by Rob Cottingham | Mar 11, 2006 | Speechwriting
You’re preparing a PowerPoint presentation, and you have this slide, and you think, “You know what would go nicely right about here? An arrow…” Hold it right there, buckaroo. Before you go any further, read this post by Joel at Hyde Park... by Rob Cottingham | Mar 11, 2006 | Culture, Arts and Popcorn, Speechwriting
The mixed reviews for Jon Stewart’s Oscar-hosting performance last weekend may reflect a dilemma I’ve noticed with many speakers. They get only tepid response from their audiences during their prepared remarks, but wow ’em during the Q and A... by Rob Cottingham | Mar 10, 2006 | Politics, Speechwriting
It’s good to see NDP MP Dennis Bevington is gaining momentum in his quest to have Canada’s motto changed to “From sea to sea to sea”. And it brings back some fond memories. When I was working for Audrey McLaughlin, we often joked about her... by Rob Cottingham | Mar 1, 2006 | Communicating, Politics, Vancouver
David Emerson has apologized: These past several days have been a difficult time for my family and me. I know many of my constituents are having difficulty with the choice I have made. To those of you who are upset with my decision – I apologize. However, I did... by Rob Cottingham | Feb 24, 2006 | Speechwriting
I remember the speech at my university graduation only dimly. Something about barely being able to stay awake through it… and wishing the damn thing would end. That was nearly 20 years ago, and according to Fannie Mae speechwriter Jeffrey Denny – who took us... by Rob Cottingham | Feb 17, 2006 | Communicating
Once more, with feeling: this over here is how you handle a crisis, and this over there is how you don’t. As I type this in the departure lounge at Ottawa International Airport, an Air Canada staffer is on the horn, patiently explaining why it is that standby...