Speech Tip: Stories. It is presently business cliche to point out how stories, well, tell the story. Some stories, though, are better than others. Use your stories to help your audience to imagine themselves as part of them. Help them relate to the goal of the speech. For example, you might want your audience to […]
Speech Tip: This week, a fellow writer was miffed that I won’t hire a freelancer who isn’t well-read in the classics. He thought it a bit draconian of me. My reasoning is that I don’t want an ordinary writer. I’m looking for brilliance. I want my firm to be responsible for the greatest speeches ever […]
Judson T. Welliver. He wrote for President Warren G. Harding in 1921. It’s possible that Alexander Hamilton preceded him, writing for President George Washington. Historians argue about that one. You’re feeling smarter already, aren’t you?
Speech Tip: Athletes, listen up. Unless you are Michael Jordan, your brand value will drop after you retire. If you want a career in speaking, prepare while your name is current. You’ll gain experience and you’ll be ready when you hang up the jersey. Work with a speechwriter, public speaking coaches, and so on. Be […]
Speech Tip: C-suite executives, when interviewing for a new position, often have to give a presentation. Consult with an executive communications strategist or speechwriter. Refine it until you can sing it.
On Speaking Well: How to Give a Speech With Style, Substance, and Clarity by Peggy Noonan One of the political world’s best speechwriters, Peggy Noonan has written a book worth reading no matter which party you think is the best. Accurately titled, properly considered, it is, as they say, a “must-read.”
Speech Tip: Use Your Words A speechwriter, at his best, sounds like you. We shoot for that. Likewise, when you write your own speech, use words you actually use. That’s part of keeping it authentic. If you use $10 words, stay with that. Be sure your message, of course, is clear ($10 words can fuzzy […]
Speech Tip: Creativity is not about being original, but about problem solving. That’s where discovery is. Knowing the problem is then the beginning of creativity. For speeches, this means knowing why your audience isn’t already doing what you want.
Speech Tip: Creativity is not about being original, but about problem solving. That’s where discovery is. Knowing the problem is then the beginning of creativity. For speeches, this means knowing why your audience isn’t already doing what you want.