Language Therapy with Dr. K Writing the Speeches that Shaped History with Ken Khachigian
Nov 5, 2025
Ken Khachigian, a veteran presidential speechwriter for Nixon and Reagan and author of Behind Closed Doors, shares his fascinating journey from a California farm to the political spotlight. He discusses the art of speechwriting, emphasizing the balance of message and emotion. Khachigian reflects on his Armenian heritage and the concept of resilience that shaped him. The conversation dives into crafting speeches, the significance of audience connection, and the intense pressure of last-minute fixes. With insights on the evolving role of AI in writing, Ken showcases the timeless power of words.
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How Early Life Trained A Speechwriter
- Ken traces speechwriting to formative habits: radio storytelling, long tractor hours, and lots of reading.
- Those solitary, image-building routines trained him to craft persuasive, vivid language.
Practice Beats Formal Training
- Speechwriting skill developed organically via repeated small tasks: essays, fact sheets, and briefing papers.
- Continuous practice under political pressure refines concise, persuasive writing more than formal training.
Appearance Can Outweigh Policy
- Nixon believed appearance and delivery could outweigh policy detail for a communicator like Reagan.
- Strong communication can mask substantive weaknesses if the audience connects emotionally.
