speech writer and coach

Work With A Speechwriting or Public Speaking Expert

If you’re looking for some professional advice on how to elevate your vows, ceremony or toast, you’ve come to the right place. Our team of experts will give you feedback and guidance to ensure your words meet the moment.

How it Works:

Start with provenance’s digital tools.

Whether you’re delivering a toast, vows, or leading the whole ceremony, our Digital Tools will help you leap over that blinking cursor on the blank page and get started.

Get Editing Tips & Advice From a Pro

Whether you’re delivering a toast, vows, or leading the whole ceremony, our professional speechwriters will help you refine your draft so your words are worthy of the occasion.

Deliver Your Speech with Eloquence & Poise

In addition to getting editorial support with your speech, you’ll be coached by a professional public speaking coach to ensure you deliver your heartfelt words with confidence.

Be the speech that guests remember (for the right reasons)

It’s not just a speech. It’s the next step in your career.

Speaker coaching & speechwriting for industry leaders., book your call.

TED & TEDx Speaker Clients

Million Views Online

Featured as the “Talk of the Day” on TED.com

Different Language Translations

How to write a speech that acts like a pitch

You don't have to "sell from stage" to make the sale. a well-written talk should have people clamoring to work with you. here's how: , i’m helena.

Pronounced HELL-in-uh, like “Damn, that girl can write a HELL of a good speech!”

I’m a speaker coach and speechwriter based in Los Angeles. I help industry leaders like you communicate ideas in a way that makes the general public stand up, pay up, and pay attention. My background is in entertainment. At HBO, I worked on dozens of shows including Game of Thrones , Chernobyl, and Euphoria . Before that, I was an Assistant Director in Hollywood. I’m a lifelong moviegoer. I’m Seth Rogen’s second biggest fan. And I’ll continue using MoviePass even if I get arrested. I believe that storytelling is the best way to trick your audience into joining a pyramid scheme to lead, inspire, and persuade. And I believe that most keynote speeches, business pitches, corporate presentations, and talks are boring . We can do better.

Great speeches don’t happen by accident

You have the “big idea.” i’ll help you bring it to life..

“2.4 million views & an invitation to speak at TEDWomen.”

“I’ve been speaking in public for over four decades to crowds of 15,000. I was sure I didn’t need a speaking coach – at least that’s what I thought before I met Helena.  Helena is one of the most gifted speaking coaches I’ve ever encountered. With over 2.4 million views on YouTube, my talk has prompted responses from all 7 continents and invitations to speak across the U.S. and Europe, including at TEDWomen.”

Dr. Paula Stone Williams, Author & Gender Equity Advocate

“Media coverage in leading publications around the world.”

“My TEDx Talk was a transformative experience. Helena completely reworked and translated my script to make it accessible for a general audience. She spent hours with me practicing my delivery. After the talk was released online, we received media coverage from around the world on major sites like The Guardian, LiveScience, the NY Post, and NBC News. It helped bring in new funding and launch The Earth Archive.”

Dr. Chris Fisher, Archaeologist & Founder of the Earth Archive

“People meet me & say ‘Oh, I watched your TEDx Talk and it was amazing!’”

“It’s actually mind-boggling how impactful my talk has been. It’s given me a level of credibility I didn't have before. I've secured critical partnerships for my organization from people who found us by watching the talk. People meet with me and say, ‘Oh, I watched your TEDx Talk and it was amazing.’ It’s led to paid keynotes across the country. Helena was nothing short of amazing.”

Matt Vogl, Executive Director of the National Mental Health Innovation Center

How to Get Booked to Speak at TEDx

Insider tips & proven strategies i’ve learned working with hundreds of tedx speakers and reviewing over 10,000 tedx speaker applications..

What if this presentation is more important than you realize?

People underestimate how one talk can change their life or career. yet it happens to my clients all the time..

You don’t need a business card if you have a viral talk online. Because YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine on Earth, and now you’re the go-to expert in your field. It’s not uncommon for my clients to walk off stage to an inbox full of new leads. If you’re an entrepreneur or a coach, that means hearing the ping-ping-ping of Stripe notifications as your packages sell out and your programs fill up. If you’re a scientist or an activist, giving the best lecture at a prestigious conference can be the difference between millions of dollars in funding and staying up late to write another grant proposal, again. Many of my clients’ projects have been featured in major newspapers, magazines, and journals simply because of their talk.  If you’re an executive, persuasively communicating your business priorities at a Town Hall (and in a way that doesn’t put everyone to sleep!) can raise your quarterly numbers, and bonus - your bonus! Next Christmas, will you take your family to Mykonos or the Maldives? These are the kinds of questions you need to start asking yourself!

My clients have been featured in:

If you want to change the world, now’s not the time to “wing it”

I only take on clients who are committed to making massive progress, fast. over the coming weeks, here’s what you can expect to improve:.

Clarify your message, identify your audience, and plan your impact

Speechwriting

Bring your ideas to life in a script that entertains & persuades.

You don’t have to be a graphic designer to create extraordinary slides.

Be the best version of you on stage - charismatic, energetic and unforgettable.

Everything is 100% custom-tailored to you

No two presentations are alike because every speaker is unique. but here’s what all of my clients have in common: a talk that they’re proud of..

“Helena is the coach you want in the biggest race of your life.”

“I've struggled over the years with public speaking. The idea of doing a TEDx Talk appealed to me, but I was frightened that I wouldn't do it well – rather, terrified.  Helena is full of ideas and inspiration. She doesn't con you with empty praise or false encouragement, but offers clear-eyed advice you trust, even if it makes you nervous. She's someone you want to impress. Giving my talk was a liberating experience. I went out on that stage and delivered more confidently than ever before.”

Chuck Plunkett, Journalist

“More requests for keynote speeches than I can accomodate!”

“I was a good public speaker before working with her, but Helena took my speaking skills to the next level. She has an uncanny ability to zero in on what matters and what should be left out of a speech. Thanks to Helena’s coaching, my career has blossomed. I now receive more requests for keynote speeches than I can accommodate.”

Mara Mintzer, Founder of Growing Up Boulder

“Featured as the ‘Talk of the Day’ on TED.com & invitations to speak around the world.”

“Helena helped turn my dry academic talk into a compelling story that kept the audience engaged and interested. After my TEDx Talk was the featured ‘talk of the day’ on TED.com, it received half a million views and I started getting a lot more invitations to speak at events around the world. It definitely raised the visibility of my work in the public eye.”

Carson Bruns, Molecular Nanotechnologist

Results that change peoples’ lives, imagine scrolling down to the comment section to find this:.

When you stand up for what you believe in, the room stands up with you.

“Featured on TEDRadioHour”

“Helena has a knack for taking complicated academic research and making it digestible and entertaining for a mass audience. My script changed so much for the better, and she boosted my confidence. She makes you feel like everything is going to be ok. In the end, my TEDx Talk was featured on TEDRadioHour and I’ve gotten plenty of press opportunities from it.”

Pat Ferrucci, Sociologist

“People reach out & say they were moved by what I had to say.”

“I have more than 1.1 million views online and my visibility has really increased. It was a great accomplishment - a dream come true. Helena was indispensable every step of the way. She really brought out the best in me.”

Susan Cottrell, Faith Leader & LGBTQ Advocate

“Helena was personally committed to my success.

“Delivering a talk on the TEDx stage has been a game-changer. Helena helped improve all aspects of my talk – the idea, script, memorization, and delivery. My talk has made people stand up and pay attention in a way that they didn't before.”

Sarah Konradi, Program Director at the National Wildlife Federation

The Top 7 TEDx Clichés & What To Do Instead

Are you pitching the same idea as everyone else i’ve reviewed 10,000+ tedx speaker applications. this is your guide to pitching an original talk..

Copyright 2019-2023 Helena Bowen Site by Amber Secrest at Brand Alchemy Photography by Paige Ray Headline Copy by Justin Blackman Terms of Use • Disclaimer • Privacy Policy  Helena Bowen is not an employee, representative, or spokesperson for TED or TEDx.

Thank you! We'll be in touch soon! 

Wedding Speech Writer And Delivery Coach

Helping you find the perfect words.

Publicly speaking about your feelings isn't an everyday thing; it's natural to be nervous. I'm here to help you get the laughter, applause and admiration, of everyone in the room.

My name is Fergus O'Sullivan. I studied psychology and trained as an actor, so I am uniquely positioned to help you write and deliver your speech. With my psychological background, I know how to listen to what you want; help you find the right words to express yourself and make it a stress-free experience. As an actor, I understand what it’s like to speak in public and how to make your nerves a strength, not a weakness.

What I Offer

Bespoke Wedding Speech

A bespoke wedding speech, written just for you, that you can proudly deliver on the day. It will be created using material from a relaxed consultation call with you, so I can get to know you and capture your voice for the speech. Each speech will be as unique as the person giving it.

Speech Delivery Coaching

A one-to-one coaching session, designed to help you overcome any nerves, so you can confidently deliver an amazing speech that the guests will be praising you for.  For many people, writing the speech is only half the battle. In this session, I will build your confidence  and give you techniques to help you use your nerves, rather than let them control you.

"Everything I wanted to say was swimming around in my head but Fergus gave my speech structure. He made it flow. He made sure it had balance and asked all the right questions, knowing I had the answers, to help me get it down on paper. The speech went down a hit at the wedding. I'm so glad I went through the writing process with Fergus. It was a real confidence boost for such a nerve-wracking task and I highly recommend him to help you with yours!"

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Speak up – with a voice you love.

New york speech coaching is the premier studio for speaking voice enhancement , public speaking , accent reduction , corporate team training , and more ..

Book a session today

Put Your Best Voice Forward.

Speech coaches, training, and workshops.

New York Speech Coaching was founded in 2005 with a core belief that anyone can raise their voice to change the world. We work with you in one-on-one and group environments, both in-person or online, to endow you with tools to come across how you want, when you want when speaking and presenting. Our nurturing, inclusive, and welcoming approach gives you physiological, clinical, and mental techniques to turn the pressures of public speaking into the joy of self-expression.

Whether you are seeking to improve your executive presence, improve confidence in your impromptu speaking skills, prepare for an upcoming presentation, feel more at ease in social situations, or finally love listening to a recording of your speaking voice, the coaches at New York Speech Coaching will help you communicate your most authentic self to the world.

Group Classes

New York Speech Coaching offers group public speaking classes throughout the year. Hone your public speaking skills in a hugely supportive, encouraging, and collaborative environment. Click here for info on our upcoming classes.

Private Coaching

Private instruction with a speech coach can improve the clarity and sound of your voice, give you the tools to feel less anxious and to present confidently in all environments, modify or reduce your accent, and much more.

Corporate Team Training

Presenting Solutions provides workshops for your employees and executives. Tailor-made programs improve confidence, clarity, and presentation skills. These are designed to encourage team building, enhance storytelling dynamics, elevate phone/video conferencing, and more.

See all services

I highly recommend New York Speech Coaching. True professionals who bring the art of vocal coaching to many stages, including the business arena.

COO Telemundo Communications Group, Inc.

I've had great results! I've learned how to come across as more authoritative and more personable, and much more. I really recommend this place, but watch out - don't muscle into my lesson times ;)

Goldman-Sachs

As a result of our work together, I saw my audience ratings increase significantly, and feel more confident than ever presenting any kind of subject matter to any audience, anywhere. I am forever grateful for the valuable tools New York Speech Coaching has equipped me with

Internationally-Renowned Speech Coaches & Experts

New York Speech Coaching benefits from the leadership of John West, one of the world's most renowned and sought-after speech coaches. Our team includes subject matter experts who bring clinical and practical experience to the services we provide. All of our coaches share our commitment to offering a comprehensive approach to public speaking with an emphasis on improving the health and quality of the speaking voice itself.

