Speechwriting is an act of transformation. Whatever the event, the speech can go one of two ways – it can bomb or it can be something which delights, influences, amuses – or even changes people’s life.
In February 2010, I won a Cicero Award for Speechwriting from the US Magazine, Vital Speeches of the Day. The judges included former White House speechwriters. Read the winning speech (Adobe PDF, 1.4MB)
Just to let you know that the speech went down very well indeed. Polished, well received, well judged, erudite and entertaining, most engaging – were words that have been received in the post. Many thanks for the re-write and additional material, which added a bit of gravitas and was very much what I was looking for.
– TB
Many thanks for the speech – I’m very happy with it.
– Matthew
Thanks Brian. Looks brilliant. Much appreciated.
– Subo
Many thanks for your session on Thursday. You and your advice contributed greatly to the success of the speechwriting course. The power of stories became the talking point for the rest of the course. Much food for thought.
– National School of Government, London
The speech went down brilliantly. Delivery was good but content was excellent. Thank you.
– Dan
Thanks for the speech, I am very pleased with it.
– Mark
Just a note to thank you for your help in preparing my speech for our Burns’ night golf club supper. I am pleased to say the speech went down extremely well and I have already had letters of congratulation arrive. I took your advice and cut it down a little and I think I got my timing right! I thoroughly enjoyed speaking but I'm glad it’s over!
– Sarah Cooke
Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to edit this – your version is much, much better and a big improvement. I used all of your changes, then did some further work on it (including the thank yous, so had to make more cuts) – and then left it to Richard (an American film star). The ceremony was yesterday and I have yet to hear more about exactly what he used or whether he added some things of his own. Thank you so much again – learnt a lot from your edits…
– Kate
It was a great success! There was close to 150 people for the sit down and a significant array of performers: TV presenters, comedians and professional sportsmen in the gathering. I am proud to say a very large percentage came up after and complimented me on the speech.
– Paul, Head of Structured Asset Finance UK
Many thanks for the speech, and I have to say, I’m very impressed! Your historical aviation research is impressive and I love the way you wove it together with Sunseeker.
– Deborah
I forgot to mention your jokes went down well! The Olive Index made everyone laugh and so did the Oliver Rackham quote. I noticed people writing down lots of notes when I talked about conflicted consumers being ready to switch to other brands. Many thanks once again for creating an excellent speech.
– Karen, Ethical Reputation Index
The speech went really well, thanks to you. I will certainly get in touch again if the need arises and will recommend you to anyone who finds themselves in the same position.
– N.L, Cheviot Asset Management
Thanks so much for the speech. It’s marvellous! Concise summation and presentation. I could not hope to match in my wildest dreams! Thanks again.
– Robbie
Just to say I adopted all of your advice in the end and it went really well. Thanks.
– Chris
Exactly what I wanted and all that remains is for me to practise this and then deliver on the big day.
– Gavin
The speech was fantastic, it went down very well thank you so much for your help.
– Simon Stainton
Just to let you know that the speech was a great success and enjoyed by all those present. I would like to thank you for your contribution, which was invaluable.
– Tom Starcevic
The speech was really well received and went down a storm. It was a great feeling to stand up to make the speech and having absolute confidence in the material. Thank you for all your hard work. My final major speech is in November, so I will be back in touch. Thanks again.
– Jeremy, Golf President
Thank you for your script. It was just what I needed. I tried it on my wife who was very impressed and amused.
– Peter
‘Brilliant’ – everything I was trying to say! I can just about look forward to Saturday now! Thanks very much.
– Cliff
Just gone through the speech and yes it’s fine.
– Steve
The speech was last weekend. I stayed with what we had. Thanks for all your help, it went really well. It was very emotional to present the speech, but I got through it and not a dry eye in the house. It all the right notes. Mission accomplished.
– Steve
Mr D (from UBS Investment Bank) sends his grateful thanks for a great speech.
Ann has asked me to drop you a line to say a huge ‘thankyou’ for all of your expertise, efforts etc in assisting with her imminent speech this week. She is now on her way to Munich. Ann appreciated very much the fact that you were able to turn this around so quickly, given the short timescales on our part.
– Bakkavör Food Group
Brian, Just to let you know that the speech went really well. Thanks for your help and look forward to working with you again.
– Steve, Whistlebrook Ltd
Brian. I am thrilled with it, thank you so much. You have made my life so much easier than you can possibly imagine! I would certainly like to work with you again (if you can stand it!), and would not hesitate to recommend you to others.
– Kirsten, Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Brian. My speech was, I think, very well received yesterday. Thank you for your help.
– Alan, Ashursts
Brian. Just to let you know that the speech went down brilliantly, so many thanks.
– Mark
Dear Brian. The speech is absolutely brilliant, thank you so much for helping me. It really is very funny. I am sure I will be able to read it “loud and proud”, (just heard that our venue, ‘Orsett Hall’ has burnt down, so we will have to look for a new place for our Ladies Evening.)
– Sara, Norfok
I just wanted to thank you very much for the best man’s speech you helped me with. It went down really well and everyone commented on how good it was.
– Iain, Corporate Finance Executive
Hi Brian. Perfect.
– Dan Morrison
Brian. Thank you very much for the speech. I have read it a number of times and am very pleased with it. Well done.
– Alan
Hi Brian. Just to let you know that all went extremely well on Saturday last. Many compliments.
– Peter K
Hi Brian. Thank you so very much; it is just right. Many thanks for your invaluable help and for turning it around so quickly.
– Arwel, Solicitor, Wales
It has been a great help to have you on board, and I’ll certainly get in touch next time I, or my wife Helen, have a major speech.
– Andrew K
Speech was a big success and got a lot of laughs… thank you so much.
– Lauren B xxx
I thought that I would let you know that the speech with which you helped us went down extremely well on Saturday night – so, many thanks for your help.
– Samantha D
Think it’s brill! I can now work from there! You have been a great help and I shall recommend you!
– Simon L
Hi Brian. Just a quick note to say that the wedding was a huge success and the speech went fantastically well – so thank you.
PS I am getting married myself in April next year, so I’ll be in touch, if you could please help me with my speech.
– Tom
Brian – thanks a lot for your help – the style and length really helped, it went down a treat. This was great, given that the father of the bride and the groom delivered superb speeches. The gags which seemed to work best were the ones about ‘whipping it out’ and the football tips at the end.
– Hugo
Thank you ever so much indeed for your work. They are spot on perfect, and you must clearly have put in a great deal of effort to deliver on such an unusual request!
– From a chap who wanted a few lines