What do Clarence B. Jones, Ted Sorenson and Jon Favreau have in common? If those names aren’t ringing a bell, here’s another set of clues: “I have a dream,” “Ask not what your country can do for you” and “Yes, we can.” 

If you guessed that these men were integral to crafting some of the most impactful examples of political oration in the last century, you’d be correct. If you didn’t know these names, that’s almost better. 

“Political speech writers serve as an extension of a politician’s thoughts and voice, shaping their message for external audiences,” says Jeff Le, managing principal at 100 Mile Strategies—a consultancy specializing in public sector navigation, communications and policy. Le’s company has crafted speeches for a governor, two members of Congress, two ambassadors and the UN Deputy Secretary-General, among others. “These staffers are usually more than just the help, holding a significant amount of power over how a politician is presented and perceived. They have to spend tremendous time learning [the politician’s] voice, which means learning how they think, including their tendencies, crutches, strengths, gifts and vulnerabilities. The role becomes an intimate adviser.” And one who is preparing their politician for occasions that can define their careers and live on in infamy. Because, as Le notes, politicians realize that these moments matter, and that what they say can stand the test of time and “[be] inked into the history books.” 

But that doesn’t mean that all your favourite orators are talking heads—not nearly as charismatic, intelligent and thoughtful as you’d hope they would be. While the best speech writers are typically firmly in a politician’s inner circle, they’re not a puppet master putting words into a doll’s—or president’s—mouth. “One can have the best speech writer but the politician is still the chief actor, the protagonist and the sun in the political solar system,” Le says. “Speech writers help capture the right beats, but leaders still need to deliver.” 

In a world where the likes of ChatGPT can feel like an existential threat to anyone who works with words, the role of a speech writer in politics likely remains secure because they bring something to the table that no prompt can compete with—the ability to innately understand the weight of a particular moment and create the right voice to capture it. 

“The very best speech writers highlight something noteworthy, sometimes tragic, and transform the moment into a meaningful connection to our bigger ideals, values and dreams,” Le says. 

For more thought-provoking stories and exclusive content, subscribe to 3 magazine’s print and digital editions today!