This course explores speechwriting as a process. Students will work independently and in peer groups to write speeches for themselves and for others. Throughout the course, students will compare speechwriting with other types of writing, celebrating the unique challenges of writing for the ear. No prerequisites. Limited enrollment.
In this course, we will consider unique challenges of writing our own speeches and writing for others. We will consult ancient and contemporary texts to consider ways of meeting these challenges, and we will practice the craft of speechwriting. To recognize the collaborative nature of speechmaking and speechwriting, we will work in peer groups for feedback, advice, and perspective.
There will be one major speech written and delivered at the conclusion of the course. To work toward this capstone assignment, you will write and deliver several short speeches, including one speech written for and delivered by another student (i.e., ghostwriting.) A number of written assignments, including a term-long journal, will help guide you through the process of effective speechwriting.
During the course, we will face a number of speechwriting challenges: How do we convert our ideas into spoken words of influence? How do we write for others in ways that capture their voices and ideas? How can we write more effectively for the ear?
