Most people have heard quite a few after-dinner speeches in their lifetimes. In fact, you yourself probably have. Just think about it. The last time you went to a wedding rehearsal dinner, didn’t someone say something about the future bride and groom? And what about your parents’ anniversary dinner, your bowling league’s breakfast, that business luncheon you attended last month, or that awards picnic for your child’s Scout troop or soccer team? Chances are that someone was asked to deliver a speech after the meal, and next time that someone could be you.
History of the After Dinner Speech
The after-dinner speech, according to Stephen E. Lucas, author of The Art of Public Speaking, is “probably as old as civilization itself” (1998, p. 449). In fact, the after-dinner speech dates back to early 19th century England, and “by the 1880s they had become so popular on this side of the Atlantic that one observer called them ‘the style of oratory most cultivated’ in the United States.” (Lucas, 1998, p. 449)
After Dinner Speech Purpose and Goal
After-dinner speeches, however, are no longer reserved strictly for formal evening meals but instead are delivered after breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as following casual affairs such as outdoor barbecues or picnics. They are, however, usually delivered to recognize a special occasion, for example, a wedding, a birthday, an anniversary, or a graduation. Nevertheless, regardless of the time of day they are delivered or the occasion for their delivery, after-dinner speeches have one main purpose:
- To make a thoughtful point about a particular subject, which can be a person, persons, or organization, and they’re goal is to make this point in a lighthearted manner (Lucas, 1998).
“Lighthearted,” however, is not meant to imply that after-dinner speeches should be entirely frivolous or that the topic cannot be serious. Although it should never be argumentative, controversial, or technical, an after-dinner speech can address serious topics, but they are addressed in a more relaxed fashion than, for example, in a persuasive speech or an informative speech. (Lucas, 1998)
The Components of an After-Dinner Speech
Although some after-dinner speeches might be impromptu, they usually require preparation and organization. Moreover, they normally contain two main components:
- A theme, for instance, marriage, education, friendship, or team spirit
- A thoughtful point about the theme, for example, the ingredients necessary for a happy marriage, the true goal of education, the value of friendship, the meaning of team spirit
Using Humor in Speeches
Don’t be afraid to use humor when you speak after a meal. As Lucas points out, “Some of America’s finest after-dinner speakers have been humorists,” for example, “Mark Twain and Will Rogers, Art Buchwald and Andy Rooney” (p. 450).
You do not have to be a professional comedian, however, to use humor successfully, especially since your goal is not to have your audience convulsing with laughter but simply to elicit some smiles and perhaps a few chuckles. The important thing to remember is that when humor is used, it should be used to make a point, not simply to make your listeners laugh. (Lucas, 1998)
Humorous Quotes for Speeches
Below are a few examples of quotes on marriage, love, education, and friendship from The New Speaker’s Treasury of Wit and Wisdom, by Henry V. Prochnow, that might provoke a smile:
- “They’re married for better or worse. He couldn’t do better and she couldn’t do worse.” ~ Groucho Marx
- “When a girl marries she exchanges the attentions of many men for the inattention of one.” ~ Helen Rowland
- “Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.” ~ H. L. Mencken
- “They gave each other a smile with a future in it.” ~ Ring Lardner
- “We have met some persons who never drank at the fountain of education but just gargled.” ~ Anonymous
- “Educations pays unless you are an educator.” ~ Anonymous
- “A friend is one who knows all about you and loves you just the same.” ~ Elbert Hubbard
- “A friend is a person who tells you all the nice things you always knew about yourself.” ~ Anonymous
In summary, if you are called upon to make an after-dinner speech, you can do so successfully by remembering, as is the case with all speeches, after-dinner speeches require forethought and preparation, as well as a theme and a main point. Their goal, however, is to make that point in a lighthearted manner that will elicit a smile for your listeners.
Sources:
Lucas, S. (1998) The Art of Public Speaking; Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
Prochnow, H. (1988) The New Speaker’s Treasury of Wit and Wisdom; New York: Harper and Row.
Carol Rzadkiewicz - Carol Rzadkiewicz has taught college English for over 14 years and is the author of three published novels and numerous short stories.
