how much does a political speech writer make

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Political Speechwriters

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Introduction

Political speechwriters prepare speeches for individuals in the political arena. They write for politicians in all branches of government, from the local and state level to the national level, including the president of the United States.

Quick Facts

Median Salary

Employment Prospects

Minimum Education Level

Personality Traits

Salaries for speechwriters (including political speechwriters) vary depending upon experience. Salary.com reported the median salary for speechwriters was $134,063 in April 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned $87,753 or less and the top 10 percent earned $205,658 or more. Salaries also depend on geographical location and the level of government for which the speechwriter writes.

In May 20...

Work Environment

The work environment of political speechwriters can vary. At times, they may find themselves working in a relatively quiet office. They may also find themselves traveling on a crowded bus, train, or plane with the politician for whom they are writing, trying to craft a speech that needs to be finished by the time they arrive at their next destination. Work hours in this profession can be long a...

The U.S. Department of Labor does not provide employment outlook information for the career of political speechwriter, but it does report that job opportunities for all writers will show little or no change through 2028. It is safe to say, though, given the prevalence of politics and the importance of effective communication in the world today, that political speechwriters will have steady empl...

What It's Really Like To Be a Political Speechwriter

Spoiler alert: it's nothing like The West Wing .

Few political staffers are lionized as much as the political speechwriter. You know the caricature: the rumpled hair, desk strewn with empty coffee cups, peering at a laptop screen searching for the perfect turn of phrase. Their struggle is real, but their gallant prose can bring a nation to its feet.

In reality, few speechwriters look like Sam Seaborn, or even his rubber-ball-throwing counterpart, Toby Ziegler . Rather than tortured wordsmiths who can afford to belabor every syllable, speechwriters have to deal with the same time constraints, bureaucracy, and petty office politics as any other drone in a political office.

Barton Swaim occupied that space for nearly four years as a speechwriter for Rep. Mark Sanford during his time as governor of South Carolina. When Swaim started working in Sanford's office, he knew he wanted to write a book about the political life — something funny, maybe a novel. Then the Appalachian Trail happened. Swaim's new book, The Speechwriter , chronicles his time in Sanford's office before and after the revelation that Sanford was having an affair with a woman in Argentina when he told his staff he was hiking.

When he first came to Sanford's office, Swaim, who has a Ph. D. in English, quickly learned that his writing was not up to the governor's snuff. One of Swaim's duties was transcribing Sanford's dictated letters to constituents, and he picked up the quirks of the governor's speech that way.

"I copied down a lot of his phrases and weird expressions, and I would just sprinkle everything I wrote with those expressions, whether they were appropriate or not," Swaim said.

Some of those phrases: "speaks volumes," "a whole host of," "in large measure," "pearls of wisdom," "unique," "fabulous," and especially "given the fact that." When giving a speech or discussing policy, Sanford would demand the writers give him three points, never two.

Sanford preferred to write his own speeches when he had the time, so Swaim was consigned to writing speeches for less-than-momentous occasions — the ground-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies that take up much of a governor's face time with the public.

"I thought I was going to be this great speechwriter, stringing grand phrases together and soaring oratory and all this," Swaim said. "I was basically just coming up with cute things that you could say at a gathering of the National Square Dancing Society, or a grand opening at the Heinz factory. So, coming up with stories about ketchup."

Matt Latimer can sympathize. He became a speechwriter for then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in 2004. He recalls receiving a "snowflake," one of Rumsfeld's infamous brief one-page notes, from the secretary on his writing preferences.

"One of my favorite snowflakes he sent me was, 'I never use the word "very." It is a very weak word,' " Latimer said.

In 2007, Latimer moved from the Pentagon to the White House to write speeches for President George W. Bush. This was in the late stages of Bush's presidency, when the Iraq War was going sideways and the economy was collapsing in on itself.

"It was less like Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing and more like The Office ," Latimer wrote in his 2009 book Speech-Less: Tales of a White House Survivor .

Like Swaim, Latimer often found himself frustrated with the layers of bureaucracy involved in writing more high-profile speeches, so he gravitated toward ceremonial speeches. One of the speeches Latimer is most proud of writing was when Bush presented the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Here's an excerpt of that speech:

"I'm interested in a story about a young man who was so worried that the Army might change its mind about allowing him to fly that he drove immediately to the train station; he left his car as well as $1,000 worth of photography equipment. He never saw his car. He never saw his camera. But he became a flyer. These men in our presence felt a special sense of urgency. They were fighting two wars: one was in Europe, and the other took place in the hearts and minds of our citizens. That's why we're here."

It's a near-perfect blend of prose, research, anecdote, and commitment to the greater purpose of our country. And even Latimer, who by that point already felt some disenchantment toward his job, still recognized the importance of delivering all those elements — that Bush's audience deserved to hear something good.

Being a speechwriter is like being a novelist, only with more behind-the-scenes power and fewer accolades. The one thing being a speechwriter does not provide is fame — that is, until you leave your job and write a tell-all book about your old boss.

Swaim and Latimer are just two in a long tradition of political speechwriters turning toward more creative expressions of their craft. Peggy Noonan's book, What I Saw at the Revolution , chronicles her work as a speechwriter for President Reagan and Vice President George H.W. Bush. And Mark Salter, who wrote speeches for Sen. John McCain during his 2008 presidential run, was revealed as the anonymous author of O: A Presidential Novel in 2011.

When asked if he would ever want to work as a speechwriter again, Swaim — who now works as the communications director for the South Carolina Policy Council — chuckled. "Who would hire me?"

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the name of a speechwriter for Sen. McCain's 2008 campaign. His name is Mark Salter.

About the Authors

Presidential Speech Writer Salary and Job Outlook

Speech writers (also called speechwriters) are among the most highly-paid professionals in the field of writing and journalism — often as a result of their extensive experience and knowledge. Have you ever wondered what a presidential speech writer might earn on a yearly basis, or even how to become a presidential speech writer?

This may be one of the most elusive jobs in the country — but that does not mean that other lucrative and fascinating speech-writing jobs are not available to you.

Average Salary for Presidential Speech Writers

The average salary for presidential speech writers is entirely unclear — but even if everyone who had formerly held this position made their salaries public, the sample size would be rather small. There is only one President of the United States at any one time, after all, and even if the president chooses to engage multiple speech writers, the employment pool would still be very tiny indeed.

Despite that — discouraging, if being a presidential speech writer is your dream job — fact, we can glean data from other types of speech writers. Numerous politicians, from senators to mayors or aldermen, may engage speech writers from time to time. The same holds true for numerous other professionals, such as:

• The CEOs of companies, alongside other executive officers.
• Officers in non-profit organizations, for example to increase their fundraising potential.
• Important figures in public institutions such as universities, fire departments, or the postal service.
• Famous athletes.
• Celebrities such as models or musicians.

Even everyday people such may call on professional speech writers, such as for help with writing a graduation speech.

According to the salary-tracking website Salary.com:

• The median annual salary for speech writers is $137,000 across the United States.
• On the lower end of the salary scale, a professional speech writer may earn as much as $90,248 .
• The t op speech writers can earn more than $211,501 per year.

ZipRecruiter offers significantly different data, suggesting that the average annual salary for speech writers is $67,765 . PayScale , meanwhile, reports that speech writers make an average of $84,859 annually.

Keep in mind that, while the data these websites collect is based on real salaries earned by real speech writers, participation in data collection is voluntary. Your true earnings potential depends on your experience, talent, education, and the niche within which you are writing speeches.

Considering that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that writers and authors — across all industries, including, for instance, script writers, academic writers, and journalists — earn a median annual salary of $67,120 . According to the BLS, the lowest 10 percent make no more than $35,880 , while the top 10 percent earn an annual salary of $133,460 or more.

