Interviews


President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, Feb. 7, 2023, in Washington. It’s an annual process that former presidential speechwriters say take months. Speechwriters have the uneviable task of taking dozens of ideas and stitching into a cohesive narrative of a president’s vision for the year. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

How speechwriters delve into a president’s mind

Co-Founder and Executive Director Jeff Shesol on drafting State of the Union addresses and other speeches for President Bill Clinton. That concept...
WWW alum and Mayor Michelle Wu's director of speechwriting, Ezra Zwaeli, took part in a brainstorming session in the mayor's office to discuss the video montage that will run during the event.

‘There’s just too much to say’: Meet Mayor Michelle Wu’s chief speechwriter

Ezra Zwaeli, WWW alum and director of speechwriting for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, on writing her 2024 State of the City address. ...
Pevsner sitting at a desk marked “United States President.”

What Is Something Only Laurence Can Say?

WWW alumn Laurence Pevsner on writing speeches for UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and the art of crafting the perfect apology. Laurence Pevsner...
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7 common public speaking issues — and how to fix them

Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but anyone can do it! West Wing alumn, Lauren Dominguez Chan shares tips and tricks with NPR for nailing your...
The Friendly Ghost The Art of Speechwriting with Felicity Barber

The Friendly Ghost w/ Felicity Barber

Conversations about the art of speechwriting with Felicity Barber and some of the top speechwriters in the game. What does it take...