How important is speech writing? Very. So is the editing of that writing. What about rehearsing? That too. Remember, what and how you say things is what distinguishes your presentation from a silent, humanless slideshow. You are the distinction. Your presentation should work without the slide deck. The slides are there to augment and amplify […]
Coronavirus concerns are impacting my clients internationally and domestically. Events are being cancelled. The speakers themselves are choosing not to attend. Audiences don’t want to show up. It looks dire, but we aren’t here to stoke conspiracy theories, blame, or any other such nonsense. Whatever you think about all of that isn’t relevant if you […]
Are you planning to speak? If you lead a company, planning is part of your DNA. Public speaking, in turn, is probably part of your job. You need to educate, inspire, and challenge. In some occasions, you’ll need to raise money, explain failures, or navigate a crisis. Plan for these. When you do, you’ll have […]
I’m happy to announce a new program bring my own remarkable story to inspire and educate high school and college students. So often, I’m helping others tell their story. It’s time I tell mine. I’ll also address different classes with specialized talks helping them understand the value and process of good writing. I’ll talk about […]
“The royal road to a man’s heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.” – Dale Carnegie When developing a speech, the heart matters. As intellectual as the topic may be, pulling in the listener’s heart is key to your speech’s success. Your delivery is part of that: are you passionate […]
In order to better connect with clients past, present, and future, American Speechwriter has updated our social media accounts. If you are following me, Anthony Trendl, elsewhere, great! Those accounts are still live and 100% active, but will be more about art, the creative process, and the vicarious life of a writer. The new accounts […]
Listening is key at American Speechwriter. Writing in a client’s voice is the constant challenge. A client might say, “I want to have an exciting, passionate speech,” when in fact they will eventually prefer a fact-filled talk. Listening involves questions and follow-up questions and clarifying questions. But, even after a long conversation, listening cannot do […]
“‘Wing it? That’s an interesting communications strategy, Seth.” – President Tom Kirkman, “Designated Survivor” (Netflix) Kirkman caught an unexpected opportunity to speak to potential supporters during the third season of the popular political thriller. With no time to prepare a speech, he takes the mic and goes for it. He “wings it.” Or does he? […]
Because men and women fought for my freedom, I am free to be a speechwriter. As a speechwriter, I am free to help others speak freely. Some of those men and women died in the process fighting. I am thankful and I do not, will not, cannot forget. To those soldiers in any country fighting […]
Because men and women fought for my freedom, I am free to be a speechwriter. As a speechwriter, I am free to help others speak freely. Some of those men and women died in the process fighting. I am thankful and I do not, will not, cannot forget. To those soldiers in any country fighting […]