Dipping into past blog posts I came across my 2006 comments on the cultural differences between Japan, Australia and the US around attitudes toward the wealthy. MORE
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
On Thursday, August 30th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted Jeff Davenport in a free conference call. MORE
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. 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
I’ve written many blog posts about the relevance of storytelling for speechwriters and public speakers. Jo Ellision pays homage to Philip Roth, one of America’s great storytellers, in the Weekend Financial Times. The opening paragraph captures the power of story to sway us: From the villagers tuning in to the troubadour of yore, to the […]. Storytelling Financial times Philip Roth 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
For anyone with even a passing interest in executive communications in Silicon Valley, Bad Blood is a must read. Wall Street Journal investigative reporter John Carreyrou delivers a step-by-step history of Theranos, a Silicon Valley startup headed by the young, charismatic founder and Stanford drop-out Elizabeth Holmes. He has written a masterful, suspenseful tale of […]. Business Communication Theranos 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
On Thursday, August 30th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable will host Jeff Davenport in a free conference call. MORE
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 MORE
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 MORE
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. 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
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
Kudos for the FT’s Hannah Kuchler for reporting on the number of Obama-era White house staffers who’ve gone West and taken up lucrative speechwriting and communications roles in Silicon Valley. She notes that the talent from DC is a match made in heaven for Silicon Valley companies. 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
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
In the spirit of full disclosure I should say that, following my adventures in America detailed in Part II of this series, I returned to England in the Summer of 1978 after three years in the States without a graduate degree. 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
On Tuesday, June 19th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable will host Bob Sands in a free conference call. Bob is an ordained minister and “preaching man” David Murray’s recent PSA White Paper titled A Provocation from the Pulpit: Dead Preachers Challenge Living Speechwriters states that the lessons in a 1971 book on writing sermons “helped […]. Speechwriting conference call 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
In a wide-ranging interview on Fresh Air, late night TV host Trevor Noah comments on the appeal of Donald Trump, specifically the language he uses. 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
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
Two letters from Wednesday’s edition of the Financial Times attribute a quote about the difficult of writing a short speech or letter rather than a much longer one to two different sources. Pascale’s quote is translated as “The present letter is a very long one, simply because I had no leisure to make it shorter.” […]. Speechwriting MORE
Last month marked the end of my official full-time employment. This used to be called “retirement” but neither my past working life nor my future activities are so easily compartmentalized. MORE
I’m delighted that transcripts of the 25 best speeches selected by Vital Speeches of the Day are now available. MORE
Marianne Fleischer is a speechwriter and presentations executive coach. As a Corporate Communications consultant, her San Francisco firm, Fleischer Communications, helps clients think on their feet. She coaches others to pitch ideas, handle Q&A, and stand out on panels, corporate presentations or digital media. Clients include Schwab, Apple, Salesforce, Genentech, DLA Piper Law Firm and […]. Business Communication Venture Capital MORE
This Saturday I attended the annual Presidents Day meeting of the National Speakers Association Northern California Chapter. MORE
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
JANUARY 14, 2018
This Saturday I attended the annual Presidents Day meeting of the National Speakers Association Northern California Chapter.
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
AUGUST 30, 2018
Two letters from Wednesday’s edition of the Financial Times attribute a quote about the difficult of writing a short speech or letter rather than a much longer one to two different sources. Pascale’s quote is translated as “The present letter is a very long one, simply because I had no leisure to make it shorter.” […]. Speechwriting
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 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.
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
APRIL 20, 2018
In the spirit of full disclosure I should say that, following my adventures in America detailed in Part II of this series, I returned to England in the Summer of 1978 after three years in the States without a graduate degree.
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
APRIL 1, 2018
Last month marked the end of my official full-time employment. This used to be called “retirement” but neither my past working life nor my future activities are so easily compartmentalized.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 10, 2018
For anyone with even a passing interest in executive communications in Silicon Valley, Bad Blood is a must read. Wall Street Journal investigative reporter John Carreyrou delivers a step-by-step history of Theranos, a Silicon Valley startup headed by the young, charismatic founder and Stanford drop-out Elizabeth Holmes. He has written a masterful, suspenseful tale of […]. Business Communication Theranos
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
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.
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
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
JUNE 1, 2018
On Tuesday, June 19th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable will host Bob Sands in a free conference call. Bob is an ordained minister and “preaching man” David Murray’s recent PSA White Paper titled A Provocation from the Pulpit: Dead Preachers Challenge Living Speechwriters states that the lessons in a 1971 book on writing sermons “helped […]. Speechwriting conference call
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
MAY 29, 2018
Marianne Fleischer is a speechwriter and presentations executive coach. As a Corporate Communications consultant, her San Francisco firm, Fleischer Communications, helps clients think on their feet. She coaches others to pitch ideas, handle Q&A, and stand out on panels, corporate presentations or digital media. Clients include Schwab, Apple, Salesforce, Genentech, DLA Piper Law Firm and […]. Business Communication Venture Capital
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
MAY 26, 2018
I’ve written many blog posts about the relevance of storytelling for speechwriters and public speakers. Jo Ellision pays homage to Philip Roth, one of America’s great storytellers, in the Weekend Financial Times. The opening paragraph captures the power of story to sway us: From the villagers tuning in to the troubadour of yore, to the […]. Storytelling Financial times Philip Roth
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 15, 2018
Kudos for the FT’s Hannah Kuchler for reporting on the number of Obama-era White house staffers who’ve gone West and taken up lucrative speechwriting and communications roles in Silicon Valley. She notes that the talent from DC is a match made in heaven for Silicon Valley companies.
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
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 25, 2017
Dipping into past blog posts I came across my 2006 comments on the cultural differences between Japan, Australia and the US around attitudes toward the wealthy.
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
DECEMBER 1, 2016
In a wide-ranging interview on Fresh Air, late night TV host Trevor Noah comments on the appeal of Donald Trump, specifically the language he uses.
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