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Speechwriting

When to say no to a speaking opportunity

Do you have a speaking opportunity sitting in your inbox? Are you wondering whether to accept (or decline) the invitation? Get clarity – and get off the fence – with this advice.   The keynote speaker concluded, and the virtual event was over. Despite the incredible speaking opportunity given to this highly anticipated speaker and […]

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What leaders can learn from social science about how to write a speech

Before you deliver another presentation to your next audience, learn the most important question you must ask about how to write a speech.   More than once, I’ve had a conversation like this with an executive who needs help putting together a speech or presentation for a business audience outside the organization: Me: What kind […]

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Executive communication coaching for DE&I: Is your strategy up to par?

Are you doing what the best organizations are doing with their DE&I communications? Here’s some executive communication coaching to help you find out by testing your DE&I speeches and other executive communications against three secret ingredients.    I have a T-shirt I got a couple of years ago during an Aileron workshop for entrepreneurs that […]

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Communication strategy: When should you contact a speechwriter?

Timing is everything at work and in life. If your communication strategy for an upcoming event calls for a keynote speech from your CEO, how far in advance should you contact a speechwriter? Learn from this experience I had recently with a marketing VIP here in the U.S.   Last week I received a desperate […]

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Ideas for speeches: What to do next if the show does not go on?

Anytime you have to write and deliver a speech, it’s common to face a challenge or two. But what if something happens to disrupt the event? Keep this story close at hand in your bank of ideas for speeches, and learn how to pivot when problems arise.   When it comes to a speech, the […]

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10 tips for collaborating with a thought partner to write powerful speeches

Are you writing a speech with a crucial message and feeling the need to bounce your ideas off of a trusted colleague? Effective collaboration is the difference between a futile partnership and a phenomenal one. Here are 10 tips for leaders who want to collaborate with a thought partner to write more powerful speeches.   […]

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How to write speeches: 5 burning questions asked and answered

Are you a business communicator or leader who struggles to create a speech or presentation? Here are five burning questions that communicators and leaders have been asking about how to write speeches.   We had a lively discussion during my breakout room session at the virtual HERStory Business Communication Expo presented by IABC Greater Cincinnati. […]

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How amazing public speakers avoid verbal slop and drivel

You can’t deny it: Verbal slop and drivel often find their way into speeches and presentations. Don’t let this happen to you! Instead, learn to do what amazing public speakers do.   Did you know there’s an entire week each year – Words Matter Week – dedicated to stamping out “verbal slop and drivel”? That […]

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Public speaking basics: Why you need to repeat yourself when you speak

CEOs and business leaders: When you have a crucial point to make – and you need to drive it home – don’t ignore the power of repetition as one of the public speaking basics you need to master.   Last weekend, my husband and I left a church service rather uninspired by the minister’s sermon. “Where […]

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