Speechwriters Conference Closing Keynote – Ted Sorensen
Theodore C. Sorensen, special counsel, adviser and legendary speechwriter to President John F. Kennedy
In Ted Sorensen’s keynote he shared tips on speechwriting. He claims it is all a matter of writing ‘a few lines’:
1. Outline — used plan the speech.
2. Headline — what’s the news in the speech?
3. Front line — what’s the most important point?
4. Sidelines — quotes, poems or humor.
5. Bottom line — an ending the audience will remember.
He then lists the four features of a good speech:
1. Clarity – achieved if you have a good outline.
2. Charity – praise the audience.
3. Brevity – JFK believed anything worth saying can be covered in a 20 minute speech.
4. Levity – as evidenced by Kennedy’s ironic wit
My Fripp Associate Ian Griffin makes these great notes in his blog. Read more:
