On May 24, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable Held a conference call with Barbara Seymour Giordano. Barbara is a Story Doctor, Speechwriter and Presentation Coach who specializes in helping speakers tell memorable stories that audiences yearn to hear and share. Her specialty is guiding speakers — from the page to the stage — through […] On May 24, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable Held a conference call with Barbara Seymour Giordano. MORE
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
Here’s a concise review of the major speeches of 2016 on both sides of the Atlantic by FT columnist Sam Leith. Public Speaking Sam Leith 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 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
The good folks at men’s outfitters Tommy John (“A man’s under layers shouldn’t be stuck in the past. Or anywhere else.”) 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
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.” MORE
On Thursday May 18 members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable were in conversation with Tim Pollard, author of The Compelling Communicator: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional Presentation Design. MORE
While there are many Toastmasters and National Speakers Association members who speak for fun and profit, none can touch the stellar earnings that retired (but not retiring) politicians can rake in at the podium. 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
Toastmasters announced an impressive lineup of speakers for its 2016 International Convention, to be held at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C., 17-20. Ten dynamic speakers will share their insights and expertise on a variety of topics. MORE
Fiona Sturges has a great weekly column in the Financial Times reviewing podcasts. This week she highlights The Atomic Hobo by British journalist, cold war specialist and self-confessed “nuke geek” Julie McDowall. Julie has an engaging Scottish accent, which adds a degree of surrealism to the subject of her regular podcasts: the ways in which […]. Culture Shock! Podcasts H-Bomb 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 
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 May 24th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable will host Barbara Seymour Giordano in a free conference call. Barbara is a speechwriter with an edge. In fact, she has three distinct edges that set her apart from the run-of-the-mill wordsmiths who clients hire to craft their speech. She is a writer who is also […]. Speechwriting 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
It’s universally acknowledged that employers seek applicants with strong speaking and writing abilities. Despite being highly educated and armed with technical skills, many millennials lack the soft skills to compete in the workplace. 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
On Wednesday October 4th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted a conference call with Shel Holtz. 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
Financial Times columnist Lucy Kellaway gave the closing keynote at the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) conference in Dublin this last May. Her presentation starts by asking the audience ‘how many feel really passionate about what you do?’ 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
I’ve long been an admirer of communication strategist Shel Holtz. who is a regular speaker on topics surrounding the application of online technology to strategic organizational communication. He speaks regularly at IABC and Ragan Communication conferences. MORE
Five benefits your organization can gain from implementing an enterprise-grade direct sourcing solution 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
Half asleep on the evening ferry after a long day at work, half listening to a podcast of a recent episode of Start the Week, I was startled awake by a remarkable poem: In Wales, wanting to be Italian (from Over the Moon, by Imtiaz Dharker) Is there a name for that thing you do […]. 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
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 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
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
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
JANUARY 14, 2018
This Saturday I attended the annual Presidents Day meeting of the National Speakers Association Northern California Chapter.
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
JUNE 4, 2018
Fiona Sturges has a great weekly column in the Financial Times reviewing podcasts. This week she highlights The Atomic Hobo by British journalist, cold war specialist and self-confessed “nuke geek” Julie McDowall. Julie has an engaging Scottish accent, which adds a degree of surrealism to the subject of her regular podcasts: the ways in which […]. Culture Shock! Podcasts H-Bomb
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
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
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
MAY 24, 2018
On May 24, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable Held a conference call with Barbara Seymour Giordano. Barbara is a Story Doctor, Speechwriter and Presentation Coach who specializes in helping speakers tell memorable stories that audiences yearn to hear and share. Her specialty is guiding speakers — from the page to the stage — through […] On May 24, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable Held a conference call with Barbara Seymour Giordano.
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
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
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 4, 2018
On Thursday May 24th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable will host Barbara Seymour Giordano in a free conference call. Barbara is a speechwriter with an edge. In fact, she has three distinct edges that set her apart from the run-of-the-mill wordsmiths who clients hire to craft their speech. She is a writer who is also […]. Speechwriting
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
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.”
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
NOVEMBER 29, 2017
The good folks at men’s outfitters Tommy John (“A man’s under layers shouldn’t be stuck in the past. Or anywhere else.”)
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
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.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
DECEMBER 11, 2016
Financial Times columnist Lucy Kellaway gave the closing keynote at the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) conference in Dublin this last May. Her presentation starts by asking the audience ‘how many feel really passionate about what you do?’
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 20, 2017
On Thursday May 18 members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable were in conversation with Tim Pollard, author of The Compelling Communicator: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional Presentation Design.
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
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
OCTOBER 4, 2017
On Wednesday October 4th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted a conference call with Shel Holtz.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
DECEMBER 16, 2016
Here’s a concise review of the major speeches of 2016 on both sides of the Atlantic by FT columnist Sam Leith. Public Speaking Sam Leith
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
I’ve long been an admirer of communication strategist Shel Holtz. who is a regular speaker on topics surrounding the application of online technology to strategic organizational communication. He speaks regularly at IABC and Ragan Communication conferences.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 14, 2016
Toastmasters announced an impressive lineup of speakers for its 2016 International Convention, to be held at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C., 17-20. Ten dynamic speakers will share their insights and expertise on a variety of topics.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
DECEMBER 6, 2016
Half asleep on the evening ferry after a long day at work, half listening to a podcast of a recent episode of Start the Week, I was startled awake by a remarkable poem: In Wales, wanting to be Italian (from Over the Moon, by Imtiaz Dharker) Is there a name for that thing you do […].
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 4, 2016
It’s universally acknowledged that employers seek applicants with strong speaking and writing abilities. Despite being highly educated and armed with technical skills, many millennials lack the soft skills to compete in the workplace.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
NOVEMBER 22, 2016
I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
NOVEMBER 21, 2016
While there are many Toastmasters and National Speakers Association members who speak for fun and profit, none can touch the stellar earnings that retired (but not retiring) politicians can rake in at the podium.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 28, 2017
Five benefits your organization can gain from implementing an enterprise-grade direct sourcing solution
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
Let's personalize your content