After-Dinner Speeches are usually a part of an organized event. The goal of the after-dinner speech is to contribute something pleasurable to the occasion. The topic of the speech can be serious sometimes, but is most often humorous. These type of speeches are generally used for occasions like weddings, anniversaries, retirements, or graduation parties. There are three helpful tips to keep in mind in preparation for an after-dinner speech.
Be entertaining and Lighthearted.
Although humor is most often the cornerstone of after-dinner speeches, they are not the ONLY way to entertain the audience. It is important that you do not try and force yourself to be humorous if you do not feel comfortable doing so. What's most important is to make your audience feel good about your time together and to develop good rapport with them. In order to do so you can share thoughtful reflections, tell a relevant story, make insightful comments about an issue of interest to the group, or use creative language.
Focus on a Theme.
After-dinner speeches should develop a thesis and have a point. A good after-dinner speech should not only entertain an audience, but enrich them as well.
Avoid Presentation Media.
In after-dinner speeches you should try to avoid presentation media. Audiences for these types of speeches don't want to feel like they are being lectured, challenged to seriously, offended, or like they should be taking notes. Sometimes presentation media may be appropriate, like for speeches focusing on sports, media, music, or fashion. In these situations an audio or video segment may be efficient, but you must be careful and only present the media if the room is specifically equipped for such media.
The after-dinner speech is a unique kind of special occasion speech. Mark Twain made this type of speech very popular in his day, speaking at many dinner events. These dinners were very lengthy, and were followed by several hours of humorous speeches (Patout, 1978). Such events still occur today, and are often scheduled before, during, or after a professional or civic meeting (O’Hair et al., 2001) where a meal might be served. During these speeches, audiences generally expect to be entertained while at the same time be informed about particular issues. These dual roles can make the after-dinner speech a challenge, but with skill and practice, a well-received speech.
ReplyDeleteA well-prepared, rehearsed, and delivered after-dinner speech can make a significant mark on the audience and occasion, all the while using humor to make a serious point. Due to the nature of this speech, there are several issues to keep in mind. First, the topic or theme of the speech should relate to the occasion of the event. The after-dinner speech should be tailored to the audience and specific occasion.
Second, avoid being a stand-up comedian (Hamilton, 2002; O’Hair et al., 2001). A stand-up comedy routine is merely a string of jokes, whereas the after-dinner speech is a well-organized speech that has a polished delivery. Without a clear organizational pattern, the audience will have difficulty understanding the serious point made with the speech. Furthermore, after-dinner speakers should avoid styles and forms of delivery with which they do not feel comfortable. The audience is likely to be more comfortable with the speaker’s own style. In other words, the speech and humor used should be consistent with the speaker’s persona. Additionally, there is the possibility that the speech may touch on issues that are serious or controversial. After all, the after-dinner speech sets a social agenda. Skilled after-dinner speakers understand this, and they are observant of the audience’s comfort levels. If the theme or occasion is a very somber one, such as commemorating the lost lives of the Civil Rights movement, the speaker should keep her or his humorous remarks modest so as not to seriously offend (Hamilton, 2002). Even when the purpose of the speech is more heavily weighted on agenda setting rather than entertainment, it should still be a celebration of the occasion.
It is nice that you choose to write about this type of speech. Although, we may not ever or have not yet encountered this type of a speech, it is a real possibility. Perhaps at a get together or a friends wedding, you are expected to give a speech. Before taking this class and learning more about them the idea was terrifying and seemed like a daunting task. Now, I would almost be excited to give one, they seem like a terrific way to show that you care about and are proud of a person. Thanks, for helping to highlight some of the key details you should do or avoid.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you broke down after dinner speeches so well. I can see why presentation media would be inappropriate in most cases, especially a wedding. It is completely understandable when you mentioned it would feel like you had to take notes. But then again media and sports would work well in this situation! I agree with the comment above, that you should not try to be a standup comedian. That seems like it would draw attention away from whoever may be receiving this speech and maybe even cause embarrassment. It wouldn’t be an appropriate approach in these types of situations.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post ! I really love it, I get many ideas to listen a motivational speech after the dinner.So I Will search the best leadership speaker for my business.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of inspirational and motivational speeches but I have the challenge to start up. So far I have undergone leadership training in the area of emotional intelligence which has enabled me to make after dinner speakers.
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