Sally Ann O'Dowd
Setting and sharing the stage: President Biden strives to unite
Comms experts break down the inauguration’s messaging highlights, speechwriting tactics and storytelling takeaways.
Speechwriting
Ragan Insider Ted Kitterman
Biden offers vision of unity in first address as president
PR and media professionals weigh in on how his speech offers a bridge to the many priorities he has set for his incoming administration—and what communicators can learn from a symbolic day.
Ted Kitterman
Takeaways from Marriott’s emotional CEO video
The hotel chain’s chief Arne Sorenson looked right into the camera to deliver his regrets and sympathy for team members affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Ragan Insider Robby Brumberg
Selecting the right words for your specific audience
Sarah Hurwitz, former head speechwriter for Michelle Obama, shares how to shape and sharpen presentations and capture the voice of your subject in an authentic manner.
Ragan Insider Hinda Mitchell
Why you should lead with values in COVID-19 crisis
How can communicators protect reputations and preserve their stature amid the current health and economic crisis? Here are some important rules to follow.
Ragan Insider Jordan Brueckner
Public speaking lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The civil rights icon is remembered for his ability to control a venue with the simple power of his voice. Here are a few reasons why he was a messaging master.
Ragan Insider Robby Brumberg
Communication lessons from Pope Francis
A recent speech from the pontiff offers timeless linguistic lessons for communicators from every tongue and tribe. Levity and brevity are heavenly, but beware the temptation of adjectives.
Ragan Insider Amanda Athuraliya
6 simple steps to craft a great speech
Start by identifying the purpose of your presentation. From there, tailor the talk for your audience, and keep it concise.
Ragan Insider Russell Working
6 lessons from a never-delivered Apollo 11 disaster statement
In 1969, a speechwriter had a statement ready for President Nixon in case the astronauts died on the moon. How prepared are you for a fatal crisis?
Ragan Insider Rob Cottingham
Why and how you should get to know your audience before a speech
Before your big event, do some sleuthing to identify attendees’ pain points and preferences. Use whatever nuggets you mine to shape your message and delivery.
Ragan Insider Nick Morgan
Your speech hinges on this 1 key factor
No, it’s not a good opening joke. Presence determines whether your orations soars or bores.
Ragan Insider Ted Kitterman
No comic, no president—yet the speaker wows White House reporters
The annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner featured a presidential historian rather than having a comedian deliver the keynote. Here are five takeaways for presenters.
Ragan Insider Russell Working
4 ways to electrify speeches through storytelling
The platitudes you offer—or mission statements you regurgitate—will soon be forgotten. Make your point with a story, however, and audiences will long remember your message.
Ragan Insider Ragan Staff
How modern speechwriters keep the craft alive and well
Join us for our live conference webcast and see how these savvy communicators are crafting addresses that enthrall audiences.
Ragan Insider Tim O'Brien
3 essential steps for writing a speech for the CEO
Have you been asked to prepare remarks for the leader of your organization? Here are three crucial components of crafting a speech for someone else to deliver.
