1) Terry Szuplat’s Pre-Conference Workshop
White House communications used to be characterised by eloquence, gravitas and uplift. Terry worked in the last White House (Obama) administration that maintained that tradition. Memory of how things were done is one of the most powerful ways to hold on to standards in the face of adversity. Terry will be sharing his insights at our conference in Cambridge.
2) Defining Democracy
Everyone seems to be for democracy, but hardly anyone really knows what it means. Professor David Wiles wrote the book, Democracy, Theatre and. Performance, From the Greeks to Gandhi. He understands the vital role of theatre in politics. He will explain the origins of democracy in Greek drama and importance of public speaking in a free society.
3) Invest in Yourself
The advertising guru, Rory Sutherland, said, ‘The potency and meaningfulness of communication is in direct proportion to the costliness of its creation – the amount of pain, effort, talent…consumed in its creation and distribution. It may be inefficient – but that’s what makes it work.’
Sure you can stay at home and keep tapping away, but a speechwriters’ conference gives you new ideas, new perspectives and new friends in the business. You get a deeper understanding of your craft. You’re the ‘potency’ that is part of the ‘costliness of creation’. And you’re worth it!
4) Storytelling
John Yorke’s book Into the Woods is regarded as one of the best books on storytelling. His next book Trip to the Moon, Understanding the true power of story is published in January 2026. In the book, John examines how narrative shapes politics, religion and non-western storytelling. He’ll be sharing those insights with us as we seek to equip ourselves to deal with the changing political landscape.
5) Experience Cultured Europe While It Lasts
The works of Austrian novelist, Stefan Zweig, describe the fragility of European civilisation. For sixteen years, we’ve hosted our high-brow get-togethers with speechwriters from around the world to discuss the fine art of communication and speech. We never know when the privileged habits of civility and cultural and intellectual exchange might be disrupted.
Join us at St Catherine’s College – a beautiful college in the heart of Cambridge.
Register here: Cambridge Speechwriters’ & Business Communicators’ Conference 2026