Speechwriting: Featured Projects

About these speeches:

The 14 speeches featured here were delivered during main stage events in honor of various heritage months at a Fortune 500 company.

​IN HONOR OF NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

“​What Can You Do to Remove Barriers Faced by People with Disabilities?”
(​Opening remarks by a diversity, equity and inclusion program manager at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees) 
>>> Request a copy of the speech

​IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

“What Thoughts and Beliefs Do You Have About Other People That No Longer Serve You?”
(​Opening remarks by a diversity, equity and inclusion corporate headquarters program manager at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees)
>>> Request a copy of the speech

IN HONOR OF PRIDE MONTH

“Let’s Create Safe Spaces for Our Team Members Who Are Part of the LGBTQ+ Community”
(Opening remarks by a senior director of diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees)
>>> Request a copy of the speech

​IN HONOR OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

“​We Can Create a Better Experience for Women in the Workplace”
(​Opening remarks by a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees) 
>>> Request a copy of the speech

​IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

“​How Are You Going to Advance Your Own Story?”
(​Opening remarks by a senior diversity, equity and inclusion program manager at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees)
>>> Request a copy of the speech

IN HONOR OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

“Seek to Find the Other Side”
(Opening remarks by a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees)
>>> Request a copy of the speech

IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

“Let’s Stop Looking for ‘Cultural Fit’ – and Instead Hire for Cultural Add”
(Opening remarks by a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees) 
>>> Request a copy of the speech

IN HONOR OF PRIDE MONTH

“LGBTQ+ Education is on Us – or We Will Lose People We Care About”
(Opening remarks by a senior director of diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement along with a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees)
>>> Request a copy of the speech

IN HONOR OF ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

“If We Stop Making Assumptions, We Can Set People up for More Success”
(Opening remarks by a senior director of diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees)
>>> Request a copy of the speech

IN HONOR OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

“We Need to Recognize and Affirm the Voices of Women”
(Opening remarks by a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees)
>>> Request a copy of the speech

IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

“We Become Better People When We Recognize the Humanity in Others”
(Opening remarks by a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees)  
>>> Request a copy of the speech

IN HONOR OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

“Dr. King Can Give Us the Courage to Speak Up, Take Action and Champion Inclusion”
(Opening remarks by a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees) 
>>> Request a copy of the speech

IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

“We Need to Give People the Chance to be Great”
(Cicero award-winning speech, honorable mention; opening remarks by a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees)
>>> Read the speech

IN HONOR OF PRIDE MONTH

“You Can Commit to Allyship by Joining a Team Member Network”
(Opening remarks by a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at a North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees)  
>>> Read the speech

CELEBRATING THE GRAND OPENING AND DEDICATION OF THE RICHARD W. SCHWARTZ CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND THE GRAND REOPENING OF WINSUPPLY OF DAYTON

“Now We Can Deliver the American Dream to Even More People”
>>> Request a copy of the speech

“We are Bonded by Our Shared Cause to Build Entrepreneurs”
>>> Request a copy of the speech

“I am Grateful to Winsupply for Giving Me My Chance at the American Dream”
>>> Request a copy of the speech

SETTING THE STAGE FOR UPCOMING CHANGES IN STRATEGY AND DIRECTION   

“We Need to Follow Two Parallel Paths at the Same Time”
(Cicero award-winning speech, honorable mention)
>>> Read the speech

“This Year, We Need to Get Better Faster So We Can Move to the Next Level”
>>> Read the speech

“These are Not Normal Times (We Had to Do Even More)”
>>> Read the speech

ADDRESSES TO MEMBERS OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

“Reps, You Have a Chance to Help Wholesalers Get Better”
>>> Read the Cicero award-winning speech on page 16

“How Distributors and Reps Can Build Trust and Work Better Together to Remain Relevant in Our Markets” >>> Read the Cicero award-winning speech on page 12

“The Time Has Come to Reinvent Free Enterprise Capitalism in America”
>>> Read the speech

“Different on Purpose: How Winsupply Creates Opportunities Through Sourcing Services and the Supply Chain to Help Local Owners Earn Their Own Success”
>>> Read the speech

“We Learned Logistics on the Run, on the Fly and on the Job”
>>> Read the speech

ADDRESSES AT BUSINESS MEETINGS  

“Follow Her Lead” (award-winning speech)
>>> Read the speech

“How Winsupply Helps Entrepreneurs Claim the American Dream”
>>> Read the Cicero award-winning speech on page 40

