After Dinner Speech: Hilarious Ideas & Tips, US

So, you’ve bravely volunteered, or perhaps been *voluntold*, to deliver an after dinner speech – in the US of A, no less! Fear not, intrepid orator! Think of it as your chance to unleash your inner Mark Twain, but hopefully with fewer handlebar mustaches and more modern jokes. The Toastmasters International organization offers amazing resources, but let’s be honest, sometimes you need a little nudge towards “hilarious” that goes beyond basic public speaking tips. Your audience expects a side of chuckles with their coffee, and that’s where we come in; ditch those boring PowerPoint templates, because your after dinner speech is about to become the stuff of legend, less painful than a roast by the Friars Club, and more memorable than Aunt Mildred’s questionable casserole.

Unlock Your Inner Comedian: Mastering the Art of Hilarious After-Dinner Speeches

Ever felt that pang of dread when asked to give a speech? Fear not, fellow human!

We’re diving headfirst into the exhilarating realm of after-dinner speeches, where laughter is the main course and you are the chef! Forget dry toasts and monotonous droning. We’re here to unlock your inner comedian.

Why Humor Matters: More Than Just Giggles

A truly great after-dinner speech does more than just fill time. It captivates. It connects. It leaves a lasting impression. Think about it.

Which do you remember more: the speaker who recited facts and figures, or the one who had you doubled over with laughter?

That’s the power of humor. It’s the secret ingredient that transforms a mundane speech into a memorable experience.

A funny speech will:

• Engage your audience from start to finish.
• Create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.
• Make you look like a rockstar speaker.
• Help the audience remember your key message.

From Zero to Hero: Your Comedic Journey Begins Now

This isn’t about overnight success. It’s about equipping you with the tools and techniques to craft and deliver a truly funny speech. We’ll cover everything from understanding different types of humor to mastering the art of comedic timing.

Consider this your comedic boot camp.

A US-Centric Approach: Humor That Resonates

While humor is universal, its nuances vary across cultures. To keep things relevant and relatable, we’ll be focusing on humor that resonates with a US audience.

Think pop culture references, relatable everyday situations, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating wit. We’ll be dropping in US-specific humor and examples. So get ready to tap into the American funny bone!

Get ready to unleash your inner comedian!

Decoding the Funny Bone: Understanding What Makes an Audience Laugh

So, you’re ready to tickle some funny bones? Excellent! But before you unleash your inner comedian, it’s crucial to understand what actually makes an audience laugh. Not all humor is created equal, and what kills at a biker bar might bomb at a bridal shower. Let’s dissect the art of comedic construction, shall we?

The Humor Spectrum: A Comedic Kaleidoscope

There’s a rainbow of humor out there, each color representing a different approach to getting a chuckle. For after-dinner speeches, a few types consistently shine:

• Observational humor: This is your bread and butter.
• Self-deprecating humor: Use with caution, but powerful when done right.
• Anecdotal humor: Everyone loves a good story!

We’ll delve into each of these in more detail.

Observational Humor: Finding the Funny in the Mundane

Observational humor is all about pointing out the absurdities of everyday life. It’s about taking those shared experiences that everyone knows and subtly twisting them to reveal the humor lurking beneath the surface.

Think about the quirks of grocery shopping, the frustrations of navigating traffic, or the endless battle against technology.

These are fertile grounds for comedic gold!

The key is relatability. Your audience should think, "Yes! I’ve totally been there!" When that happens, you’ve struck comedic paydirt.

US-Specific Observational Gold

For a US audience, tap into those uniquely American experiences. The sheer volume of commercials during a football game, the obsession with pumpkin spice everything in the fall, or the complexities of tipping.

Example: "I love that here in America, we’re so dedicated to recycling, we’ll drive our trash to the recycling center in a gas-guzzling SUV."

Self-Deprecating Humor: The Art of the Humble Brag (Kind Of)

Self-deprecating humor is the art of poking fun at yourself. It’s about showing your audience that you don’t take yourself too seriously, and it’s a fantastic way to build rapport.

However, there’s a fine line between being relatable and sounding insecure.

The trick is to pick on quirks, not core insecurities.

Guidelines for Self-Deprecating Success

• Keep it light: Avoid deep, dark confessions.
• Exaggerate: Over-the-top silliness is your friend.
• Relate it to the audience: Make it a shared experience.
• End on a positive: Always bounce back!

