We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What does a Speechwriter do?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,398
Share

A speechwriter is someone who prepares speeches for delivery by someone else. Many speechwriters work in the political sector, handling the authoring of speeches for government officials. They can also work in the business sector, working with CEOs and other public figures who want assistance with preparing speeches and presentations. This type of work requires a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge, in addition to a willingness to be in the background, because speechwriters are rarely acknowledged.

While many people understand that speechwriters are used to prepare speeches, and that many public speeches are not written by the person who delivers the speech, the speechwriter is rarely explicitly identified. Members of the public may be aware of the existence of a speechwriting team, as it is not uncommon for a single person to employ several speechwriters, but the members of the team are generally not credited for individual speeches.

A speechwriter starts by meeting with the person delivering the speech to discuss the audience, the goal of the speech, and the points which need to be conveyed. Thinking about these issues, the speechwriter drafts a speech which integrates the desired points. It is important to strike the right tone, both for the audience and the person delivering the speech, as public officials like to maintain a consistent public face. The speechwriter may integrate various “signature” lines or pieces of rhetoric which people associate with the speaker, for example.

Once the draft is prepared, it can be sent to the official for evaluation, and notes are returned with any requests for adjustment. Sometimes an entire speech needs to be scrapped and rewritten, and in other cases a speechwriter just needs to make some changes. Once the speech is fully prepared for delivery, copies can be circulated to the media, and the speech can be loaded into a teleprompter or similar device for use during the speech.

Being skilled at rhetoric and oratory is an important skill for a speechwriter, but not the only one. These professionals must also be familiar with a broad spectrum of issues, and to be able to translate complex information into terms which will be understood by the audience. Many speechwriters have a background in liberal arts and the humanities, but they may also approach their career from the sciences. In the case of a speechwriting team, people with different skills can be matched to different needs, ensuring that a speech is prepared by the person best suited for the job.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-does-a-speechwriter-do.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.