Washington Speechwriters Roundtable

WSR members meet for brownbag lunch discussion with Desson Thomson

dlangone — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:54:04 -0400

This month's speaker was Desson Thomson – a speaker, freelance writer, and former film critic for the Washington Post.

FeeblePoint by BILL DUNNE

dlangone — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:00:00 -0400

Every day, countless speeches and presentations are flops because of the PowerPoint Syndrome. How to explain its persistence, and what’s to be done?

Double the Impact: Getting Your Words in Print By AMBER L. JONES

dlangone — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:17:07 -0400

How to market speeches to a broader audience, as presented at the 2009 Speechwriters Conference in Washington, DC.

WSR members meet for brownbag lunch discussion with freelance writer Mike Long

dlangone — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:55:39 -0400

This afternoon, about 20 members of the Washington Speechwriters Roundtable gathered at the American Medical Association to listen to Mike Long talk about freelance writing.

An Analysis of President Clinton Eulogies: Oklahoma City and Yitzhak Rabin By KEVA SILVERSMITH

dlangone — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:16:24 -0400

President Bill Clinton accomplished important rhetorical tasks through eulogies, identifying with national grief, but forestalling a sense of national despair.

Speechwriting: Finding Work, and Working with the Varying Styles of Executives By ED MOSER

dlangone — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:02:30 -0400

There are many ways to obtain speechwriting work. And, once attained, the method of working with the executive varies according to the job and the executive himself.

Top 6 Reasons to Attend the WSR Brownbag Lunch on Dec 13

Washington Roundtable Editor — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:51:41 -0500

6. You get a FREE FORM for a $100 discount to the Ragan conference in February. (OK, it's the same ...

Cancel That Speech! Lucubrations of a Fusty Rhetorician by ED VILADE

Pete Weissman — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:45:47 -0400

Ed Vilade shares a few thoughts on speechwriting in "Cancel That Speech!"

Speechwriting Workshop in Washington, D.C. on June 19, 2007

WSR Editor — Thu, 10 May 2007 21:16:21 -0400

Vital Speeches is hosting a one-day speechwriting workshop in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 19, 2007. Three Washington Speechwriter Roundtable members will participate as speakers (Joan Detz, Emerson Moran and Pete Weissman). The workshop leaders are Tom Daly IV (managing editor, Vital Speeches of the Day) and Robert Skovgard (founder and editor, The Executive Speaker). The workshop is titled: "Writing A Speech That Makes A Difference."

Details: http://www04.mcmurry.com/product/VITAL/Workshop.php

List of Speakers: http://www04.mcmurry.com/product/VITAL/WorkshopLeader.php

Burned Bread + Wine + Poison = Toastmasters By ERIK DECKERS

Pete Weissman — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 10:38:15 -0500

Erik Deckers takes a lighthearted look at the origin of toast - both the burnt bread and the pre-dinner speech.

Propping Up a Speech by JOEL POSTMAN

Pete Weissman — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:36:25 -0400

With two clever examples, Joel Postman shows that introducing a clever prop that is integrated into the storyline is a great way to help make an important point while interjecting some fun and excitement into a presentation.

The Employee Speech - Don't Play It Again, Sam by JACK KEHOE

Pete Weissman — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:22:24 -0400

Your favorite music may offer clues to writing a better employee speech.

It Isn't Just the Speech by SUSAN BURY

Pete Weissman — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 19:08:23 -0400

A successful freelance speechwriter reflects on dealing with office politics, conflicting personalities, and rival agendas.

"Writing about Ethics: the Right Way" By DANA RUBIN

Pete Weissman — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 15:20:16 -0400

When writing about ethics, speechwriter Dana Rubin says what's really important is to avoid simplistic formulations, acknowledge the complexities, and make it personal.

Illustrative Speechwriting By JOHN BRINKLEY

Pete Weissman — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 21:20:43 -0400

How to use visual imagery to make a speech more stimulating and hold the audience's attention.

Why NOT to Open with "Good Evening" by MARIAH BURTON NELSON

Pete Weissman — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 23:09:01 -0400

Secrets for Avoiding the "Blah Blah Blah" Opener

If You Can’t Take the Heat … Get Out of the Room with the Stove and the Food by SHAWN BANNON

Pete Weissman — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 20:15:46 -0500

Five Tips for Getting Your Speaker to Actually Deliver the Speech You’ve Written

Reflections on University Speechwriting: Picnic at Bull Run by MARGARET GUTMAN KLOSKO

Pete Weissman — Sun, 02 Oct 2005 12:22:27 -0400

Insights on being a staff writer for the president of a Research I university.

Creating Tonality: What Good Music Can Teach Us About Great Speechwriting by JOSHUA BETTLEMAN

Pete Weissman — Sat, 01 Oct 2005 12:11:15 -0400

An intriguing look at the use of consonance and dissonance in speechwriting.

Dealing with Different Types of Speakers by LAURA WATSON

Pete Weissman — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 18:52:14 -0400

I believe there are three types of speakers: script speakers, ad-lib speakers, and "mad-lib" speakers.

Creating an Introduction by Anonymous

Pete Weissman — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 18:50:43 -0400

While only a small part of a speech's presentation, the introduction the speaker is very important and can set the tone of the evening, as well as get the audience excited about the upcoming speech.

On Speeches: Pearls and Tapestries by GRAY RINEHART

Pete Weissman — Mon, 05 Sep 2005 21:55:10 -0400

Two metaphors for speech construction . . .

Speechwriting as Motorcycle Maintenance: John Kerry, Vietnam, and Narrative Fidelity by STEVE HINKSON

Pete Weissman — Sun, 04 Sep 2005 21:43:28 -0400

What can a 1974 metaphysical travelogue and an 18 year-old communication theory tell us about speechwriting? Plenty according to Steve Hinkson.

Safire's Ten Rules for Good Speeches by RICHARD LINDEBORG

Pete Weissman — Sun, 24 Jul 2005 22:16:36 -0400

Richard Lindeborg shares 10 tips from William Safire for creating a great speech.

The "Murder Board:" The Ultimate Speech Practice by LARRY TRACY

Pete Weissman — Sat, 23 Jul 2005 22:21:16 -0400

A well-crafted speech can be destroyed by an unprepared speaker. This article outlines a proven method to produce spell-binding speakers.

Why I Like Writing Speeches for Public Officials by SALLY KEARNEY

Pete Weissman — Sat, 11 Jun 2005 22:12:00 -0400

Quotidian or quotable? Government wordsmiths can play a crucial role in public discourse.

Advice for Working With a Speechwriter by COLIN MOORHOUSE

Pete Weissman — Sun, 29 May 2005 12:39:00 -0400

Freelance speechwriter Colin Moorhouse offers 15 tips for working with a speechwriter.

Orwell's Prose Clear as Glass by DAVID WOODS

Pete Weissman — Sun, 22 May 2005 22:09:36 -0400

David Woods examines the life and writings of George Orwell for lessons on clear writing.

The Importance of Avoiding Windbaggery by BILL DUNNE

Pete Weissman — Sun, 22 May 2005 21:59:12 -0400

The first step in preparing a memorable speech has nothing to do with thinking great thoughts or putting pen to paper. The first step has got to do with getting the allotted time within reasonable bounds.

Choosing and Working with Speechwriters: Top 10 Tips by ELLEN SCHWEPPE

Pete Weissman — Sun, 15 May 2005 18:18:54 -0400

In her speechwriting workshop remarks, Ellen Schweppe discusses how to choose a good speechwriter and get the most out of the working relationship.