This indicates that speech writers typically have higher salaries than other types of writers, even at the lower end of the pay scale.

What Do Presidential Speech Writers Make Per Hour?

Of the most popular online platforms that collect information about salary ranges, only ZipRecruiter is able to offer estimates that pertain to hourly earnings. They report, based on an annual salary of $67,765 , that speech writers earn an average of $33 per hour.

This refers to speech writers in general, and not to presidential speech writers. The more important the duties of the public figure for whom a speech writer creates an effective speech, the higher their hourly earnings are likely to be.

Salary Based on Experience

Becoming a presidential speech writer is likely to be the pinnacle of someone’s career. John McConnell, for instance, was a resident fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics in the John F. Kennedy School of Government before he became a presidential speech writer, as well as serving as Deputy Assistant to the President and Assistant to the Vice President while he was acting as a speech writer for President George W. Bush.

The role of presidential speech writer is not an entry-level position. It requires deep political engagement and experience as well as strong writing skills.

The same holds true for other political speech writers and speech writers serving business leaders or non-profit organizations. The salary estimates presented are high because they pertain to industry experts. Speech writers, additionally, have to be highly trusted.

Salary Based on Education

Presidential speech writers will likely hold a PhD in political sciences or related fields. At lower levels, speech writers may hold Bachelor’s degrees in a relevant field. Speech writers need to be experts in persuasive and charismatic writing as well as in the field of the person they are writing speeches for. As such, the salary ranges you see assume a high level of education by definition.

Top Paying States

Although travel may be required, presidential speech writers are based in Washington, DC , by definition.

Job Outlook

Serving as a presidential speech writer is likely the crowning glory on anyone’s (long and impressive) career. Political speech writers serving lower-level politicians such as senators and congressmen may, however, aspire to one day write speeches for a presidential candidate or a President.

The same could be said for lower-level speech writers. Talented speech writers who have worked with local celebrities or entrepreneurs may reasonably seek to build on that valuable experience by expanding their work to craft efficient and beautiful speeches for nationally-recognized public figures.

It is important to note, however, that speech writing is an extremely niche profession. According to FederalPay.org , “speechwriter was the 1319 th most popular job in the US government in 2014”.

Aspiring speech writers will find more opportunities outside of this narrow scope, but the role of speech writer remains an exclusive one — unless, of course, you are willing to write speeches for just about anyone as a freelancer.

What Exactly Does a Presidential Speech Writer Do?

A speech writer crafts rhetorically riveting and compelling speeches that allow the public figure who is delivering the speech to connect with their target audience on a deep level. A speech writer:

• Researches policy points and public opinion.
• Uses this knowledge to write speeches that persuade and connect .
• Fact-checks the speech multiple times to ensure accuracy at all times.
• Is an excellent student of human nature, or has an excellent understanding of psychology . A speech writer uses their knowledge of the person for whom they are writing a speech to write a speech that perfectly corresponds to that person’s personality, mannerism, speech patterns, and beliefs.
• Communicates with the public figure who will be delivering the speech, making revisions in accordance with their instructions at all stages of speech-writing.

These points remain relevant even for speech writers who are not writing presidential speeches, but are rather creating engaging speeches for other public figures.

How to Become a Presidential Speech Writer?

Becoming a presidential speech writer requires higher education in a field such as political science, diplomacy, communications, or journalism . To be able to reach this ambition, a person would first need to become politically engaged, and likely have a very deep passion for politics.

An aspiring presidential speech writer would initially write speeches for politicians at lower levels, such as senators and congressmen. They might follow their chosen candidate throughout their own career progression. Presidential speech writers are invited, rather than hired, though.

Those people who have the expectation of going online, heading to a job search website, being interviewed, and potentially being hired, will find that political speech writing is not the profession they are looking for.

Qualifications to Be a Presidential Speech Writer

Speech writers, in general, typically have Bachelor’s degrees, or higher, in fields such as journalism, communications, English, or political science . They may take courses in speech writing, public relations, rhetoric, research methods, and negotiation.

Skills to Be a Presidential Speech Writer

Presidential speech writers, as well as other political speech writers and speech writers in domains outside of politics, require:

• Outstanding writing skills.
• A deep understanding of psychology , particularly persuasion.
• An abundance of empathy , as speech writers must be able to “get into the head” of the person for whom they are writing speeches. This includes being able to mimic the linguistic patterns of the person whose speeches you are writing.
• Excellent research and fact-checking skills. Public figures depend on their speech writers to craft speeches that are factually accurate.

Can You Be a Presidential Speech Writer Without a Degree?

It is nearly impossible to become a presidential speech writer without possessing an advanced degree, as well as a keen interest in, and commitment to, a particular political party. Presidential speech writers help to craft some of the most important words spoken in history, after all.

The skills speech writers in general require depend on their niche. Writing speeches for a CEO in a tech field will, for example, require different skills than writing speeches for cancer-related charities.

• https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/speech-writer-salary
• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Speech-Writer-Salary
• https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Speech_Writer/Salary
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm#tab-5
• https://www.federalpay.org/employees/occupations/speechwriter

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/behind-every-president-there-is-a-speechwriter

Behind Every President, There Is a Speechwriter

Cabinet Secretaries prowling the halls for clues, White House staffers crafting secret policy — it sounds straight out of the TV drama “The West Wing.” But it’s non-fiction, and has taken place in the run up to previous presidents’ State of the Union speeches. Ahead of President Barack Obama’s fourth State of the Union tonight, Hari Sreenivasan got a behind-the-scenes look at the process of writing such a speech from two former presidential speechwriters — Michael Gerson , who worked for President George W. Bush, and Don Baer , Communications Director for the Clinton White House.

So who decides exactly what goes and what doesn’t go into the State of the Union? It depends on the administration. According to Gerson, the agenda and language are mostly conceived of in the West Wing.

“We did get some lobbying, but the nature of modern government is that the executive office of the president, the people around the president, are really very much in charge,” said Gerson. “The Cabinets are not anymore; they are not contributing language. They are consulted by the domestic policy team at the White House in the lead up to a State of the Union address, but these things are driven from within the West Wing.”

For Baer, the Cabinet Secretaries didn’t relinquish a role in the speech so easily. “We had one or two who would actually prowl the halls during the time when the speech was being written,” Baer said. “[They were] sort of knocking from door to door to see where the speech was and to try to attach themselves to see whether or not they could have an impact on it.”

One common theme? Secrecy. When drafting the first State of the Union speech for President Clinton’s second term, Baer said the president asked him to leave an open space in the speech for Social Security. “He asked me specifically, leave it blank,” Baer said. “He knew what he wanted to say, but he didn’t want everyone else around the White House to know … because there were forces around who may or may not agree.”

Gerson’s best State of the Union experience involved unveiling a policy created in a secret process — Bush’s 2003 emergency plan for AIDS relief in Africa. “No one had any idea it was going to happen, it was a secret policy process that produced this, gained bipartisan support,” he said. “That was a State of the Union initiative that really could change things, and it just symbolized to me, that occasionally you can do something unexpected.”

Tune into the PBS NewsHour Tuesday night for special coverage of President Obama’s State of the Union address.

Related Content:

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• Obama to Focus on Economy in State of the Union Address

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Home / Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs / Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies Degree Program / Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies / How to Become a Speech Writer

How to Become a Speech Writer How to Become a Speech Writer How to Become a Speech Writer

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Tables of Contents

More Than Words: Speech Writer Job Description

Steps to become a speech writer, key speech writing tips, 4 types of speech writing, what is the typical speech writer salary, why we need speech writers.

Speeches provoke cultural change, memorialize human achievement, and shape monumental events. In the right hands, with the right voice, under the right circumstances, spoken words can inspire, motivate, persuade, or inform the world.