Example: "I’m not great with technology. My GPS once led me to a petting zoo instead of the airport. But hey, at least the goats were friendly!"

Anecdotal Humor: Story Time, Comedy Edition!

Everyone loves a good story. Anecdotal humor involves sharing personal stories to create a connection with your audience and, of course, to get them laughing.

The key is selecting appropriate anecdotes. Not every story is comedy gold.

Crafting Anecdotes for Maximum Laughter

• Keep it concise: Time is precious!
• Focus on the funny: Cut out unnecessary details.
• Build to a punchline: Every story needs a payoff.
• Be authentic: Let your personality shine.

Tailoring Humor to a US Audience: Cracking the Code

Humor is subjective and culturally influenced. What’s hilarious in one country might fall flat in another. For a US audience, it’s important to be aware of the nuances of American humor.

US-Specific References: A Comedic Cheat Sheet

• Pop culture: Movies, TV shows, music, and celebrities are all fair game.
• Sports: American football, baseball, and basketball are always reliable topics.
• Politics (use with caution): tread carefully, and consider your audience!

Example: "My dating life is like the ‘Game of Thrones’ finale – everyone’s disappointed."

Sensitivity Matters: Avoiding the Comedy Minefield

While humor is about pushing boundaries, it’s crucial to avoid crossing the line.

Be mindful of sensitive topics such as race, religion, gender, and politics.

When in doubt, leave it out! It’s always better to be safe than sorry. The goal is to make people laugh with you, not at someone else’s expense.

By mastering these fundamentals, you’ll be well on your way to crafting after-dinner speeches that are both hilarious and memorable. Now go forth and spread the laughter!

Comedy Legends: Learning from the Masters of Mirth

So, you want to craft an after-dinner speech that leaves ’em rolling in the aisles? Excellent! You’ve got the raw material – your wit, your stories, and maybe a slightly embarrassing anecdote or two. But to really nail it, it’s time to channel your inner comedy scholar.

Let’s dive into the laughter legacies of some legendary laugh-makers! We’re going to explore how these comedic giants – from the quick-witted Bob Hope to the relatable Will Rogers – mastered the art of making people chuckle, guffaw, and maybe even snort a little. Plus, we’ll take a peek at some modern masters!

Bob Hope: The King of the One-Liner

Bob Hope. The name alone conjures up images of perfectly timed quips and a dazzling smile. Hope was a master of the one-liner, delivering zingers with an effortless charm that made him a beloved figure for decades.

His ability to connect with audiences, even during wartime, was truly remarkable. He understood the power of brevity and the importance of a perfectly crafted punchline.

Want to study his style? Check out his many comedy specials available online. His autobiography, "My Life In Jokes," is also a goldmine of comedic wisdom and hilarious anecdotes.

Mark Twain: Storytelling and Social Commentary

Mark Twain, the literary legend, was more than just a novelist. He was a master storyteller who used humor to both entertain and offer sharp social commentary. His anecdotes, often delivered with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, were legendary.

He knew how to spin a yarn, drawing audiences in with relatable characters and situations before delivering a punchline that left them both laughing and thinking.

Dive into "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" or "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" to witness Twain’s comedic storytelling genius in action.

Will Rogers: The Everyman Comedian

Will Rogers was the king of relatable humor. He had an uncanny ability to connect with everyday people, poking fun at politicians and current events with a gentle wit that never felt mean-spirited.

Rogers’s folksy charm and down-to-earth persona made him incredibly popular. He was a master of observational humor, finding the funny in the ordinary and making audiences feel like they were in on the joke.

To emulate Rogers, start by paying attention to the world around you. Find the humor in everyday situations and craft jokes that resonate with your audience’s experiences. Reading his collections of sayings and writings is also highly recommended.

Modern Masters: Colbert, Poehler, Fey, and Mulaney

The torch of comedic brilliance has been passed down through generations, and today we’re blessed with a new crop of masters! Stephen Colbert, with his satirical wit and sharp intellect, proves humor can be both hilarious and insightful.

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey showcase the power of intelligent, observational humor, often highlighting the absurdities of modern life and gender roles.