Our clients come from leading global organizations such as:

• United Nations
• Goldman Sachs
• Credit Suisse
• Morgan Stanley
• Doctors Without Borders
• JPMorgan Chase
• Bloomberg News

Our coaches have appeared in media outlets including:

Book your first session

Our Philosophy

Many are under the mistaken impression the role of a speech coach is to tell you how you should speak. We at New York Speech Coaching are far more interested in guiding you toward how you would like to speak. How do you want to come across in a room? Authoritative? Friendly? Funny? Confident? Knowledgeable? Kind?

Based on the composite of your values and what’s important to you, we can engage in a dialogue about which of your current behaviors support the feeling and perception of those values, and which ones undermine them.

Craft a Speaking Style to Suit Your Life & Career

Most people find there are circumstances where they feel more aligned, authentic, and comfortable, and there are other situations where something “gets in the way.” That something can be nerves, the size of the audience, the comfort level with the content, the seniority of those in the room, or virtual vs. in-person interactions. We believe that these factors don’t need to negatively impact your performance .

Whether you're communicating to one person or one thousand, the ability to express yourself comfortably and present effectively helps you establish a meaningful connection with your audience.

Using Your Voice to Become a Confident Public Speaker

As your personal speech and confidence coach, we work with you individually or in group class environments, offering tools to present yourself and your ideas naturally and without pretense. We're anti-"fake it til you make it" — our philosophy is that there is nothing artificial about the mindfulness, courage, and willpower it takes to behave in alignment with your values - especially in pressure-filled circumstances or in intimidating environments.

Whether your goal is to prepare for an upcoming presentation, speak with more authority in a business environment, or feel more comfortable in social settings, our training empowers you to embrace these situations instead of fear them. You'll have the tools, and more importantly, the confidence to communicate your authentic self to the world.

Available Speech Coaching Services From Our Team

New York Speech Coaching offers a host of premium services to allow you to receive targeted speech training in the areas that impact your professional and personal life:

• Public speaking: Work with a speech coach for public speaking that enables you to present the best, most authentic version of yourself.
• Speaking voice enhancement: Your vocal coach will help you improve your voice and become more comfortable with how it sounds.
• Accent reduction: Discover how to modify your accent to produce a neutral, standard American dialect.
• Group classes: These classes cover the fundamentals of presentation skills, impromptu speaking, anxiety reduction, and virtual communication.
• Executive presence: Develop communication skills to help you project a professional, polished leadership image.
• Interview skills: Learn how to project confidence, competence and comfort in this essential career situation.
• Presentation skills: Hone your speaking skills for stage or meeting presentations.
• Speech preparation: Develop actionable skills for the type of presentation (corporate, best man toast, social group, etc.) you're planning to make.
• Social & dating: Work with a speech coach who will help you feel less anxious in social situations.
• Impromptu speaking: Develop the "mind-to-mouth" coordination that enables you to speak off-the-cuff with confidence.
• Transgender speech: Your speaking voice coach will show you how to speak in a manner that best represents your gender identification.
• Speech writing: Learn how to craft compelling content that leads to more effective speeches.
• Internship/work-study: Students can earn college credits by participating in our internship program.
• Impressions/stand-up comedy: Perfect your comedic delivery and timing and enhance your vocal flexibility.
• Voiceover & podcast training: Learn effective techniques for recording advertising, animation or voiceover presentations.
• Media training: Become more confident when engaging in media interviews and appearances.
• Dialect coaching: This training is ideal for actors and others who need to perfect a specific dialect.
• Pageant coaching: Become confident during the interview segment of a beauty pageant or similar event.
• Actors: Learn how to use your voice to enhance acting performances.
• Audio/visual production: Our recording services help you produce more effective audio and visual presentations.

Types of Lessons

At New York Speech Coaching, you can work with a speech/communication coach in private or participate in group classes.

One-to-One, Private Speech Lessons

Our private coaching is ideal for improving the sound and clarity of your voice, modifying an accent, or overcoming anxiety. Your speech coach will start by gaining an understanding of how you want to present yourself and why. We'll then perform a series of diagnostic exercises to determine what's preventing you from presenting effectively. Next, we'll develop collaborative solutions and create drills and strategies for implementing them effectively. An initial private coaching package typically consists of 12 sessions, although you can elect to receive ongoing coaching if needed.

Group Workshops, Seminars, & Classes

Our group classes enable you to identify a specific objective (improving public speaking, reducing an accent, developing confidence in social settings, etc.) and work with others who share the same goal. A significant benefit of this method is the opportunity to replicate the feeling of speaking and presenting to others.

Speak Freely.

Contact New York Speech Coaching today to learn more about our services. Ready to get started? Book your first session. We’re honored and excited to join you for the journey!

Enjoy speaking up!

…wherever you may be.

New York Speech Coaching is pleased to offer both in-person and virtual  training.

Schedule a session today. 

SPEECH FLUENT

Welcome to Speech Fluent, the leading public speaking coach committed to empowering individuals to become confident and impactful speakers. 

Our vision is clear: create a world where every voice counts . It's time for you to speak with fluency and conviction.  Make your speech fluent.

Conquer Public Speaking & Unlock Your Storytelling Power

Take the fear out of public speaking with personalised coaching sessions and interactive workshops from Speak Fluent. Learn vital skills like structuring a speech, captivating an audience, and mastering storytelling techniques to get your message heard.

Transform your communication skills today!

Improve your presentation skills

Are you ready to take your speaking skills to the next level and make a lasting impression on any audience? Speech Fluent is here to help you become a confident and influential communicator.

Our tailored programs, led by communication experts with diverse industry experience, will empower you to deliver impactful presentations and captivate any audience. We address key areas like body language, vocal projection, message structure, and audience engagement to help you refine your speaking abilities and master persuasion.

But our commitment doesn't stop there. We offer ongoing support and resources for continuous growth, ensuring that you have the tools you need to refine your speech content, overcome stage fright, and make a real impact.

Join our satisfied clients, who have already experienced remarkable transformations. From corporate executives to TEDx speakers, our clients consistently make a lasting impact with their newfound skills.

So don't let fear hold you back. Now is the time to gain presentation skills and excel in any speaking situation. Unlock your true potential and start your journey to becoming a captivating speaker today.

Our Services

One-to-One Public Speaking Coaching

Our trainers work closely with individuals on a one-to-one basis to tr...

Group Coaching - Up to 10 of Your People

Group Coaching & Public Speaking Training With Sanisha

2 hr 30 min

Price Negotiable

Speech Fluent | Leaders Session

Leadership group public speaking session

Speech Writing & Editing

Public Speaking Help with Professional Speech Writing & Editing

Public Speaking & Storytelling Training

Develop your public speaking and storytelling skills

An inclusive approach to public speaking 

We're all about inclusive public speaking. Our team is led by an inclusion expert who's passionate about creating a welcoming and empowering environment for everyone. We don't just believe that every individual deserves to express themselves confidently and authentically - we make it happen through our coaching methods. Say goodbye to barriers and hello to celebrating diversity with us. We value your perspective and unique voice, and our transformative journey will help you achieve your goals while feeling safe and respected. Let's create a space where everyone is heard and celebrated. Join us and experience the power of inclusive communication.

Are you ready to improve your public speaking? 

We help individuals and businesses harness the power of effective communication. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding speaker, our personalised programs and guidance will empower you to deliver compelling presentations and captivate any audience. We are the highly recommended destination for individuals and businesses seeking to master the art of public speaking and communication. With our proven expertise and personalised approach, we empower you to deliver impactful presentations and captivate any audience

We bring together industry experts with years of diverse experience to transform you into a confident and influential communicator. Our public speaking coaching focuses on enhancing your speaking abilities,  eye contact and body language, refining storytelling techniques, and mastering the art of persuasion. 

But our commitment to your success goes beyond training. We provide ongoing support and resources to ensure your continued growth and development. 

Leave us a message and we'll get back to you.

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Speech Coaching & Consulting

As your personal speech coach, bill brown can help you deliver your message with confidence, impact and authority..

Your speech is written. You’ve even practiced it.

But are you ready?

And will it have the impact that you want?

Certified World Class Speaking Skills Coach Bill Brown is an experienced speaker, radio broadcaster, and voice talent who understands how to communicate through the spoken word—how to use your voice, body language, staging and word selection to effectively communicate your message.

Put his expertise to use before your next big corporate speech.

And if you want some help writing the speech, Bill can help make it stronger, more motivating, and more effective.

Let's talk about how I can help you improve your speech. Contact me at (949) 939-3477.

Executive Speech Coaching

Speaking skills are very important in business, especially the higher you are in the organization. But time is tight. You need to be the best that you can be, but you can’t afford to spend the time a workshop would require. Work with someone who can get you there quickly.

Hiring Bill as a your executive speech coach would, in a concentrated timeframe, help you:

Speechwriting Services/Speech Collaboration

Need help in crafting a message that motivates, educates, and inspires?

Bill writes in a style that is designed to be spoken.

He knows how to write for impact. He knows how to write for emphasis. He knows how to write so that the speech flows well and the words roll right out of your mouth.

Two qualities that really set Bill apart are his technical background and his ability to clearly and concisely explain complex topics and concepts. He is ideal for training topics where the subject matter is technical or conceptual in nature.

In addition, because of his experience in sales, corporate management, and on the executive board of several associations, he writes with an executive perspective that communicates knowledge, confidence, and strength.

Bill offers both speechwriting services as well as speechwriting collaboration, where he will work step-by-step with you to develop, craft and review your message.

“Bill Brown is an outstanding, experienced speaker who has the unique ability to bring his expertise to others through personal and effective coaching. I am convinced he can help anyone become a better speaker and presenter.” R. Swineford, Sales & Service Consultant, Madden Corporation

“Bill has the unique ability of not only listening to the words you choose and helping you to choose the best ones for delivering your message, but also to examine in great detail your style of delivery. If you are looking to take your speaking to a higher level and are really serious about becoming a better communicator and public speaker, contact Bill Brown.” R. Boaler

Speak with confidence and authority. Contact Bill at (307) 622-6259 to discuss the speech coaching program that will best fit your goals.

© 2024 Bill Brown. All Rights Reserved. Legal Information. Sitemap.

Website by Prime Concepts Group, Inc.

Moxie Institute

PRESENTATION & SPEECH WRITING

Team training | 1:1 coaching | virtual class | done for you.

• CORPORATE WORKSHOPS IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL TEAM TRAINING
• One-On-One COACHING IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL TRAINING FOR ME
• PUBLIC LIVE ONLINE CLASS TRAINING FOR ANYONE
• ONLINE COURSE TRAINING ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
• Done-For-You DONE FOR YOU

TRUSTED BY THE WORLD'S BEST

Training in all 50 states and around the world..

AMPLIFY YOUR MESSAGE WITH AN EXPERT SPEECH WRITING COACH

Learn How To Craft An Unforgettable And Persuasive Speech.

You likely have a writing style that gets you by. It’s good enough for emails, presentations, and proposals—but does it excite you? When you read it, do you have a strong emotional reaction that makes you feel proud and confident that others will feel the same? Powerful writing can change minds, win new business, and inspire new ideas that make a difference. Our writing coaches help you identify the bad habits that are holding your writing back and give you personalized guidance to bring your message to life.

• We guarantee an expert coach you'll love to work with
• Get customized and curated learning content
• Exceed your goals with a clear development plan
• Craft presentations that spark a shift in beliefs, behaviors, and mindsets.
• Discover and hone your unique writing style
• Extend the learning with tailored learning reinforcements

WHAT YOU’LL MASTER

With a speech writing coach, find your big idea:.

See how to turn your insight into a sensation that captivates others.

CLEAR OUTLINING AND STRUCTURE:

Practical methods you can apply to make writing clear and easy.

