Careers as a speechwriter

Melissa Hoffman interviewed Alan Perlman to discuss ways to become a speechwriter, "Want to Write Speeches for Other People?" . Read this “Tell-All Informational Interview” in a Q&A format at http://www.careerchase.net/career/ic/interviews/wep_speechwriter.htm to learn about getting into corporate speaking, the training and experience needed, its challenges and obstacles, and basic advice from this professional ghost writer who is also an academically trained linguist.

Learn what speechwriter Erin Leigh has to say in this July 2003 Scoop Media article, Speech Writing: A Forgotten Art. See this New Zealand site at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0307/S00279.htm for her thoughts about speeches for the business community and parliament. She believes that "credibility, logic and passion are key” to good speech writing and that for many leaders “it is often speeches, not strategies, that can shape what happens."

Careers as a speaker

The National Speakers Association NSA's 3,500 members include professionals who work as trainers, educators, humorists, motivators, consultants, and authors. At http://www.nsaspeaker.org/ near the top of the homepage, “Meeting Planners” and “Media Professionals” give basic info for finding an expert speaker. Or click on the NSA’s “Knowledge Bank and Resource Center” at left, and search by typing in a speech topic or public speaking issue, then choosing the resource (all, books, audio/video, magazine article, etc).

Many celebrities, authors, and consultants offer their speaking skills. Here is a list of some of the most prestigious agencies:

• The Clifford Agency. At http://www.cliffordagency.com click on “Find a Speaker” at the top or check out the list of “Exclusive Speakers” offered by this agency, which specializes in “high-content business and current affairs speakers.” From menu at left choose from categories such as Association, Corporate, Campus Programs, Development Programs, or Recent Events. Also review featured speakers and hot topics.
  
• Greater Talent Network. Billing itself as the “world’s leading speaker bureau,” the homepage at http://www.greatertalent.com/ says GTN has been in business 25 years. It offers links to six featured speakers as well as celebrities, chefs, actors, and theatrical folk. At top click on “Celebrity Spokesperson” or “Standing Ovations” to get basic info. Or do a speaker search by person or category.
  
• Harry Walker Agency. At http://www.harrywalker.com click on Speakers and browse by search, alpha list, or multiple categories (Business and Economics, Health and Healthcare, Hot Issues, Media and Current Events, Sports, Politics, Arts and Entertainment, World Leaders, Jewish Themes, even specialized categories such as “Moderators, Interviewers, and Emcees”). The site features high-profile political speakers such as Bill Clinton, Senator John Edwards, and Henry Kissinger, plus well-known celebrities, sports figures, and media personalities.
• • Keppler Speakers. At http://www.kepplerspeakers.com/ find exclusive newsmakers and authors of blogs, as well as a featured speaker. Also search by name or topic.
• National Speakers Bureau. At http://www.nsb.com use Speaker Finder to search by individual or topic for authors, consultants, journalists, entertainers, activists, educators, athletes, therapists, talk show hosts, and a number of experts in various fields. It is noted that only a sampling of its speakers are offered on its website.
  
• Walters International Speakers Bureau. This site at http://www.walters-intl.com offers motivational experts, business speakers, and humorists as well as keynoters, seminar leaders, and trainers. It offers over 30 years of experience and claims to have a database of 30,000 speakers and experts. Select from an alpha list or do a search by speaker name, topic, industry, or fee range.
• Washington Speakers Bureau. At http://washspkrs.com/ choose from the Most Requested list to see which speakers are requested most often by today’s events planners in a number of industries. Or click on Speakers to search by name, topic, fee range, or event type.