How to Land Your First Corporate Speechwriting Client: A 3-Part Plan

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Breaking into corporate speechwriting feels like trying to open a vault with a butter knife. The doors seem closed, the networks impossible to get into, and the competition is tough. But, this high-stakes communication world offers a rewarding and intellectually stimulating career. Corporate leaders, executives, and public figures always need compelling stories, strong arguments, and inspiring calls to action. They need words that connect, motivate, and move markets. This need is a big opportunity for skilled writers.

I’m going to break down how to get your first corporate speechwriting client into a clear, actionable 3-part plan. We’ll go beyond general advice and dig into the exact strategies, tools, and mindsets you need to go from aspiring speechwriter to a trusted voice behind the scenes. This isn’t about magical shortcuts, but a step-by-step way to show your value, build trust, and turn leads into paying clients.

Part 1: Building an Irresistible Foundation

Before you even think about pitching, you have to build a strong base of trust and show your skills. Corporate clients don’t hire based on potential; they hire based on proven results. This foundation isn’t built overnight, but it’s the most important investment you’ll make.

A. Mastering the Art of the “Invisible” Voice

Corporate speechwriting is completely different from other writing. It’s about channeling someone else’s voice, tone, and message, not putting your own in there. Your success depends on being a chameleon, adapting your style to perfectly match the speaker’s brand and personality.

  • Deconstructing Executive Communication: Start by obsessively analyzing speeches from different corporate leaders. Watch TED Talks, shareholder meetings, product launches, and industry keynotes. Don’t just listen to the words; analyze the rhythm, pauses, emotional arc, and rhetorical strategies.
    • Actionable Step: Transcribe parts of speeches from five different executives (for example, a tech CEO, a financial services executive, a non-profit leader). Identify their unique verbal habits, preferred sentence structures, and typical openings/closings. Notice how they build rapport, explain complex ideas, and deliver calls to action.
  • Understanding the “Why”: Every effective corporate speech has a clear objective beyond just sharing information. Is it to drive sales? Inspire employees? Calm investor fears? Build a positive public image? Your job is to uncover that hidden intention and craft words that achieve it.
    • Actionable Step: For each speech you transcribed, guess the main and secondary objectives. Then, identify specific phrases or structural elements that directly serve those objectives. For example, if the goal is to calm investors, look for phrases emphasizing stability, growth, or sticking to a strategy.
  • Empathy as Your Superpower: You must put yourself in the speaker’s shoes, understanding their pressures, goals, and the audience they want to influence. This deep empathy lets you craft messages that genuinely resonate.
    • Actionable Step: Practice “voice-matching” exercises. Take a simple news article or press release about a company, then rewrite it as if it were a speech delivered by that company’s CEO, making sure it reflects their known communication style and priorities.

B. Crafting a Showcase Portfolio (Even Without Paid Gigs)

The biggest hurdle for aspiring speechwriters is the “experience paradox”: you need experience to get work, but you can’t get experience without work. The solution is to proactively create a portfolio that shows what you can do.

