3 career tips for speechwriters I wish I’d known 10 years ago
Speechwriting is a weird and wonderful and totally unique career. And because there aren’t that many speechwriters in the world it can be hard to get advice or figure out how to break into the profession. Here are three things I wish I’d known when I got my first speechwriting gig 10 years ago.
Don’t start by writing speeches
I want to debunk a myth. I often hear aspiring speechwriters advised to find someone — anyone — to write a speech for. But you can waste a lot of time taking this approach, unless you’re well networked or looking to break into politics. Instead, start by writing. Write anything: Write a blog, write on LinkedIn, write on Medium, write for a someone else’s blog. Just find a way to show a hiring manager you love writing and then when you get the job, learn everything you can from them.
Find community
Speechwriting can be a lonely business. You spend many hours writing and you’re often the only speechwriter in a company. That’s changing as executive communications plays a bigger role in corporate communications. But it pays to get the perspective of speechwriters outside of your immediate colleagues. Attend PSA events and conferences, start a Whatsapp group with some fellow scribes, or set up a monthly Zoom to catchup, swap stories, and complain about your principals.
Know your worth
I used to be very uncomfortable talking about money, but over the years I’ve realised that the silence around $$$ only serves to reinforce pay inequity for marginalised groups. It’s particularly difficult to get good data about speechwriting salaries because it’s such a small profession, so I’ve started to be more transparent about the awkward stuff. When you’re negotiating your salary, remember how much value you bring to your organisation and your principal. You have a unique and special skill and you deserve to be compensated handsomely for it!
