INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
To offset the costs of running the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable I’m holding a raffle for three great prizes of interest to speechwriters. Tickets are just $10 each for members who would like to try their luck and support the Roundtable by buying tickets in this virtual raffle. MORE
Long before Lululemon, Bikram Hot Yoga and the ubiquitous downward facing dog, yoga was being taught in small studios in San Francisco, New York and the Hudson River Valley. MORE
Philip Pape is an author, software engineer, public speaker, and life-hacker who helps smart people obliterate obstacles to success. He shares specific strategies for helping you succeed through the unconventional art of confidence at HowToAttainSuccess.com. MORE
On Thursday, August 30th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted Jeff Davenport in a free conference call. MORE
On Thursday September 1, members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted a conference call with with renowned author, speechwriter and professor Bob Lehrman. Robert A. MORE
“A fox knows many things, but a hedgehog one important thing” — Archilochus I recently had a situation where a potential client in the technology industry preferred to hire a speechwriter with deep domain knowledge rather than go with someone with general writing skills. This is, in some ways, choosing the “hedgehog” who is a […]. Speechwriting MORE
I first met Felicity in 2014 shortly after she moved from England to San Francisco. She’s a speechwriter who has worked in both the UK and USA and has expertise in B2B, finance, insurance and technology. MORE
Thanks to David Murray for pointing to a piece from DelanceyPlace.com about President Lyndon Johnson’s relentless work schedule that exhausted most of those who worked for him in the West Wing. This from the book Organizing the Presidency by Stephen Hess He worked a two-shift day, 7:00 A.M. MORE
Ever wondered why some TED talk recordings on YouTube gather a respectable few hundred thousand views while other go viral and attract many millions? Is there a difference in content, facts and figures or information shared that is more compelling and pertinent to a wider audience? MORE
Charis Kubrin, Professor of Criminology, Law and Society, U.C. Irvine, is a renowned specialist in criminology and law. MORE
David McGimpsey is a communication skills trainer. He specializes in coaching business people to deliver compelling presentations which sell, persuade, and entertain. His popular blog can be found at presentationblogger.com. To read more about how to improve your presentation skills, check out David’s book: PowerPoint Doesn’t Suck, You Do: The counter-intuitive approach to compelling presentations. […]. Business Communication Public Speaking MORE
With wedding season approaching, happy couples from around the world are preparing to walk down the aisle and begin their lives together. Wedding season also marks the time when friends and family will be asked to give a toast to celebrate the occasion. MORE
On Thursday, August 30th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable will host Jeff Davenport in a free conference call. MORE
It’s over dozen years since I first profiled The King of Hay-on-Wye and then listed the Top 197 Tweets from the 2008 Hay Festival. I’ve finally made the pilgrimage to the little Welsh-border village where books are celebrated. MORE
Gail is an executive level expert and thought leader driving the vision and tactical decisions for large-scale transformation programs, from the C-Suite to the team level. Gail excels at leading complex, multidimensional transformations, managing client and vendor relationships. MORE
Speechwriting In Theory and Practice, by Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund and Jette Barnholdt Hansen Reviewed by Neil Hrab, Rhetoric Editor, Vital Speeches of the Day A Book We’ve Long Awaited Speechwriters have hoped for a long time to see a book like this appear in print. Speechwriting in Theory and Practice’s 13 […]. Speechwriting Book Review MORE
My parents funeral took place on January 30, 2018 at Crewe Crematorium. This is the eulogy I read in celebration of their lives. Shakespeare wrote in his play The Tempest: We are such stuff as dreams are made on / And our little life is rounded with a sleep. Mum and Dad were together for […]. MORE
141 Alerted to the work of the economist Mariana Mazzucato by an intriguing Lunch with the FT article I took a look at her blog. MORE
Michelle Tran is an ESL English teacher. Her Basic English Speaking website lists common English phrases, expressions, basic grammar and more. This list of 102 common English idioms with meaning and examples is reprinted here with her express permission. 102 Common English Idioms with Meaning and Examples, by Michelle Tran Say you’re in a conversation […]. International Communication ESL MORE
No member of the National Speakers Association speaks to as many people on a daily basis as does Karen Jacobsen. Her voice is one of the options on over 100 million GPS systems and 300 million smartphones. MORE
There’s only 24 hours in a day, which is why President Obama, despite being an accomplished writer and orator, needs help with his speeches. MORE
On Thursday, July 19th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable will host Matt Kivel in a free conference call. Matt is the overall 2018 Cicero Speechwriting Award Winner for his speech The Power of a Story delivered by Gregory L. MORE
Maile believes that business is built one connection at a time. In other words, she believes in individual excellence as well as team excellence. A team can do so much more than an individual, and excellent teams are made of excellent individuals doing their part. Maile is a marketer who built a referral team that […] Maile believes that business is built one connection at a time. In other words, she believes in individual excellence as well as team excellence. MORE
Toastmasters International announced today that world-renowned world-renowned author and entrepreneur Keith Ferrazzi is the recipient of the organization’s 2018 Golden Gavel award. MORE