  • The Power of Spec Speeches: These are speeches you write entirely on your own initiative, custom-made for potential clients or hypothetical situations. They are your audition pieces.
    • Actionable Step: Find 3-5 real-world corporate speaking opportunities that recently happened or are coming up (e.g., a major industry conference keynote, a quarterly earnings call, an internal town hall). Choose a prominent executive who spoke or will speak at these events. Then, write a hypothetical speech for them, focusing on the specific context, audience, and objectives. Don’t recycle old writing; create fresh pieces.
    • Example: For a tech CEO giving a keynote at a major industry conference, your spec speech could focus on the future of AI, including their company’s unique angle and a clear call to action for partnerships or adoption.
  • The “Before & After” Transformation: Take a bland or uninspiring corporate communication (e.g., a press release, an executive memo, a generic welcome message) and rewrite it as a compelling speech. This highlights your ability to improve existing content.
    • Actionable Step: Find a publicly available corporate announcement. Rewrite a key section of it as a passionate, concise speech aiming to achieve a specific outcome (e.g., rally employees, excite customers). Present both the original and your revamped version side-by-side in your portfolio, with a short explanation of your strategic choices.
  • Showcasing Versatility: Your portfolio should show your ability to write for different types of speeches (inspirational, informative, persuasive, commemorative) and for various industries.
    • Actionable Step: Make sure your 3-5 spec speeches cover at least three different speech types and industries. For instance, one could be a persuasive sales kickoff speech, another an informative investor presentation, and a third an inspirational internal address.
  • Professional Presentation: A well-organized, clean, and easily accessible portfolio (online preferred) is a must. Use a simple website, a dedicated Google Drive folder, or a robust platform like Contently or Clippings.me.
    • Actionable Step: Create a dedicated portfolio page or folder. Don’t just dump documents. Include a brief (1-2 sentence) context for each speech: the speaker, the occasion, the objective, and the target audience. Make it incredibly easy for a potential client to navigate and understand your work.

C. Nailing Your Niche (Initially)

While versatility is a future goal, focusing on a niche initially can really streamline getting clients. It lets you target your efforts, build expertise faster, and become the go-to person in a specific area.

  • Leveraging Existing Knowledge: What industries do you already understand? Do you have a background in finance, healthcare, technology, or marketing? Your existing vocabulary and industry insights are a powerful differentiator.
    • Actionable Step: List 3-5 industries that truly interest you or where you have existing knowledge. Research their major players, key trends, and common speaking platforms.
  • Identifying “Speech-Heavy” Sectors: Some industries naturally require more public communication from their leaders. Think startups looking for funding, established companies going through big changes, or highly regulated sectors.
    • Actionable Step: Research companies within your chosen industries that frequently engage in public speaking. Look for CEOs who are regular presenters at conferences, on news channels, or who publish thought leadership pieces. These are potential targets.
  • The Thought Leadership Angle: Instead of broadly pitching yourself as a “speechwriter,” position yourself as someone who helps executives articulate their thought leadership on a specific topic.
    • Example: Instead of “I write speeches,” try, “I help tech founders craft compelling narratives for their funding rounds,” or “I empower healthcare executives to communicate complex policy changes with clarity and impact.” This immediately signals value and expertise.
    • Actionable Step: Craft a concise (1-2 sentence) value proposition that combines your skill (speechwriting) with a specific industry or problem you solve.

Part 2: Strategic Outreach & Network Hacking

With a solid foundation in place, it’s time to actively look for clients. This isn’t about cold-calling 500 companies. It’s about smart, targeted outreach and using your relationships.

A. The Power of LinkedIn: Your Primary Battleground

LinkedIn isn’t just for resumes; it’s a dynamic networking platform, a research tool, and arguably the most crucial channel for getting corporate speechwriting clients.

