Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I book my speech?

After booking you immediately receive an order confirmation then a separate email from me with a few questions to get started. This is a fast, easy process for you to get a funny, warm, killer original speech.  

What information do you need to write the speech?

I’ve used The Nail Your Speech Process for nearly 20 years to gather a combination of facts, feelings and experiences. First you’ll answer a few simple but thought-provoking questions about the bride, groom and your relationship with them. Then I’ll call you to go deeper on some of the information. I also want to get a good sense of your values, character, personality and humor—all of which factor heavily into the voice and personality of your speech.

What types of wedding speeches do you write?

All of them—from best man, groom and father/mother of the bride/ groom… to maid of honor, bride and bridesmaid. Each speech is different but I use the same meticulous research process to uncover and organize your thoughts, feelings and experiences. That means a speech 100% aligned with your values, personality and relationship with the bride and groom. This is the one speech only you can deliver.  (Please note that I no longer create officiant scripts/speeches.)

Is our work together confidential?

Yes. You're in complete control. Some clients mention our work together to others, some don't. It's up to you. Regardless, I'm always working behind the scenes to help you nail your speech. 

Where are you based?

I'm completely digital and work with clients around the world. My home base is Chicago. I'm easy to reach day and night through email or toll-free telephone. And I promptly return emails and messages.

Do I really need this? It probably won't work for me anyway.

This is a highly personalized service that will ensure your speech is the best speech of the day. If you're struggling with what to say or are an inexperienced speaker, this is for you. You don't have to continue wrestling with this alone or resort to using the same dull, generic lines and phony B.S. off Google you hear at every wedding.

I've written speeches and coached thousands of speakers at all age and experience levels for nearly 20 years. This process will work for you, too.

Giving a wedding speech is, for most of us, a once-in-a-lifetime honor. I will help make it one of the best experiences of your life.

What's your background?

After earning a B.A. in communication studies and an M.A. in journalism on scholarship, I began my career in marketing agencies creating strategy and writing ads, films, speeches, books, websites and other materials for Fortune 500 companies and global nonprofits.

CEOs and other executives at client companies would often ask me to write a wedding or other speech. These execs were typically nervous about delivering their speech. 

And there is a strong emotional component to weddings where, for example, a father is speaking to his daughter or a maid of honor is honoring her big sister.

I found I particularly enjoyed the work of helping people who are under pressure, short of time or doubting their abilities nail their wedding speeches.

A little more here.