The Speechwriter

Some of the Greatest One Liners

Psychotherapy and Speechwriting

Earlier this year I discovered the writings of Irvin Yalom, an American psychotherapist. I have now read three of his books, Love's Executioner, The Gift of Therapy and Momma and the Meaning of Life. What has psychotherapy got to do with speechwriting?

A great deal actually. Yalom emphasizes how important it is in therapy, when the patient is talking to the therapist, that they are in the 'here and now'. It's no good just reeling off a pre-prepared story or a straight account of what you did in the last week.

What is going on in the space at that moment in time between the doctor and patient is crucial, in the same way as what is going on between the speaker and the audience. You've got to connect, and that means looking at your audience, at the surroundings and putting into context what you're saying. How do you feel about these people, why are you there, what do you want to tell them?

Another insight of Yalom's is how the patient recreates his or her problems of the external world within the consulting room. This is the basis of group therapy. In a room where someone speaks, and others ask questions, you can see all the foibles of the individuals taking part. By identifying the foibles in a group setting, you can address them.

Finally, Yalom tells the most wonderful stories. The accounts of how patients acquire insight into their own problems are often funny or moving. They also show how every detail in our lives can reveal a meaning or a significance.

Healing consists of restoring or refining the patient's ability to communicate who they are to the outside world, so they can get what they need and want. That's the role of both a therapist and a speechwriter.

Great Speech from Gladiator

Brothers,

What we do in life.

Echos in eternity.

Brilliant lines from Russell Crowe in Gladiator. Just the kind of inspirational quotation that a civil servant should have on the office wall.