11 After Dinner Speakers Who Will Win Over Your Guests

It’s that moment in the evening when dinner plates are cleared away, conversation starts to drift, and guests are ready for something that lifts the energy in the room. This is where an after dinner speaker comes into their own. They step in once the formalities are over, bringing humour, insight, and storytelling that pulls people back together and gives the event a strong, memorable finish.

A great after dinner speaker knows how to read a room. They use relatable stories, wit, and real world experience to entertain without overpowering the occasion, helping guests relax, laugh, and feel part of something shared. In this article, we introduce eleven after dinner speakers who consistently win over audiences, along with practical guidance on choosing a speaker whose style and tone perfectly complement your event.

Jenny Eclair

Jenny Eclair was the first women to win the coveted Perrier Award. Her TV appearances include ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’, ‘Loose Women', and ITV reality show 'Splash'. Jenny’s quirky personality and witty sense of humour make her an ideal after dinner speaker  for corporate events.

Martin Bayfield

Martin Bayfield is a Former British Lions and England rugby player, a former policeman, and even starred as Hagrid's body-double in Harry Potter! It's not surprising, then, that he has a treasure trove full of brilliant quips and stories that make him an excellent after dinner speaker for all kinds of events.

Adam Kay

A musical comedian and trained doctor, Adam Kay has been shaking up the corporate world with his delectable combination of stand-up and songs. Adam's wealth of experience in the corporate sector makes him a regular fixture on the corporate circuit. 

Ranulph Fiennes

Considered ‘The World’s Great Living Explorer’, the inspirational Sir Ranulph Fiennes has truly tested the limits of human endurance while breaking world records and leading legendary expeditions for over 2 decades. He also uses great photos to illustrate his points and captures the audience attention from start to finish."

Jo Brand

One of the UK's most famous comediennes, Jo Brand is reknown for her acerbic wit. For any audience looking to be entertained by her biting humour, and sharp observations, choose Jo for your next event!

Chris "Kammy" Kamara

Former footballer, football manager and current pundit Chris 'Kammy' Kamara's is an exceptional after-dinner speaker. His highly excitable nature, propensity for comical gaffes and tendency to come out with unusual sayings makes him a hit with audiences on screen and off!

Penny Mallory

Penny Mallory is the first woman to compete in a World Rally Car and one of the most successful women Rally Drivers. She inspires and entertains as an engaging after dinner speaker and awards host who makes the impossible possible and has since dedicated her life to helping others do the same!

Michael Portillo

Charismatic and engaging, Michael Portillo has made the successful move from politics to TV and journalism and is perhaps best known for five series of Great British Railway Journeys and two series of Great Continental Railway Journeys on BBC 2. As one client told us, "his speech is a perfect balance of humour and informed interesting comment - it's not easy to hold the audience's attention with political issues after 10pm but Michael managed it with aplomb!"

Steph McGovern

From the world of business, Steph McGovern has been one of the most recognisable faces on TV, reporting from the worlds of international business and finance, and is also a former champion Irish dancer, which means she has a host of anecdotes and experience to draw on.

Dudley Stokes

Dudley ‘Tal’ Stokes was the founding member of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team, immortalised in the film ‘Cool Runnings’. A successful serial entrepreneur, Dudley is an expert in logistics and shares his wealth of knowledge in an easily understood way that audiences can understand.

Sanjeev Bhaskar

Sanjeev Bhaskar rose to fame as the creator and lead actor in the hit BBC series 'Goodness Gracious Me'. Awarded an OBE in 2006, Sanjeev's unique brand of humour makes him a stand out after-dinner speaker and awards host who makes a real difference to the atmosphere at corporate events regularly receiving impeccable feedback!

How Great After Dinner Speakers Connect with Every Audience

A strong after dinner performance feels effortless, but it is built on careful attention to the audience, the context and the emotional rhythm of an event. Understanding what works helps you choose the right speaker and helps you set them up for success.

They read the room before they speak

Experienced after dinner speakers pay close attention to the atmosphere in the room before they begin. They notice energy levels, age range, formality and how engaged guests already feel. This allows them to adjust their tone, pacing and opening moments so the talk feels well judged rather than out of place. When a speaker reads the room well, audiences feel understood from the start.

They balance humour with substance

While humour is important, great after dinner speakers know it cannot carry a talk on its own. They combine light moments with thoughtful insight so guests laugh but also feel a sense of meaning. This balance keeps the audience engaged throughout and ensures the talk feels rewarding rather than forgettable.

They adapt their language to suit the audience

Successful speakers choose language that fits the people in the room. They avoid jargon, explain references clearly and keep stories accessible. This makes guests from different backgrounds feel included and prevents anyone from feeling lost or disconnected from the talk.

They use stories that people recognise themselves in

Personal stories work best when audiences can see parts of their own lives reflected in them. After dinner speakers often share experiences around work, relationships, setbacks or ambition because these themes resonate widely. When guests recognise themselves in a story, they listen more closely and remember it for longer.

They connect the talk to the wider event

Even when the goal is entertainment, the best speakers acknowledge the reason everyone is gathered. They may reference the organisation, the theme of the event or the shared experience of the day. This helps the talk feel like a natural part of the evening rather than a standalone performance.

They finish with a strong and positive close

A well planned ending leaves guests feeling uplifted and satisfied. Whether it is a final story, a thoughtful message or a lighthearted reflection, the closing moments shape how people remember the talk. A strong finish often becomes the moment guests mention when they talk about the event later.

For further information or to book a speaker, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070  or email  info@speakerscorner.co.uk

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