Successful Speeches Blog

Analysis: 2012 State of the Union Address

John Watkis — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:16:29 +0000

Last night, President Obama delivered what could be his last “State of the Union” address. As I stated in my last blog post, I’m not going to express my feelings about his policies or discuss politics. My goal is to analyze the elements within the speech. Here are my observations: Length: Let’s get this one [...]

My Challenge to Professional Communicators

John Watkis — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:23:15 +0000

I have a challenge for my colleagues who proudly use the title “Professional Communicator” to describe their occupation. Tonight, as you’re watching the State of the Union address, put your personal and political feelings aside and do a professional critique. Can you do that? I’m issuing this challenge because I’m tired of reading the bull [...]

Herman Cain: In Search of Ethos

John Watkis — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:34:18 +0000

As the plot thickens for Herman Cain, his credibility grows thinner. Each new allegation brings a slip in the polls and makes it less likely he’ll be able to win the Republican nomination. His “ethos” is shot. Aristotle argued that there are three forms of persuasion when using the spoken word: Ethos – the character [...]

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

John Watkis — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:36:27 +0000

Even though the holidays are just around the corner, that’s not what I’m referring to when I mention the most wonderful time of the year. Truth is, what I’m most excited about doesn’t happen every year. What am I talking about? I’m talking about election time. With the debates now in full swing, I’m licking [...]

Speechwriters Roundtable Launches 11-11-11

John Watkis — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:35:34 +0000

Every now and again, I have one of those brilliant ideas that I don’t do anything about. Have you ever had one of those? Then there are other times when I have a brilliant idea and start to work on it, but I manage to not finish doing it. I’m constantly reminded of this when [...]

Steve Jobs: His Words & Works Live On

John Watkis — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:57:56 +0000

It’s amazing how the death of someone you don’t know can affect you so deeply. That’s how I feel about the death of Steve Jobs. The thought of sending him an email or letter had never crossed my mind before, but I still felt a deep sadness when I heard the news. Perhaps it’s because [...]

New Jersey Orators

John Watkis — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:16:22 +0000

The New Jersey Orators is a non-profit group that teaches young people (ages 7 through 18) the art of public speaking. They have been recognized by Lenovo Computers as one of 18 international finalists in their “10 Second Hero” contest. The prize is a grant of $50,000. The winner will be determined through public voting [...]

7 Steps to Writing a Successful Speech: Webinar

John Watkis — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:24:44 +0000

Do you: Write speeches? Edit Speeches? Give Speeches? Contribute to speeches? If you do, I’m inviting you to join me for a 75-minute webinar on “7 Steps to Writing a Successful Speech”. You can find all the details about the webinar here.

41 Reasons Good Speakers Give Bad Speeches

John Watkis — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:18:10 +0000

This year, I didn’t even think about it. Well, I did think about it, but I didn’t think about doing it. If you subscribed to my newsletter more than a year ago, then you know what I’m referring to. On my birthday, I usually attempt to do the number of push ups that equals my [...]

Orlando IABC Public Speaking Event

John Watkis — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:38:35 +0000

If you’re a professional communicator who works in the Orlando, FL area, I’m inviting you to join me and the Orlando chapter of IABC for lunch on Wednesday, February 2, 2011. This video will explain it all. I look forward to meeting you on February 2nd.