The Essentials of Speechwriting - training for diplomats

Download Speechwriting for diplomacy brochure

In the age of the soundbite and the tweet, formal speeches remain one of the key tools in the diplomatic bag.  And with good reason: speeches weld audiences into communities.  They establish policy positions, influence perceptions and help to build consensus in a way that no other form of communication can.  The impact of a powerful speech can endure for years. 

Speechwriting is often seen as a ‘dark art’.  Why do some speeches succeed and others fall flat?  How to avoid dull platitudes?  How to say something meaningful and memorable?

Diplomats come to speechwriting by many routes.  Most learn on the job: working out by trial and (sometimes embarrassing) error what works and what doesn’t.  But writing speeches need not be a hit-and-miss occupation.  We can formulate a method that will exploit our experience, save us time and dramatically improve the quality of our speeches.  That method can help us:

• formulate striking key messages;
• structure a speech as an engaging performance;
• use rhetorical devices to give our language flair; and
• make our ideas more memorable.

We can even learn to create a text that actually helps the speaker speak more effectively.

This brochure tells you more.

Download Speechwriting for diplomacy brochure

Take a look.  If you like what you see, contact me.