Cartoon Thinking for Speechwriters: a visual thinking workshop
for writers who want to breathe new life into their work
A good cartoon can sum up a situation or an idea in just a few
strokes of the pen. It grabs attention, tells a story, and
delivers a punch line in a way that speechwriters can only dream
of.
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Martin Shovel is both a speechwriter and a cartoonist, and he
believes ‘cartoon thinking’ is the key to his success as a
speechwriter. In this unique workshop he and Martha Leyton will
share what it means to think like a cartoonist, and show you how
to put these insights into practice in your own speechwriting.
You'll quickly learn how to use cartoon drawing to explore the
interplay between drawn images, mental images and words. You
already use writing as an everyday tool for thinking and
communicating – come on this workshop and it won’t be long before
you’re using cartoon drawing in much the same way.
Among other things, you’ll learn how to:
-­‐
draw simple cartoons (even if you think you can’t draw at
all!)
-­‐
use cartooning to clarify your thinking and improve your
writing
-­‐
simplify your message by getting to its essence
-­‐
turn abstract ideas into clear, memorable images
-­‐
find and use visual metaphors to make your messages stick.
The workshop is highly interactive, combining theory and practice
throughout, and there will be plenty of opportunity for
discussion.
So, whether you are new to speechwriting, or a seasoned
professional looking for new inspiration, there will be plenty
here to get your creative juices flowing. Whatever your level,
you'll take away new tools and techniques that will help you make
your writing more engaging, persuasive and memorable.
Martin Shovel is both a speechwriter and a cartoonist. He and
Martha Leyton write speeches for leaders in all sectors, as well
as training speechwriters and other communications professionals
http://www.creativityworks.net
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Their popular Nuts and Bolts of Speechwriting workshop has
received glowing testimonials from attendees at previous European
Speechwriter Network conferences:
“The real challenge in organising a good seminar lies in
presenting something “new” that really sticks. I find you managed
to do just that… It was all appealingly insightful.” Justus
Collens, De Nederlandsche Bank
“With their speechwriting and teaching background, Martha and
Martin are the experienced experts you’re looking for. By the end
of the seminar, you’re full of new ideas. And most importantly,
you’ve regained the fresh perspective that easily gets snowed
under by the issues of the day.” Jan Sonneveld: Speechwriter,
Directorate of Communications
Department of Infrastructure and
the Environment, The Netherlands.
“One of the most hands-on and stimulating sessions of the ESN
Conference… made me think afresh about different approaches that
can be taken”.
Jonathan Kinsella: speechwriter to the Secretary of State for
Culture, Media and Sport (UK).
“A clever workshop presented in a down-to-earth manner. Valuable
and refreshing for both beginners and old hands. Do not forget to
jot down everything Martha and Martin are saying because sooner
or later you’ll want to look up one of their powerful proofs or
witty anecdotes.” Edmée Tuyl: Executive speechwriter and coach,
owner of Speechless.
‘The seminar successfully covered a lot of ground in a short
space of time, and provided both practical advice and handy tips.
With good participant interaction and lots of helpful examples,
this was an excellent workshop for speechwriters of any level –
from beginners to experts looking to refresh their style. Highly
recommended.” Piers Letcher, Senior Speechwriter, United Nations
(ITU)
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