Before the words of a speech are spoken, they are written. Words delivered in a public setting can be powerful. However, to reach their full potential, the words must be considered, measured, and crafted to suit the message and the audience.

This is the mission of a speech writer: to help a speaker effectively deliver a message. Sometimes, the message resonates through history:

“Four score and seven years ago …”

“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country …”

“I have a dream …”

“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

These words commemorate significant moments in American history: the Civil War, generational upheaval in the 1960s, the civil rights movement, and the end of the Cold War. The words and the associated turning points forever are linked with the famous speakers — Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Ronald Reagan.

However, only two of them actually wrote the words they spoke: Lincoln and King. Kennedy, Reagan, and countless other historical figures breathed life into speeches written by others.

Not every speech writer has the opportunity to write for a president or a legendary civil rights leader. A wedding toast, commencement address, keynote presentation at a conference — these speeches won’t necessarily change the course of history, but they’re important to the people delivering them.

Professional speech writers work in every industry to help people in all walks of life deliver clear, concise messages that resonate with an audience. It’s a career that requires a deft touch with words; a passion for digging into the facts; and a desire to help others inform, entertain, or persuade an audience.

A speech writer’s professional focus is communication. Depending on the size and scope of the organization, a speech writer might be responsible for multiple communication-related duties.

These duties might include the following:

• Public relations
• Media relations
• Crisis management
• Internal communications
• Social media

No matter how broad the duties of a writer or communications professional, there are aspects of the job that translate across disciplines. It begins with a mastery of language and the written word.  

Writing and Editing

Strong writing and editing skills are a must for anyone who wishes to pursue a speech writing career. Fortunately, while there is an art to writing and editing, the craft can be taught and improved over time.

Grammar, spelling, and sentence structure count. To effectively deliver a message, a writer must understand the effect words have when delivered out loud in a particular sequence. In this regard, it’s as much about the writer’s “ear” as about the thought process.

While writing and editing a speech, the writer must ask whether the words will elicit the desired emotional response from the audience. Experienced writers have knowledge of the power of certain words and phrases to move listeners. Reading great speeches and other writings can help writers develop an ear for what works.

Researching Facts

Knowing how to write and edit well is only the beginning. A speech must be grounded in facts to reach its full potential.

Facts that support the message should be researched first. For example, Peter Robinson, one of Reagan’s speech writers, spent time in Berlin before he wrote Reagan’s “Tear Down This Wall” speech in 1987. During his  preliminary research , Robinson spoke with a U.S. diplomat in West Berlin, took a helicopter flight over the city, and conversed with German citizens.

Robinson devised the famous challenge — “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” — after noticing the bleak conditions on the East Berlin side of the wall and hearing the sentiment expressed by a German dinner companion.

The work Robinson put into the research led to one of the most memorable public statements by a U.S. president in the 20th century. By 1989, the people of Berlin were free to cross the once-formidable barrier.

Robinson’s work on the speech was an excellent example of how thorough research became the foundation for a speech that marked a historical turning point.

Conducting Interviews

In addition to learning as much as possible about the topic through research, a speech writer must know how a speaker talks and what message the speaker wishes to deliver. One way to learn this is to conduct an interview.

There are two types of interview questions: fact-finding and open-ended.

Fact-finding questions are intended to learn details about the speaker’s expertise in the topic. This can include education, work experience, or research projects.

Open-ended questions are intended to provide detail, color, and anecdotes that might provide the audience with emotional access to the speaker’s point of view. This might include information about how and why the speaker became interested in the topic, or it might be a relevant story about the topic drawn from the speaker’s life.

An interview with the speaker also gives the writer insight into the speaker’s speech patterns and personality. This kind of information enables the writer to capture the rhythm of the speaker’s voice.

Writing and Editing Resources

• American Rhetoric: Top 100 Speeches
• Scribbr: List of Credible Sources for Research

Back To Top

Many speech writers begin their careers either as communications specialists (public relations, journalism, academia) or as experts in a particular industry with a flair for writing. Rarely will someone step into the job and start writing for heads of state or CEOs.

As with any career, there’s a known trajectory to follow as regards educational requirements, work experience, and soft skills needed to succeed. The important thing for an aspiring speech writer to remember is to set career goals early and take the appropriate steps along the way to achieve those goals.

Educational Requirements for Speech Writers

Speech writers may benefit from a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or English, as well as a liberal studies degree with a concentration in writing or marketing. It’s important to study writing, editing, rhetoric, debate techniques, and other topics related to public speaking and speech writing.

In addition to honing the craft of writing, an aspiring speech writer might pursue a course of study related to a specific topic. This could entail earning a minor in a broad topic, such as history or political science. Another educational route might be in-depth study of a specialized topic, such as a technical field or law.

Recommended Work Experience for Speech Writers

Work experience is particularly important for an aspiring speech writer. A writer with a high level of expertise in a topic brings authority to the job.

Some of the finest speech writers in American history were lawyers: Ted Sorenson (JFK) was one. Others, such as Peggy Noonan (Reagan), were journalists or ghostwriters before they entered the inner circle of world leaders.

Professional speech writer Brent Kerrigan, writing an  essay on speech writing as a career  for the public relations firm Ragan, said that the best way to get started with speech writing work experience is to “find somebody who needs a speech written, and write it for them.”

Kerrigan went on to write that “becoming an expert in anything takes practice.” His advice is to seek out busy public officials and company leaders who regularly make speeches but lack the time to write them, and offer your services.

Nonwriting Skills to Cultivate

It’s not enough for an aspiring speech writer to perfect the craft of writing and to learn as much as possible about a relevant topic. As with all careers, finding the right job requires building a well-connected professional network.

According to the Labor Department’s Occupational Outlook Handbook  entry for writers and authors , the soft skills writers should cultivate include adaptability, creativity, determination, critical thinking, social perceptiveness, and the ability to persuade others.

Writing begins with a plan. Sometimes the plan is depicted by an outline. Sometimes it’s simply a set of notes on a piece of paper.

The beginning stages of writing a speech require a lot of thinking. It helps to have a solid foundation of knowledge about the topic and the speaker going into the process.

Here are a few tips for developing a speech that can resonate with an audience.

Determine the Message

Why is a speech necessary? What does the speaker want to say? What action is intended for audience members to take after they hear the speech?

Answering these questions in the early stages of speech writing will allow the writer to find clarity of purpose. Reagan’s “Tear Down This Wall” speech provides an excellent example of how a writer worked to develop a concise, compelling message.

According to Robinson, the speech was originally intended to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the city of Berlin. In 1987, the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was coming to a head, but the Berlin Wall remained a symbol of oppression.

Robinson, as well as Reagan’s other advisors, chose that moment to send a message of support for the people of East Germany. It was a seminal moment in the Reagan presidency and a powerful milestone in U.S.-Soviet relations.

Understand the Audience

An important factor in determining the message is understanding the makeup of the intended audience. In most cases, the audience for a speech will consist of the people present for the event. However, all speeches have multiple audiences: those present, those who will read the text only, those who will view some or all of the speech later on video, and all future generations.

Each element of the larger “audience” should be taken into consideration when a writer sits down to determine the tone, voice, and length of a speech. Audience makeup determines not only the words that are written but also the way a speaker is intended to deliver those words.

Will the message be couched in humor? Will the tone be completely serious? How big is the in-person audience? How knowledgeable are the audience members about the topic? Are the audience members sympathetic or adversarial toward the speaker?

All of these questions and more are important to answer when creating the framework and shaping the message of a speech.

Use Research to Support the Message

Research forms the core of the speech. It’s as simple as no research, no speech.

However, supporting the message with research isn’t merely a matter of throwing together a list of related facts. The information gathered during the research process must be organized so the message can be supported logically, clearly, and convincingly.

