What industries employ speech writers, and how can you break into them?

1 Government and politics

One of the most obvious industries that employ speech writers is the government and political sector. Speech writers work for elected officials, candidates, parties, agencies, or advocacy groups. They help shape the public image and agenda of their clients, and communicate their vision, values, and policies to various stakeholders. Speech writers in this sector need to have a keen understanding of the political landscape, the issues, and the audience. They also need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances, handle sensitive topics, and deal with tight deadlines and feedback.

2 Business and finance

Another industry that employs speech writers is the business and finance sector. Speech writers work for executives, managers, entrepreneurs, or investors. They help convey the mission, strategy, performance, or opportunities of their organizations, and persuade or inform their customers, partners, employees, or shareholders. Speech writers in this sector need to have a solid grasp of the business and financial concepts, the industry trends, and the market dynamics. They also need to be able to craft compelling stories, use data and evidence, and tailor their tone and style to different contexts and goals.

3 Education and non-profit

A third industry that employs speech writers is the education and non-profit sector. Speech writers work for leaders, educators, researchers, or activists. They help share the impact, vision, or challenges of their institutions, projects, or causes, and inspire or mobilize their supporters, donors, students, or communities. Speech writers in this sector need to have a passion for the topic, a familiarity with the audience, and a knack for storytelling. They also need to be able to balance emotion and logic, use anecdotes and examples, and appeal to common values and interests.

4 How to break into speech writing

If you're interested in becoming a speech writer, you need to develop your skills, portfolio, and network. To break into the industry, you can read and analyze speeches from different sectors, occasions, and speakers to learn best practices and avoid common pitfalls. Additionally, you can write and practice speeches for yourself or others and ask for feedback to improve your craft. Showcase your work online with a website or blog that displays your speech writing samples. Use social media or online platforms to promote your work and reach potential clients. Network with other speech writers and industry professionals by joining associations, groups, or forums, attending events or webinars, and reaching out to speech writers or industry leaders for advice or referrals. With these steps, you can build your reputation and portfolio as a speech writer and land your dream job.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?