What's in a name?

David Murray of the Professional Speechwriters Association recently posed an interesting question for how speechwriters prefer to identify themselves.

 A veteran corporate communications headhunter is on her first search for a pure exec comms role,and asks:

“Is there a preferred title for executive communications professionals? Do they prefer to be called speech writers or exec comms something? My new client keeps calling this role speech writer, but it is definitely more than just writing speeches. It’s about creating the appropriate themes and platforms for the CEO, writing articles, board and customer correspondence, helping with media interviews, managing the CEO’s social media, and being a trusted advisor.”

But nobody reports to the person, so the recruiter wonders if “director” is appropriate?

“Maybe Executive Communications Leader? Senior Exec Comms XXX? I want to position the role appropriately.”

I've personally found the term "speechwriter" tends to hold a cachet internally that "executive communications" does not. Many folks have never met a speechwriter, as evidenced by the usual "West Wing"/Trump line of conversation they pursue next. It is a unique role and they often seem to give it a bit of deference as a clearly defined skillset, as opposed to the more generic-sounding "executive communications."

As for interacting with external folks, I often refer to myself as part of the communications team or as an executive communications professional. Organizations like discretion about the idea that the boss may, horror of horrors, have someone putting words in their mouth.... or that they actually draw on support from advisers in preparing strategically for events. I appreciate that discretion is the name of the game in speechwriting. (I never blinked when a client delivering a college commencement speech added aside that it was challenging to “write this speech all on her own”; after all, the scribe is here to be heard, not acknowledged.)

I'm also aware that some look dimly at paying someone to write speeches. (A typical “gotcha” headine about a government leader: Seema Verma employs a team of private consultants who write her speeches, polish her brand and travel with her across the country.)

For me personally: I always prefer the title "speechwriter." It's cool. And it's to the point.