After-Dinner and Other Occasional Speaking

Synopsis

Occasional speeches — after-dinner talks, unveilings, commencements, dedications, eulogies — are among the most brilliant and entertaining kinds of address, but success depends first on studying the occasion itself: its object, importance, size and character of the audience, the room, who else speaks, and precisely how long the speaker has. Suitability is 'the big thing' in an occasional speech, illustrated by Mark Twain's toast 'The Babies,' which cleverly claimed universal common ground before turning to humor. Since occasional speeches test a speaker's wisdom, as Demosthenes observed that men are proved by their speeches, the chapter warns against being trivial on serious occasions, funereal at banquets, long-winded, or contentious at gatherings meant for good will. Humor has real value, particularly the well-placed anecdote, but a string of unconnected funny stories strung together by 'and that reminds me' is inferior to one less-funny story that fits the theme; the best after-dinner speeches usually mix seriousness and humor rather than relying on either alone. Selections from Gordon, Bryant, Cleveland, Blaine, and Daniel illustrate commemorative and eulogistic occasional speaking. The chapter closes with the beatitude that the man who makes short speeches will be invited to speak again.