“Winsupply’s Growth in Dayton and Beyond: How the Next Generation is Delivering the American Dream to More Entrepreneurs”
>>> Read the speech

“Five Virtual Presentations”
>>> Read the opening lines

LEADERSHIP UPDATES AT ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS MEETINGS

“Diversity on Our Board Will Allow us to Balance Risk and Change as We Grow”
(A confidential address to stockholders from the board chair)

“Five Goals Achieved in 2021 and Five Priorities for 2022”
(A confidential update to stockholders from a corporate training department)

“What We Achieved Last Year is Nothing Short of Remarkable”
(A confidential address to stockholders from the board chair)

“What 2020 Taught Us”
(A confidential update to stockholders from a corporate training department)

A PRESENTATION TO AN ADVISORY BOARD 

“Vendor Relations and Sourcing Services: We Help Local Companies Navigate the Supply Chain so They Can Become More Relevant, Competitive and Profitable”
>>> Read excerpts from the presentation

THE YEAR IN REVIEW  

“Disruption-Proofing Your Business: Local Companies, You Wrote the Playbook”
>>> Read the speech

“Free Enterprise at Work: How Winsupply’s Business Model Gives Everyday People the Freedom to Earn Their Own Success”
>>> Read the Cicero award-winning speech on page 32
>>> View the speech being delivered

“The Keys to Our Collective Success”
>>> Read the Cicero award-winning speech on page 58
>>> Read the Forbes article by Carmine Gallo that mentions the speech

“Real Entrepreneurs Don’t Go It Alone”
>>> Read the Cicero award-winning speech on page 30

“Stand Up for Free Enterprise Capitalism: The American Dream”
(Cicero award-winning speech, honorable mention)
>>> Read the speech

“First Things First: Together We Can Make an Impact on Education”
(award-winning speech)
>>> Read the speech

“Executing a Customer-Focused B2B Transformation Strategy”
(Keynote fireside chat Q&A talking points for a national B2B online conference)

CREATED FOR A NATIONAL MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

“If You Are a Leader, Choose Wisely” 
(A confidential outline for a signature talk)

REMARKS DELIVERED AT A NATIONAL TRAINING MEETING

“Will You Do What You Say You Are Going to Do?”
>>> Read the speech

“When We Do the Right Things, for the Right Reasons, We Will Get the Right Results”
>>> Read the speech

DESIGNED FOR INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCES

“Esteves, This is Your Moment: Go Ahead and Jump”
(Cicero award-winning speech, honorable mention)
>>> Read the speech

“We Must Build on What is Good to Get to Great by Making the Most of The Flywheel Effect”
>>> Read the speech

“Our Future is Created by What We Do Today, Not Tomorrow”
>>> Read the speech

“We Must Add More Value to Win Customers for Life”
>>> Read the speech

“We Exist for One Reason: To Make a Difference”
>>> Read the speech

“Our Roots Give Us Wings”
>>> Read the speech

“Leveraging the Chance to Feed the Curiosity of Children”
>>> Read the speech

“When You Come to a Fork in the Road, TAKE IT!”
>>> Read the Cicero award-winning speech on page 44

“We Must Give Everyday, Ordinary People the Chance to Earn Their Own Success”
>>> Read the speech

“Where Will Our New Leaders Come From?”
>>> Read the speech

“Aunt Peg Would be Proud”
>>> Read the speech

“Imagine the Impact You Can Have”
>>> Read the speech

“You wrote a fabulous speech. I have been getting notes all day. Thank you again!”

CHIEF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION OFFICER
North American company in the automotive industry with 65,000+ employees

“The speech went very well! The ‘keep cranking the flywheel’ analogy was received perfectly. Many thanks indeed!”

FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Two global manufacturing companies based in Europe

“I recently used Teresa Zumwald’s speechwriting services for two big events. Teresa was a true professional throughout the process and really took the time to get to know me and InnoSource. She did her homework on my topics and ensured that each speech had a clear direction and purpose for each audience.”

CHAD DELLIGATTI
InnoSource

“I don’t have any suggestions for improvement. The flow is logical and straightforward just like me.” 

JOHN MCKENZIE
Winsupply

“Just heard Rob’s speech. Great writing, Teresa.”

BEV SHILLITO
Sebaly Shillito + Dyer

“You continue to amaze me with your ability to articulate and summarize all our thoughts. This overview is outstanding!”

