Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

AUGUST 23, 2020

Jeff Nussbaum and Kate Childs Graham, the 2020 Democratic convention speechwriters, have written a fascinating article in the Washington Post detailing how the ‘Zoom era’ has radically transformed political speechwriting. While this probably won’t cause Bob Lehrman to tear up the guidance in his excellent book The Political Speechwriter’s Companion, it shows how the future […]. Speechwriting DNC2020 political speechwriting Robert Lehrman

2020 113

2020 Speechwriter Washington Booking 113

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

AUGUST 20, 2020

In November 2018 I launched a new blog. Booch News is the premier source for independent news about all aspects of the kombucha industry — the beverage that is taking the world by storm. It offers an in-depth look into the kombucha industry, discusses the latest trends, marketing techniques, news, profiles, and other topics related […]. Personal

2020 107

2020 2018 Techniques Topics 107

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

MARCH 24, 2020

These are unusual times. A challenge we all face as the minimize the spread of the coronavirus is how to stay healthy and sane in the growing regions of the world where we’ve been asked to stay indoors. An antidote to the ‘self-isolation blues’ is to lose yourself in a good TV series. Apologies to […]. Shallow End coivd-19 coronavirus k-drama Korean Romance

Recommendations 131

Recommendations 2020 TV 131

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.

2019 176

2019 Public Speaking Radio Podium 176

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

MARCH 3, 2020

At a time when the COVD-19 novel coronavirus is causing conferences around the world to be canceled or postponed, it’s more important than ever to take a long hard look at the fundamental ways that large gatherings for professional purposes are structured. For too long, organizers have tried to cram a full schedule of keynotes, […]. Business Communication Keynotes Public Speaking Technology conferences coronavirus COVID-19 Forbes

2020 113

2020 Keynote Technology Communications 113

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

2019 144

2019 Speechwriter Publications Publicity 144

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Obfuscation is alive and well in the corporate world. Molly Young writes in New York Magazine about the ways the Millenial generation of white-collar workers replicate the communication patterns of the organization man and woman. Silicon Valley She reviews Anna Weiners’ memoir Uncanny Valley about life in San Francisco during the current tech bubble: …the […]. Business Communication Culture Shock! Anna Wiener Clayton Christensen Friedrich Nietzsche New York Magazine WeWork

2020 107

2020 San Francisco New York Writing 107

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

AUGUST 30, 2018

On Thursday, August 30th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted Jeff Davenport in a free conference call. Jeff serves as an executive speaker coach and senior content developer at Duarte, the well-known communication design and consulting firm based in Santa Clara, founded by Nancy Duarte.

2018 152

2018 Delivery Speechwriter Conversion 152

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. The selection of speeches was inspired by Simon Sebag Montefiore’s “new book” [sic] – […].

2019 123

2019 Showcase Power Booking 123

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

JANUARY 14, 2018

This Saturday I attended the annual Presidents Day meeting of the National Speakers Association Northern California Chapter. As a past Chapter President (2008-09) I was invited to the meeting where the current national president, Brian Walter, CPAE, CSP held a brilliant workshop modestly titled ‘A Bazillion Extreme Ways to Use Video DURING Your Speeches’ This […]. Business Communication Technology video

2018 158

2018 Communications CPAE CSP 158

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

JANUARY 11, 2020

National Speakers Association 100

National Speakers Association 2020 California Meeting 100

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

2019 116

2019 Practice Speechwriter Booking 116

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

2019 116

2019 Print Printing Financial 116

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. While Richard Booth is no longer King, having sold his various properties and suffered serious health challenges, […]. Culture Shock! Bill Clinton England festivals Leonard Cohen literature Wales

2019 113

2019 2008 Listing Booking 113

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

Speechwriter 140

Speechwriter 2018 Hiring Technology 140

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

2019 107

2019 Reprints Permission Listing 107

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? Does one speaker have more name recognition than another? […]. Public Speaking body language

2015 203

2015 Viral Recorders Body Language 203

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

2019 119

2019 Public Speaking 2013 Financial 119

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

MAY 8, 2017

The true value of Tim Pollard’s excellent new book is conveyed by the subtitle: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional Presentation Design. While much of the literature on what makes a ‘compelling communicator’ focuses on cultivating delivery skills and stage presence, Pollard rightly consigns these topics to a brief Epilogue. Rather, his focus on […]. Public Speaking Speechwriting presentation design

2017 159

2017 Booking Communications Delivery 159

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

OCTOBER 11, 2016

I read the news today, oh boy About a lucky man who made the grade And though the news was rather sad Well, I just had to laugh. — The Beatles, A Day In The Life I’ve made a decision to avoid reading the news for the rest of 2016. This might strike some as […]. Deep End Book Review

2016 173

2016 Booking 173

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.

2019 113

2019 SPC Vendor National Speakers Association 113

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

JANUARY 18, 2019

Over 60 members and guests of the Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association gathered in Lafayette last Saturday to hear NSA National President Dan Thurmon, CSP, CPAE, who presented a talk titled “Doing what it Takes: How to Differentiate & Deliver in Today’s Competitive Marketplace” Dan is an author, entrepreneur, workplace performance expert, […]. Keynotes Public Speaking Storytelling juggling storyboard

National Speakers Association 113

National Speakers Association California 2019 CPAE 113

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.

Referral 107

Referral Mail 2019 Marketing 107

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

2018 128

2018 Trainers Entertainment PowerPoint 128

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. Felicity is currently the Executive Speechwriter at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. She’s a communications expert specializing […]. Speechwriting women speaking

San Francisco 123

San Francisco 2018 Conversion 2014 123

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.