I caught a rebroadcast of an Intelligence Squared debate on NPR last night. Intelligence Squared is a weekly forum for balanced and intelligent debate. Their goal is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to American public discourse. Hurray for them, although I can’t help thinking they’re p **g into the prevailing wind these days.) […]. Speechwriting Technology AI Artificial Intelligence Debating MORE
The second Festival Foundation Gala event at the 2019 Hay Festival celebrated the power of persuasion and words. From calls to arms to demands for peace, this performance captured the voices of prophets and politicians, rebels and tyrants, soldiers and statesman. MORE
I’m continually amazed by the hidden gems buried in the pink pages of the Financial Times. Today’s edition has a fascinating article on the manner in which auto companies protect their fleets of new vehicles parked in the open at distribution centers in places at risk of hailstones. MORE
“Go West, young man.” ” — Horace Greeley, 1865 This is the second part of the review of my working life. Part 1, The Early Years, covered the part-time jobs I had while in school in England. In Part 2 I graduate from college and move to the States. MORE
(Full disclosure: Matt is the nephew of my good friend James Haig. I heard Matt speak at a recent Marin County bookstore where I purchased his book. I’ve not read any of his other writing, but see from Twitter that he has a large and loyal fan base. It was Matt who told me that […]. MORE
The world’s largest speech competition has launched with more than 30,000 contestants in 126 countries vying for the title of World Champion of Public Speaking. MORE
I’ve noted before that the Financial Times — the British equivalent of the Wall Street Journal — isn’t reticent about treating readers as adults and using four-letter words when appropriate. MORE
On Thursday, July 19th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted Matt Kivel in a free conference call. Matt is the overall 2018 Cicero Speechwriting Award Winner for his speech The Power of a Story delivered by Gregory L. Fenves, President, the University of Texas at Austin. MORE
Jonathan Berent, L.C.S.W. has pioneered treatment for performance and social anxiety since 1978. A certified psychotherapist, he has worked with thousands of individuals of all ages in individual, group, and family psychotherapy. He has appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, “Sally Jessy Raphael”, “Joan Rivers”, “CNN Medical News” and many other TV and radio shows. […] Jonathan Berent, L.C.S.W. MORE
Kudos to Hong Kong based Malcolm Andrews for publishing a great infographic on how to deliver a world-class presentation. Malcolm is UK national who has been involved over the last 10 years in the development of business management and communication skills for companies across Asia. MORE
The European Speechwriter Network held their 16th annual conference at King’s College, Cambridge on 12 & 13 April. MORE
Last week I was in the UK visiting family and took the opportunity to present to the Northwest Region of the Professional Speaking Association. Over 20 people attended at the conference center in Manchester. MORE
On Thursday, December 13 the Silicon Valley Speeechwriters Roundtable hosted Ian Griffin in a free conference call. I’m usually the one doing the interviewing. However, Barbara Seymour Giordano suggested she turn the tables and interview me. Barbara had been my guest back in May. Barbara and I discussed my career as a freelance speechwriter, corporate […] On Thursday, December 13 the Silicon Valley Speeechwriters Roundtable hosted Ian Griffin in a free conference call. MORE
As I’ve noted before, the UK’s Financial Times has none of the reticence of other publications such as the WSJ in employing good Anglo Saxon terms where appropriate. Unlike American publications, they will print the work ‘f**k’ in articles. I see this is a word that’s also freely employed by The Guardian. In her May […]. Culture Shock! newspapers reporting MORE
I’m delighted that transcripts of the 25 best speeches selected by Vital Speeches of the Day are now available. MORE
David Murray is the editor of Vital Speeches of the Day. This posting recently appeared there and I was impressed by the practical advice it contains. It captures the essence of the speechwriting process. The title says it all. This appears with David’s express permission. MORE
This Saturday I attended the annual Presidents Day meeting of the National Speakers Association Northern California Chapter. MORE
It’s good to see Susan Cain getting well-deserved press in the Financial Times. Her 2013 book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking and guest posting on this blog are a a great resource for anyone intimidated by the challenge of speaking in public. Opening an article in the Dec […]. Public Speaking Kate Peters lisa braithwait Patricia Fripp susan carter women speakers MORE
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 15, 2019
The second Festival Foundation Gala event at the 2019 Hay Festival celebrated the power of persuasion and words. From calls to arms to demands for peace, this performance captured the voices of prophets and politicians, rebels and tyrants, soldiers and statesman.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 4, 2019
It’s over dozen years since I first profiled The King of Hay-on-Wye and then listed the Top 197 Tweets from the 2008 Hay Festival. I’ve finally made the pilgrimage to the little Welsh-border village where books are celebrated.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
FEBRUARY 9, 2019
Jonathan Berent, L.C.S.W. has pioneered treatment for performance and social anxiety since 1978. A certified psychotherapist, he has worked with thousands of individuals of all ages in individual, group, and family psychotherapy. He has appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, “Sally Jessy Raphael”, “Joan Rivers”, “CNN Medical News” and many other TV and radio shows. […] Jonathan Berent, L.C.S.W.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 30, 2018
On Thursday, August 30th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted Jeff Davenport in a free conference call.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 12, 2019
