Attention Shift From the White House to the Classroom: Cody Keenan on Storytelling and Speechwriting
May 22, 2025
Join Cody Keenan, former chief speechwriter for President Obama, as he discusses the art of impactful storytelling in speeches. He breaks down how structure and emotional clarity can turn words into emotional calls to action. Cody contrasts everyday remarks with historic speeches, tackling the challenge of connecting with audiences in our digital age. He also shares insights on mentoring the next generation of communicators and addresses the role of AI in writing. Plus, hear about his life beyond the podium, including family and inspirations.
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Structure Is The Core Of Every Speech
- Every speech should tell a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end that fits a larger narrative.
- Cody Keenan says the first question is always: what's the story we're trying to tell?
Write Like It's Their Only Chance
- Write every speech as if the audience will only hear you once in their life.
- That forces clarity, emotional color, and precise choices even for routine remarks.
Don’t Optimize Only For Virality
- Attention fragments, but audiences can still consume longer, nuanced arguments.
- Keenan preferred longer thoughtful speeches over chasing viral lines or soundbites.