2018 107

2018 Social Media Conversion Speechwriter 107

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.

Conversion 156

Conversion 2016 2004 Iowa 156

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

NOVEMBER 1, 2016

An interesting post in OZY explains why the next hot job in Silicon Valley is speechwriting. Leslie Nguyen-Okwu does a great job interviewing David Murray, head of the Professional Speechwriters Association, who comments that When twentysomethings get “spit out of the administration after working 23 hours a day and [making] s**t money,” they’re “interested in […]. Speechwriting OZY

2016 153

2016 Speechwriter 153

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. During his first term in office, much of this help came from a young man who is arguably the most famous living speechwriter—Jon Favreau—who began working for then Senator Barack Obama [.] 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.

2014 216

2014 Speechwriter Iowa Orator 216

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

MAY 22, 2015

The Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted Patricia Fripp for a webinar on ‘Speech Coaching to Simplify Your Job & Electrify Your Executives’ A full video recording of the event is available. Please ignore the terrible delay on my video which makes it seem as if I’m heavily medicated – there is no delay on Ms. […]. Public Speaking Speechwriting FrippVT Patricia Fripp

2015 184

2015 Executives Coach Recorders 184

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. In this TEDx talk she shares with passion and mastery a story of Rap on Trial that elucidates the fundamental issues our society faces in relation to freedom of speech, liberty, equality and justice. This speech was […]. Speechwriting Storytelling Cicero Awards criminology rap music

2015 182

2015 Story Speechwriter 182

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. She’s the one we hear when lose our way and the GPS tells us it is ‘recalculating’ On […] No member of the National Speakers Association speaks to as many people on a daily basis as does Karen Jacobsen.

2015 183

2015 National Speakers Association Mastermind NSA 183

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. The Toastmasters International Speech Contest begins with participants practicing and giving their presentations in local clubs as they polish their oratory skills while advancing to area, division and district levels. […]. Public Speaking Dananjaya Hettiarachchi Darren Lacroix Mark Brown Patricia Fripp Toastmasters

2015 188

2015 Advance Intern Practice 188

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 […]. Cultural Differences

2018 119

2018 Purchaser Twitter Booking 119

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

The Chicago Tribune has reviewed the play ‘Bigmouth’ (created by the Antwerp, Belgium-based SKaGeN) currently on stage in Chicago. It’s a one-man tour de force by Belgian actor Valentijn Dhaenens who delivers extracts of political speeches from the time of the Greeks to the 21st century. Dhaenens speaks in English, German, Greek, Flemish, French, Italian […]. Culture Shock! Public Speaking Uncategorized

2018 107

2018 Chicago Rhetoric Stage 107

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. Thanks to Patricia Fripp for the introduction to the group, and to Eilidh Milnes and Steve Houghton-Burnett for arranging the visit. […]. Business Communication Social Media podcasting Professional Speaking Association

Social Media 189

Social Media 2014 Social Introduction 189

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

AUGUST 4, 2015

Felicity H. Barber is a speechwriter, executive communications specialist and coach. She write speeches, advises business leaders on messaging and coaches people to deliver stellar presentations and pitches. Before moving to San Francisco from London she was an in-house speechwriter at Lloyd’s of London, the global insurer. She wrote speeches and prepared business executives for […]. Cultural Differences Speechwriting

San Francisco 172

San Francisco 2015 Executives Coach 172

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

MAY 3, 2018

On April 26, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable Held a conference call with Felicity Barber. Felicity is the Executive Speechwriter at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. She is a communications expert specializing in thought leadership, storytelling and speechwriting. Prior to joining the Fed she ran her own business, Thoughtful Speech for three […] On April 26, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable Held a conference call with Felicity Barber.

Conversion 113

Conversion 2018 San Francisco Percentage 113

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. She debunks the myth that innovation in Silicon Valley is a result of brilliant young minds (Jobs & Wozniak; Page & Brin) unfettered by regulations thriving in garages in a California […]. Technology Mariana Mazzucato

2015 169

2015 Economist Regulations California 169

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

DECEMBER 7, 2014

It’s been over seven years since I recorded my first podcast and six years since I posted my Podcasting 101 tutorial. I’ve been encouraged by the growing popularity of podcasts and my own playlist allows me to listen to the BBC, NPR and experts such as Wendy Hanson and Phil McKinney. However, it wasn’t until […]. Podcasts

Podcast 184

Podcast 2014 Recorders 184

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

FEBRUARY 9, 2018

More than 2,000 years ago, Cicero called rhetoric a “great art.” Since then, staggering advances in mass communication haven’t diminished the transformative power of a great speech. And the Cicero Speechwriting Awards recognize the speechwriters and the speakers who make it great. Presented by Vital Speeches of the Day, the prestigious monthly collection of speeches, […] More than 2,000 years ago, Cicero called rhetoric a “great art.”

2018 116

2018 Conversion Speechwriter Rhetoric 116

Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking

JUNE 19, 2018

On June 19, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable held a conference call with Bob Sands. Bob is a speaker and speechwriter who has helped people and businesses tailor and tell their stories for the last 25 years. He has also been a Pastor, Entrepreneur, Coach and Radio Broadcaster. Currently, he is focusing his time […] On June 19, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable held a conference call with Bob Sands.

2018 109

2018 Conversion Speechwriter PSA 109

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. Just as Lululemon struggled to contain the reputational damage of the ‘sheer pants’ scandal and Bikram Choudhury became embroiled in lawsuits, the man who opened the […]. Culture Shock!

San Francisco 109

San Francisco 2018 America New York 109