EFFECTIVE EDITING TECHNIQUES:

Remove the fluff language that distracts from the substance and impact of your writing.

HOOKING AUDIENCE INTEREST:

Learn the nuances of persuasive speeches from TED Talks to famous presenters.

TURN DATA INTO STORIES:

Learn to weave dull facts and figures into compelling narratives.

REHEARSAL STRATEGIES:

Get the steps used by our own writing coaches to bring what you’ve written to life.

TOPICS COVERED WITH A

Speech writing coach, gain skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life..

Our proven Story POWER methodology will give you a clear framework to craft persuasive presentations and speeches. The content of the topics we cover are personalized to help you hit your goals and walk away feeling confident with any future writing endeavour. From hard data to emotional language, you’ll learn the most effective methods to make your writing stand out.

EFFECTIVE OUTLINES AND STRUCTURES

• How to brainstorm a talk
• Finding the right message
• The call to adventure
• Crafting the opening, body, and close

TOOLS TO REFINE YOUR MESSAGE

• Write how we talk
• Simplify to amplify
• 6 principles for editing your talk
• When to start rehearsing
• Advice from a TEDx speaker coach

METHODS TO CAPTIVATE AUDIENCES

• Analysing your audience
• How to plan audience engagement
• Questions and games
• Group activities and rewards

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TODAY

Have questions we can help.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM

A 1:1 writing coach, you can be yourself in a private setting.

Famous writers are known for their vulnerability and their ability to make readers see the world from their perspective. But learning how to write from the heart in a way that’s compelling is a challenging, personal process. 1:1 coaching gives you the space and tools to find your voice and express it.

DEVELOP A POWERFUL WRITING STYLE

It takes a skilled writing coach to identify the bad habits holding your writing back and show you how to overcome them. We have some of the best coaches in the country, so our process will match you with the perfect person to ensure you get the guidance you need to hit and exceed your goals.

PREPARE AND REHEARSE YOUR SPEECH

Some of the greatest speeches of our time required hours of work, collaboration, and adjustment. Finding the right words alone can be an overwhelming and difficult task. That’s why your coach will be there every step of the way to provide feedback and tools to help you write a speech worthy of a standing ovation.

LEADING EXECUTIVES RELY ON US

For our methodologies and approach., “the speech went fantastic”.

“The speech went fantastic! Deloitte was happy, and I had several people come talk to me afterward about how much they connected…” 

GRETCHEN BLADEK

Google Fiber, Curriculum

“SUPER FUN AND A HUGE SUCCESS”

“The presentation was fantastic. In short – I was a rock star. Without a doubt, the group loved it. I was approached…” 

SHANE BOWEN

Senior Director Scientific Research, Illumina

“WORTH THE INVESTMENT”

“I did it! I not only survived both speeches, but the interest has generated is way beyond my expectations. I can’t thank…”

CINDY TRICE

Founder / CEO at ReliefRover

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Write with power eBook: Your Guide to Powerful Presentations and Performances

SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY EXPERT ADVICE, FREE eBOOKS, & SPECIAL OFFERS

• Latest Thinking
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• Thought Leadership Positioning
• Presentation Skills Workshop
• Media Training Workshop
• Business Storytelling Workshop
• Advanced Leadership Communications
• Thought Leadership Workshop
• Speechwriting

About CEO Speechwriters

Dean Foust  is an award-winning communications executive who helps CEOs, senior executives — and the companies they lead — become world-class communicators and thought leaders. Foust brings experience that few other consultants can match: 

• 10 years supporting two Fortune 40 CEOs and serving as head of strategic communications for a European management consultancy.
• 25+ years in journalism, including 23 years as a writer, editor, and bureau chief for BusinessWeek magazine
• Extensive TV experience, with upwards of 100 appearances on CNN, CNBC, BBC, MSNBC and Fox Business
• Coached executives who appeared on CNN and CNBC; were quoted in The New York Times and BusinessWeek; and published in The Financial Times and Harvard Business Review

Years Expriance

Our Services

We help executives and organizations develop the communications that move customers, employees, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders to act in their interests.

We do this through an array of services that include:

• Messaging and Message Frameworks
• Speeches, Op-Eds, Investor Presentations, and Executive Social Media
• Speaker Coaching, Presentation Training, Media Training, and Communication Workshops (Virtual and in-person)
• Our Latest Thinking

Peter Drucker never said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” (and other quotes famous people didn’t say)

By Dean Foust Peter Drucker was a legendary management theorist whose writings have lived on long after his death...

How to work with an executive speechwriter

A talented executive speechwriter knows how to help you create the speeches, scripts, and talking points that move audiences..

Get In Touch

Quick links.

• [email protected]
• (678) 576-4910

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Resource 10: How to Coach Speech Writing

Resource 10, how to coach speech writing.

To craft engaging, compelling speeches, it is important to start with how ideas are selected, written, and organized. Remind students that speech writing is different than regular writing, since the listener has to be able to learn, remember the content, and stay engaged without being able to go back and reread what the speaker just said.

Coaches play a key role in the speech-writing process, both as a sounding board and as a source of feedback on ideas, organization, language choice, and reasoning. Even with limited time, it is better to focus deeply on two or three main areas then to try and cover everything. It takes time to improve speech writing skills, so it’s important to give students focus and time to develop.

Overall Coaching Approach

What to refine over time.

Meet Verble, your AI speechwriting assistant that helps you master the art of verbal persuasion and storytelling.

★★★★★ More than 7500 speeches made

Speak with impact

Meet verble, your free ai speechwriting assistant that helps you master the art of verbal persuasion and storytelling..

Everyone's got a story. 

Express yourself effectively and with confidence.

Whether you deliver a business pitch, a keynote address, or a heartfelt wedding speech, we're committed to helping you get your story out. We believe in the power of your story, your idea, your case - and we think everyone should have the chance to share theirs.

Create your Verble in a couple of minutes

Chat with us

Kickstart your preparation by having a quick chat with your AI assistant. You will get targeted questions that help you share your thoughts, audience, and your message. No stress about where to begin or what to say. Verble is here to guide you. 

Create a draft

After the chat, Verble works its magic, transforming your thoughts into a clear and organized draft. Say goodbye to blank pages and struggling with words. Verble gives you a steady starting point, reducing the hassle and saving you time.

Make it your own

Our speech coaches have spent years analyzing the best speakers in the world. We incorporated that expertise into the smart editing mode. You will be able to use the techniques that the Steve Jobs’ and Jacinda Ardern’s of this world are using to make their speeches stand out. 

"With Verble, it feels like you have your own personal speechwriter in your pocket. It makes it really easy to prepare talks quickly!"

Gabrielle Davelaar   |   Senior AI Specialist Global @ Microsoft

No matter the event

Verble's got you covered.

Unlike generic chat platforms, Verble has been designed with the diversity of public speaking in mind. It understands the nuances between different types of speeches and guides you to tailor your message accordingly. 

Present new ideas to management

Pitch your company to a group of investors

Keynote at a business event

Thank a colleague

Giving a persuasive sales pitch

Speeching at your friend's wedding

NEW: Create the Perfect Wedding Speech in no time.

"As an ENT Surgeon, I've found Verble to be an invaluable app for transforming complex medical concepts into clear, engaging presentations and research keynotes."

Louise Heeren

Ent surgeon @ umc utrecht.

"Verble's user-friendly interface and innovative speaker techniques make it a powerful tool for startup founders looking to nail their investor pitches, particularly the challenging short versions."

Stefan van Duin

Vc investor @ borski.

From public speaking to important meetings, Verble is a fantastic tool during preparation. It's not only innovative but also sparks new ideas that we have applied in our investor pitches."

Laurens van Mierlo

Ceo @ campy app.

Soon available

Practise your speech

In this Practise Center, you can use your webcam to practice your speech, reading directly from the screen like a teleprompter, so you don't need to worry about what to say. Focus on maintaining a good pace, using varied intonation to emphasize key points, and just have fun with your story. You can practice as many times as needed; if a session isn't perfect, simply try again.

Travel size speaking coach

Always by your side

Unlike traditional in-person coaching, Verble is available for you anytime, anywhere. There's no need to align schedules or travel for a meeting. Whether you're prepping for a last-minute presentation or working on a speech in the wee hours, Verble is just a few clicks away, ready to help you craft a compelling story.

Your A.I. speechwriting assistant that helps you master the art of verbal persuasion and storytelling.

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Speech Writer Vs Coach

The differences between speech writers and coaches can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a speech writer, becoming a coach takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a speech writer has an average salary of $61,897, which is higher than the $42,716 average annual salary of a coach.

The top three skills for a speech writer include executive communications, strategic communications and proofreading. The most important skills for a coach are customer service, CPR, and food handling.

Speech writer vs coach overview

Speech writer vs coach salary.

Speech writers and coaches have different pay scales, as shown below.

Differences between speech writer and coach education

There are a few differences between a speech writer and a coach in terms of educational background:

Speech writer vs coach demographics

Here are the differences between speech writers' and coaches' demographics:

Differences between speech writer and coach duties and responsibilities

Speech writer example responsibilities..

• Maintain guest blogging strategy and policies to achieve a consistently diverse authorship and to grow readership.
• Coordinate logistics management for signal elements, including securing training sites, movement of personnel, communications, and equipment.
• Work closely with the senator and key staff members to develop editorial content for constituent and stakeholder communications.
• Research and write executive level speeches, PowerPoint presentations and articles for global venues.
• Post social media and hospital promotional/patient testimonial YouTube videos.

Coach Example Responsibilities.

• Provide guidance for individual athletes and assist them in achieving spots within elite summer rowing programs in Philadelphia.
• Develop / implement IEP's, prepare / lead ARD meetings, and supervise/ manage students in special education.
• Manage and schedule local and national soccer competitions.
• Perform additional responsibilities as deemed appropriate by school and district supervisors such as organizing and managing elementary school mathematics information nights.
• Supervise designated swimming areas and enforce safety rules and regulations as a lifeguard.
• Coach U10 and U8 recreational soccer teams.

Speech writer vs coach skills

• Executive Communications, 13%
• Strategic Communications, 13%
• Proofreading, 11%
• External Communications, 9%
• Blog Posts, 8%
• Press Releases, 7%
• Customer Service, 24%
• Food Handling, 8%
• Safety Rules, 6%
• Customer Satisfaction, 5%
• Mental Health, 4%

Speech Writer vs. Similar Jobs

• Speech Writer vs Coach
• Speech Writer vs Caller
• Speech Writer vs Certified Medical Technician
• Speech Writer vs Writer
• Speech Writer vs Senior Writer
• Speech Writer vs Staff Writer
• Speech Writer vs Communications Specialist
• Speech Writer vs Account Coordinator
• Speech Writer vs Communications Coordinator
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• Speech Writer vs Public Relations
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Speech Writer Related Careers

• Account Coordinator
• Communications Consultant
• Communications Coordinator
• Communications Internship
• Communications Specialist
• Digital Media Internship
• Government Relations Internship
• Media Consultant
• Media Coordinator
• Media Specialist
• Public Relations
• Public Relations Assistant
• Public Relations Coordinator
• Public Relations Internship
• Public Relations Specialist

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• Public Relations Internship Employment Near Me
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What Similar Roles Do

• Account Coordinator Responsibilities
• Communications Consultant Responsibilities
• Communications Coordinator Responsibilities
• Communications Internship Responsibilities
• Communications Specialist Responsibilities
• Digital Media Internship Responsibilities
• Government Relations Internship Responsibilities
• Media Consultant Responsibilities
• Media Coordinator Responsibilities
• Media Specialist Responsibilities
• Public Relations Responsibilities
• Public Relations Assistant Responsibilities
• Public Relations Coordinator Responsibilities
• Public Relations Internship Responsibilities
• Public Relations Specialist Responsibilities
• Zippia Careers
• Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Industry
• Speech Writer

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Rice Speechwriting

Welcome to rice speechwriting.