And then there’s John Mulaney, a storytelling virtuoso who transforms seemingly mundane experiences into comedic gold.

Analyzing their stand-up specials, interviews, and writing styles can provide invaluable lessons in crafting contemporary humor that resonates with today’s audiences.

The Comedian’s Toolkit: Essential Speechwriting Techniques for Maximum Laughter

So, you want to craft an after-dinner speech that leaves ’em rolling in the aisles? Excellent! You’ve got the raw material – your wit, your stories, and maybe a slightly embarrassing anecdote or two. But to really nail it, it’s time to channel your inner comedy scholar.

Let’s dive into the laughter…

Crafting a truly memorable and hilarious after-dinner speech isn’t just about being funny; it’s about understanding humor and wielding the right tools. Think of yourself as a comedic carpenter, and these are the essential techniques in your toolbox.

Let’s take a look.

The Rule of Three: Comedy in Threes

Why is the Rule of Three so darn funny? Because it plays with our expectations! Our brains are wired to recognize patterns. The Rule of Three sets up a pattern, then breaks it for comedic effect.

It’s the "setup, setup, punchline" formula in its purest form.

Think of it like this: you list two similar things, and the audience anticipates a third similar thing. When you throw in something unexpected, that’s where the laugh comes in!

Example: "To be a successful comedian, you need talent, hard work, and a really good lawyer." See? The lawyer part is the curveball.

Template: "I like my [blank] like I like my [blank], and my [unexpected/funny thing]."

Another Template: "There are three types of people in this world: those who can count, and those who can’t."

Try it out, play with it. You’ll be surprised how easily you can add this to your own speeches.

Callback Humor: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Callback humor is a fantastic way to create a sense of continuity and reward your audience for paying attention. It involves referencing a joke or story from earlier in your speech.

When you bring it back, it’s like an inside joke with the whole room.

The key is seamless integration. Don’t force it! The callback should feel natural and relevant to the current topic.

For example, if you started with a joke about your terrible driving, you might later say, "Speaking of near-death experiences…"

It reinforces the original joke and shows you’re a clever comedian!

Surprise! The Unexpected Twist

Comedy often relies on the element of surprise. The unexpected twist in a punchline is what catches the audience off guard and triggers laughter.

It’s all about subverting expectations.

Think of a classic setup: "I haven’t slept for ten days…" The expected punchline might be, "…because I’ve been working so hard!"

But the twist? "…because that would be too long."

The surprise element is what transforms an ordinary statement into something hilarious.

Building Tension and Release: The Comedic Rollercoaster

Think of a great joke as a mini-rollercoaster. You build tension, creating suspense, and then release it with a well-timed punchline.

This technique involves setting up a scenario that implies a certain outcome. But then, BAM! The punchline pulls the rug out from under the audience, relieving the tension with laughter.

For example: "I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She seemed surprised."

The tension builds as we anticipate the punchline, and the payoff is the unexpected and slightly absurd realization.

Master these techniques, and you’ll be well on your way to delivering an after-dinner speech that’s not just funny, but truly unforgettable. Now go forth and make ’em laugh!

Stage Presence: Delivering Your Speech with Confidence and Comedic Timing

So, you’ve crafted a comedic masterpiece on paper. The jokes are sharp, the anecdotes are hilarious, and the callbacks are perfectly timed. But here’s the truth: a joke delivered with the charisma of a wet dishrag is doomed to fall flat. Delivery is everything. Let’s transform you from a writer of jokes into a performer who commands the stage and owns the room.

The Art of Storytelling: Painting Pictures with Words (and Humor!)

Storytelling is the backbone of a great after-dinner speech. Think of it as the delivery vehicle for your carefully crafted jokes. A captivating narrative keeps your audience hooked, making them more receptive to your humor. But how do you weave those laughs in organically?

• Find the Funny in the Familiar: Look for the inherent humor in your own experiences. Did you have a disastrous first date? A comically inept attempt at DIY home improvement? These are goldmines!

• Build to the Punchline: Don’t just drop a joke out of nowhere. Set the scene, build tension, and then bam! Deliver the punchline with perfect timing.

• Exaggerate (Slightly!): A little embellishment can go a long way. Just don’t stray too far from reality – you want your audience to relate, not question your sanity.

