How To Think Like: The Political Speech Writer

1. Remember the basics: good things must come in lists of three;
2. Ensure pause to allow for laughter;
3. How would Sam in West Wing have handled this?;
4. Ensure pause to allow for wiping tears from eyes;
5. Select from: 'historic occasion'; 'how far we have come'; 'it will not be easy, however'; 'my greatest concern and yet my biggest hope';
6. OK: build to crescendo;
7. Now, let's just review and check we haven't actually committed to anything.