How to Become a Speech Writer in Only Eight Minutes

My own road to becoming a speaker was not designed. I fell into it. Actually, I was dragged into it and was too embarrassed and scared to admit that I didn’t know what I was doing. The first time I was ever asked to write a speech was for the President and CEO of J. Walter Thompson (now JWT Canada), John J. (aka Jack) Cronin. I’d already been working for Jack for six months, and wrote most of his reports, letters and memos. A bunch of us were at a major industry dinner.

Ten minutes before he had to go on to give out some awards, my boss asked me if I could put together a few words for him. I hope I hid the terrified look in my eyes well. I had never written, let alone given, a speech in my adult life. I didn’t count what I’d done as required public school speaking.

My adrenaline kicked in, and I wrote – er scribbled – out Jack’s impending remarks. Thank goodness I’d only had one glass of wine at dinner!

Eight minutes later, the back of a menu, and two paper napkins were given to Jack for his assessment and review. He calmly read my scratchings and gave me two thumbs up. Later he hold me that I had all the makings of a speech writer. And according to Jack, a darn effective one. That was a pivotal moment for me in my life, and I didn’t know it.

That was a few decades ago. I’ve learned much and have still many things that I’d like to learn and try. The greatest thing that I learned is that speaking is about sharing my voice, time and energy with others. If I can do that well, everyone in the room will be happy.

If anyone had ever told me that I’d write speeches for even more CEO’s after that first outing, I’d have told you that that was a one off situation. In fact, I ended up writing and coaching many CEO’s and executives on their talks and presentations.

If anyone had ever told me that I’d speak in front of 10,000 people, give workshops to VP’s, or get on a plane because someone wanted me to speak in another country, I’d have though they had ingested too much coffee and chocolate.

And if anyone had ever told me that I’d make people laugh, cry in empathy, not commit suicide, try new things or tell me that they were so glad they came out to hear me speak even though they suffered from clinical exhaustion, I’d never have believed you. But all of this and so much more has happened to me because I decided to stand up and try to write, talk and share.

Here’s to your starting new things that relate to speaking in public: a new chapter in your life, new attitude, new speaking opportunities, or even carving out a new career and income stream.

And here’s to sharing your vision of the world with as many people as possible.

Happy speaking!
Julia