A speechwriter is a person who prepares speeches for others to deliver. Many speechwriters work in government, writing speeches for government officials. They can also work in the business world, assisting CEOs and other public figures who require assistance with speech and presentation preparation. Because speechwriters are rarely acknowledged, this type of work necessitates a diverse set of skills and knowledge, as well as a willingness to work in the background.
While many people are aware that speechwriters are used to prepare speeches and that many public speeches are not written by the speaker, the speechwriter is rarely identified. The public may be aware of the existence of a speechwriting team because it is not uncommon for a single person to hire multiple speechwriters, but the team members are rarely given credit for individual speeches.
A speechwriter meets with the person giving the speech to discuss the audience, the speech’s goal, and the points that must be communicated. The speechwriter considers these issues and drafts a speech that incorporates the desired points. Because public officials like to maintain a consistent public face, it’s critical to strike the right tone, both for the audience and for the person delivering the speech. For example, the speechwriter might include various “signature” lines or pieces of rhetoric that people associate with the speaker.
After the draft is completed, it can be sent to the official for review, with notes and any requests for changes returned. In some cases, an entire speech must be scrapped and rewritten, while in others, a speechwriter only needs to make minor adjustments. After the speech has been fully prepared for delivery, copies can be distributed to the media and the speech loaded into a teleprompter or similar device for use during the speech.
Rhetoric and oratory are important skills for a speechwriter, but they are not the only ones. These professionals must also be knowledgeable about a wide range of issues and be able to translate complex information into terms that the audience can comprehend. Many speechwriters have a liberal arts or humanities background, but they can also come from a scientific background. People with different skills can be matched to different needs in the case of a speechwriting team, ensuring that a speech is prepared by the person best suited for the job.