Time to Graduate…from Lengthy Speeches

It’s graduation season and I was fortunate to attend the Baruch College commencement last week in New York City.

The comments from Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., were among the highlights – not for political reasons, but because the man knows how to speak for a few minutes, relate a touching anecdote or two, apply them to the audience in front of him – and sit down.

He was one of at least a dozen presenters to an audience of 5,000 excited graduates and 15,000 of their friends and family members.

For me, as a longtime speechwriter, it was a fascinating chance to observe the crowd’s reaction to each speaker.

I felt especially bad for the recipient of an honorary doctorate. Her introduction made it clear she’s an incredibly talented and accomplished instructor. But at the podium, she launched into a detailed story about her grandmother’s escape from a repressive nation, decades ago.

It would make a compelling short story. However, as she added detail after detail, without rounding that all-important corner of getting to the point, relating it directly to the audience, the crowd took on a beehive quality.

People started squirming, chatting, checking their smartphones, taking restroom breaks. It was so frustrating to think about all the care she’d put into her presentation and see it wasn't having its intended effect.

You don't need to have an advanced degree (or be a U.S. senator) to know it's smart to hire a speechwriter for important presentations. At the very least, rehearse with someone you trust who'll give you honest feedback about the tone and length of your speech. Your audience will thank you!