I have finished a more or less first full draft for my first book (an e-book in fact) provisionally called Speechwriting for Leaders.

The idea is to do something that few if any other speechwriting and public speaking books have done, and look at speechwriting from three angles, where the author (ie myself) has done hard work at the operational coal-face in each case:

  • speechwriting
  • delivering speeches
  • organising speeches and associated media work

The draft has some excellent insider examples of real-life disasters and successes, as well as unexpected practical insights and tips (such as how an organisation’s crafty speechwriter expands her/his power-base and influence). And above all, it is an easy read for both the general reader and wannabe speechwriters and actual speechwriters. Something for everyone:

In brooding on these questions I conclude that an audience can’t and won’t disentangle the intellectual message of a speech from the emotional impact the speaker makes on the day.

The supreme skill of a speechwriter lies in making sure that those words say something interesting, but also in helping the speaker create just the right mood. In a great speech everything fits like a jigsaw:  words, emotional tone, audience, occasion and message

My conclusion from thinking hard about all this for the past six years and more is that the secret to a good speech is good content. Too many public speaking coaches seem to think that voice control, smiling, body language, the right deportment, better PowerPoints, saying things in threes and so on are what define a powerful speaker. Yes, they all matter – up to a point. But without really fine thought-provoking content there’s never going to be that added sense of inner confidence and conviction that subliminally leave the audience wanting More.

For example, I am in touch with a woman speaker in the finance business who reached me via this site to ask about coaching for public speaking. I have watched her on YouTube. She’s smart, knows her stuff, does most of the right things with eye contact and hand gestures. But if I were a headhunter looking for someone to lead a huge hedge-fund, would I watch her and think ‘Wow! This is the one!’?

I suspect not. Something subtle is still missing to move her public speaking from good (enough) to extraordinary. Basically, the content is not as good as she is. And I plan to work with her to get that last but vital piece of her public speaking jigsaw snapp’d into place, with triumphant effect.

Want more? Buy the book. But only when it’s published haha.

You readers here owe me something after so much free stuff since 2008.

#SpeechwritingforLeaders