Vocal Variety: Your Voice is an Instrument

Imagine listening to someone speak in a monotone for ten minutes. You’d be reaching for the nearest exit (or falling asleep). Vocal variety is your secret weapon against audience boredom.

• Pace Yourself: Vary your speaking speed. Rushing through a joke is like sprinting a marathon – you’ll run out of steam (and your audience will miss the punchline).

• Tone It Up (or Down): A higher pitch can convey excitement or surprise, while a lower tone can add gravitas or create a sense of intimacy.

• Volume Control: Don’t shout the whole time (unless you’re telling a really, really loud joke). Vary your volume to emphasize key points and keep your audience engaged.

The Power of Pauses: Silence Can Be Golden

Believe it or not, what you don’t say can be just as important as what you do say. The strategic pause is a comedian’s best friend.

• The Dramatic Pause: Use it before a punchline to build anticipation. Let the silence hang in the air, and watch the audience lean in.

• The Reaction Pause: After a big laugh, give the audience a moment to recover. Don’t rush into the next joke – savor the moment.

• The Thinking Pause: Pretend to be lost in thought (even if you know exactly what you’re going to say). This can create a sense of authenticity and make your audience feel like they’re in on a secret.

Engaging with Your Audience: Making a Connection

An after-dinner speech isn’t a lecture – it’s a conversation. Connect with your audience to create a more interactive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

• Eye Contact is Key: Scan the room and make eye contact with individuals. It makes them feel seen and heard (and less likely to check their phones).

• Read the Room: Pay attention to the audience’s reactions. Are they laughing? Nodding? Staring blankly? Adjust your delivery accordingly.

• Embrace Spontaneity: Don’t be afraid to deviate from your script if the moment calls for it. A well-timed ad-lib can be comedy gold.

Remember, stage presence isn’t about being a natural performer. It’s about honing your skills and connecting with your audience. With practice, confidence, and a healthy dose of humor, you’ll have them eating out of the palm of your hand. Now go out there and own the stage!

Context is King: Tailoring Your Humor to Different Occasions

So, you’ve crafted a comedic masterpiece on paper. The jokes are sharp, the anecdotes are hilarious, and the callbacks are perfectly timed. But here’s the truth: a joke delivered with the charisma of a wet dishrag is doomed to fall flat. Delivery is everything. Let’s transform those killer lines into a performance worthy of a standing ovation!

The Chameleon Comedian: Adapting to Your Audience

Here’s the secret weapon of every successful after-dinner speaker: adaptability. What kills at a bachelor party might get you escorted off stage at a corporate gala. You wouldn’t tell a joke about the CEO’s toupee at the company holiday party, would you? (Unless you really hate your job.)

Knowing your audience and the occasion is paramount to delivering humor that lands with grace and gets people roaring with laughter! Think of yourself as a comedic chameleon, blending seamlessly into the environment.

Wedding Toasts: Love, Laughter, and Avoiding Disaster

Ah, weddings! A celebration of love, commitment, and the open bar. Your goal is to honor the happy couple with lighthearted humor and heartfelt sentiments. Keep it clean, people!

Dos and Don’ts for Wedding Humor

Do share a funny and brief anecdote about the bride or groom (preferably one that doesn’t involve a restraining order). Do praise their wonderful qualities and how they complement each other. Do keep it positive and celebratory.

Don’t dredge up embarrassing past relationships. Don’t make inappropriate jokes about their sex life (or lack thereof). Don’t get drunker than the groom’s uncle who thinks he’s still 25.

Wedding Joke Ideas

• How the couple met: Share a humorous (but tasteful!) retelling of their meet-cute.
• The bride/groom’s quirks: Gently poke fun at their endearing personality traits.
• Their compatibility: Highlight their unique and amusing dynamic as a couple.
• A toast to the future: Wish them a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and minimal arguments over whose turn it is to do the dishes.

Corporate Dinners: Navigating the Land of Polite Chuckles

Corporate dinners can be a minefield of sensitivities and unspoken rules. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to deliver humor that’s witty, engaging, and (most importantly) inoffensive. Subtlety is your friend here.

Keeping it Corporate-Clean

Steer clear of controversial topics like politics, religion, or anything that could be construed as discriminatory. Self-deprecating humor can work well, but avoid anything that undermines your credibility.