For over a decade, I’ve dedicated myself to more than mere speechwriting—it’s been a journey of partnership and collaboration. I firmly believe in the profound nexus of understanding, the enchantment of a consistent voice, and the transformative power of a narrative masterfully told. With each collaboration, our shared vision becomes clearer, and the drafts more refined.

Long-Term Approach

Help with speeches, help with writing, latest books.

Discover the secret to toasting with confidence and write the perfect speech with this complete, no-nonsense guide to toasting!

With a short, snappy, and straightforward speechwriting system, this practical handbook is your all-in-one guide for nailing the perfect toast, arming you with a comprehensive overview of the full speechwriting process. Built on a simple 7-day brainstorming system , you’ll uncover how you can brainstorm clever speech ideas, structure your speech with humor and storytelling, and overcome your fear of public speaking with a tried-and-tested plan.

Whether you need to give a wedding toast as a best man or maid of honor, a retirement speech, an award or promotion speech, or any other kind of toast, this handbook offers you a done-for-you blueprint to help you organize your thoughts and turn giving a toast into a painless, stress-free process. As a clear, concise, and no-fluff book that you can read in just a weekend or less, Toast: Short Speeches, Big Impact is an invaluable tool for anybody scared of public speaking – or short on ideas.

Smart Notes for Writers

"Smart Notes for Writers: Transforming Thoughts Into Words with the Zettelkasten Method" is a groundbreaking guide that revolutionizes the way writers approach note-taking and idea organization.

In this insightful book, readers are introduced to the Zettelkasten method, a powerful tool that transcends traditional note-taking by fostering a network of interconnected thoughts, thereby enhancing creativity and efficiency in writing.

Tailored specifically for writers, this book demystifies the Zettelkasten process, offering step-by-step instructions, practical examples, and expert tips on transforming a jumble of ideas into coherent, compelling narratives. Whether you're penning your first novel, crafting academic research, or jotting down daily musings, this book is an invaluable resource for turning the chaos of creativity into the clarity of outstanding writing.

Toast Reviews

The book is written in a straightforward manner that is both easy to understand and encouraging. For me, the most helpful for future toasts is definitely the list of prompts that come up during the brainstorming phase, and the templates Rice provides that follow.

Eddie Rice's Toast: Short Speeches, Big Impact is a lifeline to be reached for in those moments when you know you are required to say something. And for most of us, public speaking is not the easiest thing in the world to manage.

Toast: Short Speeches, Big Impact by Eddie Rice is an excellent book on the topic of public speaking. From brainstorming to editing and rehearsal , this guide takes you through all the steps to writing and delivering a perfect speech.

Whether you're preparing a toast to honor another person, honoring yourself, or honoring an event, Rice offers encouraging advice on how to open, use humor, and incorporate personal anecdotes to color your speech and make it entertaining and meaningful to your audience.

Speaking in public is a concern for many people, myself included. However, from this moment on, I am sure that I will have an edge when I have to make a toast, thanks to Eddie Rice's wise guidance

Eddie is a professional speechwriter with over 10 years of experience in helping business leaders, keynote speakers, TED talk presenters, and everyday people, enhance the messages they tell through great storytelling and structure. He loves creating strong narrative-driven speeches that focus on balancing emotional and thought-leadership content.

He is the winner of the Findaway Voices Times Square Audiobook contest.

As a speechwriter, he has worked with CEOs, college presidents and trustees, superintendents and principals, business owners, authors, politicians, organization leaders, nonprofit executive directors, and everyone in between. Public speaking and speechwriting are equalizers: we all want to say just the right words whether it's to small groups or large audiences.

Smart Notes for Writers: Transforming Thoughts into Words with the Zettelkasten Method

Smart Notes for Writers: Transforming Thoughts Into Words with the Zettelkasten Method" is a groundbreaking guide that revolutionizes the way writers approach note-taking and idea organization. In this insightful book, readers are introduced to the Zettelkasten method, a powerful tool that transcends traditional note-taking by fostering a network of interconnected thoughts, thereby enhancing creativity and efficiency in writing. Tailored specifically for writers, this book demystifies the Zettelkasten process, offering step-by-step instructions, practical examples, and expert tips on transforming a jumble of ideas into coherent, compelling narratives. Whether you're penning your first novel, crafting academic research, or jotting down daily musings, this book is an invaluable resource for turning the chaos of creativity into the clarity of outstanding writing.

Join the waitlist to get notified when it launches and for free previews.

Join the Waitlist

Now available on Amazon.com!

Robert Gontier

Professor, writer, & coach.

a bit about me:

Description Words:

professor. writer. playwright. lyricist. librettist. voice & speech coach. runner. cottage lover. speaker. teacher. student. baker. cook. husband. father.

equal parts ice cream & spinach.

Fariha Shah

Writer, coach, editor.

Fariha is committed to the fairy tale, the true story, the mystery, and magic that is grounded in you and your desire to unleash it to the universe.

Spending years in school, she was a thriving academic student and writing became her focal point and passion. Fariha has a Bachelor's of honors in political science, psychology, philosophy and specializes in social and political justice, peace research as well as cultural, gender and racial diversity.

Her unique interest and commitment to women and politics and the effects of corporate globalization afford her the leverage necessary to specialize in writing speeches that are catalysts for igniting change. As an advocate for minorities, she spearheads philanthropic endeavors that affect lasting shifts in our communities.

As an entrepreneur, author and scholar, Fariha provides a multidimensional platform for those she serves by upholding high standards, impeccable work ethic and the ability to keep her clients accountable in achieving their goals. She is a professional writing coach and editor and holistically empowers authors to unleash their greatness by bridging the gap between where they are now and what it will take to create a best seller.

Fariha's wealth of knowledge and intuitive ability to listen to her heart affords her the richness of being all she needs to be so that she can provide her valued clients with an experience that inspires them to unravel their greatness and fulfill their destined desire of being a world class writer.

The Word Whisperer

Speech Writer

Writing Coach

30 Speech Writer Interview Questions and Answers

Common Speech Writer interview questions, how to answer them, and example answers from a certified career coach.

In the realm of rhetoric and public speaking, a speechwriter serves as the ghostly voice behind the podium – creating compelling narratives that inspire audiences, influence opinions, and shape policy. If you’re vying for such a role, it’s not only about your writing prowess but also your ability to understand the speaker’s style, the audience’s perspective, and the context of the communication.

To help you present yourself effectively in an upcoming interview, we’ve curated a list of common questions you might encounter when applying for a speech writer position. Accompanied by strategic advice on how to answer them, this guide will help equip you with the tools needed to articulate your skills, experience, and unique approach to this specialized form of writing.

1. Can you describe your process for developing a compelling speech?

Crafting a compelling speech isn’t a one-size-fits-all task and requires a unique blend of creativity, understanding of the speaker’s voice, and knowledge of the audience. Interviewers ask this question to assess your ability to approach speechwriting systematically and strategically, ensuring that the final product resonates with the intended audience while accurately representing the speaker’s views and personality.

Example: “Understanding the audience is my first step in crafting a compelling speech. I research their interests, concerns and values to ensure the message resonates.

Next, I define clear objectives for the speech. What should the audience think, feel or do after listening?

I then create an outline with a strong introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction grabs attention, the body delivers key messages supported by evidence, and the conclusion reinforces the main points.

Storytelling techniques are used to make the speech engaging and memorable. This includes anecdotes, metaphors, and rhetorical questions.

Lastly, I revise and practice the speech multiple times to ensure it flows naturally and hits all the right notes.”

2. What methods do you use to understand the speaker’s voice and style?

This question is designed to evaluate your ability to adapt your writing style to match the speaker’s personality and tone. The goal of a speechwriter is to write in a way that feels authentic and relatable to the speaker, and ultimately, the audience. So, the interviewer wants to gauge your skills in listening, observing, and interpreting the speaker’s unique voice and style to create a compelling and authentic speech.

Example: “Understanding a speaker’s voice and style involves active listening, research, and practice. I pay attention to their choice of words, tone, pace, and body language during speeches or conversations. This helps me grasp their unique communication style.

I also conduct thorough background research on the individual, including their values, beliefs, and key messages they want to convey.

Lastly, I write multiple drafts and seek feedback from the speaker to ensure that the speech accurately reflects their voice and style. Through this iterative process, I can refine my understanding and representation of their persona in the speech.”

3. How do you ensure that the speech is tailored to the target audience?

As a speechwriter, one of your key responsibilities is to ensure that the message resonates with the intended audience. This question is designed to assess your understanding of audience analysis and your ability to craft speeches that will captivate listeners, drive engagement, and effectively communicate the speaker’s message.

Example: “Understanding the target audience is crucial in speech writing. I start by researching about the audience’s demographics, interests, and values. This helps me tailor the language, tone, and content of the speech to resonate with them.

I also consider the context of the speech. Is it a formal event or an informal gathering? The setting influences how the message should be delivered.

Lastly, I collaborate closely with the speaker. Knowing their style and comfort level ensures that the speech not only appeals to the audience but also feels authentic for the person delivering it.”

4. Can you provide an example of a difficult speech you had to write and how you managed it?

The essence of a speechwriter’s role is to capture and articulate complex ideas, often on contentious or sensitive topics. This question is designed to assess your ability to tackle tough subjects, craft persuasive arguments, and manage the pressures that come with high-stakes writing tasks. It’s all about your problem-solving skills, your creativity, and your ability to navigate challenging scenarios with finesse.

Example: “One challenging speech I had to write was for a client who was addressing an audience with diverse political views. The aim was to unify them around a common cause without alienating any side.

To manage this, I meticulously researched the viewpoints of each group to understand their concerns and values. Then, I crafted a message that acknowledged these differences but highlighted shared goals and aspirations.

The result was a balanced speech that resonated with everyone present. It demonstrated the power of words in bridging divides and fostering understanding.”

5. How do you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations?

As a speechwriter, you will often be working under tight deadlines and high-pressure situations. Whether it’s last-minute edits or crafting a speech for an unexpected event, the ability to maintain composure and deliver quality work is paramount. This question is meant to assess your capacity to handle stress and work efficiently under such demanding circumstances.

Example: “In high-pressure situations, I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. This allows me to manage my time effectively and meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of work.

For speech writing specifically, understanding the speaker’s style and message is crucial. Therefore, I ensure that I have a clear brief early in the process to avoid last-minute changes.

When under pressure, maintaining open communication with all parties involved helps manage expectations and mitigate stress. It also enables quick resolution of any issues that may arise.

Overall, my strategy involves careful planning, efficient time management, and effective communication.”

6. What strategies do you employ to make a speech engaging and memorable?

Diving into the heart of speech writing, this question is designed to evaluate your understanding of the art of persuasion and audience engagement. An effective speech is more than just an assembly of facts – it’s a compelling story that moves an audience to think, feel, or act in a specific way. Thus, hiring managers want to ensure that you possess the creativity, strategic thinking, and understanding of human psychology necessary to craft such speeches.

Example: “To make a speech engaging and memorable, I focus on three key strategies.

Firstly, understanding the audience is crucial. This helps in tailoring the content to their interests and knowledge level. Using relatable examples or anecdotes makes the message more impactful.

Secondly, structuring the speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end aids in maintaining listener engagement. The introduction should grab attention, the body should deliver the main points, and the conclusion should leave a lasting impression.

Lastly, incorporating rhetorical devices like repetition for emphasis, metaphors for clarity, and pauses for dramatic effect can significantly enhance memorability. It’s all about creating an emotional connection that resonates with the audience long after the speech is over.”

