What does a speech look like stripped of the craft of speechwriting? HBO's hit show Succession gave us a glimpse with a hilarious eulogy delivered by character Connor Roy... and in the process, helps speechwriters and speakers avoid delivering dull, lifeless speeches. Links: Here's that eulogy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEdOB9OIh70 . Succession on HBO: https://www.hbo.com/succession . The writing credits for that episode of Succession go to series creator Jesse Armstrong ( https://twitter....
Sep 18, 2019•8 min•Ep. 45
You can write a speech for a someone. Read it through. Rehearse with the speaker. But you won’t really know how effective it is unless you’re there when they deliver it. This episode: why speechwriters should fight for a spot in the audience, and how to use it to write better speeches. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "You're Enough (version a)," "Start ...
Aug 13, 2019•9 min•Ep. 44
A lot of speakers who'd happily get up in front of a thousand-person audience start getting the shakes at the thought of speaking to children or (gulp) teens. Fortunately, we have child-and-teen author Robin Stevenson here to share her experience speaking in front of countless school auditoriums and classrooms. She'll tell us how you can keep your next young audience rapt from beginning to end. About my guest: Robin Stevenson is the award-winning author of 25 books of fiction and nonfiction for ...
Aug 09, 2019•27 min•Ep. 43
Writing is usually a pretty solitary pursuit. But solitary doesn’t have to mean isolated. Find out how Elana Aptowitzer created a community of speechwriters inside the Canadian public service — and how you can start building a community of your own. About my guest: Elana Aptowitzer heads up speechwriting at Canada’s Department of National Defence. She launched the federal government's first speechwriters' community of practice, where public service speechwriters can share tools, resources and be...
Aug 06, 2019•29 min•Ep. 42
We’ve focused on speaking and speechwriting in the podcast — but there’s more than one way to connect with an audience. And one of the best: the venerable op-ed piece. About my guest: Today’s guest knows op-eds better than anyone I know: Professor Mira Sucharov is the author of Public Influence , and a prolific writer of op-eds published in such outlets as Haaretz , The Forward , The Globe and Mail , The Toronto Star , The Ottawa Citizen, The Daily Beast and Huffington Post. Dr. Sucharov is an a...
Aug 02, 2019•28 min•Ep. 41
If you really want your audience to care about what you're saying, they need to know you care about it too. And that starts with the attitude you project... and the stands you're willing to take. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Thought Bubbles," "HEAVN," and "It Was Like That When I Got Here." Used under a Creative Commons license. Lee has released a b...
Jul 26, 2019•6 min•Ep. 40
Quotations are one of a speechwriter's essential tools — right up there with metaphors, jokes and 3 a.m. espresso. But borrowed eloquence doesn't always work out, and as handy as a quotation can be, using it requires care. This episode looks at how to use quotations to elevate your whole speech, and how another person's fine words can make yours shine even brighter. Links: I mentioned them last time, but here's another link to Quote Investigator — one of the great services of the Internet. And y...
Jul 19, 2019•8 min•Ep. 39
Most of us like to think of ourselves as basically honest people. But as speakers and speechwriters, it's surprisingly easy to find ourselves misleading our audiences: accidentally or (gulp) deliberately. Find out how — even with the best intentions — you may be leading your audience astray... and how to get back onto the path of truth. Warning: Contains traces of scolding and a glancing reference to the current American president. Links: More about Albert Mehrabian and his work on non-verbal co...
Jul 16, 2019•10 min•Ep. 38
Political protest is on the rise — and with it, a growing need for leaders to speak to protest rallies. This episode, we talk with veteran environmental and climate campaigner Tzeporah Berman about rally speeches: how to plan, write and deliver them for maximum impact. This two-part episode starts with a discussion on planning your speech and thinking about strategy, and concludes in part two by talking about writing and delivery. About our guest: Tzeporah has over two decades of experience desi...
Jul 11, 2019•18 min•Ep. 37
Political protest is on the rise — and with it, a growing need for leaders to speak to protest rallies. This episode, we talk with veteran environmental and climate campaigner Tzeporah Berman about rally speeches: how to plan, write and deliver them for maximum impact. This two-part episode starts with a discussion on planning your speech and thinking about strategy, and concludes in part two by talking about writing and delivery. About our guest: Tzeporah has over two decades of experience desi...
Jul 11, 2019•21 min•Ep. 36
Want to be a better speechwriter? One of the best ways to improve your speechwriting is to get out from behind your keyboard and get in front of an audience. Why speechwriters should also be speakers — and how you can get started. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Here's Where Things Get Interesting," "Thought Bubbles," "More On That Later" and "HEAVN." ...
Jul 08, 2019•8 min•Ep. 35
It may be in a media interview, a Q&A, a debate or a townhall. But when you're a leader, chances are sooner or later you're going to face tough questions. It just comes with the territory. The key to being ready for tough questions? Equally tough preparation. And that means fighting off the instinct to lob (or ask for) softballs... an instinct that just might be one of the reasons for this week's biggest U.S. political story. Links: Here's the electrifying exchange between Kamala Harris and ...
Jun 30, 2019•10 min•Ep. 34
What does acting have to do with authenticity? More than you might think. This episode, we look at how the tools actors bring to their most compelling performances can help you connect with your audience. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Dusk Cathedral," "0___0," "Swiftwind" and "We're Almost There." Used under a Creative Commons license. (And check out...