  • Optimizing Your Profile: Your LinkedIn profile must clearly say “professional speechwriter.” It’s your public portfolio and first impression.
    • Actionable Step:
      • Headline: Don’t just put “Writer.” Use something like: “Corporate Speechwriter | Executive Communications Strategist | Helping Leaders Articulate Vision.”
      • About Section: This is your elevator pitch. Detail your specific services, your unique approach, and the value you provide. Highlight your ability to capture executive voice and achieve strategic objectives. Embed keywords like “executive speeches,” “keynote presentations,” “corporate communications,” etc.
      • Experience: Even if unpaid, list your spec speech projects under “Experience” or “Projects.” Treat them as real client engagements, detailing your role and the outcomes.
      • Skills & Endorsements: Load up relevant skills (e.g., “Speechwriting,” “Executive Communications,” “Public Speaking Coaching,” “Strategic Messaging,” “Copyediting”). Proactively ask for endorsements from anyone who can validate your writing skills.
  • Targeted Prospecting: LinkedIn lets you identify exactly who needs a speechwriter.
    • Actionable Step:
      • Keyword Search: Use search terms like “Head of Communications,” “Chief Communications Officer (CCO),” “VP Communications,” “Executive Assistant (EA) to CEO,” “Chief of Staff,” “Founder,” “CEO,” “Marketing Director.” Filter by industry and geography.
      • Company Targeting: Follow companies that frequently announce speaking engagements or whose executives are prominent public figures. Look at their “People” section to identify relevant roles.
      • Job Alerts: Set up alerts for terms like “speechwriter,” “executive communications,” or even “ghostwriter” (though “speechwriter” is preferred). Even if you’re not applying, these listings show who is hiring and what skills they value.
  • Strategic Connection Requests: Don’t just send a generic request. Personalize it carefully and strategically.
    • Actionable Step: When connecting with a potential prospect (e.g., a CCO), reference something specific about their company or recent news. “Hi [Name], I’ve been following [Company Name]’s work in [Specific Area] and was particularly impressed by [Recent Initiative/Speech]. I specialize in crafting compelling executive narratives for forward-thinking leaders and would appreciate the opportunity to connect.” Keep it concise and focused on value.
  • Content Creation & Engagement: Position yourself as a thought leader in executive communication.
    • Actionable Step: Share articles relevant to corporate communication, executive presence, or public speaking. Even better, write short posts on LinkedIn offering insights into crafting powerful messages, analyzing a recent corporate speech, or sharing tips on executive storytelling. This shows expertise and keeps you top-of-mind. Comment thoughtfully on others’ posts within your target network.

B. Leveraging Existing Networks (Beyond LinkedIn)

Your existing network is extremely valuable, even if people aren’t directly in communications. They know people who know people.

  • The “Informational Interview” Approach: Instead of asking for work, ask for advice. This reduces pressure and opens doors.
    • Actionable Step: Reach out to anyone in your broader network who works in a corporate setting (HR, sales, marketing, operations). Ask to schedule a 15-20 minute virtual coffee. Frame it as: “I’m looking to better understand the communication challenges faced by executives in [Your Target Industry]. As someone within that world, I’d value your insights.” Do not pitch your services in this initial conversation.
    • During the Chat: Ask open-ended questions: “What kind of public speaking demands do executives at your level typically face?” “What are the biggest communication pain points you observe?” “Who within your organization typically handles executive speech support?” Listen actively.
    • Follow-up: Send a thank-you note. If appropriate and if they mentioned a specific need, you can then thoughtfully offer, “Based on our conversation, it sounds like [specific communication challenge] is prevalent. My area of expertise is helping leaders craft messages that solve precisely that. If you ever know someone facing this, please keep me in mind.” Provide a simple link to your portfolio.
  • Alumni Networks & Professional Organizations: These groups often have strong bonds and a willingness to help.
    • Actionable Step: Join relevant professional associations (e.g., Public Relations Society of America – PRSA, International Association of Business Communicators – IABC if you want to broaden, but focus on smaller, niche groups related to executive presence or leadership if possible). Actively participate in their forums, virtual events, and local chapters. Let your expertise show through thoughtful contributions, not obvious pitching.
  • Word-of-Mouth Cultivation: Every interaction, even speculative ones, is an opportunity to make an impression.
    • Actionable Step: Treat every informational interview or casual networking chat as a potential referral source. Be professional, prepared, and clearly articulate what you offer. Your goal is to be memorable and easy to refer.

C. Thoughtful Event Attendance

While cold outreach can work, being present where your target clients are is much more effective.

