Before You Say Anything, Victoria Wellman
Before You Say Anything, Victoria Wellman
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Before You Say Anything
The Untold Stories and Failproof Strategies of a Very Discreet Speechwriter

Author: Victoria Wellman

Narrator: Victoria Wellman

Unabridged: 6 hr 38 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/12/2022


Synopsis

This program is read by the author.

Victoria Wellman’s Before You Say Anything invites listeners into the game-changing creative process of New York’s busiest speechwriter, delivering actionable insights for anyone tasked with speaking in public.

In the age of information and influence, the ability to authentically express yourself in words has become both a rite of passage and an essential skill for anyone who wants to make a difference—however modest or grand—in their family, community, workplace, or at the podium in front of thousands. And yet the conventional wisdom around what resonates for today’s speakers and their audiences has failed to evolve, leaving speakers wondering how they will craft a speech that provides the individuality, originality and authenticity our culture demands. While we can’t all be the next Amanda Gorman, however, there is a roadmap every speaker can follow—regardless of their experience—to elevate a narrative from serviceable to unforgettable. This is true whether you are roasting a colleague at an office party, delivering a keynote industry address, accepting an award, or eulogizing a loved one.

In Before You Say Anything, Victoria Wellman—the founder and president of Manhattan-based speechwriting company The Oratory Laboratory—shares her unique methodology for researching, reimagining, crafting, and delivering a professional quality speech by focusing on three core objectives: respect for the audience, the restless pursuit of originality, and intentionality behind every word. Full of hilarious anecdotes and examples from Wellman’s extensive experience as the go-to speechwriter for power players and everyday people from around the world, Before You Say Anything is an irresistible antidote to the age-old doctrine of what a speech must include. Instead it will leave readers with an enlightened and refreshing way of thinking about their sources, ideas and material, and a strategy of putting it all to use.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

About Victoria Wellman

VICTORIA WELLMAN is the co-founder and president of The Oratory Laboratory, a boutique creative agency for public speakers based in Manhattan and servicing the world. She has crafted speeches for influencers, politicians, entrepreneurs, Olympians, NFL stars, astronauts, rap stars, artists, and activists, and has garnered media attention that includes appearances on the Today show, Martha Stewart, CNN, NPR, NBC, ABC, and CBS News. A professionally trained actress, Wellman lives in Brooklyn, New York.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Melissa

This review is based on an advance reader copy I got through a Goodreads giveaway. Sadly I found this book to be disappointing. There are some good basic tips in here but nothing I haven't heard before. There is also quite a bit of fluff and promotion for her company, the Oratory Laboratory. Where We......more

Goodreads review by Rick

Pretty mediocre. There’s a couple interesting anecdotes, some good generic information about writing a speech. but the majority of it just seems like a kind of nebulous mush of ideas jammed together. It needed arc, development, heft….. just something beyond being seeming like a collection of mildly......more

Goodreads review by Ell

This is a great guide for those who wish to be better public speakers. Whether you want to sound better in front of your work team or you need to improve your oratory skills in front of audiences, you will benefit from Victoria Wellman's insights and tips. She's the founder and president of a large......more

Goodreads review by Greg

I received this ARC through a Goodreads give-away. I usually judge a book by the criteria of ‘was I entertained’? And though I did find it entertaining, I also found it instructive. That’s a combination not usually found. Although I highly doubt that I will be giving a public speech (ever!) I was cu......more