White Lies in an Age of Dishonesty

White Lies in an Age of Dishonesty

HONESTY:  Hope Hicks admitted to lying. Do you remember? Horrible? Yes, but the thing is, she’s admitted something we like to pretend (but certainly know) that our leaders don’t do. That doesn’t give her a pass. She lied. Period. Lying in whatever...
Speech Tip: Set the Bar High (The Big O)

Speech Tip: Set the Bar High (The Big O)

Speech Tip: Set the Bar High (The Big O) Have you ever gotten a standing ovation? It’s a hard to describe feeling, but when someone receives one, they know. And they know they want another. It is like laughter to a comedian. It is a buzz like no other. No...
Thoughts on MLK’s Dream

Thoughts on MLK’s Dream

At American Speechwriter, I’m in the business of writing speeches. Millions of speeches are delivered each year written by people like me or by the speaker themselves. Most are lost in the wind, but a few genuinely influence the world. This one: I Have a Dream –...
Speech Tip: Fold Your Speech?

Speech Tip: Fold Your Speech?

You’ve seen the guy reach into his suit coat and pull out his speech. Maybe it is a little dog-eared. A tiny rip  barely seen in the audience? What confidence! It is folded as you would for a letter in an envelope. He unveils his glorious speech...
Speech Tip: 26 Will Do You Fine

Speech Tip: 26 Will Do You Fine

You’ve got what it takes to write well: The English alphabet, the same general vocabulary pool, and a strong sense of how to speak. Confident writing is available to you. The rest is fine-tuning. How I Know: I played on the chess team in high school. Sixth...