Corporate-Friendly Joke Ideas

• Observations about office life: Relatable humor about meetings, coffee breaks, or the struggles of navigating the office printer.
• Industry-specific humor: Lighthearted jokes about the challenges and absurdities of your profession.
• Praise for the company: Acknowledge the company’s achievements and the contributions of its employees.
• A light roast of your boss (with their permission…maybe): If you’re feeling brave (and have a good relationship with your boss), a gentle jab can be a hit.

Award Ceremonies: Celebrating Success with Style and Wit

Award ceremonies are all about recognizing achievements and celebrating success. Your humor should complement the celebratory atmosphere, striking a balance between levity and sincerity.

The Sweet Spot of Award Ceremony Humor

Avoid being overly sarcastic or cynical. Instead, focus on highlighting the accomplishments of the award recipients and the importance of their work.

Joke Ideas for Awards

• Acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the recipients: Show genuine appreciation for their achievements.
• Share a funny anecdote about the field or industry: Relate their work to the bigger picture.
• Make lighthearted observations about the awards process: Gently poke fun at the ceremony itself (e.g., the length of the speeches, the awkward seating arrangements).
• Offer a congratulatory message with a touch of humor: Wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

Retirement Parties: Honoring a Legacy with Laughter and Heartfelt Cheers

Retirement parties are a time to celebrate a long and successful career. Your humor should honor the retiree’s contributions while acknowledging the bittersweet transition to a new chapter in their life.

Tips for a Memorable Retirement Speech

Focus on the retiree’s positive qualities, accomplishments, and the impact they had on their colleagues. Share funny and heartwarming anecdotes that capture their personality and contributions.

Retirement Party Joke Ideas

• Share a memorable story about the retiree’s early days at the company: Highlight their growth and evolution over time.
• Poke fun at their quirks and habits: Gently tease them about their signature coffee order, their aversion to technology, or their love of dad jokes.
• Highlight their contributions to the company and their impact on their colleagues: Acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
• Offer humorous wishes for their retirement: Wish them a lifetime of leisure, adventure, and minimal contact with spreadsheets.

Walking the Line: Sensitivity and Responsible Humor

So, you’ve crafted comedic masterpieces on paper, the jokes are sharp, anecdotes are hilarious, and the callbacks are perfectly timed, but there’s a line to walk, and it’s not a tightrope walk over a pit of crocodiles—it’s about being mindful and responsible. A joke that bombs because it’s poorly delivered is one thing, but a joke that offends? That’s a whole different ball game. It’s about knowing your audience and using your comedic powers for good, not evil.

This isn’t about sanitizing humor. Instead, it’s about adding intelligence and empathy. After all, the best humor is that which unites, not divides.

Why Sensitivity Matters: Avoiding the Comedy Graveyard

Humor is subjective, but some topics are universal no-nos. Why? Because comedy shouldn’t come at the expense of someone else’s dignity or well-being.

• Punching Down Never Works: Jokes targeting marginalized groups are never funny. These jokes reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to a culture of discrimination.
• Tragedy Isn’t a Punchline: Avoid referencing recent tragedies, disasters, or sensitive historical events for comedic effect. Respect is paramount.
• Personal Attacks Are a No-Go: While self-deprecating humor is acceptable, attacking individuals is never okay. Focus on shared experiences, not personal flaws.

Navigating Cultural Nuances: Become a Humor Diplomat

The US is a melting pot of cultures and perspectives. What’s funny to one group might be offensive to another.

• Research is Your Friend: Before crafting jokes, understand your audience’s cultural background and sensitivities.
• Avoid Stereotypes Like the Plague: Refrain from relying on tired and often inaccurate cultural stereotypes for humor.
• Be Open to Learning: If someone tells you a joke is offensive, listen and apologize. Don’t defend your intent; focus on their impact.

Examples of Topics to Treat with Extreme Caution (or Avoid Entirely)

There are certain topics that require a level of care and understanding that, frankly, most after-dinner speeches simply don’t allow for. When in doubt, leave it out.

• Politics (Unless You’re a Pro): Political humor can be hilarious, but it’s a minefield. Unless you’re a seasoned comedian with a clear understanding of your audience’s views, it’s best to steer clear.
• Religion: Jokes about religion are almost always guaranteed to offend someone.
• Sex and Gender: Tread very lightly here. What might seem like a harmless joke can easily be interpreted as sexist or objectifying.