ABBEY BORDER
First Hospitality

FOR DONORS AT A POLITICAL FUNDRAISING RECEPTION

“Our Office is a Source for Hope, Inspiration and Change for the Better”
(Confidential remarks for an elected county official)

FOR PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS IMPROVEMENTS AT A PUBLIC SCHOOL

“When It Comes to the Arts in Our Schools, the Environment Makes Such a Big Difference”
(A donor’s video script for a fundraising campaign seeking private support)

FOR A PRIVATE CHRISTIAN K-12 SCHOOL

“Be Strong and Courageous”
(Series of nine confidential speeches for a major donor event)

FOR A WORLDWIDE RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

“So Many Doors Have Been Opened to Us”
(Series of nine confidential speeches for a major donor event) 

FOR A NATIONAL NONPROFIT THAT GRANTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS

“We Need to Elevate Our Collective Voice Around the Issue of Parental Choice”
(Series of eight confidential speeches for a major donor event)

FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

“Because of the American Cancer Society, We Have Hope”
>>> Read the speech

Speaker introductions

“Shaun Yu introducing Rick Schwartz” 
>>> Read the speaker introduction

“Rick Schwartz introducing John McKenzie”
>>> Read the speaker introduction

“Michelle Lewnes-Dadas introducing Rob Ferguson”
>>> Read the speaker introduction

“Raj Kannappan introducing Rick Schwartz”
>>> Read the speaker introduction

“Kamna Gupta introducing Rob Ferguson”
>>> Read the speaker introduction

“Rick Schwartz introducing Peter Schweizer”
>>> Read the speaker introduction

TED Talks

“Change the Status Quo”
>>> Read the Cicero award-winning speech on page 19

TEDx Audition Speech (3 minutes)
(Speaker was accepted for the program)

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONIES AND BUILDING DEDICATIONS

“This New Building is Really About Our Commitment to Innovation”
>>> Read the speech

“This New Building Will Change Everything”
>>> Read the speech

“We Will Inspire and Connect More People, More Often – and in Many More Ways”
>>> Read the speech

WEDDINGS/ANNIVERSARIES

“Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”
(Cicero award-winning speech, honorable mention, for a father of the groom [confidential])

“Their Bonds are Strong”
(Cicero award-winning speech, honorable mention, for a 60th wedding anniversary)
>>> Read the speech

“Our Person of the Decade”
>>> Read the speech

WELCOME REMARKS

“There’s an Army Rising Up Tonight to Break Every Chain”
>>> Read the speech

“Welcome Remarks to Stockholders”
>>> Read the speech

RETIREMENT REMARKS

“He Believed Deeply in the Intelligence of the Individual − and the Power of Human Potential”
>>> Read the speech

VIDEO Q&A

“Why Should Employees Buy Stock?”
(A confidential set of talking points in response to five questions)

Commencement address

“This is Your Moment – Now is Your Time”
>>> Read the Cicero award-winning speech on page 56 

Product launch live-streaming video keynote

“I Took Back Control to Earn Back Your Trust”
>>> Request a copy of the speech 

State-of-the-company address

“As Equity Partners, Maintaining a Fair Balance of Interests Will Allow Us to Sustain This – The Greatest Organization”
>>> Read the speech

• Version for business owners: “As Equity Partners, We Must Change the Way We Make Decisions to Maintain a Fair Balance of Interests” 
• Version for business advisers: “You Can Help Us Maintain a Fair Balance of Interests Between Majority and Minority Owners”

Change management kickoff

“Customer Relationships in a Connected World”
(A speech presenting the organization’s approach to digital transformation)
>>> Read the speech

For a board chair

Write a 2-minute video script to mark National Entrepreneurs’ Day.

Purpose/outcome: To honor the courageous, capable, hardworking entrepreneurs at Winsupply who persevered to keep serving customers nonstop despite the challenges in 2020 after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Misfortune Could Have Been Your Fate”
>>> Read the video script

For an executive director

Write a 2-minute script for a promotional video.

Purpose/outcome: To spark a sense of urgency and encourage registrations to an annual supplier diversity conference for women business owners.

“If You Want to Grow Your Business, You Have to Show Up”
>>> Request a copy of the video script

For a national wholesaler

Write a script for an animated explainer video. 

Purpose/outcome: To identify seven common myths in the marketplace and “bust those myths” to create more clarity around the organization’s unique business model.

“Winsupply Myth Busters”
>>> Read the video script

For a C-suite leader

Write a 2-minute video script about the meaning of the word “influential” and what it takes to be seen as influential in the workplace.   

