We Need a Speech…

The following is an extract of a speech I worked on with a senior official in a government agency. She was addressing a Board of Trade, explaining the ins and outs of new government legislation.Even though she was a first rate speaker, describing the ins and outs of legislation in an engaging manner can be a challenge. The extract that follows is self-explanatory and shows how the gift of story and anecdote can make even the driest of topics more engaging. It goes thusly:

“I want to close with a story. You may think it is a little personal. But it illustrates an important point about the exchange of information.

Some years ago I was bathing my son. He must have been about four or five at the time and he asked me one of those innocent questions that children ask. The ones that always give parents cause to stop and perhaps think too much about the answer.

He said “Mom, I have a penis.” Read more…

February 5th, 2008
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Keep it simple. That’s a motto that applies in spades for speech writing. Remember you are writing for the ear, not the page. The following is a speech I wrote in about an hour. I knew the speaker was terrified of public speaking and she was going to have to stand up and talk at a memorial for her great Aunt.The only information I had was that she liked animals and playing poker. Read more…

February 5th, 2008
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I have often been asked how do I write in the “voice” of my clients? The short answer is that I don’t even try. Here’s the scoop – an extract for an article I wrote dealing with that very question.

“Since I have clients across North America, there are many CEOs I never meet. In fact, some of them don’t even know I am writing for them.”

“And I am often asked the question “How do I write in their voice?” The answer to that is that I don’t even try.” Read more…

February 5th, 2008
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“They shoot the white girl first” has been recognized by many as one of the great opening lines in late 20th century literature. It comes from Toni Morrison’s grand novel “Paradise.” I defy anyone to read that line – and not want to find out how the next paragraphs and pages play out.

As speechwriters we always have to concern ourselves with finding great openings for our clients’ events. We want to give them words that will give their audiences reassurance that they aren’t just about to waste the next twenty minutes of their lives. Rather, they settle down and wait expectantly for what your speaker is going to say next. Read more…

February 4th, 2008
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