  • Industry Conferences & Webinars: Identify key industry conferences within your chosen niche.
    • Actionable Step: Attend relevant virtual or physical industry conferences. Don’t just listen to the speakers; pay attention to their delivery, the audience’s reactions, and any communication gaps. Network strategically during breaks or virtual chat sessions. Look for executives who sound brilliant or those who clearly struggle to articulate their message – both are opportunities.
  • Local Business Associations: Chamber of Commerce events, executive leadership forums, or industry-specific meetups often attract local business leaders.
    • Actionable Step: Research local business groups. Attend a meeting or two. Introduce yourself as an executive communications specialist focused on helping leaders convey their vision. Have your concise value proposition ready.
  • The “Observer” Advantage: You’re not just attending; you’re researching. Observe communication styles, identify common themes, and pinpoint areas where a skilled speechwriter could add significant value.
    • Actionable Step: After attending an event, make notes about the most effective (and least effective) speakers. Consider how you would have improved a weak speech or further enhanced a strong one. This continuous analysis hones your skills and feeds your portfolio ideas.

Part 3: The Pitch, Project, and Prosperity

You’ve built your foundation, looked for potential opportunities. Now comes the crucial phase: turning interest into a paid engagement and growing from there.

A. Crafting the Irresistible Pitch

A successful pitch isn’t about listing your skills; it’s about showing how you solve a specific problem for the client.

  • The “Problem-Solution-Benefit” Framework:
    • Problem: Clearly state a communication challenge they likely face (even if they haven’t explicitly said it). Example: “Busy executives often struggle to find dedicated time to craft the powerful, engaging speeches their roles demand.”
    • Solution: Introduce your service as the exact answer. Example: “I specialize in distilling complex ideas into compelling executive narratives, freeing up your valuable time while ensuring your message resonates.”
    • Benefit: Explain the positive outcome for them. Example: “This means your leaders can deliver impactful presentations that strengthen their brand, inspire their teams, and drive strategic objectives, all while focusing on their core responsibilities.”
    • Actionable Step: Draft a 2-3 sentence pitch using this framework, tailored for your primary niche and target client type.
  • Tailoring is Non-Negotiable: A generic pitch is a useless pitch. Every communication must be intensely personalized.
    • Actionable Step: Before sending any outreach, research the specific company and the individual you’re contacting. Reference a recent news item, a success story, or a challenge they’ve publicly discussed. This shows you’ve done your homework.
    • Example: Instead of “I write great speeches,” try: “I noticed [CEO’s Name]’s recent speech at [Conference Name] touched on [Specific Topic]. My expertise lies in helping leaders like [CEO’s Name] distill complex insights into even more powerfully resonant and memorable narratives, particularly when addressing [related challenge/opportunity].”
  • Emphasizing Value, Not Just Hours: Clients aren’t buying words; they’re buying impact, influence, and saved time.
    • Actionable Step: Frame your pricing (when discussed) around project value rather than an hourly rate initially. “For a keynote speech of this magnitude, my typical project fee ranges from X to Y, ensuring a deeply researched, strategically aligned, and polished final product that achieves your communication objectives.”
  • The Power of a “Mini-Audit” or Example: Offer a small, insightful demonstration of your value.
    • Actionable Step: Instead of immediately asking for a massive project, offer to review a brief transcript of a recent executive communication and provide 3-5 specific, actionable suggestions for improvement. This demonstrates your analytical skills and ability to provide concrete value without a huge commitment from the client.
    • Example Offer: “If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to take a quick look at a recent executive statement or internal memo and provide a few strategic thoughts on how its impact could be amplified. No obligation, purely to demonstrate my approach.”

B. Navigating the First Project

Congratulations, you’ve got a lead! The first project is your most important. It’s not just about delivering the speech; it’s about proving yourself as an indispensable partner.