Guidelines for Respectful Humor: Be Clever, Not Cruel

So, how do you be funny without being offensive?

• Focus on the Universal: Humor that resonates with everyone is the safest bet. Talk about shared experiences, human quirks, and everyday absurdities.
• Be Self-Aware: Make fun of yourself! Self-deprecating humor shows humility and relatability.
• Use Humor to Build Bridges: Aim to connect with your audience, not alienate them. Humor can be a powerful tool for fostering understanding and empathy.

Your Words Have Power: Use Them Wisely

Ultimately, responsible humor is about being mindful of the impact of your words. Before you deliver a joke, ask yourself:

• Is it kind?
• Is it necessary?
• Does it build bridges, or does it create divides?

By embracing sensitivity and responsible humor, you can deliver after-dinner speeches that are not only hilarious but also meaningful and memorable—for all the right reasons. Go forth and make them laugh, responsibly!

The Final Act: Practice, Refine, and Unleash Your Hilarious Speech!

So, you’ve crafted comedic masterpieces on paper, the jokes are sharp, anecdotes are hilarious, and the callbacks are perfectly timed, but there’s a line to walk, and it’s not a tightrope walk over a pit of crocodiles—it’s about being mindful and responsible. A joke that bombs because it’s poorly written is one thing, but a joke that bombs because it’s offensive? That’s a different beast entirely. Now that we’re all on the same page, you have all the pieces and parts for writing funny after dinner speeches, but it’s time for the final push – the exhilarating, slightly terrifying, and ultimately rewarding performance. Think of it as your comedic Super Bowl, or maybe just a slightly less sweaty open mic night.

Rehearsal is Key

Practice doesn’t make perfect. It makes permanent. And you want the permanent version of your speech to be amazing, right? Imagine a concert pianist who just wings it on the night of the performance. Unthinkable! Your speech deserves the same level of dedication.

Read it aloud. Then read it again. And again. Record yourself.

Listen back and cringe (a little bit of cringe is good, it means you’re improving!). Time yourself. Figure out where you’re rushing, where you’re dragging, and where you can insert a perfectly timed pause.

Polish, Polish, Polish!

Refining your speech isn’t just about memorizing the lines. It’s about smoothing out the rough edges, identifying the jokes that land with a thud, and perfecting your delivery.

Ask yourself: Are there any phrases that are awkward to say? Any jokes that fall flat when spoken aloud? Are you actually making sense, or does it just sound good in your head? (Spoiler alert: sometimes, it’s only good in your head.)

Don’t be afraid to cut jokes that aren’t working. Even if you love them. Even if they’re your babies.

Sometimes, you have to sacrifice for the greater good of the speech. This can be difficult, but like they say, kill your darlings.

The Joy of the Joke

Amidst all the rehearsing and refining, don’t forget the golden rule of comedy: If you’re not having fun, the audience won’t either. Inject your personality into the speech.

Let your passion shine through. If you’re genuinely enjoying yourself, that enthusiasm will be contagious.

Think about why you wanted to deliver this speech in the first place. Tap into that initial spark of inspiration and use it to fuel your performance.

Confidence is Contagious

Okay, maybe you’re not a seasoned stand-up comedian, and the thought of public speaking makes your palms sweat. That’s totally normal! But remember, you’ve put in the work. You’ve crafted a hilarious, engaging speech. Now, all that’s left is to believe in yourself.

Stand tall. Make eye contact. Smile (even if you feel like you’re about to throw up). Project your voice.

And most importantly, own the room.

The audience wants you to succeed. They’re on your side. Give them a show they won’t forget.

Go Forth and Be Funny!

So, there you have it. You’re armed with the knowledge, the techniques, and the confidence to deliver an after-dinner speech that will have your audience rolling in the aisles. Remember to practice, refine, inject your personality, and most importantly, have fun. Now go out there and make ’em laugh! And if they don’t, well, at least you tried. (And you can always blame the microphone.)

So, there you have it! With a little planning and a dash of humor, you can deliver an after dinner speech that’s both memorable and entertaining. Now go forth, craft your killer speech, and get ready to leave ’em laughing!