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Speechwriter
Writes speeches for politicians, executives, and public figures — crafting words that move and inspire.
Did you know?
Ted Sorensen, whom JFK called his 'intellectual blood bank', helped write the 1961 inaugural speech, but said he didn't remember where 'Ask not' came from.
How subjects help
- Literature: Use rhythm, repetition and vivid images so a speech sticks in listeners' minds.
- Political Science: Understand policies well enough to explain them simply in a leader's own voice.
- History: Borrow ideas from great speeches of the past and mark important anniversaries.
- Psychology: Know what moves a crowd and write lines that leave people feeling hopeful.
A famous name
Ted Sorensen: Chief speechwriter for President John F. Kennedy, helping write his 1961 inaugural address.
Try it yourself: Report today's news
- Pick something that really happened today at home, school or outside.
- Answer: who, what, when, where and why?
- Write it as a five-sentence news story with the most important fact first.
- Ask someone who was there: did you get the facts right? Fix anything that was wrong.
Journalists check every fact, lead with what matters most, and correct mistakes openly.
Also try: Pass on a message without changing it.
Known for it in
USA, UK, France, India, Canada