Speechwriters and the value proposition

Reader comment on: Gensler's Speechwriter

Submitted by ALB (United States), Sep 23, 2011 08:27

Every single assumption about the work speechwriters do, and the value they bring to federal agencies, is wrong in this cavalier commentary. I'm reminded of the offensive old saying, "The only good Indian is a dead Indian." Why not just get it over with and fire the entire U.S. civil service? It's hard to know where to begin, so here are just a few points. (1) 99+% of executives in the public and private sectors cannot write well, and they sure don't know the first thing about writing an effective speech that can hold an audience's attention while driving home a clear message. (2) Speechwriters are extremely necessary and effective in helping federal agencies explain to taxpayers why their programs and policies matter. The communications bridge created by speechwriters is an essential part of the national conversation between the government and the public. You want transparency? This is part of it. (3) Most government speechwriters earn a quite modest professional salary. I'd say the average is in the $60-$80k range, with some earning less and yes, some earning considerably more. Suffice to say, firing all the federal speechwriters ain't gonna do much for the deficit.

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