How to Make an After Dinner Speech

An after dinner speech should be gracious in tone.

What to include:

• Thank those who invited you to speak.
• Mention the wonderful meal.
• Add a little humour. People like to laugh.
• Try to make your speech look at the association or group you are addressing from a different angle.
• Try to mention some connection you have with the club/association you are addressing..
• Get over heavy ground lightly. No matter how deep the subject try to make it entertaining.

What not to say:

• Don’t include the wrong titles in your address. A Major won’t thank you for calling him Sergeant. So get the titles right.
• Don’t include too many statistics. People won’t remember them if they have dined and wined well.
• Don’t include too many details. It’s a social occasion and people will want to chat.

How to End:

• Be positive about the group you are addressing and what they do. You should end your speech on a complimentary note regarding their club/association/business.. Then ask the guests to join you in a toast if that is appropriate.