Getting your message across-How to write an impactful speech
25/08/2021
Why do some speeches keep your attention and pique your interest, and others have you multitasking or turning the volume up on your i-tunes? I believe it is all about summing up all the information you want to communicate and conveying it clearly. A manner that keeps the listener attention and getting them engaged. But this is not easy. Regardless of whether it is writing a speech or communicating a written form, it takes practice and understanding. In this episode, we speak with an expert in communicating, an expert that helps people untangle their thoughts and put them in clear, direct words. Our expert is a strategic messaging consultant that helps people get their message across. She will give us some tips on doing this and what communication pitfalls to look out for. We will also explore the world of gender-neutral words in speechwriting and written communication.
Speaker Information:
Elaine Bennett’s name may sound familiar but she is an award-winning speechwriter and definitely not the lady from Seinfeld, whose last name was Benes. This Elaine is a strategic messaging consultant, advising clients from Fortune 50 CEOs to entrepreneurs on their messaging. She also creates and delivers trainings on how to improve the writing of everything from internal communications to speeches. Her 2019 TEDx Talk tackles the topic of how language can change the world. She began her career on Wall Street 25+ years ago, as speechwriter for the CEO of Salomon Brothers. When scandal forced the executive to resign, Warren Buffett stepped in as Interim CEO—and Elaine’s newest client. Mr. Buffett offered Elaine one of his highest compliments: “You have a terrific ear and you turn straight thinking into straight writing.” And that’s what she’s been doing ever since—melding the mind of a businessperson with the sensibility of an outsider to tell complex stories in a sophisticated but relatable way. Or as another client put it, “Elaine is the Obi-Wan of speechwriting.”