After Birthday Dinner

Posted onJanuary 17, 2012 - 1:03 pm by Admin | 0 Comments

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:


→ 0 Comments

Posted in gift for moms birthday