Jun 22, 2019•8 min•Ep. 33
There's no well-worn, signposted career path to being a speechwriter. That's the bad news. The good news? There are plenty of other paths in. This episode, we look at how to break into speechwriting — and some lessons from my own first big break. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Decompress," "All the Answers," "Thinking It Over" and "Telecom." Used unde...
Jun 14, 2019•10 min•Ep. 32
None of us is perfect, and sooner or later, leaders have to apologize for something. Sometimes it’s something out of your control; sometimes it really is on you. Apologize well, and you can come out with stronger relationships and a better reputation. Apologize badly, and you can make a bad situation worse. So in today's episode, we look at why it’s worth apologizing… how some people screw it up… and how to deliver an apology that brings some genuine closure. Music: New theme music this episode!...
Jun 05, 2019•13 min•Ep. 31
Over the past 29 episodes, we've looked at how you can be a better, more effective speaker and speechwriter. For episode 30, let's magnify your impact — helping your whole organization tap into the power of public speaking. Also, I reveal my hidden agenda. Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Kane Reinholdtsen on Unsplash...
May 14, 2019•11 min•Ep. 30
This episode, we talk about how expanding the kinds of media you like to read, watch and listen to can make you a better speechwriter and speaker. Links: The 100-Mile Diet by Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Eiliv-Sonas Aceron on Unsplash...
May 09, 2019•8 min•Ep. 29
Niches are great places to develop a deep understanding of audience and subject matter, and to build community... but they can get pretty insular. Whether you're a speaker or a speechwriter, here's how to keep your work fresh, by drawing inspiration from outside your bubble. Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Yuki Dog on Unsplash...
May 07, 2019•6 min•Ep. 28
Speeches are amazing. They can move audiences, inspire crowds... and they can help you create new content, quickly and easily! In this episode, we'll look at 10 ways you can repurpose your next speech into high-impact video, audio, text and images. Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Kenny Luo on Unsplash...
May 02, 2019•5 min•Ep. 27
When it comes to your organization's leadership speaking, you have strategic resources in play and strategic values on the line. That makes a pretty good case for a speaking strategy. Here's how to take the first steps toward crafting one. Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Hendrik Morkel on Unsplash...
Apr 30, 2019•10 min•Ep. 26
The applause from your speech may have faded, but the connection you make with your audience doesn't have to. Engaging online can help you deepen and broaden your audience relationship, while building a growing network that may become one of your most valuable assets: your platform. Links: It's been a few years since Platform by Michael Hyatt came out. It may not include the latest news on social networks and mobile engagement, but the principles will still be sound years from now. Strongly reco...
Apr 25, 2019•12 min•Ep. 25
Who are the top performers who need to review their performances so they can improve? Athletes... actors... and speakers like you! This episode, let's talk about how to review and improve your speaking and your content. Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Stink Pickle on Unsplash...
Apr 23, 2019•7 min•Ep. 24
This episode ties together everything we've talked about around speech delivery with one big idea for truly powerful speaking: commitment. Links: Here’s David Granirer’s long-running comedy course at Vancouver’s Langara College. David’s also the founder and driving force behind Stand Up for Mental Health. Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Helena Lopes on Unsplash...
Apr 18, 2019•6 min•Ep. 23
Break out of the lectern cage! Make the stage your own... and learn how to use movement to deepen your presentation's connection to your audience. (Also, I go off on that whole "podium vs. lectern" thing.) Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Bill Williams on Unsplash...
Apr 16, 2019•6 min•Ep. 22
When you treat your voice as an instrument (and not an afterthought!) great things happen to your speeches... and to your audiences. This episode, we break down three powerful vocal tools: pitch, pace and volume. Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Ira Selendripity on Unsplash...
Apr 11, 2019•7 min•Ep. 21
For once, the conventional wisdom has it right: eye contact with your audience is powerful. Here's how to put it to work for you — even when you have to read your speech from the page. Links: That moment in Baby Mama with Tina Fey and Steve Martin Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Charles 🇵🇭 on Unsplash...
Apr 09, 2019•9 min•Ep. 20
Roll up your sleeves... because this episode we talk about the tools of the public speaking trade. And one tool in particular: your microphone. Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash...
Apr 04, 2019•10 min•Ep. 19
I'm all about encouraging speakers to prepare and rehearse — but let's face it. There are times when you just haven't had a moment to prepare, and now it's 10 minutes 'til stage time. So maybe this isn't going to be a virtuoso performance. But it can still be a really good one. Here's how to lift a speech from the page when you only have a few minutes to prepare. Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Veri Ivanova on Unsplash...
Apr 02, 2019•5 min•Ep. 18
Think rehearsal and preparation kills your spontaneity? This episode could change your mind — by showing you how rehearsal actually frees you to make spontaneous choices in the moment. Tips, techniques... and an excuse to use coloured highlighters. What more could you ask from a podcast? Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Manuel Nägeli on Unsplash ....
Mar 28, 2019•6 min•Ep. 17
This episode, we pivot from speechwriting to speaking itself. And we start with the single biggest way most speakers can level up: authentic performance. Links: Steal the Show by Michael Port is a smashing book on speaking and performance. I reviewed it a while back , and it's an easy book to recommend. Music: “ Upbeat ” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Daniel Sandvik on Unsplash...
Mar 26, 2019•9 min•Ep. 16
