by Rob Cottingham | Jan 28, 2014 | Speaking, Speechwriting
More than 50 lies, half-truths, and instances of disingenuous spin. Rob Ford’s speech lasted 16 minutes, therefore Rob Ford took liberties with reality, on average, three times per minute. And that was in a speech where nobody asked him about drugs, alcohol, or criminal behaviour. via Torontoist One crucial thing speechwriters need to remember: the … Keep reading →
by Rob Cottingham | Jan 11, 2014 | Politics, Speechwriting
The New York Times has strung together lines from notable apology speeches into one big, remorseful Frankenpentance.Tragically missing, though, is anything from Rob Ford’s rambling, defensive apology from last November. Where’s “I know I have let you down and I can’t... by Rob Cottingham | Jan 9, 2014 | Speechwriting
This is worth a heartfelt OMG: Nancy Duarte’s Resonate is now available as a free download from iBooks. You need an iPad or a Mac to use this version, but it has all sorts of interactive goodness and bonus material, including lots of video. I’ve gone on about Resonate at length before, but to recap: … Keep reading →
by Rob Cottingham | Aug 21, 2013 | Speaking, Speechwriting
Sophomore Georgia Tech student Nick Selby welcomed this year’s first-year students in unforgettable style. There are lots of things a speaker or speechwriter could take from this clip: the use of crescendo, knowing your material cold, owning the stage, using... by Rob Cottingham | Jul 22, 2013 | Speechwriting
From You’re Going to Want to Watch This Speech | The White House: I just finished reading the draft of a speech the President plans to deliver on Wednesday, and I want to explain why it’s one worth checking out. […] It’s a vision he carried through his first campaign in 2008, it’s a vision he … Keep reading →
by Rob Cottingham | Jul 2, 2013 | Communicating, Speaking, Speechwriting
This was my speech capping off a wonderful evening of presentations hosted by the IABC/BC. It’s all about embracing regret and seizing opportunity. A quick speechwriting note: Normally I’m a strong (even harsh) advocate of diving right into what you want...