I caught a rebroadcast of an Intelligence Squared debate on NPR last night. Intelligence Squared is a weekly forum for balanced and intelligent debate. Their goal is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to American public discourse. Hurray for them, although I can’t help thinking they’re p **g into the prevailing wind these days.) […]. Speechwriting Technology AI Artificial Intelligence Debating
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 11, 2019
As I’ve noted before, the UK’s Financial Times has none of the reticence of other publications such as the WSJ in employing good Anglo Saxon terms where appropriate. Unlike American publications, they will print the work ‘f**k’ in articles. I see this is a word that’s also freely employed by The Guardian. In her May […]. Culture Shock! newspapers reporting
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 14, 2018
This Saturday I attended the annual Presidents Day meeting of the National Speakers Association Northern California Chapter.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 1, 2019
Michelle Tran is an ESL English teacher. Her Basic English Speaking website lists common English phrases, expressions, basic grammar and more. This list of 102 common English idioms with meaning and examples is reprinted here with her express permission. 102 Common English Idioms with Meaning and Examples, by Michelle Tran Say you’re in a conversation […]. International Communication ESL
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 28, 2019
Speechwriting In Theory and Practice, by Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund and Jette Barnholdt Hansen Reviewed by Neil Hrab, Rhetoric Editor, Vital Speeches of the Day A Book We’ve Long Awaited Speechwriters have hoped for a long time to see a book like this appear in print. Speechwriting in Theory and Practice’s 13 […]. Speechwriting Book Review
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
Ever wondered why some TED talk recordings on YouTube gather a respectable few hundred thousand views while other go viral and attract many millions? Is there a difference in content, facts and figures or information shared that is more compelling and pertinent to a wider audience?
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 5, 2018
I first met Felicity in 2014 shortly after she moved from England to San Francisco. She’s a speechwriter who has worked in both the UK and USA and has expertise in B2B, finance, insurance and technology.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 16, 2019
Maile believes that business is built one connection at a time. In other words, she believes in individual excellence as well as team excellence. A team can do so much more than an individual, and excellent teams are made of excellent individuals doing their part. Maile is a marketer who built a referral team that […] Maile believes that business is built one connection at a time. In other words, she believes in individual excellence as well as team excellence.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 5, 2018
(Full disclosure: Matt is the nephew of my good friend James Haig. I heard Matt speak at a recent Marin County bookstore where I purchased his book. I’ve not read any of his other writing, but see from Twitter that he has a large and loyal fan base. It was Matt who told me that […].
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
FEBRUARY 10, 2019
Gail is an executive level expert and thought leader driving the vision and tactical decisions for large-scale transformation programs, from the C-Suite to the team level. Gail excels at leading complex, multidimensional transformations, managing client and vendor relationships.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 1, 2019
It’s good to see Susan Cain getting well-deserved press in the Financial Times. Her 2013 book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking and guest posting on this blog are a a great resource for anyone intimidated by the challenge of speaking in public. Opening an article in the Dec […]. Public Speaking Kate Peters lisa braithwait Patricia Fripp susan carter women speakers
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
NOVEMBER 1, 2016
An interesting post in OZY explains why the next hot job in Silicon Valley is speechwriting.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
SEPTEMBER 23, 2016
On Thursday September 1, members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted a conference call with with renowned author, speechwriter and professor Bob Lehrman. Robert A.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 13, 2018
Long before Lululemon, Bikram Hot Yoga and the ubiquitous downward facing dog, yoga was being taught in small studios in San Francisco, New York and the Hudson River Valley.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 7, 2018
Toastmasters International announced today that world-renowned world-renowned author and entrepreneur Keith Ferrazzi is the recipient of the organization’s 2018 Golden Gavel award.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 24, 2018
I’m continually amazed by the hidden gems buried in the pink pages of the Financial Times. Today’s edition has a fascinating article on the manner in which auto companies protect their fleets of new vehicles parked in the open at distribution centers in places at risk of hailstones.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 24, 2018
“A fox knows many things, but a hedgehog one important thing” — Archilochus I recently had a situation where a potential client in the technology industry preferred to hire a speechwriter with deep domain knowledge rather than go with someone with general writing skills. This is, in some ways, choosing the “hedgehog” who is a […]. Speechwriting
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 12, 2015
Charis Kubrin, Professor of Criminology, Law and Society, U.C. Irvine, is a renowned specialist in criminology and law.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 13, 2018
On Thursday, August 30th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable will host Jeff Davenport in a free conference call.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 19, 2018
