Today, we’re continuing our interview with Chris, who has his dream job as a political speechwriter.

Alex:  What personality traits do you think it takes to be successful in your job?

Chris:  First, imagination.  You can’t just say the same things over and over, you have to experiment with language and different phrases.  It’s more than just a science, it’s an art form, and speechwriters can’t be effective without imagination.  They also need to be versed in the news cycle.  We have to know what’s going on so that our jokes are appropriate, timely and topical.  Our audience is the first person we consider as we begin writing speeches, it’s up to them whether it was a good one or not.  Second, humility.  The great speechwriters have to be willing to be ‘ghost writers’ in many respects.  The speeches I write aren’t about me, they’re about my clients, and their audience.  When you get to work with some very experienced clients, they often hack and maul your writing, in an effort to make it more their own.  You have to be okay with that, and realize that collaboration makes for better oratory. 

Alex:  What's the compensation like for speechwriters?

Chris:  It can be very good.  Once you’ve got a client that you’ve worked with a few times, they become reliant on you, and you’re often their go-to speechwriter for every possible occasion.  It’s great when that happens.  Other times, you’re dealing with a new client/candidate that is new to the game, and doesn’t have a large communications budget – so you have to be flexible.  Business clients tend to pay the best, but they don’t require speechwriters as often.  If you’re experienced enough you can charge $1 a word, but generally, when starting out, you’ll be closer to $.25 a word, or a flat fee for whatever they want.  I’ve done well for the most part, but never did it for the money, that’s for sure.

Alex:  What's one piece of advice you'd give to recent college grads who aspire to become political speechwriters?

Chris:  Volunteer like crazy.  Be a part of as many political or NGO campaigns as possible.  Start on the phones, talking to voters, and hearing what the people have to say, good and bad.  Be fearless in reaching out to candidates who inspire you and offer up some sample work for them to review – tell them you’ll do whatever it takes for the chance to write something on their behalf.  You have to want it more than anyone else out there.

Thanks, Chris!