Herr Speaks

Washington speechwriter John Herr gave a presentation for last week's Tuesday briefing on his career and techniques in writing quality speeches.

Herr has been a political speechwriter for clients including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Education. He worked on the Bush-Quayle campaign as well, as an Assistant to the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Headquarters.

Herr has been in the field for a long time, and had some tips for potential speechwriters. He described how to use emotion, language, and phrases to create an influential speech. "If it makes you cry or get emotional, put it in the speech," said Herr.

Herr also recommended taking inspiration from other sources to put in a speech. He gave an example how he used a line from the television show 'West Wing' in a speech he wrote for a client. He also recommended using an important day in history to add more impact to a speech done on that date.

Herr emphasized the use of humor in writing as well because of its rarity in politics. "Humor is in such short supply that if you attempt a joke, you get credit for it". He recommended using self-depreciating humor, and to avoid buzzwords and tired content.

Herr also explained his love for politics and how he was co-founder of Penn State Students for Bush, as well as a member of the College Republicans. He has a love for news and even reads it while he is driving. He receives most of his news from the internet, which he believes is the future of news. His main news sources include DailyKos.com, DrugeReport.com, Salon.com, and conservative website Lucyann.com. Herr has written many speeches, but his favorite was one he wrote for the governor of Pennsylvania after the 9/11 attacks. He sees his speech writing as a way to "connect with people," and a way to use his creativity.

Herr believes that our generation is on its way to becoming great writers. He explained that since we communicate constantly over many mediums, we have the tools to be great communicators in the future. "There is always a need for good writers," said Herr when asked about the need for speechwriters in the future.

Being a speechwriter is "not easy" and Herr has made mistakes in his profession. He stresses checking any information you use and doing to do the proper research. When he worked as a news summarizer for President Bush he accidentally put an inter-office memo in the president's news summary. He stressed being prepared, as "speechwriters have to be a jack-of-all-trades".

This was Herr's first time giving a presentation in this fashion. He has also been a part-time comedian for the past 2 years. In his act he stays away from politics and focuses on other topics in life.