Purpose/outcome: Work with the C-suite leader to uncover and share an inspirational, personal story that will:

• Convince women aspiring to leadership roles that they must earn the right to be influential
• Provide the three steps women can take to become influential

“To Become Influential, First Find Ways to Connect”
>>> Request a copy of the video script

For an investor

Write a 275-word script for an animated explainer video.

Purpose/outcome: To convince viewers that borrowing excessively is dangerous business because in time, our current economic bubble will burst – with horrific consequences for overextended, greedy, foolish borrowers who chose to live well beyond their means.

“Bubble Trouble”
>>> Read the video script

>>> Watch the explainer video

FOR WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISE COUNCIL OHIO RIVER VALLEY (WBEC ORV)

(WBEC ORV is one of 14 regional partner organizations authorized to administer Women’s Business Enterprise National Council [WBENC] certification to women-owned companies in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.)

Conduct all the required research and interviews, and then write, edit and proofread remarks personalized for key speakers, to ensure a seamless and meaningful event experience based on the conference goals, theme, messaging and run of show.

This conference featured an opening reception, remarks from dignitaries, a friendly competition, panel discussion, fireside chat, graduation recognition, two awards programs, a retirement reflection, fundraising, exhibitors, buyer meetings and a closing keynote speaker, plus daily educational breakout sessions.

The three-day event script covered remarks for these key speakers:

• Steering committee chair
• Executive director
• Moderator
• Emcee
• Panel facilitator
• Five title sponsors
• Three WBEC ORV staff in corporate relations, strategic programs and fundraising

This scripting project also required:

• Meeting and coordinating with the event managers, conference planning committee and WBEC ORV staff
• Planning, preparing questions and coaching panelists to ensure a relevant and engaging experience for attendees
• Providing speech coaching for key speakers (virtually and on site at the venue)

More than 300 people, including women-owned businesses and corporate members seeking diverse suppliers, attended this event.

Employee meetings

FOR A PROVIDER OF TRAINING EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS: LION GROUP, INC.

Reinvent quarterly state-of-the-company meetings for sharing the organization’s progress and results.

Purpose/outcome: To improve the format, style and effectiveness of these meetings to increase employee engagement.

• In the past, only the CEO delivered these hour-long presentations, which featured complicated financial data on slides.
• The reinvention featured storytelling, a simpler format (“where we’ve been, where we’re going and what you can do”), engaging graphics and multiple speakers: the CEO, the chief financial officer and the vice president of human resources.
• The reinvented meeting format made it possible for employees at all levels to understand and recall the material so they could take the right next steps in their individual roles at the organization.

Write a complete event script that included: 

• Opening and closing remarks for a professional emcee
• Remarks for the founder and president
• “Housekeeping” remarks
• Introductions and closing remarks for all keynote and breakout speakers
• Awards luncheon remarks and sponsorship appreciation remarks
• Remarks for door prizes and raffles

Purpose/outcome: To ensure a seamless, engaging event experience for all attendees (300+).

‘Ask the expert’ session

FOR AN EXECUTIVE COACHING FIRM: REAL CHANGE BUSINESS COACHING

Propose a creative concept and draft a one-hour presentation for an expert session on how to resolve conflicts and create an ideal culture.

Purpose/outcome: To encourage organizational leaders to take an honest look at conflict in the workplace and its impact on culture.

This talk was designed for two executive coaches as co-presenters. They:

• Explored two situations that produced real conflicts in two workplaces
• Discussed what had to happen to resolve these conflicts
• Shared the tools used to make lasting culture changes at both organizations

At the end of the presentation, the audience knew what they needed to do next to get a handle on conflicts at work.

“The more I read the speech, the more I like the messaging and tone. Thank you!”

JOHN MCKENZIE
Winsupply

“We are happy with the changes … your script forms a nice basis for further development of the video animation.

“Thank you for your time and services for this project.”

FEMKE VAN DER MEER
Pink Producties, The Netherlands

“He said it went great! He sent me the speech and – seriously – I got chills. You captured his voice, cadence and especially the mission. Wow oh Wow! Way to go!”

KAREN BOYLE

“We just had our script run-through, and everyone absolutely loved the scripts! Nicely done.”

SHANNON O’BRIEN
Westfall Gold

“The speech had rave reviews, and I am very happy with the results.

“I am very grateful for your help and work that enabled me to deliver such an outstanding speech. Thank you again!”

JEFF WALKER

“The message was spot on. Thanks again for all of your hard work and dedication to this.

“This speech was a masterpiece.”

RICK SCHWARTZ
Winsupply