THINK TOGETHER, DRINK TOGETHER. As we wrap up day one of the #PSAWorldConference, speechwriters from around the world let their hair down over cocktails and conversation, courtesy of the Cicero Speechwriting Awards.

ADVICE FOR THE FUTURE of political rhetoric, from a panel of White House speechwriters spanning Nixon to Obama: “Tell the truth. Have fact checkers. Believe in facts.” — Terry Szuplat #PSAWorldConference

“The outstanding speeches may be the ones where you do what you’re not allowed to do,” says Charles Crawford, the Cicero Speechwriting Awards Grand Award winner. “The question isn’t ‘Is it wonderful?’ It’s ‘Is it wise?’”

FOR ONE AFTERNOON, the ghostwriters finally get the applause. Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Cicero Speechwriting Awards! #PSAWorldConference #CiceroAwards

From chiefs of staff to City Clubs, Davos to personal branding, this afternoon at #PSAWorldConference covered it all: how to help leaders get sharper, build allies behind the scenes, connect with real audiences, and keep our work ethical in a tumultuous time.

“FIND COMMUNITY,” “do your research,” and have a “ludicrously capacious bag.” That’s just some of the wisdom speechwriters shared with each other this afternoon at #PSAWorldConference

“Humor can be a very, very difficult thing to manage,” says comedian, podcaster, and performance coach @VivGroskop. But “you can always find a way through.” The key: “Framing and context are everything.” #PSAWorldConference

OLD FRIENDS and new acquaintances sharing war stories, tips, and tricks of the trade — it’s what #PSAWorldConference is all about.

“NOT TAKING RISK IN COMMUNICATION IS THE BIGGEST RISK OF ALL,” says speechwriter Eleonora Russell, in conversation with Admiral (ret.) Rob Bauer, former Chair of @NATO’s Military Committee. “If it’s very easy to say, it’s probably not worth saying.” #PSAWorldConference

GOOD MORNING, WORDSMITHS! The 13th Annual #PSAWorldConference is underway. @TheMurr kicks off a day of great conversation, generous colleagues, and words to change the world.

SPEECHAPALOOZA: Registration is open. This year, the PSA's legendary Speechwriting School will take place *in person*, in D.C. prorhetoric.com/event/speech… Do not miss this chance to not only learn from but to meet some of the heroes of the speechwriting business.

SPEECHWRITING, FOR KEEPS. Registration opens for the most popular webinar we've ever offered: "a mind-blowing blast of ideas, intellectual tricks, rhetorical tips and emotional insights" from beloved speechwriting teacher Mike Long. Now including AI tips. prorhetoric.com/event/strate…

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE, one month from tomorrow. Register by July 10 to affordably attend the leadership communication event of the year. prorhetoric.com/event/psa-wo…

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR CEO IS *REALLY* THINKING THESE DAYS: about AI, about the economic environment, about the administration ... about YOU, as a communicator? And, do you know what to do about it? You will, after you participate in this. Register now. prorhetoric.com/event/execut…

QUOTED on commencement speeches, in The Atlantic. "The ritual is the thing," sez me. theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0…

TURN YOUR WHOLE COMMS TEAM INTO AN AI-SAVVY UNIT. Today the PSA and the ECC introduce this custom workshop for communication teams who want to get up to speed on AI all at once and all together—conveniently and affordably. First come, first served. prorhetoric.com/event/ai-for…

OPEN FOR REGISTRATION. An urgent moment in leadership communication, a wonderful lineup of speakers and a new home, at George Washington University. Register before the early bird deadline, and secure your seat. prorhetoric.com/event/psa-wo… (PSA members get 25% off)

STARTS A WEEK FROM TODAY. Get thee registered. (PSA members get 25% off) prorhetoric.com/event/speech…

DO YOU NOT THINK the authoritarian tenor of leadership rhetoric outside your organization is affecting the way people receive your executive communications? prorhetoric.com/exec-comms-i… "Exec Comms in the Era of 'Because I Said So.'" Today, at Pro Rhetoric.

THE NEW YORK TIMES WADES INTO OUR NETTLESOME WORLD and asks what it thinks is a yes-or-no question. As no one knows any better than you and me, it's nothing of the sort. prorhetoric.com/what-kind-of… "What Kind of Question Is That?" Today, at ProRhetoric.