A Crisis of Confidence, Then and Now
Jan 26, 2022
Good Evening: This a special night for me. Exactly three years ago, on July 15, 1976, I accepted the nomination of my party to run for President of the United …
The Basics Remain the Same
Feb 09, 2022
Here I am: Optimistic-idealistic. Grew up on a farm. Driving a tractor by age 10. One of nine children. Farm went broke. Moved to Florida. Total product of public schools-university. …
A Food Pricing Problem Now. Next Year, a Food Availability Problem.
Dec 07, 2022
Thank you very much. President Linton, thank you. The hospitality has been remarkable. We have so many mutual friends and to be here I feel like I’m among family and …
Let’s Finish the Job
Feb 08, 2023
Mr. Speaker. Madam Vice President. Our First Lady and Second Gentleman. Members of Congress and the Cabinet. Leaders of our military. Mr. Chief Justice, Associate Justices, and retired Justices of …
Rhetrospective 2023: What Leaders Said, How They Sounded (and What We Learned)
Dec 15, 2023
Dear Executive Communication Colleague, Readers sometimes question the quotes I include in the Executive Communication Report newsletter, assuming I endorse the sentiments. I ask them to read the regular header carefully—especially …
What Drew Me to the Game?
Mar 06, 2024
After 13 seasons with the Eagles, center Jason Kelce retired after 13 years. Through a tearful 45-minute speech, Kelce went through his high school, college, and NFL football careers, thanked …
The Year in Leadership Communication
Dec 17, 2024
(Retail) Starbucks was down and (Robby) Starbuck was up. Boeing’s CEO apologized sincerely, vowed solemnly and resigned eventually. Many beleaguered college presidents issued statements about why they’ll issue fewer statements …
‘Does European Speechwriting Have a Future?’
Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday. I am on a train. Behind me is a world full of chores: the kitchen lights that flicker like the world’s worst, most desperate, domestic disco; the disintegrating garden …
The leader’s view
Jun 10, 2015
The other day my 11-year-old daughter Scout asked me, more or less out of the blue, whether I ever feel sorry for myself. I said I was sure I do, …
H.L. Mencken, on writers and writing
Jan 03, 2011
“I’m thoroughly convinced that editors don’t help authors. Either a man is good, or he’s bad.”