One way to effectively use research is to create a list of questions related to the topic and use examples pulled from the research to provide the answers. The questions should be prioritized based on urgency: What does the audience most want or need to hear?

The structure of the speech will depend, in part, on how the writer and speaker decide to present the facts learned through research. A well-researched fact presented at the right time can capture attention and provide an air of authority to the speaker.

Show Personality to Connect

Attorney and author Sarah Hurwitz was the primary speech writer for former first lady Michelle Obama. Prior to that, Hurwitz wrote speeches for former President Barack Obama when he was a presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, and other prominent politicians.

In an  interview about speech writing with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania , Hurwitz described how she and Michelle Obama used details to show — rather than tell — a relevant anecdote.

“I think details are so incredibly important,” Hurwitz told the Wharton interviewer. “When she tells the story of her father who had multiple sclerosis and worked at the city water plant, she could say, ‘You know, my dad had MS. He worked at the plant. He worked really hard. He sacrificed a lot.’ That’s all just sort of telling. I don’t really see him. But instead what she said in some of her speeches was, ‘You know, as my dad got sicker it got harder for him to get dressed in the morning. He would wake up an hour early so that he could slowly button his shirt. He would drag himself across the room with two canes to give my mom a kiss.’”

Through the use of colorful, vivid details about an experience, Hurwitz helped her subject reveal her personality as a way of connecting to the audience.

Speech Writing Resources

• Public Affairs Council: Speechwriting 101 — Writing an Effective Speech
• Medium: “Orations Worth Ovations — The Olive Branch as a Weapon”
• ThoughtCo: “How to Organize Research Notes”

Speeches can be categorized by delivery style, writing style, and purpose. It’s important to know ahead of time what type of speech will be written, because the type has a bearing on word choice, tone, and many other elements of the speech.

To determine the type of speech to write, first answer questions such as:

• Is the speech intended to elicit an emotion or trigger a specific action?
• Does the speaker want to stick to the script or talk off the cuff?
• Will the speaker be required to defend an opinion?
• Will the speaker be alone on the podium, or will others talk?

Answers to these and other relevant questions will provide guidance about what type of speech to write. The more details writers know about the context of the event, the more likely they’ll craft an effective speech.

Here are four common types of speeches with examples of when each should be used.

Informative Speech Writing

An informative speech is used to explain a concept, describe an object or objects, or provide context for an event or a social movement. For example, a CEO might want to deliver an informative speech at a shareholder event or share details about an annual report with employees.

An effective informative speech presents facts in a concise, easily understood format. One potential challenge for the writer of an informative speech is to capture and maintain the interest of the audience. A dry recitation of facts seldom makes for a memorable or an effective speech.

Persuasive Speech Writing

A persuasive speech is used in an effort to convince an audience to support an idea or take a specific action. Types of persuasive speeches include opening or closing arguments in a criminal trial, an opening or a closing statement in a debate, and a sales presentation.

Persuasive speeches use rhetorical devices to create a sense of intimacy with the audience. The words used, the tone of voice, the volume, the physical gestures, eye contact — all of these devices can create a connection and engender trust with the audience.

The greater the connection, the more likely the audience is to be persuaded by the arguments being presented.

Motivational Speech Writing

A motivational speech is used to convince an audience to take specific action, particularly action that’s designed to engineer change of some sort. This type of speech is also used to elicit an emotional response to a particular cause or purpose.

Motivational speakers know how to connect with an audience on an emotional level. They help audience members understand an obstacle, recognize how that obstacle affects them, and determine ways to overcome that obstacle.

Motivational speeches are good for commencement addresses, recruiting drives, and charity drives. Coaches and managers also make motivational speeches before games and matches to help players focus their emotions toward success on the field of play.

Demonstrative Speech Writing

A demonstrative speech is used to show the audience how to do, build, or create something. A demonstrative speaker is typically an expert in the field who’s sharing knowledge or demonstrating how audience members can attain knowledge for themselves.

A demonstrative speech often requires visual aids, such as a slideshow or stage props. The speaker typically provides context for the demonstration with an introduction, and then gives the presentation. Sometimes, the speaker will open the floor to audience questions.

A demonstrative speech might be used by a salesperson to show how a product is used, by an inventor to show how a new device was created, or by a professional instructor to show how to use a piece of equipment.

Additional Tips for Writing Different Speech Types

• Your Dictionary: 5 Steps for Writing an Informative Speech
• Lifehack: “Ultimate Guide to Persuasive Speech (Hook and Influence an Audience) ”
• Houston Chronicle : “The Key Components of a Motivational Speech”
• Purdue University: Tips for Effective Demonstrations

Salaries for speech writers vary widely in the U.S. Wages can be determined by factors such as the prominence of the client or employer, professional experience, and the complexity or relevance of the speech topics.

According to a 2011 report in  The   Washington Post , Obama speech writer Jon Favreau earned $172,200 annually — the same salary as some of the former president’s top advisors. An expert freelance speech writer who crafts minor speeches for businesses or personal use might charge by the word, hour, page, or speech.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), writers and authors ― speech writers among them ― were paid a median salary of $63,200 in 2019. Salaries and job opportunities are affected by factors such as geography, job market, and economic conditions.

BLS employment projections for writers and authors show that the number of positions nationwide is expected to hold steady at about 123,000 from 2018 to 2028. In a related field, media and communication workers, BLS projections indicate a 4% increase in positions from 2018 to 2028.

The history of the U.S. can be told through its famous speeches.

George Washington’s farewell address created the precedent of the peaceful transition of power in the federal government. Frederick Douglass gave voice to the enslaved and momentum to the abolitionist movement with his 1852 speech “ What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? ”

The Lincoln-Douglas debates in the 1850s led to Lincoln’s victory in the 1860 presidential election, an event that helped trigger the Civil War. Then President Franklin D. Roosevelt offered motivation and encouragement with his inaugural address, with its famous line “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

MLK delivered perhaps the most influential speech in American history on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, giving impetus to the civil rights movement.

We remember the speakers, and rightfully so. They were front and center, delivering the words that shifted history.

However, before the words could be spoken, before history could be made, someone had to write the speeches. Someone had to, as Hurwitz advises, “say something true.”

That’s the role of the speech writer: to distill the facts and provide the words that allow the speaker to serve as an effective, persuasive, entertaining messenger.

“Whether you were giving a speech to 1,000 people or talking to your board or leading an informal meeting, it’s really important to say something that is clearly and glaringly true,” Hurwitz said. “I think that it makes people trust you. It makes them respect you. It shows your authenticity. I think it makes you credible and it’s a really good way to start. I’d say it’s also a good way to continue and end a speech.”

Houston Chronicle , “Speechwriter Job Description”

Houston Chronicle , “The Key Components of a Motivational Speech”

National Archives, “Tear Down This Wall”

PayScale, Average Speech Writer Salary

PRSA, “Your Speech Writer: An Operator’s Manual”

Public Affairs Council, Speechwriting 101: Writing an Effective Speech

Public Affairs Council, “Speechwriting: Getting to a Perfect Fit”

Ragan, “Want to Become a Speechwriter? Step 1: Write Speeches”

Textbroker, Speechwriting

The Manual, “10 Famous Speeches That Stand the Test of Time”

Time , “‘He Had Transformed’: What It Was Like to Watch Martin Luther King Jr. Give the ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech”

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Here's how much 30 staffers earn annually in the White House

• The White House has over 400 employees and their salaries range from $30,000 to $400,000.
• President Donald Trump earns $400,000 per year, while Vice President Mike Pence makes $230,700 annually. 
• The highest-paid employee — excluding the president — is John Czwartacki, with a $239,595 salary, while Christopher Liddell is the lowest-paid employee with a $30,000 salary. 
• Most of Trump's advisors and secretaries make $183,000, but advisors Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump have no salary. 
• The White House also employs stenographers, calligraphers, digital designers, and travel managers. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

President Trump's White House employs over 400 employees and all of them earn vastly different salaries. 

