As a veteran speechwriter, I am sometimes asked for advice by aspiring wordsmiths on how to break into our profession. Usually, I reply with a question of my own: "Why on earth does anybody want to be a speechwriter these days? It's a thankless job at best, and an insecure one at worst. Moreover, given the decline of full-time speechwriters in favor of all-around PR operatives -- to say nothing of the popularity of PowerPoint and video presentations -- it's doubtful that our profession will survive another decade or two."
Yet, just over the past few days, I've had two inquiries from aspiring speechwriters -- one an established writer who wants to get into corporate speechwriting, and the other a college freshman who wants to become a political speechwriter.
After giving both of them fair warning, I replied to my first correspondent as follows:
"Assuming you want to write speeches as a freelancer, the first thing you need to do is to get a portfolio of speeches together to show to potential clients. To do that, you may need to work for nothing at first — i.e., offer to write for some local candidate for office, or perhaps the head of some charity. That way, you establish yourself as a speechwriter. Then you can start charging money for your services ... Also, you might do an internet search for freelance speechwriters and get some tips on how other speechwriters market themselves."
And then, to the second, I wrote:
"Major in English or journalism. To be a speechwriter, you have to write effectively on tight deadlines. A good command of the English language is essential. Join the debate team if your college has one. Offer to help write speeches for candidates for student government. If you have time, volunteer for a local political campaign, or perhaps some local charity that is mounting a fundraising drive. Study the great speeches of the past. They are you best models. Also, there is very little in political speechwriting that has not been said before in one form or another."
What do you think, readers? Did I give these speechwriter wannabes good advice? Since neither has written to thank me, I don't know how my suggestions were received.
As I said, ours is a thankless profession.
Comments (9)
Hilarious. In my case, speechwriting was a profession I just fell into since it was my first job out of college and now I can't seem to fall out of it because my experience is so specific. I'd say build a speech portfolio and also squeeze in some pr work like press releases and pitches because corporate speechwriters have to be a jack of all trades.
Posted by jijijiji | April 12, 2006 8:38 AM
Posted on April 12, 2006 08:38
I know exactly what you mean about "falling into speechwriting and not being able to fall out." About ten years ago I earned an MA in public communications because I thought the extra credential would help me to break out of the speechwriting box, but it didn't. It did, however, help me get a nicer box.
Posted by Hal Gordon | April 12, 2006 12:54 PM
Posted on April 12, 2006 12:54
Here's another question: What do you think should be required reading for every speechwriter?
Posted by jiji | April 12, 2006 1:32 PM
Posted on April 12, 2006 13:32
As someone who has morphed from newspapers to PR to speechwriting, I found the book, "Writing for a Good Cause" to be particularly helpful. It is not about speechwriting per se, but rather persuasive writing. Authors are Joseph Barbato and Danielle Furlich.
Posted by Kim | April 13, 2006 8:55 AM
Posted on April 13, 2006 08:55
Kim --
Thanks for book tip. Since I'm a law school graduate, I was trained to be an advocate, which helps with speechwriting.
jiji --
I'd say to any aspiring speechwriter, get a good collection of major speeches -- Safire's "Lend Me Your Ears" for example, because great speeches are your best teachers. After that, read the major plays of Shakespeare -- that will teach you to write for the ear.
Posted by Hal Gordon | April 13, 2006 11:37 AM
Posted on April 13, 2006 11:37
I appreciate Hal's comment and the suggestions posted. Aside from studying speeches and techniques, are there standard questions that I should ask my prospective client? Should I spend a lot of time to familiarize myself with her voice and what she wants to convey?
Posted by craig | April 16, 2006 10:15 AM
Posted on April 16, 2006 10:15
Craig --
When I lecture on speechwriting, I tell students that they need to know three things -- know the speaker, know the audience and know the subject. You ask as many questions as you need to know these three things.
Hal
Posted by Hal Gordon | April 16, 2006 12:54 PM
Posted on April 16, 2006 12:54
I am currently a senior undergrad and am considering law school (not so much considering since I'm going but considering an MA in communications). This question is for jiji and others... is it unheard of for a speechwriter to have a law degree?
Posted by Nicholas Stewart | May 4, 2006 3:03 PM
Posted on May 4, 2006 15:03
Hi Hal! Missed seeing you in February at the Ragan Speechwriters Conference. It is not the same without you. Hope all is well...your fan, Patricia Fripp
Posted by Patricia Fripp | July 11, 2009 3:31 PM
Posted on July 11, 2009 15:31