International speeches

Within the past few months, I’ve had several conversations with administrators and professors of the state university system in Pennsylvania.  Our topic?  Success in the global marketplace.  Since much of my speechwriting business is international, one university’s foreign language department has invited me to speak at their annual awards ceremony.

What does this have to do with you, as a staff or freelance speechwriter?  Well, you certainly don’t need the ability to write speeches in another language.  (I’ve run my own speechwriting business since 1985, writing only in English.)  But it’s always a “plus” if you have even a basic understanding of a second language.  Hoping to get a staff job in the US for a global company based in Germany?  Conversational German gives you a job advantage.  Hoping to write a speech in English for a prospective client in Taiwan?  An understanding of Taiwanese culture will distinguish you from other speechwriting candidates.

Most important, it’s critical to think globally.  If a company in Sweden calls you at 8am Eastern Standard Time, don’t start that conversation with “good morning.”  It isn’t morning in your client’s region.  And global clients don’t appreciate US-centric thinking.

Over the years, I’ve provided speechwriting and speaker coaching for a number of global all-hands meetings.  My international perspective has always served me well for these assignments.

What can you do to boost your international savvy?  Do it now – and consider it an investment in your speechwriting career.