While most of Trump's advisors and secretaries earn $183,000 per year, some employees are earning much less than six figures despite working in the administration, according to the latest report on White House office personnel from June 28, 2019. 

From policy advisors to calligraphers, keep reading to find out what everyone makes in the White House from the highest-paid employee to the lowest. 

President Donald Trump makes $400,000 per year.

Since taking office, President Trump has donated his salary of $400,000 to different departments in the government. He donated his 2019 second-quarter earnings to the Office of the Surgeon General.

John Czwartacki, the senior adviser to the chief of staff for strategy and stakeholder engagement, makes $239,595 per year.

John Czwartacki is the highest-paid staffer in the White House, out-earning even his boss , the chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney. As the former chief communications officer at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Czwartacki acts as an important advisor to Mulvaney. 

Vice President Mike Pence makes $230,700 per year.

Vice President Pence received a 1.9% salary raise in 2019. 

John "Mick" Mulvaney, the acting chief of staff, makes $203,500 per year.

In 2018, Mick Mulvaney was chosen as the acting chief of staff. This role typically includes hiring White House staff members, organizing the president's schedule, and advising the president on policy. 

John Bolton, the assistant to the president for national security affairs, makes $183,000 per year.

John Bolton advises President Trump on national security in relation to Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Bolton has been described as Trump's "war whisperer."

Stephen Miller, the assistant to the president and senior advisor for policy, makes $183,000 per year.

While Stephen Miller wrote President Trump's first State of the Union address , he is now known as the force behind the administration's tough stance on immigration policy. Miller has also pushed Trump's agenda to build a wall at the border of Mexico. He is often referred to as Trump's right-hand man. 

Kellyanne Conway, the assistant to the president and senior counselor, makes $183,000 per year.

Kellyanne Conway started as President Trump's campaign manager in 2016. Since then, she has been named as a counselor to the president and often makes television appearances. 

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the former press secretary, earned $183,000 per year.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders stepped down as press secretary in 2019 , and now, Stephanie Grisham has taken on the role . 

Stephanie Grisham, the assistant to the president and press secretary, makes $183,000 per year.

Stephanie Grisham became the press secretary after Sarah Huckabee Sanders stepped down in 2019. Grisham used to be the deputy chief of staff for the First Lady, making $183,000. Grisham continues to be the First Lady's spokesperson. 

Mercedes Schlapp, the assistant to the president and senior advisor for strategic communications, makes $183,000 per year.

Mercedes Schlapp worked on the communications team when she joined the White House in 2017, but it was announced she will be leaving to start focusing on President Trumps' re-election campaign . 

Brooke Rollins, the assistant to the president for strategic initiatives, makes $183,000 per year.

Brooke Rollins is a prison reform activist  and works with President Trump to apply "private sector solutions to the nation's problems," according to The Daily Beast. 

Pasquale Cipollone, the counsel to the president, makes $183,000 per year.

Pasquale Cipollone advises President Trump on all legal matters. Politico has reported that the president refers to Cipollone as "Mr. Attorney."

Emma Doyle, the assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff, makes $183,000.

Emma Doyle works closely with Mick Mulvaney, the president's chief of staff. 

The executive clerk makes $165,417 per year in the White House.

The clerk acts as a middle man for official documents sent between Congress and the president. David Kalbaugh, the current executive clerk, is responsible for reviewing and preparing documents such as executive orders, bills, and messages. 

Madeleine Westerhout, the special assistant to the president and director of oval office operations, makes $145,000 per year.

Madeleine Westerhout started as President Trump's special assistant in 2017 , earning $95,000 per year. 

Most speechwriters in the White House make $120,000 annually.

However, William Gribbin Jr., a special assistant to the president and speechwriter, makes $106,000 per year.

Nicole Frazier, the director of strategic partnerships and African American outreach, makes $106,000 per year.

Nicole Frazier was hired in 2019 to fill the African American outreach role that was once held by Omarosa Manigault Newman before she was fired in 2017. 

The chief calligrapher makes $99,400 per year.

The chief calligrapher's office is responsible for handwriting invitations , documents, and letters for the White House. The office also addresses envelopes using calligraphy — one time having to address almost 20,000 envelopes.

The director of stenography makes $95,500 per year.

President Barack Obama's former stenographer, Beck Dorey-Stein, told NPR that she had to "stalk" the president to transcribe every word that he said, especially when speaking to press or the public. The stenographer's job is to make sure there is no "miscommunication or confusion."

The director of video production makes $86,200 per year in the White House.

Film and video editors that don't work at the White House typically make $86,830 per year, while producers and directors make $89,840.

The director of writers for presidential correspondence makes $72,700 per year.

President Barack Obama's former director of writers for presidential correspondence, Fiona Reeves, told Slate that she used to read 200 to 400 letters from the general public every day. She would then choose ten of those letters to be included in the president's evening briefing book. Reeves would also have to channel Obama's voice to answer some of the letters. 

The records management analyst earns $66,900 per year.

The records management analyst is responsible for " analyzing documents, scanning, and indexing them" and "tracking them to offices and agencies within the Executive Office of the President and the rest of the federal government," according to the job description. 

The travel manager makes $58,200 per year in the White House.

Travel agents and planners who don't work at the White House typically make $42,720 per year . 

Some operation managers earn $53,000 per year in the White House.

Other operation managers at the White House earn between $58,000 and $72,700 annually. On the other hand, operation managers who don't work at the White House typically take home $123,880 per year .

The West Wing receptionist makes $48,800 per year at the White House.

Receptionists that don't work at the White House typically make $30,350 per year . 

Most executive assistants make $48,000 per year in the White House.

Some executive assistants in the White House, like Sara Grove and Kathryn Lair, make a bit over $50,000. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants who don't work at the White House typically make $61,550 annually . 

Most research associates in the White House earn $48,000 per year.

One research associate in the White House, Macy Mount, earns $57,510 annually. 

A junior digital designer makes $43,600 per year in the White House.

Graphic designers who don't work at the White House typically make $54,680 per year . 

Christopher Liddell, the assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for policy coordination, makes $30,000 per year.

Christopher Liddell is responsible for " overseeing the Administration's efforts to streamline the Federal Government's regulatory process and modernize its technology systems," according to the White House website. Lidell earns the lowest salary in the White House. 

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner make no money working at the White House.

President Trump's daughter, Ivanka, is an advisor to the president but makes zero dollars from the role. Likewise, her husband, Jared Kushner, is an assistant to the president and senior advisor and does not have a salary.

• Meet the 22 highest-paid White House staffers, who bring in $183,000 a year or more
• The wildest and weirdest facts about the White House, from hauntings to hot tubs
• 17 financial perks of being the president of the United States

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Trump spars with reporters at Black journalists' conference over Kamala Harris' ethnicity, immigration and jobs

By Eric Henderson , Tara Molina , Chris Tye , Andrew Ramos

Updated on: July 31, 2024 / 7:50 PM CDT / CBS/AP

CHICAGO (CBS/AP)  — Former President Donald Trump's appearance before the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago quickly turned hostile on Wednesday, even before the event officially began over an hour behind schedule.

Trump blamed issues with the audio equipment for the delayed start of a Q&A session with journalists attending  the National Association of Black Journalists Annual Convention & Career Fair in Chicago Wednesday afternoon.

The event itself began with a series of questions that Trump characterized as a "very rude introduction," sparring with interviewer Rachel Scott of ABC News.

