“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 […]
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? […]
Speech Tip: Text vs Style Great speeches always involve a great message. Personal charisma can help tell that message well, but it is the substance you need to be extraordinary. We envision great speakers as having amazing podium skills. They do, but what sets them apart is something quieter: the writing of their speech itself. […]
Speech Tip: Nervous? I am. And there’s nothing wrong with that. A client is giving a speech tomorrow. He’s giving someone an award for a year of great service, and with it, thanks for a great 15 years. The client wants to knock it out of the park. I think I wrote a great speech […]
Speech Tip: Control Your Language (About the PETA Meme) Language is power. I’m not the first to say it. I better not be the last. Control the language and control the people. Politicians know this, as do activist groups, cults, and dictators. That’s one reason speechwriters are hired by the most influential people and organizations […]
Speech Tip: Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! (Speeches Aren’t Safe) Speeches aren’t safe. To the contrary. Speakers have been killed because of how afraid others were/are of their message. Free Speech This isn’t a free speech post. Free speech, as I see it, is the legal unencumbrance of what we can say and where. True free […]
Speech Tip: Inspiration Means Asking Someone To Do a Hard Thing If doing whatever you are asking your audience to do was easy, your inspirational dinner speech would be a breeze. Inspiration is hard. “Say, you know, I was thinking. You know that scholarship fund for poor international kids I mentioned in that letter last […]
Speech Tip: Don’t Tell Me a Story (Unless It Matters) When you are giving a speech, you are being graced with the attention of as many people as are listening. You’ve heard “tell a story, tell a story” as some sort of speech givers mantra. That’s not the point of your speech. Your job isn’t […]
Speech Tip: Don’t Tell Me a Story (Unless It Matters) When you are giving a speech, you are being graced with the attention of as many people as are listening. You’ve heard “tell a story, tell a story” as some sort of speech givers mantra. That’s not the point of your speech. Your job isn’t […]