7. Can you discuss an instance where you had to revise a speech based on feedback?

Crafting a compelling speech is an iterative process, and no first draft is ever perfect. Interviewers want to know that you’re open to feedback and can make revisions based on it. Your ability to incorporate different perspectives and suggestions can ultimately make the speech more impactful and suitable for the intended audience.

Example: “In one instance, I drafted a keynote speech for a non-profit organization’s annual gala. After initial feedback from the team, it was clear that my approach was too formal and didn’t capture their casual, community-focused tone.

I revised the speech to incorporate more personal stories, lighter language, and interactive elements like audience questions. This made it resonate better with the audience while still delivering the intended message. The final product was well-received, demonstrating the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in speech writing.”

8. What is your approach to incorporating data or research findings into a speech?

As a speechwriter, you’re expected to craft compelling narratives that are not only engaging, but also accurate and informative. Using data and research findings can strengthen the speaker’s arguments and provide credibility to their remarks. Hence, interviewers want to gauge your ability to seamlessly incorporate hard data into a compelling story. They want to understand your strategy for making complex or dry information engaging and accessible to a diverse audience.

Example: “Incorporating data or research findings into a speech is crucial to add credibility and depth. I start by identifying the key message of the speech, then find relevant data that supports this message.

The data must be presented in an engaging way – using storytelling techniques or visual aids can help make complex information more digestible. It’s also important to cite sources properly to maintain transparency and trustworthiness.

I always ensure the data aligns with the audience’s knowledge level and interest. Overloading a speech with too much technical jargon or irrelevant statistics could lose their attention. Hence, striking a balance between informative and understandable is my approach.”

9. How do you adapt your writing style to match different speakers and contexts?

The art of speechwriting isn’t just about crafting eloquent phrases and powerful arguments. It’s also about capturing the unique voice of the speaker and tailoring the message to fit the specific context. Employers want to see that you have the versatility and empathy to step into someone else’s shoes and tell their story in a way that resonates with their audience.

Example: “Understanding the speaker’s voice and context is key to adapting my writing style. I start by thoroughly researching the speaker, their values, tone of communication, and audience expectations.

For different contexts, I consider factors like formality level, purpose of speech, and cultural nuances. For instance, a corporate event requires a more formal tone than a community gathering.

I also believe in collaboration with the speaker for authenticity. This includes getting feedback on drafts and incorporating it into revisions. It’s all about striking a balance between maintaining the speaker’s unique voice while effectively conveying the intended message.”

10. What tools or software do you often use in your speech writing process?

Speech writing involves more than just creativity and a knack for words. It’s also about organization, research, and the ability to adapt to different voices and tones. That’s why interviewers want to know about the tools you use to streamline your writing process, keep track of your research, and edit your work. This question helps them gauge your technical skills and understand how you approach the logistics of speech writing.

Example: “I primarily use Google Docs for writing and editing due to its real-time collaboration feature. For research, I rely on academic databases like JSTOR or industry-specific resources. Grammarly is my go-to tool for grammar checks and improving the readability of the speech. To ensure a smooth delivery, I utilize teleprompter apps. Finally, I use PowerPoint for visual aids if necessary. It’s crucial to remember that while these tools aid in creating an effective speech, understanding the audience and crafting a compelling narrative are equally important.”

11. How do you handle writer’s block or creative stagnation?

Creativity and consistency are key in the world of speech writing. In this role, you’ll often be under tight deadlines and high stress, and the ability to deliver quality work in these conditions is vital. Therefore, hiring managers want to know how you cope with the inevitable challenges of writer’s block or creative stagnation. They’re looking for evidence of your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of obstacles.

Example: “When faced with writer’s block, I step back and immerse myself in related content. Reading speeches from diverse fields or watching TED talks can stimulate creativity.

I also find it helpful to brainstorm ideas without censoring them. This process often leads to a unique angle.

Physical activity like walking or yoga helps clear my mind, allowing fresh ideas to surface.

Finally, setting aside the task for a while enables me to return with renewed energy and perspective.”

12. How do you ensure that the speech aligns with the speaker’s goals and objectives?

It’s all about the delicate art of capturing the voice and intent of the person you’re writing for. Speechwriters need to be able to not just write well, but to write in a way that feels authentic to the speaker and aligns with their goals. Hiring managers want to understand how you approach this challenge and ensure the speeches you write accurately convey the speaker’s message and purpose.

Example: “To ensure a speech aligns with the speaker’s goals and objectives, I initiate an in-depth conversation with them to understand their vision. This includes understanding their key messages, target audience, desired tone, and overall objective.

I then draft the speech, ensuring it mirrors these insights. Regular feedback sessions are crucial for refining the content until it perfectly resonates with the speaker’s intent.

Moreover, I believe in practicing the speech with the speaker. This helps identify areas of discomfort or disconnect, which can be revised to make the speaker more comfortable and confident.

In essence, open communication, iterative drafts, and practice runs form my strategy to align the speech with the speaker’s goals.”

13. Can you share an example of a speech you wrote that received significant positive feedback?

When asking this, the hiring manager wants to gauge your experience and success in previous roles. They are looking to assess your understanding of audience, tone, and message delivery. This question also gives you an opportunity to showcase your ability to write a compelling, impactful speech that resonates with listeners and achieves its intended purpose. The positive feedback is an indicator of how well your speech connected and engaged with the audience.

Example: “One of my most well-received speeches was for a non-profit organization’s annual fundraising event. The speech aimed to inspire donors by highlighting the impact of their contributions.

I started with an emotional story about one beneficiary, then provided concrete data on how donations had helped others in similar situations. I also included future plans and goals to show potential for growth and progress.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees reported feeling moved and motivated to contribute more. The organization exceeded its fundraising goal that year, which they attributed largely to the effectiveness of the speech.”

14. How do you balance the need for factual accuracy with the need for rhetorical effectiveness in your speeches?

As a speechwriter, you’re tasked with crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, while also ensuring that all information presented is accurate and truthful. This question is designed to assess your ability to walk this line effectively. The ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple, engaging manner, without compromising on truth, is a critical skill in this role.

Example: “Balancing factual accuracy and rhetorical effectiveness is crucial in speech writing. It involves a strategic blend of research, storytelling, and language use.

Thorough research ensures that the information presented is accurate and reliable. This forms the foundation of any effective speech.

However, facts alone can be dry. That’s where rhetoric comes into play. Using compelling narratives, analogies, and metaphors helps to make complex ideas more relatable and engaging for the audience.

But it’s important not to sacrifice truth for the sake of a good story. The key is finding a balance – using rhetoric to illuminate facts, not distort them. This way, we maintain integrity while still creating an impactful speech.”

15. How do you approach writing a persuasive speech versus an informative one?

The key to a successful speech is understanding the intent behind it and crafting a narrative that fits the goal. A persuasive speech aims to change the audience’s perspective or inspire some form of action, while an informative speech is designed to educate the audience on a particular topic. By asking this question, the interviewer wants to see if you can adjust your writing style to suit different objectives and engage diverse audiences.

Example: “In crafting a persuasive speech, my focus is on appealing to the audience’s emotions and beliefs. I aim to create a compelling narrative that motivates them to take action or change their perspective. This involves understanding the audience’s values, using strong evidence, and incorporating rhetorical devices.

On the other hand, an informative speech is about clarity and comprehension. It’s important to present facts in a structured manner, ensuring the information is easily digestible. Here, I use clear language, visual aids if necessary, and maintain neutrality to avoid bias.

Both types require thorough research, but the approach differs based on the desired outcome: persuasion or education.”

16. Can you explain how you would write a speech for a controversial topic?

The ability to navigate sensitive topics with grace and eloquence is a key skill for a speech writer. Controversial topics require a careful balance of respect for differing opinions, firmness in establishing a stance, and a deep understanding of the audience’s potential reactions. Interviewers want to ensure you can handle these delicate situations while still crafting a compelling, effective speech.

Example: “Understanding the sensitivity of a controversial topic, I would start by conducting thorough research to gather facts and differing perspectives. This helps in creating an informed, balanced viewpoint.

The next step is structuring the speech with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should capture attention and outline the issue without bias. The body presents supporting arguments from both sides, using credible sources.

I believe it’s essential to address counterarguments respectfully, showing understanding for different viewpoints. This builds credibility and respect among listeners.

In conclusion, rather than imposing one view, I’d encourage critical thinking, leaving room for audience interpretation. This approach promotes open dialogue and respects diversity of thought.”

17. What is your process for fact-checking and ensuring accuracy in your speeches?

As a speechwriter, precision and accuracy are crucial. A speech is not just a reflection of the person delivering it, but also the organization or entity they represent. Any inaccuracies can lead to potential embarrassment or even legal issues. Hence, prospective employers need to know that you have a solid process for fact-checking and ensuring the information in your speeches is accurate.

Example: “My fact-checking process begins with thorough research from credible sources. I cross-verify the information from multiple reliable platforms to ensure its accuracy.

For statistical data, I prefer government or reputed research organizations’ databases. For quotes and anecdotes, I make sure they are attributed correctly and in context.

I also utilize fact-checking websites for controversial or disputed facts. If there’s any uncertainty, I opt for a more conservative approach rather than risking inaccuracies.

Finally, I always run my drafts through colleagues or subject matter experts for their review before finalizing the speech. This helps catch any potential errors and ensures the content is accurate and effective.”

18. How do you incorporate storytelling elements into your speeches?

Storytelling breathes life into speeches. It takes listeners on a journey, engages them emotionally and makes complex ideas more relatable. Therefore, potential employers want to know if you can weave compelling narratives into your speeches, which will captivate audiences and effectively convey the speaker’s message. They want to ensure you can create speeches that aren’t just informative, but also engaging and impactful.

Example: “Incorporating storytelling into speeches involves creating a narrative structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This helps to engage the audience and make complex ideas more relatable.

I often start by setting the scene or context, introducing characters which could be key players in the topic at hand. Then I present a challenge or conflict that needs resolution – this forms the crux of the speech.

The resolution or conclusion not only provides an answer but also ties back to the initial scenario, providing a sense of closure. Throughout this process, I use vivid language and personal anecdotes where appropriate to create emotional resonance.

Importantly, the story must align with the overall message or purpose of the speech, ensuring it’s not just entertaining, but also informative and persuasive.”

19. How do you handle feedback and criticism of your work?

Feedback is a major component of the writing process, especially in speech writing. Your words are going to be spoken by someone else, and it’s important that they feel comfortable and confident with the material. Therefore, hiring managers want to ensure that you can take constructive criticism, incorporate feedback, and make necessary revisions without taking things personally. This is not only key to improving the quality of your work, but also to maintaining a positive and productive working relationship with the speaker.

Example: “I believe feedback and criticism are crucial for growth and improvement. When I receive feedback, I approach it with an open mind, focusing on the learning opportunity it presents rather than taking it personally. As a speech writer, understanding the needs of my clients is paramount. Therefore, any critique not only helps me to refine their message more effectively but also enhances my skills for future projects. I’m always eager to learn from others’ perspectives to continuously improve my craft.”

20. Can you describe a time when you had to write a speech under a tight deadline?

The ability to work under pressure is a vital trait for a speechwriter. Given the nature of the role, there will be times when a speech needs to be written, edited, and delivered in a short time frame. This question allows interviewers to gauge not only your ability to handle stress, but also your organizational skills, your ability to prioritize tasks, and your ability to deliver high-quality work even when time is not on your side.

Example: “Yes, I recall a time when our company’s CEO was invited to speak at an industry event. The invitation came with short notice and we had just two days to prepare the speech.

I immediately initiated a meeting with the CEO to understand his thoughts and expectations for the speech. We brainstormed key points and messages he wanted to convey.

Afterwards, I spent hours researching and drafting the speech, ensuring it was engaging and impactful. I managed to complete the draft within 24 hours, allowing ample time for review and revisions. Despite the tight deadline, the speech was well-received and even garnered positive feedback from attendees.”