"You have used words like 'animal' and 'rabid' to describe Black district attorneys. You've attacked Black journalists—calling them a loser, saying the questions that they asked are quote, 'stupid' and 'racist,'" Scott said. "Why should Black voters trust you after you have used language like that?"

"I don't think I've ever been asked a question in such a horrible manner—first question," Trump said in response. "You don't even say, 'Hello, how are you?'"

Trump also seemingly accused event organizers of holding up the start of the event, which was scheduled to begin at noon in Chicago, but didn't kick off until after 1 p.m.

"I think it's disgraceful that I came here in good spirit. I love the Black population of this country, I've done so much for the Black population of this country," Trump said.

Trump, in a post on his Truth Social network, claimed that the venue's speaker equipment was not working properly.

"Don't blame me for being late," Trump posted .

The gathered journalists audibly jeered Trump after he claimed, "I have been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln," and was pressed by Scott after he claimed that people were illegally crossing the border and taking "Black jobs."

"A lot of the journalists in this room are Black," Trump said. "I will tell you that, coming from the border, are millions and millions of people that happen to be taking Black jobs."

"What exactly is a Black job, sir?" Scott asked, as the audience audibly gasped.

"A Black job is anybody that has a job," Trump responded. "They're taking the employment away from Black people."

Trump also responded to questions surrounding his choice of U.S. Sen. JD Vance , of Ohio, as his running mate. Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner asked Trump if he believed Vance would be ready to assume the role on day one.

"Historically the choice of a vice president makes no difference," Trump responded. 

The Republican former president also falsely claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman and Asian American to serve in the role, had in the past only promoted her Indian heritage .

The comment came up after Trump was asked about some Republicans calling Harris a " DEI hire ."

"I've known [Harris] a long time indirectly, not directly, very much. And she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black," Trump said. "So I don't know, is she Indian, or is she Black?" 

As a U.S. senator, Harris was a member of Congressional Black Caucus, supporting her colleagues' legislation aimed at strengthening voting rights and reform policing.

Trump also addressed the recent shooting and killing of Sonya Massey by Sangamon County, Illinois Sheriff's deputy.

"I don't know the exact case, but I saw something, and it didn't look—it didn't good to me, it didn't look good to me," Trump said.

Trump was further asked what standard Trump would use to exonerate officers.

"There's a big difference between being a bad person and making an innocent mistake, but if somebody made an innocent mistake, I would want to help that person," Trump said.

The topic of violence in Chicago also came up.

"July 4th weekend, they had 117 shootings and 17 deaths. Nobody wants that. Nobody wants that," said Trump. "We need have our police officers have their respect and dignity back."

Trump also responded to questions surrounding his choice of  U.S. Sen. JD Vance , of Ohio, as his running mate. Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner asked Trump if he believed Vance would be ready to assume the role on day one.

Some inside the National Association of Black Journalists believed the dignity of the organization was on the line by inviting Trump for the discussion. Afterward, the split remained.

"He was our guest, and I think he deserved to be treated as our guest," said NABJ cofounder Sandra Dillard.

Dillard agreed there was some merit to claims that Trump was treated disrespectfully.

"I think we had every right to ask the questions, but maybe could have asked in a more tactful way—some of them," she said.

But NABJ member Caron LeNoir Kelly said Trump was the one who was disrespectful.

"Just terrible—how he treated those women on stage, how he treated us and spoke to us—it was just disrespectful," Kelly said. "But that's just who he is.

The Harris campaign issued a statement following Trump's appearance in Chicago, saying he "failed Black families and left the entire country digging out of the ditch he left us in."

"Today's tirade is simply a taste of the chaos and division that has been a hallmark of Trump's MAGA rallies this entire campaign. It's also exactly what the American people will see from across the debate stage as Vice President Harris offers a vision of opportunity and freedom for all Americans. All Donald Trump needs to do is stop playing games and actually show up to the debate on September 10," Harris' communications director Michael Tyler said.

On Wednesday night, Harris herself also briefly addressed Trump's comments at the Q&A—calling them "the same old show."

"It was the same old show—the divisiveness and the disrespect," Harris said, "and let me just say—the American people deserve better. The American people deserve better. The American people deserve a leader who tells the truth; a leader who does not respond with hostility and anger when confronted with the facts.

The White House also pushed back on Trump's remarks about Harris within an hour of the Q&A.

"Repulsive, it's insulting, and you know, no one has any right to tell someone who they are; how they identify," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The decision to hold a Q&A with Trump earlier led the co-chair for the convention, Karen Attiah, to step down. On Wednesday afternoon, following the event, she called the decision to invite Trump " a colossal mistake ," adding "I'm stunned at how horrible this is."

Prior to the question session, Attiah said, "To the journalists interviewing Trump, I wish them the best of luck."

Event was controversial with attendees leading up to the Q&A

Even prior to the event,  the decision to host Trump  did not go over well with some NABJ members, who voiced concerns ahead of the event. NABJ President Ken Lemon recently clarified that the invitation to Trump was not meant to be taken as an endorsement.

"As a group, we affirmed that the invitation to former President Trump was in line with NABJ's usual practices since 1976. It has always been our policy to ensure that candidates know that an invitation is not an endorsement," Lemon said.

Lemon also said panelists would be fact-checking as the former president speaks.

"We have people whose lives are depending on what happens in November," Lemon said. "For us as journalists — people who go into and have very uncomfortable conversations for the sake of our members — this is an important time."

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris  has offered to address NABJ members virtually  after the convention. Event organizers say they are still working to reach an agreement.

Despite the invitation of presidential candidates to the convention being a tradition that goes back decades, it has divided many within the organization with Trump involved. At least three activist groups were planning protests outside. Mayor Brandon Johnson said he will make sure the former president receives appropriate security.

Protesters gather outside event with focus on Gaza

Protesters, as well as Trump supporters, gathered outside the Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave., as Trump spoke inside.

The Coalition to March on the DNC—which is also planning protest actions outside the Democratic National Convention next month—quickly organized protests against Trump's appearance along with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, and several other organizations.

The protesters held Palestinian flags and signs, and were backed up by brass instruments as they made their voices heard.

"We are telling Chicago—we are telling the world—Trump is not welcome in Chicago," said Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. "Everywhere he goes, we are going to protest there as well."

The leaders of the protest said their message is the same one they have shared for months—"no business as usual," referring to the conflict in Gaza.

Thousands of members of the groups protested at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee earlier this month, and they take issue with both Democrats' and Republicans' policies on the conflict.

"Both parties are complicit in the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza," said Abudayyeh.

The activist groups said they will go on protesting whenever what they called "genocidal" politicians, regardless of party, "show their faces."

Abudayyeh was asked about criticism that the protest took attention away from the NABJ conference going on in Chicago.

"I respect that organization very much. I repeat the people that work for them very much; the rank and file very much," Abudayyeh said. "If they felt compelled to invite him there, I'm not going to criticize NABJ, but they also have to understand we have a responsibility as well as the people of the city of Chicago." 

Voices supportive of Trump were also outside the hotel.

"I wanted to let President Trump know he does have some support here," said Connie Lee, a Trump supporter and Chicago resident.

Lee and fellow Trump supporter Jeanette Scott said they, and others, want the former president to hear their message of support too.

"Trump, he said he wants to make it an even level playing field, and that lets me know he is for us—the people," said Scott.

Chicago Police maintained a presence around the hotel and the protests.

• Donald Trump

Eric Henderson is Managing Editor, Midwest for CBSNews.com. He has won three Emmy Awards, an Eric Sevareid Award and two Edward R. Murrow Awards.

