The Functions of Speechwriting in Contemporary Society

In this chapter, we lay out the functions of speechwriting in contemporary society and explain why it will continue to be a central art and practice. We argue that even though speaking off-the-cuff appears to become more common, and the use of manuscripts appears to become less popular, the future of speechwriting is as promising as its past. The tasks of analyzing rhetorical situations and writing manuscripts will continue. Collaborative writing is a form of collaborative thinking, and thus indispensable to contemporary organizations. New tasks, genres, and forms will be added: micro-speeches, digital technology, and the art of talking speeches into being. The speechwriter of the future will write manuscripts, but will also function as a primary advisor to a leader in the communication arena.