21. How do you ensure that your speeches are concise yet impactful?

Crafting a concise and impactful speech is an art form, and it’s one that employers want to ensure you have mastered. They want to know that you understand the balance between providing enough information to make a point, but not too much that you lose the audience’s attention. They need to see that you can distill complex ideas into simple, powerful messages that resonate with diverse audiences.

Example: “To ensure my speeches are concise yet impactful, I focus on the core message and eliminate any unnecessary information. It’s crucial to use clear, powerful language that resonates with the audience. Storytelling is another effective tool, as it engages listeners emotionally and makes the content memorable. I also incorporate rhetorical devices like repetition or alliteration for emphasis. Lastly, practicing the speech helps identify areas of improvement and ensures a smooth delivery.”

22. How do you keep up-to-date with current events and trends relevant to your speeches?

As a speechwriter, it’s essential that you’re in tune with what’s happening in the world, what’s on the minds of the public, and how these realities can be woven into the speeches you craft. This question is designed to uncover your research habits, your understanding of the target audience’s interests, and your ability to create content that resonates with them.

Example: “Staying updated with current events and trends is crucial for creating relevant speeches. I regularly read a variety of news sources, from major newspapers to niche industry blogs, to understand different perspectives on the issues at hand.

I also use social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn as they often provide real-time updates and discussions.

Additionally, I attend webinars, conferences, and other professional gatherings in my field. This not only helps me keep up-to-date but also provides networking opportunities.

Moreover, I subscribe to newsletters and podcasts related to speechwriting and communication strategies. These resources offer valuable insights into crafting compelling narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.”

23. What is the most challenging part of speech writing for you and how do you overcome it?

The art of crafting speeches is intricate, balancing the speaker’s style with the audience’s expectations, and weaving in the message effectively. Speechwriters often face challenges in this process and how they overcome them reflects their problem-solving skills and adaptability. Therefore, employers are keen to know about your challenges and your strategies to overcome them, as it speaks volumes about your resilience, creativity, and perseverance.

Example: “The most challenging part of speech writing for me is ensuring the message resonates with a diverse audience. It’s crucial to strike a balance between being specific enough to engage, yet broad enough not to exclude.

To overcome this, I conduct extensive research on the audience demographics and their interests. I also aim to incorporate universal themes that can resonate across different groups. This approach helps me craft speeches that are inclusive and impactful.”

24. How do you approach writing a speech for a speaker with whom you disagree?

The essence of being a speechwriter is to articulate someone else’s thoughts, beliefs, and ideas – not your own. It’s important for the interviewer to understand your ability to put aside your personal beliefs and effectively capture the voice and viewpoint of the person you’re writing for. They want to gauge your professionalism, flexibility, and adaptability in handling potentially challenging situations.

Example: “When writing a speech for someone I disagree with, my primary focus is on understanding their perspective. I engage in thorough research and discussions to comprehend their viewpoint fully.

Then, I aim to present their ideas effectively while maintaining integrity. It’s about presenting the speaker’s views, not mine.

It’s also crucial to remember that as a professional speechwriter, my role is to articulate the speaker’s message clearly, regardless of personal beliefs. Respectful disagreement can even enhance the writing process by challenging me to think from diverse perspectives.”

25. Can you discuss your experience with writing speeches for diverse audiences?

The essence of a speechwriter’s role is to craft messages that resonate with a variety of audiences. Each audience is unique, with its own set of values, concerns, and interests. Therefore, interviewers want to gauge your ability to identify and understand these differences, and use them to create compelling, tailored speeches that engage and move different types of listeners.

Example: “In my experience, writing speeches for diverse audiences requires a deep understanding of the audience’s interests, values, and cultural nuances. I’ve written speeches for various contexts such as business conferences, political rallies, and educational seminars.

For each speech, I conduct thorough research on the target audience to tailor the content accordingly. This includes using language that resonates with them, incorporating relevant anecdotes, and addressing their concerns or aspirations.

I also ensure the tone is appropriate; for instance, a corporate audience may prefer a formal tone while a youth event might require a more casual approach. The key is to strike a balance between maintaining the speaker’s authentic voice and appealing to the audience’s sensibilities.”

26. How do you incorporate humor or other emotional appeals into your speeches?

Emotion is a powerful tool in public speaking—it can help engage an audience, make complex ideas more relatable, and even persuade listeners to take action. In particular, humor can be a great way to break the ice, grab attention, and make an audience more receptive to your message. Therefore, interviewers want to know whether you can skillfully integrate emotional appeals and humor into speeches without distracting from the main message or alienating the audience.

Example: “Incorporating humor or emotional appeals into speeches is about understanding the audience and context. For humor, it’s crucial to use relatable anecdotes or light-hearted self-deprecation that aligns with the speaker’s persona. It should never be offensive or out of place.

Emotional appeals are about connecting with the audience on a deeper level. This could involve sharing personal stories or experiences, discussing shared values, or highlighting common challenges. The key is authenticity – the emotion needs to feel genuine and not forced.

Both techniques need to serve the overall message of the speech and enhance its impact rather than detract from it.”

27. How do you ensure that your speeches are accessible to a wide range of listeners?

As a speech writer, your role isn’t just about crafting eloquent phrases and compelling arguments. It’s also about connecting with your audience. That’s why interviewers want to know if you can tailor your work to suit a diverse group of listeners. Are you able to convey complex ideas in simple terms? Can you create a narrative that engages both experts and novices? Your ability to do so will determine your success in this role.

Example: “To ensure my speeches are accessible to a wide audience, I focus on using clear and simple language. It’s important to avoid jargon or overly complex terms that could alienate listeners who aren’t familiar with the subject matter.

I also aim for inclusivity in content, considering diverse perspectives and experiences. This helps make the speech resonate with a broader range of people.

Moreover, I utilize storytelling techniques which can be universally understood and appreciated. Stories engage listeners emotionally and intellectually, making the message more memorable.

Finally, I consider cultural sensitivities when crafting a speech, ensuring it is respectful and appropriate for all potential listeners.”

28. Can you provide an example of a time you had to quickly adapt a speech based on changing circumstances or new information?

Adaptability is a key skill for a speech writer, given that circumstances can shift rapidly and the messaging needs to be adjusted accordingly. By asking this question, potential employers want to see if you can think on your feet, respond to the unexpected, and still deliver high-quality work that aligns with the speaker’s message and audience’s expectations.

Example: “During a charity event, I was tasked to deliver a speech about the organization’s achievements. However, moments before going on stage, we received news of a significant donation that would fund an entire new project.

I quickly revised my speech to include this exciting development. The challenge was to maintain the original flow while incorporating the new information without making it sound like an afterthought.

The adaptation was successful and the audience responded positively to the real-time update. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility in communication and being able to think on your feet.”

29. How do you measure the success of a speech you’ve written?

It’s about understanding the impact of your words. As a speechwriter, your role is to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and inspire action. But it’s not just about artful storytelling; it’s also about delivering measurable results. Therefore, knowing how you gauge the success of a speech can give an interviewer insights into how you align your writing with strategic objectives and how you can potentially contribute to their organization’s goals.

Example: “The success of a speech can be measured in several ways.

One key indicator is audience engagement, which can be gauged through their reactions during the speech and feedback afterwards. If they are attentive, responsive, and actively participating, it suggests that the speech was effective.

Another measure is whether the intended message was clearly communicated and understood. This can be assessed through follow-up discussions or surveys to determine if the main points were grasped by the audience.

Lastly, the impact of the speech on the behavior or perspectives of the audience can also be an important metric. For instance, did it inspire action, change attitudes, or provoke thought? These outcomes indicate a successful speech.”

30. Can you share an instance where your speech significantly influenced an audience’s perspective or decision?

The power of a speechwriter lies in their ability to sway the minds and hearts of the audience. Hiring managers want to see examples of your past success in this area to ensure your skills align with their needs. Your ability to shape public opinion or drive decision-making through your words is a key metric of your effectiveness in this role.

Example: “In a past experience, I was tasked with writing a speech for a non-profit organization seeking funding. The audience was composed of potential investors who were initially skeptical about the project’s viability.

I meticulously crafted a narrative that highlighted the organization’s mission, its impact, and how their investment could make a difference. Post-speech, there was a significant shift in their attitude, resulting in substantial funding for the organization.

This instance underlined the power of words and reinforced my belief that well-articulated speeches can indeed change perspectives and influence decisions.”

30 Automation Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

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My Speech Coach Founder

Confidence coach, professional speech writer, public speaking coach, motivational speaker.

Contact Karen: 833-WE-COACH (833) 932-6224

or email:  [email protected]

Believe in the beauty and possibility of your dreams...

(then work like crazy to make them come true), "when you improve your public speaking skills, y ou're  investing in yourself by building,   confidence,  character &  personal success",                   ~ karen.

I grew up on the Jicarilla Apache Indian reservation in Largo Canyon, New Mexico and later moved to the Navajo reservation of Chaco Canyon near the Four Corners area of New Mexico. After graduating from Bloomfield High School I lived in Tallahassee Florida and attended Florida State University.  I traveled around a bit (following my gypsy soul before settling in Texas and calling it home.  Prior to 2007 my professional background had been exclusively in Financial Services and banking but that all changed when my daughter, Stephanie began competing in pageants and needed speeches.  It was then that my love for writing, speaking and coaching came to life.  

Since that time i have written almost 250 speeches and have coached over 150 clients across the us and canada.  i am beyond humbled and blown away by the trust, faith and courage entrusted to me as well as the talent and success my clients exhibit.    , to some i become momma k, coach or remain simply karen - regardless, each and every client that allows me to be a part of their journey holds a special place in my life and i consider it my honor to become a part of their team. .

Stephanie Revels

Miss Rodeo America

Pageant Winning Speech

December 2013

About Me...

"Thank you Momma K for taking the time to work with me and for encoraging me to be my best.  I could not have won without you and I coudn't have done any of this without you lovingly pushing me out of my comfort zone.  Thank you for all you and Stephanie did for me.  I love you and I'm so glad you're on my team!"

~ Katelynn B

"I'm pretty biased but I really do think my wife is amazing. She LOVES each of her clients and puts hours and hours into each speech, each coaching session and pours her heart into each of her clients lives.  She has a gift for loving people and being their cheerleader even when they don't believe in themselves. "

Testimonial from Jason Gray

Memoir Ghostwriter Speech Writer & Writing Coach

Memoirs. nonfiction books. bios., speeches. writing coaching., getting to the heart of your life stories since 1999. 30 + books. ghostwriting with excellence, impact, humanity, and integrity. extensive portfolio. stellar reputation. many client testimonials..

• Bringing insight, excellence, heart, and integrity to all projects.
• Delivering impactful content that always rings true. Content you can share with confidence and pride. Expert guidance and support your can trust.
• Unblocking your creative flow to reveal hidden themes in your story or project concept.
• Understanding what makes people tick and capturing these drivers, motivations, and influences in writing.
• Untangling, rearranging, and reorganizing your content draft so it flows beautifully.

Ghostwriting Life Stories, Memoirs, and Family Histories & Nonfiction Ghostwriting for Books and Narratives

The Process:

• We discuss the parameters and your dreams and goals for your project and agree upon a per-project fee.
• We calendar 50-minute phone interviews and I guide you through sufficient interviews to write your book for you.
• Since I type very fast, I do not need to record or transcribe anything. Instead, I create a notes document during the interview process.
• I begin writing on your behalf, in your voice, with your goals, heart, and intentions infused into the writing.
• I send you drafted pages at regular intervals for your review.
• Once the manuscript is finalized, we both do our final review. If you have requested revisions, I enter into a (paid) revisions period on your behalf.
• I polish and proofread your manuscript.
• I introduce you virtually to POD publishers or talk you through the process of finding and securing a literary agent or non-POD publisher.