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Transcript: Biden’s speech explaining why he withdrew from the 2024 presidential race

President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic reelection bid. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Transcript of President Joe Biden’s address to the nation on July 24, 2024:

My fellow Americans, I’m speaking to you tonight from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. In this sacred space, I’m surrounded by portraits of extraordinary American presidents. Thomas Jefferson wrote the immortal words that guide this nation. George Washington, who showed us presidents are not kings. Abraham Lincoln, who implored us to reject malice. Franklin Roosevelt, who inspired us to reject fear.

I revere this office, but I love my country more.

It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title.

I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people, but this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It’s about you, your families, your futures. It’s about we the people, and we can never forget that. And I never have.

I’ve made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point, one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine our fate of our nation and the world for decades to come.

America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division. We have to decide, do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy? In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies, but as fellow Americans. Can we do that? Does character in public life still matter?

I believe you know the answer to these questions because I know you, the American people, and I know this, we are a great nation because we are a good people.

When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth. And the truth, the sacred cause of this country, is larger than any one of us, and those of us who cherish that cause cherish it so much, a cause of American democracy itself must unite to protect it.

You know, in recent weeks it’s become clear to me that I needed to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future all merited a second term, but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, and that includes personal ambition.

So I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our nation. I know there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, but there’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, and that time and place is now.

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Over the next six months, I’ll be focused on doing my job as president. That means I’ll continue to lower costs for hard-working families, grow our economy. I’ll keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose. I’ll keep calling out hate and extremism, make it clear there is no place, no place in America for political violence or any violence ever, period. I’m going to keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence, our planet from climate crisis, is the existential threat.

And I will keep fighting for my for my cancer moonshot, so we can end cancer as we know it because we can do it. And I’m going to call for Supreme Court reform because this is critical to our democracy, Supreme Court reform. You know, I will keep working to ensure America remains strong and secure and the leader of the free world.

I’m the first president in this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world. We’ll keep rallying a coalition of proud nations to stop Putin from taking over Ukraine and doing more damage. We’ll keep NATO stronger, and I’ll make it more powerful and more united than at any time in all of our history. I’ll keep doing the same for allies in the Pacific.

You know, when I came to office, the conventional wisdom was that China would inevitably surpass the United States. That’s not the case anymore. And I’m going to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages and bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war.

We’re also working around the clock to bring home Americans being unjustly detained all around the world. You know, we’ve come so far since my inauguration. On that day, I told you as I stood in that winter — we stood in a winter of peril and a winter of possibilities, peril and possibilities. We were in the grip of the worst pandemic in the century, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War, but we came together as Americans, and we got through it. We emerged stronger, more prosperous and more secure.

Today, we have the strongest economy in the world, creating nearly 16 million new jobs — a record. Wages are up, inflation continues to come down, the racial wealth gap is the lowest it’s been in 20 years. We’re literally rebuilding our entire nation, urban, suburban, rural and tribal communities. Manufacturing has come back to America.

We’re leading the world again in chips and science and innovation. We finally beat Big Pharma after all these years, to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, and I’m going to keep fighting to make sure we lower the cost for everyone, not just seniors.

More people have health care today in America than ever before. And I signed one of the most significant laws helping millions of veterans and their families who were exposed to toxic materials. You know, the most significant climate law ever, ever in the history of the world, the first major gun safety law in 30 years. And today, violent crime rate is at a 50-year low.

We’re also securing our border. Border crossings are lower today than when the previous administration left office. And I’ve kept my commitment to appoint the first Black woman to the Supreme Court of the United States of America. I also kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America and be a president for all Americans.

That’s what I’ve done. I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and still do, that the soul of America was at stake. The very nature of who we are was at stake and that’s still the case. America is an idea, an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant.

It’s the most powerful idea in the history of the world. That idea is that we hold these truths to be self-evident. We’re all created equal, endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, life, liberty, pursuit of happiness. We’ve never fully lived up to it, to this sacred idea, but we’ve never walked away from it either and I do not believe the American people will walk away from it now.

In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice. I made my views known. I would like to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris. She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.

When you make that choice, remember the words of Benjamin Franklin. It’s hanging on my wall here in the Oval Office, alongside the bust of Dr. King and Rosa Parks and Cesar Chavez. When Ben Franklin was asked as he emerged from the convention going on, whether the founders have given America a monarchy or republic, Franklin’s response was “a republic, if you can keep it.” A republic if you can keep it. Whether we keep our republic is now in your hands.

My fellow Americans, it’s been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years. Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as President of the United States, but here I am. That’s what’s so special about America.

We are a nation of promise and possibilities, of dreamers and doers, of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things. I’ve given my heart and my soul to our nation, like so many others. I’ve been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people. I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you.

The great thing about America is here kings and dictators do not rule, the people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep faith, keep the faith and remember who we are. We’re the United States of America and there’s simply nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together.

So let’s act together, preserve our democracy. God bless you all and may God protect our troops. Thank you.

Hourly Wage for Speech Writer Salary in the United States

Hourly wage for speech writer salary.

How much does a Speech Writer make hourly in the United States? The average hourly wage for a Speech Writer in the United States is $64 as of June 27, 2024, but the range typically falls between $54 and $73 . Hourly rate can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Speech Writer with Security Clearance

Rividium, Inc - Washington, DC

Koniag Government Services - Arlington, VA

Senior Speech Writer with Security Clearance

UICGS and Bowhead Family of Companies - Washington, DC

SPEECH WRITER WITH SECURITY CLEARANCE

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What skills does a Speech Writer need?

Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

Problem Solving: Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.

Supply Chain: A supply chain encompasses everything from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer through to its eventual delivery to the end user.

Proofreading: Proofreading is the reading of a galley proof or an electronic copy of a publication to detect and correct production errors of text or art.

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Job Description for Speech Writer

Speech Writer researches, drafts, writes, and edits a variety of speeches, talking points, press statements, web content, news releases, and other materials for executives. Translates the ideas, objectives, position, and management philosophy into messaging that relates to the topic, speaker, and intended audience. Being a Speech Writer ensures consistent messaging strategy and brand identity are included in every piece. Provides subject matter expertise in delivering presentations and speeches Requires a bachelor's degree. Additionally, Speech Writer typically reports to a manager. The Speech Writer work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Speech Writer typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)... View full job description

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Salary.com job board provides millions of Speech Writer information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Speech Writer job openings or enter a new job title here.

• Speech Writer with Security Clearance Koniag Government Services - Arlington, VA KPS Job ID 2475042 Koniag Professional Services, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Speech Writer with a Secret Clearance to support KPS an... - 2 Days Ago
• Senior Speech Writer with Security Clearance UICGS and Bowhead Family of Companies - Washington, DC Overview Senior Speech Writer (NPAO): Bowhead is seeking a Senior Speech Writer for an upcoming effort located at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC. The Seni... - 2 Days Ago
• SPEECH WRITER WITH SECURITY CLEARANCE Rividium, Inc - Washington, DC Title Speech Writer Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Description RiVidium Inc, (dba TripleCyber), is seeking a Speech Writer. Responsibilites for this positio... - 2 Days Ago
• SPEECH WRITER WITH SECURITY CLEARANCE Koniag Government Services - Arlington, VA KPS Job ID 2475042 Koniag Professional Services, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Speech Writer with a Secret Clearance to support KPS an... - 5 Days Ago

Career Path for Speech Writer

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Speech Writer, the upper level is Communications Editor IV and then progresses to Communications Editor Supervisor.

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What does a speech writer do, are you an hr manager or compensation specialist.

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Speech Writer Pay Difference by Location

Speech Writer salary varies from city to city. Compared with national average salary of Speech Writer, the highest Speech Writer salary is in San Francisco, CA, where the Speech Writer salary is 25.0% above. The lowest Speech Writer salary is in Miami, FL, where the Speech Writer salary is 3.5% lower than national average salary.

