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The Cicero Speechwriting Award The speech maker, more often than not, overshadows the speechwriter, even though the author of the speech is the true author of the action it inspires. The Cicero Speechwriting Awards were created to give you—the speechwriter—the honor and recognition that you deserve. Presented by Vital Speeches of the Day and The Executive Speaker, the leading publications in the speechwriting field, the Cicero Speechwriting Awards celebrate the talent so crucial in helping the great leaders in the public and private sectors achieve prominence. The 27 different entry categories encompass key topics and demographics, including education, healthcare, nonprofit, transportation, and politics. Entries will be judged by industry experts, ensuring that each Cicero is awarded to the best by the best. A Cicero Speechwriting Award will not only position your speech as one of the best in the industry, but also recognize you as one of the best writers in your field. Thomas F. Daly, IV Editor Vital Speeches of the Day Robert O. Skovgard Editor The Executive Speaker How is Marriage like the Demolition Business? Written for father-of-the-bride, Ken Frohlich, by Mike Landrum I have to agree with that. Well, this is my chance to contribute something besides signing checks and saying "yes, Princess" which feels like all I’ve been doing these past six months. As Ronald Reagan once said – “I’ve paid for this microphone, and by golly I’m going to use it.” Look, I’m just a working fool. Outside of my family, my life is my business. I see everything in terms of my work. So here’s a question for you to ponder: How is marriage like the demolition business? (Pause) We’ll get back to that later, but first I gotta say something to my darling daughter. (to Emily) Emily, two of the highlights of my life have been your birth and now your wedding. I gotta say this part is a heck of a lot more fun than your birth was. You’re beautiful, Princess, and I love you. (to audience) It’s a miracle she’s here at all, you know. She came four months early! Emily’s always had her own sense of timing. I figure she was just so eager to get started living, and shopping and turning my hair grey. (Cup hand as though it held baby) She weighed just two and a half pounds - I barely got my bait back. A Tiny little thing in an incubator but she fought for life like a heavyweight. Look at her now - isn’t she something? (invite applause!) (Pause) Emily lives at a fast pace. She holds the speed-talking record for Long Island – she’s a real motormouth. As soon as we find a sponsor we’re sending her on the pro tour. And she can read and speak backwards! So here’s a special message for you princess: "Sdrac tiderc ym no erom on." I’ll translate for the rest of you: ‘No more on my Credit cards!’ Jamie, I’ve written this sentence down for you - forwards and backwards. I suggest you make it your mantra. Emily, I gotta give you credit -- you picked a real winner there. Your grandma taught you all about jewelry, so for a husband you picked a real gem. We’re all in love with Jamie. I understand that girls try to find a guy like their dad – - so what am I to think when she brings home this great looking guy – honest, ambitious, intelligence out to here, good sense of humor, logical, sensitive, organized, a relentless negotiator . . . ? - I mean hey, it’s like looking in the mirror - you know what I mean? Except for the hair color, of course. Well, you should take a good look at me, pal, cause I’m your future! We invited the two of them down to Florida so we could get to know Jamie and right away he won Pauline’s heart by doing the dishes. No kidding. The only downside is now she expects ME to do the dishes, too! I guess we’re a DISH-functional family. It’s been rough . . . especially on the hands. So I got you another wedding gift . . . here, Jamie. (Pulls out a box - removes items) It’s a pair of rubber gloves and a little bottle of Jergens lotion. * * * You feel lucky when your daughter decides to marry a prince like Jamie. But it’s a double blessing when you fall in love with his parents, too. Ronald and Rodley, it has been such a pleasure getting to know you - I just know we are going to be close friends - - no matter who does the dishes. It’s hard for a dad to watch his child go off with some guy and start a new life. I feel like I should send you off with a bit of advice, so . . . Like I said at the beginning, I see a parallel between success in marriage and success in the demolition business. Of course, marriage is tougher because you don’t get the right tools for the job, like bulldozers and wrecking balls and dynamite. But the job is basically the same. What I do for my clients, you have to learn to do for each other. It’s my job to clear away obstacles to the client’s happiness, which for them usually means a new building. But it’s not my job to build it. I just give the client space so they can build their happiness for themselves. See, happiness is harder than love . . . You’ll try to make each other happy, and you should – - you better, Jamie! - - but after awhile you’ll realize that we each have to build our own happiness. You’ll find out that one of the most loving things husbands and wives can do for each other is a little demolition work. Knock down each other’s obstacles if you can. Obstacles like discouragement, pessimism, self doubt, Fear - things like that. Clear some of those out of each other’s way and then stand back . . . I’ll bet you two can build a very happy life together. You’re off to a great start. So now, let’s raise our glasses and drink to the health and happiness of Emily and Jamie! |
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