WHO SHOULD ENTER?

The competition is open to any speechwriter or speaker from the public or private sector interested in winning recognition for their work. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Speechwriters for CEOs, presidents, vice presidents and other corporate executives
• Speechwriters for association executives, such as the American Bar Association or the American Medical Association
• Speechwriters in the public sector who write for federal, state, or local government officials
• Speakers who write speeches for themselves, such as educators or politicians
• Speechwriters for directors of nonprofits and educational institutions

THE BENEFITS OF WINNING INCLUDE

• Certification that you are the best at your craft
• Professional review by well-respected industry leaders
• Winner's certificate suitable for framing
• Publication of your speech in our special edition winners newsletter (for Grand and Gold winners only)
• Speech featured on our Web site and in a press release to national media outlets
• Winner's logo provided for you to promote your win on your Web site
• One-year subscription to Vital Speeches of the Day
• Celebration of your excellent work in a special session at the Building and Protecting Reputation 2010 conference in Phoenix in February.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT SPEECH?

Style
The speech makes effective use of rhetorical devices and other writing techniques so that the flow is effortless and transitions are seamless. The style accentuates the message rather than getting in the way.

Content
The thesis of the speech is supported by accurate research and facts. Supporting elements fit the audience and occasion. The speech will not be judged on the point of view of the writer or speaker, but rather on the merit of its written presentation.

Organization
As the most basic means of maintaining audience interest, the structure of the speech is clear and coherent. The thesis for the speech is well presented and defended, and the conclusion follows logically from it.

The Cicero Speechwriting Awards mission

The Cicero Speechwriting Awards honor speechwriters for their contribution to the public conversation. Judged by experts in the communication field, the Cicero Speechwriting Awards celebrate all aspects of an unforgettable speech: Content, clarity, organization and style.