offense and potentially destroy the atmosphere at an event.
After dinner speakers must engage their audiences or attendees while also covering serious subjects with humor. Humor plays an integral role in after dinner speeches; an effective speech with strong logic structure may contain both serious topics laced with humorous asides as well as lighthearted jokes.
Humor can play an essential role in after-dinner speaking, but should only be used sparingly and not overwhelm the message. Watching someone stiffly recount a funny tale can be off-putting; keep things informal. Remember to always be authentic before and after giving a speech as judges can spot fakery easily. Also avoid bombarding listeners with rapid-fire jokes as this will bore them and they could fall asleep before you finish speaking!
Politics
After dinner speeches should not include political jokes that may offend or alienate individuals and groups; their primary goal should be entertainment rather than informing or persuasion.
After dinner speeches can often draw on the speaker’s own experience as the main source of inspiration. A famous sportsperson may share his journey towards becoming the star player on his team; conversely, musicians or TV celebrity speakers could provide insight into film/television production processes.
Personal stories that teach a lesson or personify some truth can also provide great comedy. Speaking in metaphor form can make for powerful speeches that deliver both laughs and pathos–think Bull Durham or Field of Dreams as prime examples.
Business
As its name implies, after dinner speaking refers to public speeches held after eating. Unlike other public speeches, after dinner speaking is different as its purpose is more focused on entertainment rather than information or persuasion. Although sound speech composition, theme coherence and communicative public speaking skills must still be adhered to as basic conventions of after dinner speaking are expected from public speakers in this genre of public speech delivery.
Humor is an integral component of after dinner speechess; however, the speech must remain light-hearted and relevant to its audience or attendees of an event. No lecturer can deliver an after dinner speech without it becoming enjoyable and entertaining for their listeners.
Avoid jokes with religious, racist or ethnic innuendos as well as any sexist jokes which could offend or provoke individuals or groups; these will damage not only your credibility as a speaker but also spoil the atmosphere of an otherwise enjoyable event. Keep the time limit for after dinner speeches short – no-one wants to listen to an endless speaker drone on!
Personal
Personal after dinner speeches can be immensely enjoyable to craft, whether they are for a corporate dinner or awards banquet. Leveraging some of your personal experiences or stories about family and friends to create a captivating speech that keeps the audience chuckling is surefire way to keep everyone smiling throughout your talk.
Important aspects of an after dinner speech that promote good relations include being polite and not turning the speech into a roast. Also avoid religious humor or ethnic or sexist jokes which could offend or detract from the atmosphere of an event.
After dinner speeches are all about creating an atmosphere of good will at the conclusion of an event or celebration. Making the speech light-hearted yet relevant should always be the goal – however beware to not exceed its time limit as too long may lose its impact!