Joan Detz Speaker Services

Margie Gabriel, Maj, USAF, has attended several of my speechwriting seminars, and she is always wonderful about sharing information.  Today I received this email from Margie: 

“I was sent this resource and thought it might be useful for other speechwriters. Today’s page features the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge and I can see it being used as an example for a multitude of different kinds of speeches. Tomorrow is the opening of the Star Wars movie–maybe not as universal, but a lot of fun anyway. The best part of the site is the links to info on the topic. One-stop research for those who don’t have much time or the inclination to dig.”

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

Texas-based business writer Phil Johnson, who attended my Advanced Speechwriting seminar years ago, wrote to share some publishing news:

“I’ve researched and written two new articles that appear in the current issue of Intelligent Utility magazine.  The articles center on smart-grid principles …”

To read one of Phil’s articles: 

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/energycentral/iu_20100102/#/36       

Note:  The 2010 “Advanced Speechwriting” seminar will be held Mon-Tues, Aug 16-17, in Philadelphia: www.joandetz.com

Dairy Month

Zoo and Aquarium Month

National Flag Week 

National Safe Boating Week

National Physical Therapy Week 

Salesmen’s Day

Italian Day

Freedom of the Press Day 

World Environment Day

Architects’ Day

Budgeting Day

Nurse Assistants’ Day

Flag Day

I just returned from Bethesda, MD, where I gave a presentation for the annual conference of the National Association of Government Communicators. 

My topic:  “How To Write Career-Boosting Speeches.”  I’ll be posting tips from my speechwriting workshop during the weeks ahead.

Meanwhile, learn more about NAGC by visiting www.nagconline.com.  And start planning now for their 2011 conference in Minneapolis.  While geared to federal, state and local government employees, NAGC’s Communications School also provides an outstanding educational experience for those who work in associations, health care, safety/security, the environment, and other fields.

I just returned from speaking at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association conference in Kansas City.  In addition to teaching a speechwriting workshop, I also taught a session on persuasion skills (How To Turn A ‘No’ Into A ‘Yes’ … Or At Least A ‘Maybe’).

A question that kept popping up:  “How can I make my speaker more likable?”  My advice: 

1.  Pay more attention to the audience.  Audiences respond better when the speaker shows genuine respect for their concerns. 

2.  Up your “interesting” factor.  In the words of advertising genius David Ogilvy:  “Nobody ever sold anybody anything by boring them to death.”  The more interesting you make the speech, the more the audience will like (and respond to) your speaker.

For more information on NRECA’s conferences:  www.nreca.coop

To those of you who have attended my annual master-level speechwriting seminar:

Remember how I emphasized the importance of where and when a speech is given?  Consider this excellent example from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates:

In a blunt speech given on Saturday, May 8, Defense Secretary Gates challenged some of the Pentagon’s spending practices. 

Where did Gates choose to give his speech?  At the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas.  Keep in mind:  It was Eisenhower who, in his farewell address as President, warned of a “military-industrial complex.” 

Just as important, when did Gates choose to give his speech?  On the 65th anniversary of the World War II victory in Europe.   Two decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Gates pointed out, the US Defense Department still remains top-heavy with top-brass in Europe.

Gates gave a powerful speech - and used both the location and the date to reinforce his message.  That’s master-level speechwriting at work.  (As a fellow College of William and Mary alum, I send him my kudos.)

Interested in the next master-level speechwriting seminar?  Visit www.joandetz.com for info on the 2010 class:  June 7-8.

Several weeks ago, I taught “The Business of Six-Figure Speechwriting” in Philadelphia.  One of the attendees, Gordon Tomb, just wrote to share some news:

Gordon was invited to participate in a news conference given by a candidate for Governor.  And, what prompted this invitation?  “Source was an email I sent to the campaign giving some constructive criticism of one of the candidate’s speeches.”

A resourceful approach to getting new business!

Position:  speechwriter/director of exec comm for Raytheon (in the Boston area).  Anyone interested should contact Megan Shattuck at megan.shattuck@kornferry.com