Charger Challenge

2026 — Draper, UT/US

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Async After Dinner Speech

Event Description:

After Dinner Speaking (ADS): What It Is

After Dinner Speaking is a humorous persuasive speech that uses comedy to deliver a meaningful message. The goal is not just to get laughs—it’s to leave the audience thinking.

A strong ADS feels like a polished stand-up routine with a clear point:
-If the audience laughs but remembers nothing, it’s incomplete.
- If the message is strong but not funny, it’s not ADS.

Time Limits

• 8:00 – 10:00 (target range)
• 30-second grace period (hard stop at 10:30)

What Judges Should Be Looking For

1.

The Core Balance: Humor + Message

This is the most important lens:

• Humor should build the argument, not distract from it
• The speech should answer: “What am I supposed to take away?”

Ask yourself:

• Did the jokes reinforce the message?
• Was there a clear, memorable thesis?

2.

Content Quality

Evaluate beyond just “funny”:

• Originality – Fresh ideas, not recycled bits
• Substance – Is there real insight or just surface-level commentary?
• Relevance – Does the topic matter socially, politically, or culturally?

Stronger speakers:

• Make a clear claim
• Support it with examples, observations, or satire
• Use humor as a vehicle for insight

3.

Humor Effectiveness

Not all laughs are equal:

• Consistent humor beats one or two big jokes
• Look for:
• Setup → punchline structure
• Callbacks (returning to earlier jokes)
• Variety (wordplay, storytelling, exaggeration, irony)

Ask:

• Did the humor land regularly?
• Did it feel intentional and well-timed?

4.

Delivery & Performance

ADS is highly performative:

• Timing & pacing (comedic beats matter)
• Vocal variety (tone shifts, emphasis)
• Facial expressions & physicality
• Confidence and control

Watch for:

• Rushing (kills jokes)
• Overacting (feels forced)
• Reading (breaks connection)

5.

Organization

Even comedy needs structure:

• Engaging opening (often a strong hook or joke)
• Clear thesis
• 2–3 developed points
• Transitions (often comedic or callback-based)
• Conclusion that ties back and lands the message

A strong ending should:

• Revisit the opening
• Deliver a clear takeaway

Content & Conduct Expectations

• Must be original
• Delivered from memory or near-memory
• Avoid:
• Plagiarism
• Reading from a script
• Excessive vulgarity
• Offensive/discriminatory material

**Judges should penalize content that crosses the line, especially if it harms inclusivity or distracts from the message.