I’m delighted that transcripts of the 25 best speeches selected by Vital Speeches of the Day are now available.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 3, 2018
Thanks to David Murray for pointing to a piece from DelanceyPlace.com about President Lyndon Johnson’s relentless work schedule that exhausted most of those who worked for him in the West Wing. This from the book Organizing the Presidency by Stephen Hess He worked a two-shift day, 7:00 A.M.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 31, 2018
I’ve noted before that the Financial Times — the British equivalent of the Wall Street Journal — isn’t reticent about treating readers as adults and using four-letter words when appropriate.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 3, 2015
No member of the National Speakers Association speaks to as many people on a daily basis as does Karen Jacobsen. Her voice is one of the options on over 100 million GPS systems and 300 million smartphones.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
FEBRUARY 24, 2014
There’s only 24 hours in a day, which is why President Obama, despite being an accomplished writer and orator, needs help with his speeches.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 5, 2018
“Go West, young man.” ” — Horace Greeley, 1865 This is the second part of the review of my working life. Part 1, The Early Years, covered the part-time jobs I had while in school in England. In Part 2 I graduate from college and move to the States.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
FEBRUARY 11, 2015
The world’s largest speech competition has launched with more than 30,000 contestants in 126 countries vying for the title of World Champion of Public Speaking.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 20, 2018
On Thursday, July 19th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted Matt Kivel in a free conference call. Matt is the overall 2018 Cicero Speechwriting Award Winner for his speech The Power of a Story delivered by Gregory L. Fenves, President, the University of Texas at Austin.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 14, 2017
Kudos to Hong Kong based Malcolm Andrews for publishing a great infographic on how to deliver a world-class presentation. Malcolm is UK national who has been involved over the last 10 years in the development of business management and communication skills for companies across Asia.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 7, 2018
The European Speechwriter Network held their 16th annual conference at King’s College, Cambridge on 12 & 13 April.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 3, 2018
On Thursday, July 19th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable will host Matt Kivel in a free conference call. Matt is the overall 2018 Cicero Speechwriting Award Winner for his speech The Power of a Story delivered by Gregory L.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
FEBRUARY 18, 2018
My parents funeral took place on January 30, 2018 at Crewe Crematorium. This is the eulogy I read in celebration of their lives. Shakespeare wrote in his play The Tempest: We are such stuff as dreams are made on / And our little life is rounded with a sleep. Mum and Dad were together for […].
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
NOVEMBER 18, 2014
Last week I was in the UK visiting family and took the opportunity to present to the Northwest Region of the Professional Speaking Association. Over 20 people attended at the conference center in Manchester.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 21, 2015
Alerted to the work of the economist Mariana Mazzucato by an intriguing Lunch with the FT article I took a look at her blog.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
DECEMBER 13, 2018
On Thursday, December 13 the Silicon Valley Speeechwriters Roundtable hosted Ian Griffin in a free conference call. I’m usually the one doing the interviewing. However, Barbara Seymour Giordano suggested she turn the tables and interview me. Barbara had been my guest back in May. Barbara and I discussed my career as a freelance speechwriter, corporate […] On Thursday, December 13 the Silicon Valley Speeechwriters Roundtable hosted Ian Griffin in a free conference call.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 30, 2018
To offset the costs of running the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable I’m holding a raffle for three great prizes of interest to speechwriters. Tickets are just $10 each for members who would like to try their luck and support the Roundtable by buying tickets in this virtual raffle.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 4, 2018
David McGimpsey is a communication skills trainer. He specializes in coaching business people to deliver compelling presentations which sell, persuade, and entertain. His popular blog can be found at presentationblogger.com. To read more about how to improve your presentation skills, check out David’s book: PowerPoint Doesn’t Suck, You Do: The counter-intuitive approach to compelling presentations. […]. Business Communication Public Speaking
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 27, 2015
With wedding season approaching, happy couples from around the world are preparing to walk down the aisle and begin their lives together. Wedding season also marks the time when friends and family will be asked to give a toast to celebrate the occasion.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 30, 2015
David Murray is the editor of Vital Speeches of the Day. This posting recently appeared there and I was impressed by the practical advice it contains. It captures the essence of the speechwriting process. The title says it all. This appears with David’s express permission.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 22, 2015
Philip Pape is an author, software engineer, public speaker, and life-hacker who helps smart people obliterate obstacles to success. He shares specific strategies for helping you succeed through the unconventional art of confidence at HowToAttainSuccess.com.
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