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Level of Education for Speech Writer

Jobs with different levels of education may pay very differently. Check the Speech Writer salary of your education level.

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Skills associated with Speech Writer: Internal Communications , Industry Knowledge , Content Creation , Media Relations ... More

Jobs with a similar salary range to Speech Writer : Editorial Writer , Senior Writer

Salary estimation for Speech Writer at companies like : Olympus Health Washington LLC , Contact Stoffel Seals Corp , United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station

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The Kamala Harris coconut tree meme, explained as best we can

Lexie Schapitl

Rachel Treisman

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on July 10 in Dallas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images hide caption

For more on Biden's decision and the now open 2024 race, head to the NPR Network's live updates page .

In the weeks before President Biden announced he would not be seeking reelection , some Democrats online rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party’s new nominee. And their symbol became the coconut tree.

Not long after Biden announced on Sunday he was dropping out of the race, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted out just three emojis : a coconut, a palm tree and an American flag. EMILYs LIST, the PAC focused on electing Democratic women, explicitly endorsed Harris in a tweet and, in a more subtle show of support, also added the tree and the coconut to its username. And Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii posted a picture of himself climbing up a coconut tree , adding, "Madam Vice President, we are ready to help."

🥥 🌴 🇺🇸 — Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) July 21, 2024

So how did the coconut tree emerge as the emblem of Harris' most devoted, or at least most-online followers? It's a story more than a year in the making.

Why are we even talking about coconut trees?

The “coconut tree” meme originates from a May 2023 speech Harris gave at a White House event for advancing opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

At one point near the end of her remarks, Harris talked about how the initiative's work would be focused on young people, but it should also take into account the needs of their families, teachers and communities, "because none of us just live in a silo."

We’re proud to endorse @kamalaharris as the next president of the United States because we know she is a qualified accomplished leader. She is the only candidate positioned to win against Trump in November, and the best voice to define the stakes in this election! #allinforkamala pic.twitter.com/CmdgImMaDz — EMILYs List 🥥🌴 (@emilyslist) July 21, 2024

"Everything is in context," Harris said, before launching into the now-famous anecdote.

"My mother ... would give us a hard time sometimes, and she would say to us, 'I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?' " Harris said with a laugh. "You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you."

The moment was first meme’d in earnest in February of this year, when for a period of time, one could not open X, formerly known as Twitter, without seeing clips of or oblique references to those remarks.

this video is literally like medicine to me. i watch it once every week or two and every time i do i get an enduring hit of light euphoria for the next 45 minutes pic.twitter.com/eIF6Rwiir0 — charlie squire (@evil_female) February 9, 2024

But the meme took on new life this summer , after President Biden’s disastrous debate performance fueled speculation that he might step aside as the Democratic nominee. Harris’ supporters, also known as the KHive, were waiting in the wings.

Since then, the moment has been remixed into Charli XCX’s “ Von Dutch ” and Britney Spears’ " Gimme More ." Democratic operatives have spoken of being “ coconut-pilled .” The meme flourished into 2028 debate fan fiction . Google searches for "coconut tree" started climbing in the U.S. in early July.

Like all of us, the coconut tree moment exists in the context of all in which it lives and what came before it. Which is to say, it’s part of a larger set of memes surrounding Kamala Harris’ political persona. Harris has been spawning memes longer than she’s been vice president. We Did It, Joe , is likely the most well-known. But her laugh , her bus , her dance moves and her love of Venn diagrams have all become social media fodder.

We did it, @JoeBiden . pic.twitter.com/oCgeylsjB4 — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 7, 2020

So why did the coconut tree break through?

It's impossible to say why any particular meme — political or otherwise — catches fire over another. But part of Harris’ persona as portrayed on the internet is just that she   brings an energy that’s in stark contrast to President Biden and former President Donald Trump.

“We want something to laugh at and laugh with. And that's what Kamala does. And I think the coconut tree clip is a perfect example of that,” said Rebecca Jennings, a senior correspondent at Vox covering internet culture. 

Put another way, Harris — even being 59 and the incumbent vice president —represented something new in a campaign defined by old. And that stoked some enthusiasm among voters who were very unenthused.

“There's a sense of, like, nihilism that's like – OK, we have to do this again , and we have to do Trump and Biden again ,” Jennings said. “And so when you see clips of Kamala, it's like, well, at least that's fun to watch. At least it's, you know, not the same thing we've been seeing on screens for 10 years. It's a break in the just the drudgery of what what everyone thought this election was going to be.”

Young Democrats — among the most dissatisfied with Biden as a candidate, and the most online — also helped fuel the movement. As Washington Post internet culture reporter Taylor Lorenz wrote : "Harris’s new online prominence could help give the Democratic Party new prominence with young people — including major content creators — who are hesitant to vote for Biden again due to his climate policies, support of Israel’s war in Gaza, mishandling of the ongoing pandemic, and signing a bill that could ban TikTok."

One man's gaffe is another man's meme

From the coconut trees to the Venn diagrams, the Harris memes embrace what detractors might consider a gaffe. Trump, for instance, has dubbed Harris " laughing Kamala ," saying the laugh makes her seem "crazy."

Take another example, which grew out of one of Harris' go-to lines dating back to her 2020 presidential run: “I can imagine what can be, unburdened by what has been.”

The RNC compiled a supercut of Harris being "unburdened" and shared it on social media, arguing that it shows she is “unoriginal, annoying, and highly incompetent.” But the attacks aren’t sticking, as her supporters have taken ownership of the line and the laughter.

Jennings said it’s reminiscent of the critiques hurled at Trump throughout his political career, only to be welcomed by his base.

“People like the fact that he was saying offensive things,” Jennings said. "And I think it's strange for Republicans to kind of now be on the other end of that – which is making all these, you know, memes and videos of Kamala being goofy and quirky and the left being like, “Hell, yeah, brother.”

• election 2024
• Kamala Harris
• internet memes

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Guest Essay

Why Running Against Trump Has Just Become So Much Harder

By Charles R. Kesler

Mr. Kesler is a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute and the editor of The Claremont Review of Books.

It seems ages ago, but before the attempt on his life and the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity, Donald Trump was set to go from his sentencing hearing in a Manhattan courtroom to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in the course of a few days. He was going to accept his party’s presidential nomination with an emphasis on his being a convicted felon, as the Democrats like to say — or as he would have put it, as a victim of political persecution by the deep state and Democratic prosecutors.

Now his situation has altered dramatically. The legal proceedings are themselves on trial, on hold or in the process of being dismissed. Politically and legally, the cases against him, at least for the time being, have stalled, or for the documents case in Florida, collapsed, though an appeal is planned.

More strikingly, the case Mr. Trump would have made for himself in his acceptance speech as a witness, a martyr to serial partisan persecution, has suddenly been transcended. It was shoved aside by the would-be assassin’s bullet, which came within an inch of its target, drawing blood but not brain. Instead of another awful Zapruder film, Americans saw Mr. Trump rise again, shake his fist defiantly and exit on his own two feet, shouting, “Fight!”

At that moment the candidate became a civic symbol, as opposed to merely a partisan or political one. The scene instantly recalled worse American tragedies — the assassinations of John Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln, among others — and voters cannot forget those associations. Never Trumpers have frequently accused Mr. Trump of lacking courage — sometimes because he has never faced death on the battlefield. That criticism now seems dated.

At the convention Mr. Trump faces a new, more promising rhetorical and political situation. His acceptance speech on Thursday night presents a dramatic opportunity for political rebirth. Magnanimity may not come naturally to Mr. Trump, but a close call with mortality can change one’s perspective, as Ronald Reagan admitted after his own close call in 1981.

It will be hard for Mr. Trump’s opponents to run against a near-martyr for democracy on the ground that he is a danger to democracy. Nonetheless, they will try.

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