Sidebars series: On props

I hauled a 3’x3’ styrofoam version of this map to various speaking engagements for four years when I was working for Alaska’s lieutenant governor, because it was his favorite.

He often spoke to audiences both local and global about Alaska’s role in the Arctic, and the United States’ role as an Arctic nation. In many audiences, we often found that, best case, folks were unaware how incredibly vast Alaska is, or worst case, they saw it as an island off the coast of California. (You’ve seen those maps…)

But this map put everything in perspective. It not only gave visualization to all the points we were trying to make: The Anchorage International Airport is no more than nine hours from 90% of the industrialized world! The opening of the Northwest Passage is a huge opportunity for Alaska LNG to access Asian markets! The U.S. gets a coveted seat on the Arctic Council, along with our seven Arctic neighbors, because of Alaska!

It was also a total “Aha!” for those who only saw Alaska and the Arctic as an isolated snowcap. Politicians and diplomats realized that there is a whole community for engagement in the Arctic; businessmen realized how many opportunities for commerce and foreign direct investment; military officers across all services realized what strategic value the state has because of its location.

I almost certainly complained about carting this map around downtown Anchorage in my 2” heels or maneuvering it awkwardly in and out of the state SUV (average SUV door is 3.5’ — just big enough, though!). But it was worth its weight (or volume) in audience engagement every time.

Speeches are usually enhanced by a good prop. Find one that works.

Sidebars series: On buzzwords

Learning your boss’ buzzwords — the particular words and phrases you hear them use in conversation — is one of the first things to make mental note of when getting to know a speaker.

I used to work with someone who said “tremendous,” a lot. In fact, it was the first thing he said to me when I told him I was accepting his job offer. “That’s tremendous.” I’ve never forgotten those words.

Another boss liked to use “gonculator.” Until recently, I thought it was something he made up. It’s actually a “fictional mysterious electronic device” featured in Hogan’s Heroes (fourth season, Klink vs. The Gonculator), and he found a surprising number of ways to reference it.

Yet another speaker I worked had an affinity for “Golly” and “Gee whiz.” Normally, I would try to filter these fillers out, but given his rank and usual subject-matter, they actually seemed to make him more relatable, and his message more accessible.

Incorporating these little gems is about as far you need to go in trying to write in the speaker’s “voice.” If a speech is true and timely and well-written, the speaker can deliver it with confidence. But buzzwords can add a little warmth, a little character, and at the very least, let your speaker know you’re paying attention!

Sidebars series: On dignity

The day before my first job as a speechwriter, a well-meaning, older gentleman at church who I hadn’t met before asked me after the service how I came to be in Alaska, what I did for work, etc. It was my first opportunity to announce that, in fact, I was just beginning a new job as a speechwriter for our Lt. Governor. I suppose I expected him to bestow his well-wishes and thank me for my public service, given his grandfatherly qualities, and maybe because we were at church — a place of grace and mutual encouragement.

Hilariously, though, he made a quip about what I must eat for lunch everyday. A bologna sandwich.

I’m pretty sure I thought it was funny even at the time, but I was a bit stunned, nonetheless. Mostly because I envisioned myself writing beautiful political rhetoric, bringing Alexis de Tocqueville and the Federalist Papers to life as I infused their philosophies seamlessly into the everyday sphere of Alaska politics. And always, of course, to the delight of an enlightened and admiring audience.

The speeches we wrote may have been less lofty and more pragmatic, but we wrote every one as though words matter.

I bear Mr. bologna sandwich no ill-will, and only mention him to emphasize that I was and still am very proud of the work our staff did during our time in office, and for Alaskans. There is dignity in this profession — in writing, in politics, in writing the words that politicians will speak. Because in my experience, the stereotype that politicians (and their speechwriters) are only trying to mislead, obscure or befuddle is a bunch of bologna.

Sidebars series: On platitudes

That said…

When they are occasionally necessary in conversation, however, (to be polite enough to answer a generic or overarching question, and likewise polite enough not to provide excruciating detail), a “personal platitude” is just the thing. A go-to catchphrase, customized to your particular situation and style.

My favorite so far was coined by my former principal, VADM Richard, when he was Deputy Commander of USSTRATCOM. In answer to the generic/overarching, “How’s the job going?” It was always, “Well, everyone is deterred.”

Dry, focused and factual. So him.

Additional resources: Platitude reference list.