Speechwriting & vow writing
For the occasions that matter most.
A wedding speech, vows, a tribute to someone turning sixty — these are the pieces of writing that will be heard by everyone who matters to you. Getting them right is worth doing.
Most people find it harder than they expected. I ask questions, listen carefully, and find the shape of what you want to say — the story worth telling, the one you often can't see yourself. Then I write it in a voice that sounds like you at your most articulate. Not like a speech. Like you.
I work with
I'm a writer and writing coach. I've written for the New York Times and trained at the Iowa Writers' Workshop.
I came to speechwriting through a friend who needed help — and I was struck by how much it meant to her, and to the people hearing it.
We talk
You tell me about the person, the relationship, the occasion, the tone you're going for. I ask a lot of questions.
I draft
I write something from what you've shared — in your voice, shaped around what matters most.
We refine
We work through it together until it feels right.
Yen has been involved in three of the most important speeches in my life. She helped my best friend write a speech for my 30th — hearing it was a life highlight; I truly felt seen in a way that meant so much to me. She helped my parents write their wedding speech, striking the perfect balance between heartfelt and humorous — they were a crowd favourite. And she helped me write my own wedding vows, something I felt deeply intimidated by. With Yen's help we found the right words — and many people told me they were the best vows they had ever heard. Yen is an excellent sounding board — respectful, reassuring, and skilled at improving clarity while leaving your voice completely intact.
— Camilla
If you have a speech coming up and want to talk through what's possible, I'd love to hear from you.