The Deliverable:

Developmental Editing

(revising and restructuring content), the process is the same as that listed above, with a couple of differences:.

• I will be reviewing and assessing your document draft to identify issues.
• Reorganizing, revising, and elevating your content to a professional level.

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Sabres Hire Lindy Ruff to Be New Head Coach

On April 22, 2024, the Buffalo Sabres hired a familiar face to fill their head coaching vacany for the 2024-25 season. Lindy Ruff , who leads the franchise in wins as a head coach with 571 from 1997-2013, came back to the place where he had the most success. He had stints as the bench boss with the Dallas Stars and recently the New Jersey Devils, being relieved of his position in New Jersey midway through the 2023-24 season.

A DONE DEAL ⚔️ We have hired Lindy Ruff as our head coach! https://t.co/3OSlX1Z9lt | #LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/7FuvvIJzpx — Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 22, 2024

With Don Granato going 122-125-26 during his tenure with the Sabres and missing the playoffs every single time, he was fired after the 2023-24 season ended. Ruff, a winner of the Jack Adams Award in 2005-06, has quite the history with the Sabres.

That history was not the reason he was hired, though. “Lindy is the right person for the job now and any history with our organization and community is simply an added bonus,” said general manager Kevyn Adams of the move.

The Sabres were the NHL’s youngest team in 2023-24, while the Devils were the fourth-youngest club in 2022-23. Ruff took those Devils from 63 points in 2021-22 to 112 points and a playoff series win the following campaign, showcasing his ability to get the most out of young players.

Unless the Sabres make any major changes to their lineup, they will likely be one of the younger teams in the league once again. The upside with Ruff is that he helped create a massive turnaround and help his youngssters mature, something that the Sabres are in desperate need of. If he is able to recreate some of his success, he could stick around in Buffalo for a while just like he did the first time.

More Sabres stuff…

Did USC set ‘very bad precedent’ by canceling valedictorian speech over safety threats?

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Five months ago, USC cited safety as a rationale for banning economics professor John Strauss, who is Jewish, from campus after student activists said they felt threatened when he approached them at a protest and said “Hamas are murderers. ... I hope they all are killed.”

“Our north star is protecting the safety of our community,” a USC spokesperson said at the time.

Now the university is again citing safety concerns for canceling a Muslim valedictorian’s speech at its May commencement ceremony.

More than six months after the Hamas attack on Israel that started a war, campus administrators nationwide are struggling to uphold principles of free expression amid mounting pressure from donors, legislators and activists who claim an ever-expanding amount of speech — or potential speech — subjects students not only to physical danger but also to psychological harm.

Free speech advocates note that the decision regarding Asna Tabassum, a USC senior who is graduating with a major in biomedical engineering, was not caused by anything she said or planned to say. Instead, the university said, online discussion had taken on an “alarming tenor” as activists objected to her minor — resistance to genocide — and a link to a pro-Palestinian website Tabassum had shared on her Instagram profile .

“This sets a very bad precedent,” said Alex Morey, director of campus rights advocacy with the nonprofit civil rights group Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. “Moving forward, are they going to cancel every speech that could have anything to do with Israel-Palestine because they’re worried about ‘safety concerns’?”

Free speech experts fear that USC, in canceling its valedictorian’s speech, is paving the way for a censorious commencement season, offering others a playbook on how to silence potentially controversial speakers in the weeks to come.

“A university, except in the most exceptional cases, should not be giving in to threats of violence in order to suppress speakers,” said Keith Whittington, a political scientist at Princeton University and author of “Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free Speech.”

“It’s a corruption and compromise of the university’s very basic commitments.”

The use of safety concerns to shut down campus speech did not start after Oct. 7. But, Morey said, universities have increasingly canceled events as they have seen an uptick in protests of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.

Last month, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas halted a public lecture from a visiting Israeli professor 15 minutes after he started speaking when pro-Palestinian protesters burst into the room.

Asaf Pe’er, an expert on theoretical high-energy astrophysics, was not speaking about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His lecture was on black holes.

Rather than stop the disruption, citing the protesters’ 1st Amendment rights, UNLV police escorted Pe’er off campus “to ensure his safety.”

Other cancellations in the name of safety have taken place across the country, from Indiana University shutting down an art exhibit by Palestinian artist Samia Halaby to the University of Vermont canceling an in-person appearance by a pro-Palestinian poet .

Experts who track campus speech say university leaders have predominantly targeted speakers expressing support for the Palestinian cause.

“It’s definitely the pro-Palestinian speech that we are seeing very broadly being subjected to institutional punishments,” Morey said. “That’s not to say that there aren’t cases where pro-Israel or Zionist speakers are being punished.”

Part of the reason pro-Palestinian activists are targeted in greater numbers is that more students have embraced the Palestinian cause in recent years.

Some protests have crossed the line into unprotected expression, Morey said. But there is also growing pressure on university officials from donors and legislators worried about antisemitism to crack down on pro-Palestinian speech.

“It’s a pressure cooker for administrators,” Morey said. “In these cases, we want to make sure that their lodestar are student and faculty rights, rather than who is exerting the most pressure.”

When USC announced that Tabassum would be the valedictorian, two groups — Trojans for Israel, a campus student group, and EndJewHatred, a national movement dedicated to fighting antisemitism — spoke publicly against her.

In an Instagram post , Trojans for Israel said Tabassum “propagates antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric,” but did not cite anything she had written or said publicly. Instead, the post points to a link she had shared on her social media page that leads to a website describing Zionism as a “racist settler-colonial ideology.”

In an interview with The Times , Tabassum said she had not spoken to administrators about her speech, in which she said she had planned to convey hope and emphasize that “we must continue to use our education as a privilege to inform ourselves and ultimately make a change in the world.”

“The university has betrayed me,” she said.

USC administrators contested the idea that Tabassum’s inability to speak is a free speech issue.

“There is no free-speech entitlement to speak at a commencement,” Provost Andrew T. Guzman said in a campuswide letter . “The issue here is how best to maintain campus security and safety, period.”

The 1st Amendment guarantees only that the government refrains from abridging freedom of speech. But experts on campus discourse asserted that as an institution of higher learning, USC has a responsibility to defend freedom of ideas.

USC communications professor Christina Dunbar-Hester, chapter president of the USC American Assn. of University Professors, said in a statement that it was disingenuous to frame Tabassum’s speech as a security issue without specifying a threat.

Guzman, she noted, did not offer any details, saying only that the discussion had “escalated to the point of creating substantial risks relating to security and disruption at commencement.”

And that, Dunbar-Hester said, raises the question of whether USC faced a specific credible threat or was just trying to find a way to get around controversy.

“Here, we have capitulated to a ‘heckler’s veto’ before the fact,” she said. “Why is the burden of a potential threat placed on the shoulders of the valedictorian rather than those who would disrupt her?”

Dunbar-Hester said USC’s action — coming days before conservative legislators in Washington grilled the president of Columbia University — plays into the hands of “anti-intellectual reactionaries” who cynically sought to “demonize campus communities that express solidarity with the Palestinian freedom struggle.”

Howard Rodman, a professor of the writing division at the USC School of Cinematic Art and former president of the USC-AAUP chapter, said administrators decided to cancel Tabassum’s speech without buy-in from the faculty.

“I have spoken to many people who feel that this is a disastrous decision, and no one who feels that it was a correct decision,” he said.

Among USC faculty, Rodman said, there was no widespread agreement on free speech.

“There are people who say, ‘We’re 1st Amendment absolutists,’ who believe that the remedy for speech you don’t like is more speech,” he said. “There are people who believe that the structural question of who owns the megaphone supersedes that. ... ‘Why should the people who own the apparatus of the transmission of ideas have the sole access to it?”

Rodman blamed officials, donors and legislators for the assault on campus free speech.

“The traditional values of the university are under assault by donors who wish to determine policy,” Rodman said. “They’re under assault by a government that places restrictions on what you can do once you have received government money.”

Students have also played a key role in setting up a climate of censorship, experts say.

About a decade ago, Morey said, 1st Amendment attorneys at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression began to notice a shift: Students, who had long advocated for their own free speech rights, were increasingly asking administrators to regulate words and ideas.

In 2014, students at Wellesley College started a petition calling for the removal of an outdoor statue of a man in his underwear, claiming that it was a source of “triggering thoughts regarding sexual assault.” The following year, students at Yale University demanded that Nicholas Christakis step down from his position as faculty-in-residence at Silliman College, after a viral moment in which he tried to converse with students who took offense at an email his wife, Erika Christakis, wrote to students questioning administrators’ guidelines on Halloween costumes.

Commencement ceremonies have long been a magnet for protests, with a rich tradition of students and faculty heckling speakers, turning their backs on them or forcing them to withdraw.

For more than a quarter of a century, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has kept a campus deplatforming database that has tracked such disputes, starting with media mogul and Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner’s withdrawal from a 1998 commencement at Macalester College after students protested the team’s use of an Indian mascot.

By 2016, disinvitations were so common that President Obama, speaking at a Rutgers commencement, chided students for pressuring former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to drop out as commencement speaker two years before due to her role in the Iraq war.

“I don’t think that’s how democracy works best, when we’re not even willing to listen to each other,” Obama said .

The focus on safety intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic as students became involved in Black Lives Matter protests, Morey said.

At USC, administrators made business professor Greg Patton “take a short-term pause” from teaching a communications course in August 2020 after Black students complained that a Chinese-language example he used during class sounded like a racial slur and caused them mental harm.

In a letter to MBA students, a dean wrote that such language was “simply unacceptable” for faculty to use because it could “marginalize and harm you and hurt your feelings of psychological safety.”

In November, administrators told Strauss he could not teach undergraduates that semester after he declared: “Hamas are murderers. That’s all they are. Every one should be killed, and I hope they all are killed.”

Strauss swiftly found himself the subject of dueling petitions: One called for USC to fire him and create a “safe learning environment free from hate speech or discriminatory behavior”; another urged officials to allow him back on campus, arguing that “Jewish people should not have to hide for their safety.”

In early December, USC administrators announced they had lifted all of the restrictions on Strauss.

Over the last few years, commencement disputes over controversial speakers calmed down as universities exercised more caution over who they invited. “They tried to avoid controversy, not by canceling speakers, but by avoiding inviting speakers in the first place,” Morey said.

The focus of controversy may now be turning to students.

Last year, a law student speaking at the City University of New York’s law school commencement caused a national furor when she called for a “revolution” to take on the legal system’s “white supremacy,’’ CUNY’s collaboration with the “fascist NYPD” and Israel’s “project of settler colonialism.”

After the New York Post ran a front-page story about the student, Fatima Mousa Mohammed — headlined “Stark Raving Grad” — CUNY’s Board of Trustees and chancellor announced that 2024’s commencement would not feature student speakers.

Figuring out what is a legitimate security threat on campuses has become increasingly fraught as activists and administrators blur the line between physical and psychological safety.

“Part of what has happened on university campuses for quite some time has been a claim about a kind of emotional and psychological safety,” Princeton’s Whittington said. “That’s primarily a conceptual argument — one that doesn’t seem to require any evidence in order to assert. Universities then can be extremely sweeping in who they might decide to censor or suppress or punish, in reaction to those kinds of complaints.”

Canceling speech while upholding safety in a vague way, without outlining a concrete threat or distinguishing between physical or psychological harm, would only encourage more complaints, Whittington said.

“Universities have an important obligation to explain that these kinds of concerns about emotional psychological safety are just not something that they can be responsive to at all,” Whittington said. “And in the case of genuine threats to physical safety, there ought to be a very high bar before the university is willing to take the step of shutting down a speaker.”

The irony of what happened to Tabassum is it has given her a much bigger platform.

In the last 48 hours, she has conducted a whirl of media interviews, appearing on CNN’s “NewsNight” and in a front-page story in The Times.

