Executive Speech Writer | Custom Executive Speeches
Executive speeches are a slightly differently animal than speeches by just anyone else, in part because of their significance. The right word at the right time can boost employee morale, public and shareholder confidence, or media support. The wrong word at the wrong time can do just the opposite. The same goes for the executive's presentation of the speech. This is why so many executives invest in speech writers and public speaking coaches.
If you're looking for help with an executive level speech, Your Speech Writer is here to help. I grew up around and work with C-level people, understand the importance of their time, and listen for the message they are trying to convey when working on a speech for them. Whether hiring out for help or not, however, an executive ought to strongly consider the following factors when developing and giving a speech: 1) The audience. It's important not only to think about what message they want to hear, but what their mood is going into the speech. If they're supportive of the speaker, s/he has a lot more leeway for a relaxed mood and humor. If there are serious issues on the line, the speech needs to help the listener feel better about the situation. 2) Word choices. People can read a lot into words, so an executive would do well to consult at least one other trustworthy person to consider whether any words choices can have more than one meaning. Is there anything being said that the exec doesn't mean to convey? 3) Sincerity. Putting things in a positive light on things is a given, but it's important that the message be sincere and accurate without trying to manipulate. In an age of information, sincerity is information, especially as a "pre-emptive strike" when necessary. This maintains overall goodwill, trust, and the ability to get things done moving into the future. 4) Energy. This goes along with sincerity. An executive ought to be passionate about his or her message. If things are going badly, palpable compassion ought to go with compassionate words. If things are going well, there ought to be a fire in the speaker's eye and tone, to match the fire of his/her words. 5) An interesting message. Executives have access to a lot of numbers and their topics often involve their businesses. So it's only natural for many to rely on statistics about the business in order to make it through a public speech. It's important to remember, though, that all the stats and numbers in the world still end up having human meaning to the employees and the community, so it's much more powerful to turn information into human stories and analogies that people can relate to. People generally respond with their emotions more than they do with the intellect anyway, so this is a good way to really reach them. 6) Solutions. What may most set an executive speech apart from other speeches is that executives may need to incorporate solutions into their speeches. If business has been heading downhill, they need to explain what steps are going to address that trend. And even when things are going uphill, I believe it's important to talk about how to maintain that trend. Of course there are many different venues for executive speeches. An awards ceremony won't call on these elements in the same way as an address to company employees or the media. But these are elements, nonetheless, to consider prior to any speech, just to make sure the executive isn't missing something important. Please contact me for a quote on business / executive speech writing. |