Speechwriter Careers Information
For politicians, corporate executives, and organizational leaders, speeches and public remarks are more than a nice touch,they’re a necessity. Many in the public eye have to give them regularly,sometimes several times a day.
While the people giving the speeches may be experts at delivering them powerfully, the authors of those words are, very often, not the same person speaking. They are professional speechwriters, working in the background, creating concise, moving messages for their employer.
Speechwriter Careers & Degrees
- Grand Canyon University: Online
- B.S. in Elementary Education: English (With IR and Cert.)
- B.S. in Secondary Education: English
- M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (No IR, No Cert.)
Speechwriters research, write, and edit speeches, briefings, and other public addresses for their corporate and political clients and employers. They work with the communications staff to ensure the messages of their drafts are in line with the overall political or corporate message of the office.
Depending on their employer, speechwriters may have to write one speech a week, or several every day they must be very comfortable working under very tight deadlines, and have the ability to produce quality material in a hurry.
Though it may not always be the most glamorous job, speechwriters have the chance to make a difference with their words. Whether their speeches are delivered to a board room, an investor’s meeting, or on the Senate floor, they help craft the message that is delivered to the people.
Speechwriter Careers Path
Most speechwriters hold bachelor’s degrees in English, literature, composition, communications, or a similar field. Speechwriting is not an easy field to break into immediately out of college, however. First, you must prove your writing abilities, as well as your temperament and your ability to deliver on-message material quickly.
Some speechwriters begin as copywriter or copyeditors, some start their careers in marketing or advertising, and some even start their careers as political aides or pages.
Wherever you choose to start your career, the important part is to keep writing, and to write for an audience. The only way to develop the confidence to write moving speeches is to write, accept criticism, and write some more.
Speechwriter Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Excellent writing ability, flexibility in writing style to meet the needs of clients and employers, able to work independently as well as collaboratively, comfortable with firm deadlines and short project turnaround, ability to multitask, calm temperament, ability to handle constructive criticism
Speechwriter Careers: Salary Expectations
Salaries for speechwriters can vary greatly depending on their employer and the industry for which they are writing. However, on average, most speechwriters earn between $62,000 and $95,000 per year. Keep in mind, however, that speechwriters often have five or more years’ experience before attaining the position, so this should not be considered an entry-level salary.
Speechwriter Careers: Job Outlook
Overall employment for speechwriters is expected to grow about on pace with the national average for all occupations. While there are a great many aspects of corporate communication that may be automated or outsourced, talented writers will be needed.
However, competition in any editorial position is often fierce, and speechwriting is no exception. Particularly for positions in large companies or with high-ranking officials, there are many people vying for relatively few jobs.
Slightly Off the Footpath
Sources: salary.com; bls.gov/oco/ocos320.htm
