What Do After Dinner Speakers Do & Why They’re Perfect for Any Event

The perfect after dinner speaker does more than entertain, they also inspire and create memorable moments that bring audiences together.

Whether you’re after a sportsperson to share their tales of winning gold, a familiar face from television to spill the secrets of our favourite shows, or a comedian to make everyone’s face hurt from laughing, the list of after dinner speakers is (almost) endless!

What Do After Dinner Speakers Do?

But what do after dinner speakers actually do at their events?

They blend humour, storytelling and insight to engage audiences, lighten the mood and deliver entertaining yet meaningful speeches.

The perfect after dinner speaker will combine all the above, and depending on your requirements and the event’s purpose, they will even include other suitable topics – politics or science, for example.

Why After Dinner Speakers Are a Staple for Events

After dinner talks are great at energising the crowd after a sit-down meal, especially as these events can sometimes run late into the night, it’s crucial to keep the energy in the room high!

They can also help to relax guests if they’re on earlier in the evening, setting the light-hearted and positive tone into the night. By allowing guests to relax, connections are also more likely to be fostered as the attendees can discuss their thoughts on the speaker, sharing where they think they’ll take the evening and so on.

The right after dinner speaker adds a special touch to make dinners, awards nights and celebrations unforgettable. Some speakers will also host and present awards, it depends on the individual and the requirements for your event.

We’re always up for a chat and we’re more than happy to discuss your options with you! Get in touch with us and we’ll curate a bespoke list of suitable after dinner speakers for you.

Popular Themes and Styles

Ranging from comedians sharing hilarious one-liners, to motivational storytellers that inspire reflections, every after dinner speaker is unique and can tailor their material to your specific event requirements.

If you’re feeling brave, why not consider a comedian who will offer light-hearted observations and crowd-work, or a magician who will do tricks with audience members?

It’s important to remember the events purpose when booking your after dinner speaker, as you must have someone suitable to the audience. For example, if your crowd is more corporate and reserved, booking an ‘over the line’ comedian with inappropriate jokes won’t go down well. Likewise, if the crowd is quite rowdy, especially after a few drinks, bringing in a motivational speaker to impart wisdom into the crowd, is likely to not end well either – consider all options!

Notable After Dinner Speakers to Book

Stephen Fry

One of the UK's best known comedians, actor and presenter, Stephen Fry is a British institution. Former long-term host of quiz show QI, prolific writer and originally part of the comedy duo Laurie and Fry. Golden-globe nominated actor and a social influencer through his prolific writings, Stephen is one of the UK’s best-loved celebrities.

Alastair Campbell

Alastair Campbell is a writer, strategist, and mental health advocate, best known for his role advising Tony Blair and for his continued work in politics, communication, and public campaigning. A leading voice in British public life for over three decades, he has combined frontline political experience with a prolific career in writing, media, and advocacy.

Lenny Henry

Lenny Henry is a renowned entertainer, writer, and philanthropist, known for his acclaimed acting, advocacy for diversity, and co-founding Comic Relief, with a career spanning TV, theatre, and corporate events.

Hugh Dennis

Team captain of BBC 2's hit topical panel show Mock the Week, and star of BBC1's hit sit-com Outnumbered, Hugh Dennis also writes and presents Radio 4's award winning comedy The Now Show. Known for his charm and cerebral wit, Hugh is an ideal after dinner speaker and a popular awards host.

Clare Balding

Writer, broadcaster and multi award-winning sports presenter Clare Balding is a star of the sporting world. Former jockey and face of Olympics presenting, Clare is compelling and engaging. Adept at providing an effortless professional speech, Clare's wealth of anecdotes from sporting fields and sheer passion for her profession makes her an excellent choice for an after dinner event.

Sindhu Vee

Sindhu Vee is an award-winning comedian, writer, and actor known for her smart, sharp humour and vibrant stage presence. Co-lead of sitcom The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh, Sindhu is a regular on the comedy scene, starring and hosting top panel shows like Mock the Week, QI and Have I Got News for You.

Deborah Frances-White

Hilarious, charismatic and creative, Deborah Frances-White is a comedian, corporate speaker, screenwriter and coach. She is the host of The Guilty Feminist Podcast, founding member of The Spontaneity Shop, highly acclaimed author and stand-up comedian. Leading corporate seminars for powerful women, championing diversity and teaching the skills of creativity and charisma, Deborah is an ideal speaker for business development.

Martin Bayfield

A former British Lions and England rugby player, broadcaster and winner of two Grand Slams, Martin Bayfield is one of the funniest after dinner speakers and awards hosts on the corporate circuit. Regaling entertaining rugby anecdotes, alongside his tales from the Police and his time as Robbie Coltrane’s body double in Harry Potter, Martin is an accomplished entertainer.

Joanna Lumley

Joanna Lumley OBE is a British institution. Star of Absolutely Fabulous, charity campaigner and wildlife enthusiast, Joanna makes a wonderful after dinner addition to any event, be it as a captivating awards host, charismatic and eccentric presenter and a passionate keynote speaker.

Louis Theroux

Louis Theroux is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and broadcaster, best known for his documentary series, including Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends, When Louis Met..., and his BBC Two specials. In a career spanning nearly two decades he’s interrogated the engrained criminals at San Quentin prison; lived with the extreme believers of the Westboro Baptist Church; gambled with the high-rollers at a Las Vegas mega-casino, and stalked game with trophy hunters on South Africa's wild animal farms.

Susie Dent

Susie Dent is best-known for her long-standing role in Channel 4’s Countdown as their resident lexicographer and etymologist, and also appears on the show's comedy sister 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown. Intelligent and personable, Susie loves to share with her audiences the unforgettable stories of words we use every day.

Do you have an upcoming event that’s in need of an after dinner speaker? We love a challenge, so give us a call and we’ll be sure to find the perfect person for you, no matter how niche your event is.

Give us a call on 02076077070, or email us at info@speakerscorner.co.uk