Scotland’s Choice: A Second Independence Referendum
Mar 15, 2017
Before the end of this month – and very possibly as early as tomorrow – the Prime Minister will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, setting the UK on …
The Message in Your Misfortunes
Jul 19, 2017
Thank you very much. Rain, somebody said, is like confetti from heaven. So even the heavens are celebrating this morning, joining the rest of us at this wonderful commencement ceremony. …
Three Fundamental Conclusions About America’s Core Interests in Afghanistan
Aug 23, 2017
Thank you very much. Thank you. Please be seated. Vice President Pence, Secretary of State Tillerson, members of the Cabinet, General Dunford, Deputy Secretary Shanahan, and Colonel Duggan. Most especially, …
Your Audience Is Bored Already
Apr 08, 2020
It was a relatively good week for speeches and speechwriters! On Sunday, Queen Elizabeth gave a widely appreciated televised speech calling on British citizens to show “the quiet, good-humored resolve” they’ve been …
A speechwriter’s reflection on “3D Public Servants: The Courage to Be Human”
Apr 29, 2020
I quit my job and moved across the country for this speech. It started out with a question I saw written on a white board during my final interview at …
Speechwriter, Q.E.D.
Oct 02, 2020
Veteran speechwriter James C. Humes, who passed away on August 21 at the age of 85, was a speechwriter to five successive Republican presidents, from Eisenhower to George H.W. Bush. …
Speechwriting: Still a Marvelous Job for a Moonlighter
Aug 05, 2021
Professional Speechwriters Association chief David Murray got a question awhile back from a guy who normally has the answers—speechwriting sage Robert Lerhman, co-author of The Political Speechwriter’s Companion, speechwriting teacher at American …
Exec comms reset
Jan 12, 2022
The past two years have been challenging for executive communications professionals. As people turned to government, community, and business leaders for help making sense of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reckoning …
Tackling Illegal Immigration
Apr 20, 2022
For centuries, our United Kingdom has had a proud history of welcoming people from overseas, including many fleeing persecution. My own great-grandfather came from Turkey in fear of his life, …
To Write a Speech, Write a Phrase
Dec 17, 2024
Some years ago, my wonderful young editor and publicist at Penguin UK managed to slot me into a lavish event that the publisher held in the London Palladium. Genuine bigshot …