“When you silence us,” she said, “you make us louder.”

More to Read

USC cancels appearance by director Jon Chu, others amid valedictorian controversy

April 19, 2024

USC students protest the ‘silencing’ of valedictorian with cancellation of speech

April 18, 2024

Letters to the Editor: Canceled valedictorian speech is another self-inflicted black eye for USC

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Former area coach Martin inducted into state hoops hall of fame

Credit: SCOTT HUCK / CEDARVILLE UNIVERSI

COLUMBUS — Kirk Martin was given four minutes for his Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech, and he spent that time thanking all who fit in the couldn’t-have-done-it-without-’em box — players, assistants and administrators, of course, but especially wife Vicki.

“She didn’t marry a coach. She married a fifth-grade reading and English teacher who was on a career path to principal and maybe later superintendent,” he said during the ceremony at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus on Saturday.

“She’s the real Hall of Famer in our family. Ask my kids or ask my players. I got a text this week from a former player that said, ‘Congrats, you’re the best — and, of course, Vicki is better.’ And they’re right.”

Martin’s wife may not have known what she was getting into, but she had no qualms about being the unofficial team mom through his journey as a high school and college basketball coach — and what a ride it was.

The 70-year-old Martin went 297-34 in 13 years with the Southeastern High School girls team, building the program into a Division IV behemoth.

The Trojans won a state title in 1996 and once won 162 consecutive conference games.

He was 380-108 in 15 years with the women’s team at his alma mater, Cedarville University. He averaged just over 25 wins per season, which is more than any previous Yellow Jacket team (only two topped 20).

They once won 74 straight league games and twice were NAIA Division II national runner-ups.

Martin didn’t play much organized hoops. His start in coaching came when he was a middle-school teacher, helping out with football and track (not basketball, that came later) — taking the jobs only because he was newly married and needed the extra income.

“I know my path to coaching basketball both at high school and even more so at the college level is beyond conventional and is a testimony to trusting God and his perfect timing,” Martin told an audience of about 500 while fighting back emotion.

“It has given me a platform to impact people for the Gospel and to give God the glory. As we left the floor at Cedarville, we came together as a team and said, ‘For Him.’

“I’d like to leave you tonight with” — he paused and pointed skyward — “‘For Him.”

He was one of 13 inductees in the 2024 class, which included Dayton-area official Thurman Leggs, Jr.

Leggs has been a college referee for most of his nearly 30 years as a ref, reaching as high as the Division II men’s national title game. He’s also has mentored hundreds of young officials, having started his own camp.

Family and friends burst into applause when he was introduced, many capturing the moment on their phones.

“When I got the call about going into the hall, I couldn’t believe they would have noticed a referee. Usually, when a referee gets noticed, that isn’t a good thing,” he said, drawing laughter.

The class also included Don DeVoe — best known for compiling at 512-389 record as a coach at Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Florida, Wyoming and Navy from 1970-2004 — along with former Cleveland Cavaliers standout Craig Ehlo and Xavier star Tyrone Hill.

The hall has now honored 365 athletes, coaches, contributors and teams since its first class in 2006 — including many with Dayton ties: Flyer coaches Tom Blackburn and Don Donoher; players Don Meineke, Bucky Bockhorn, Don May, Hank Finkel, Roosevelt Chapman, Johnny Davis and Jim and John Paxson, among others: UD women’s star Ann Myers; and Wright State coach Ralph Underhill.

Co-founders Doc Daugherty and the late Don Henderson made it their mission to preserve the storied hoops history in the state and took a scouting trip with their fledgling board to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle.

But while it draws more than 10,000 visitors a year, the Indiana hall is devoted only to high schools. And the two prep coaching retirees — Daugherty spent 40 years at Euclid near Cleveland and Henderson 29 at Springfield North — had a bigger vision than that.

“We went back to Don’s house after that trip and talked for hours,” the 93-year-old Daugherty recalled. “I said, ‘My input is that it has to be colleges, too. And we’ve also got pros and women’s players. If we’re going to save the history of the sport, it’s got to be more than just high schools.’

“I went home after that and was ready to call it quits. But Don called and said, ‘Doc, I made an executive decision. We’re going to do it your way. And you and I are co-chairs.’”

Both began searching for a permanent home almost immediately. Henderson passed away in 2017, but Daugherty hasn’t given up.

The Cavaliers sponsor the Ohio hall ceremonies each year, but they couldn’t come through on their original promise of finding room in their arena to display the plaques of honorees.

Daugherty and Henderson had talks with Springfield and Dublin, but nothing materialized — though the Ohio hall could potentially develop into a tourist attraction.

“Maybe we’re dreaming — and it was a dream to begin with — but that’s what we’re really interested in,” Daugherty said.

“Everyone now says, ‘Internet, internet, internet.’ And we do have a decent website. But what Don and I and the Ohio Basketball Coaches Association have really wanted is a place to save the history of basketball for the state of Ohio.”

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College Sports | A Q&A with ODU coach Ricky Rahne: Wrapping…

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Subscriber only, college sports | a q&a with odu coach ricky rahne: wrapping up spring practice.

NORFOLK — Old Dominion completed the last of 15 spring practices with last weekend’s 55th annual Charity Bowl Spring Game at S.B. Ballard Stadium.

The nearly two-hour event featured highlights from both the offense and the defense, including an early 40-yard run and a 35-yard touchdown run by running back Tariq Sims.

Incumbent starting quarterback Grant Wilson added a 25-yard run and threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Diante Vines, a transfer from Iowa. Another newcomer, Aaron Young, caught a 25-yard pass from Wilson.

This week, ODU coach Ricky Rahne discussed with beat writer David Hall what the team accomplished in the spring as he enters his fifth season with the program and his fourth on the sideline. The Monarchs opted out of the 2020 season, Rahne’s first, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ODU went 6-7 last season, including a 38-35 overtime loss to Western Kentucky in the Famous Toastery Bowl. The Monarchs open the 2024 campaign Aug. 31 at South Carolina.

Among the topics covered with Rahne were team depth, Wilson’s potential status as the starter and the ongoing recovery of All-American linebacker Jason Henderson, who suffered a season-ending left knee injury during ODU’s 25-24 win over Georgia State on Nov. 25.

The Virginian-Pilot: What’s the biggest thing you guys accomplished this spring?

Ricky Rahne: “I think the biggest thing we accomplished is that we added depth. We got a lot of guys reps and added depth. I thought we got better in terms of executing our system and those sort of things. I definitely think we played more physical and did some good things there on both sides of the ball. That depth piece was a huge thing for us. Another thing I thought we got much better at is, even though we did not go into X’s and O’s, I thought we got much better at special teams and fundamentals, and that’s something I think will carry on. We did a lot of foundation-type deep work that I think’s really going to pay off in the end.”

VP: Anytime I’ve asked you about (team) identity, you always say you keep working on that until the last game. But did you make any headway in that category?

RR: “Yeah, I think we made some identity headway in terms of playing physical and playing fast. I thought that we did that in virtually every practice. Obviously, there were some technique things that we’ve got to get cleaned up and get better at, but there wasn’t a practice where I came away thinking that we didn’t play physical and fast and with some aggression in every practice.”

VP: Does anything stand out as kind of your biggest takeaway from spring?

RR: “Again, I just think it’s the overall depth. I thought we added some depth at some key positions, particularly running back. I thought we were deep there. I think we added some depth in the secondary, and overall, we did some nice things at linebacker. Although we were a little thin overall in numbers, I thought we had a bunch of guys step up and prove that they can play in games. I think that that’s a good thing as well.”

VP: I know you’re not a fan of discussing injuries, but did you come out of this mostly unscathed?

RR: “Yes. Yes, we did. I thought our guys did a nice job of practicing the right way, which was able to keep guys healthy for the most part. We did have a couple of things, but overall, this was probably one of the more physical spring balls that I’ve been a part of, and we also were able to stay healthy, which is rare.”

VP: Get ready to roll your eyes. Are you going to go into fall camp with a named quarterback?

RR: “We haven’t named anybody yet. Grant took almost all the 1 reps and all those sort of things. He’s done some great things. Obviously, he came out of the season as the starter, and he took the majority of the 1 reps coming out. Obviously, we’ve had another guy enter the portal since then. I thought Grant made some big-time strides and did some things that are going to put us in position to be successful.”

VP: What is the status of Jason Henderson? Any idea when he might be able to play?

RR: “No. His status is he’s in rehab and still rehabbing his injury, and he’s going to continue to do that. And I’ve been pleased with what he’s been doing there. Our staff does a great job of rehabbing long-term injuries, and we have kind of a history of being able to get guys back so that they can play well and play fairly quickly after their injury. So I feel good about it, but right now, there’s no timetable on when he’ll be back.”

VP: And finally, what’s next for you guys? I know there’s some time off, but I assume you’re trolling the portal pretty hard.

RR: “Yeah, our players have got finals, and then they’ve got some time off before they come back Memorial Day for their summer training. Our coaches are out on the road recruiting right now, and in the office, I just met with every single player on our team over the last three days. And then the rest of our staff is working on making sure that we set up visits and examine the portal and things like that so we can fill out any remaining spots we have on our roster.”

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Pennsylvania school district cancels actor’s speech over his activism and ‘lifestyle’

FILE - Actor Maulik Pancholy attends the premiere of “Trishna” during the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival on Friday, April 27, 2012 in New York. A Pennsylvania school district has canceled an upcoming appearance by actor and children’s book author Pancholy after district leaders cited concerns about what they described as his activism and “lifestyle.” Pancholy, who is gay, was scheduled to speak against bullying during a May 22, 2024, assembly at Mountain View Middle School in Cumberland County. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, File)

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MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania school district has canceled an upcoming appearance by actor and children’s book author Maulik Pancholy after district leaders cited concerns about what they described as his activism and “lifestyle.”

Pancholy, who is gay, was scheduled to speak against bullying during a May 22 assembly at Mountain View Middle School in Cumberland County. However, the district’s school board voted unanimously Monday night to cancel his talk after some members voiced concerns and others noted the district’s policy about not hosting overtly political events, news outlets reported. The policy was enacted after the district was criticized for hosting a rally by Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign for president.

Pancholy, 48, is an award-winning actor, including for his roles on the television shows “30 Rock” and “Weeds,” and as the voice of Baljeet in the Disney animated series, “Phineas & Ferb.” He also has written children’s books and in 2014 was named by then-President Barack Obama to serve on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, where he co-founded a campaign to combat AAPI bullying.

Pancholy’s appearance was scheduled by the school’s leadership team, which each year selects an author to present a “unique educational experience for students,” according to the district.

While discussing the appearance at Monday night’s meeting, school board members said they did not know what Pancholy’s talk would be about, but one member said he didn’t “want to run the risk” of what it might entail.

“If you research this individual, he labels himself as an activist,” Bud Shaffner said, according to Pennlive. “He is proud of his lifestyle, and I don’t think that should be imposed upon our students, at any age.”

The board’s vote sparked criticism from several parents, students and community members who called the decision “homophobic.” Some have started online petitions urging that Pancholy’s appearance be reinstated.

In a statement posted on social media, Pancholy said that as a middle school student he never saw himself represented in stories, and that books featuring South Asian-American or LGBTQ+ characters “didn’t exist.” When he started writing his own novels years later, he was still hard-pressed to find those stories, he said.

“It’s why I wrote my books in the first place,” Pancholy wrote. “Because representation matters.”

Pancholy said his school visits are meant “to let all young people know that they’re seen. To let them know that they matter.” When he talks about his characters feeling “different,” he said he is always surprised by how many children of various identities and backgrounds want to share how they feel different too.

“That’s the power of books. They build empathy,” Pancholy wrote. “I wonder why a school board is so afraid of that?”