  • The Discovery Call: Unpacking the “Invisible” Brief: The initial client call is paramount. It’s where you extract the true essence of the speech.
    • Actionable Step: Prepare a structured set of questions:
      • What is the specific goal of this speech? (e.g., “To inspire commitment to a new strategy,” “To reassure investors about market fluctuations,” “To explain a complex product in simple terms.”)
      • Who is the exact audience, and what do they care about? What are their current perceptions?
      • What is the key message, the single idea you want the audience to remember?
      • What is the desired tone? (e.g., authoritative, empathetic, visionary, direct, humorous?)
      • What are the non-negotiables / must-include points?
      • What are the speaker’s personal communication strengths and weaknesses? (Crucial for voice matching!)
      • Are there any sensitivities or topics to avoid?
      • What is the format (keynote, panel, internal address)? How long should it be?
      • What is the deadline for the first draft and final version?
      • What are the internal review processes?
    • Active Listening & Clarification: Listen more than you speak. Summarize what you hear to ensure alignment: “So, to confirm, the primary goal is to shift investor perception from ‘uncertainty’ to ‘confident cautiousness’ by emphasizing our resilience and future growth opportunities, particularly targeting financial analysts. Is that correct?”
  • Setting Clear Expectations (and Over-Delivering): Define the scope, deliverables, and timeline explicitly.
    • Actionable Step: Send a brief follow-up email after your discovery call, summarizing the agreed-upon scope, key objectives, and the timeline for deliverables (e.g., “Draft 1 by [Date], Review Cycle by [Date], Final Draft by [Date]”). Always build in buffer time.
  • The Iterative Process: Speechwriting is collaborative. Be prepared for multiple rounds of feedback.
    • Actionable Step: Offer a clear feedback mechanism. “Please provide all feedback within X timeframe, consolidated from your team if possible, directly within the document.” Be open to constructive criticism and adapt your drafts accordingly. This shows professionalism and ease of collaboration. Don’t be too attached to your words; your goal is the client’s success.
  • Confidentiality & Professionalism: This is extremely important in corporate speechwriting.
    • Actionable Step: From the start, understand that everything you hear and write is confidential. Sign NDAs if requested without hesitation. Maintain absolute discretion.

C. Scaling Your Success & Building Longevity

One client is a start; multiple clients and repeat business are the goal.

  • The Exemplary Delivery: Don’t just meet expectations; exceed them. Deliver on time, communicate proactively, and provide a polished, impactful speech.
    • Actionable Step: After the speech is delivered, proactively follow up. “How did the speech go? Was it well-received? Are there any lessons learned that we can apply to future communications?” This shows you care about the outcome, not just the task.
  • Soliciting Testimonials & Case Studies: Your best marketing comes from satisfied clients.
    • Actionable Step: Once a project concludes successfully, politely ask for a testimonial. “I truly enjoyed collaborating on [Speech Topic]. If you were happy with the outcome, I would be grateful if you could provide a brief testimonial that I could potentially use on my professional profile or website.” (If they can’t provide a public one due to confidentiality, ask if they’d be willing to serve as a private reference).
    • Develop (Confidential) Case Studies: Internally, document your process and the positive impact of each project (e.g., “Helped CEO elevate investor confidence, resulting in X positive analyst mentions”). This helps you refine your process and articulate your value for future pitches, even if the specifics remain confidential.
  • Nurturing Client Relationships: Repeat business and referrals are the most profitable.
    • Actionable Step: Stay in touch periodically, even if there’s no immediate project. Share a relevant article, congratulate them on a company milestone, or simply check in. Be a resource, not just a service provider.
  • Expanding Your Skillset: After establishing yourself, consider broadening your offerings.
    • Actionable Step: Explore offering executive presentation coaching, message crystallization workshops, or broader strategic communications consulting. These are natural extensions that add more value to clients and diversify your income streams.

Landing your first corporate speechwriting client isn’t about luck; it’s about meticulous preparation, strategic positioning, and relentless execution. By building a strong foundation of skill and demonstrable work, engaging in targeted and thoughtful outreach, and then flawlessly executing your initial projects, you will not only get that crucial first client but lay the groundwork for a thriving and impactful career in executive communications. The corporate world is waiting for voices that can truly articulate its vision. Be that voice.