Speeches with the power to persuade

There are few communications tools with the emotional power and immediacy of a well-crafted, well-delivered speech.

Rob is one of Canada’s leading speechwriters. For more than 10 years, he has worked closely with leaders in politics, community organizations, trade unions and others — helping them deliver clear, effective speeches.

Rob’s approach

• The spoken word: Speech is a medium with unique demands and strengths. Rob understands the pacing, dramatic structure and persuasive elements that can make a good speech great.
• The right speech: Every audience is different. Rob’s extensive background has seen him write speeches for events ranging from small, intimate gatherings to major campaign rallies. He can tailor the cadence and tone of a speech to suit any audience.
• In your own voice: Rob suits his writing style not only to the occasion and to the audience, but also to the speaker. The result is a speech that sounds and feels natural.
• An out-of-room experience: The best speeches leave their audiences with vivid images, real-life examples and turns of phrase. Rob draws on humour, metaphor and anecdote to make your speech memorable… and persuasive.
• Training for aspiring writers: Combining real-world experience with the fundamentals of solid speechwriting, Rob has delivered workshops to writers in corporate PR, government, labour, politics and community groups.

What makes a speech different?

How many speeches have you heard that sounded like someone reading an essay? Chances are, that’s more or less what they were doing.

Too many speakers forget the crucial difference between the printed page and the spoken word. For one thing, a reader can always go back and re-read something that she or he found confusing. That’s not an option for a listener; there’s no rewind button on a podium.

A conversational writing style means a more effective speech, one that captures and keeps your audience’s attention. Here are some ways you can do that:

• Write short, simple sentences. Unless you’re trying for a particular rhetorical effect, you’ll want to limit most sentences to two clauses.
• Use contractions freely (“won’t” instead of “will not”), and don’t be afraid to start a sentence with “But” or “And.”
• Help your audience navigate. Give them an idea of where they are in your speech – for example, by setting out the speech’s broad outline at the beginning and then indicating “milestones” as you go by.