Lost for words? Then you need to reach out to Holly Blum, a former public relations vice president and freelance writer, who has turned her skills as a wordsmith into a successful speechwriting business, A Speech to Remember. Working closely with her clients, Blum – who styles herself the “Word Whisperer” – can transform the most hapless writer or public speaker into an Abraham Lincoln – well, almost:
Holly, thank you for your time. You write all manner of speeches, but what do you get called on for the most?
“Weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs are consistently my most in-demand occasions. These are often emotional, high-stakes moments where the right words matter deeply.”
Public speaking, known as glossophobia, is often cited as the No. 1 fear. Do you offer some kind of coaching in delivery as well the actual writing and, if so, what form does that take?
“Absolutely. I offer Zoom rehearsal with each client to ensure they feel confident and prepared. A beautifully written speech needs equally strong delivery. I provide coaching, constructive feedback and tips to help clients deliver with impact — whether it’s pacing, eye contact or navigating nerves.”
What makes a great speech and what makes a great delivery?
“What makes a great speech is length. I always say with wedding speeches, short and sweet. The goal is to leave the audience wanting more not less, three to five minutes max. Show don’t tell. A lot of people tend to lean on a laundry list of adjectives to describe the people they’re talking about. Instead my advice is to use anecdotes and memories to bring those characteristics to life. The best speeches have structure — a beginning, a middle and an end. I always look to develop a repetitive phrase or theme to tie everything together.
“The best speeches have rhythm, and finding that rhythm helps you put these elements together so you have balance and harmony, like music.
The biggest piece of advice I give to my clients is to connect with what you’re saying, so that you are not reading the speech but delivering it. Write everything down and have a script to follow. But you have to have a fluency with the speech. The more you connect, the more you can let your personality shine through. Those are the speeches people remember.”
Were you always interested in communication?
“I grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island, and attended Moses Brown School in Providence, a place that nurtured my love of writing and storytelling.”
And you’re now based in Chappaqua. What brought you to Westchester County?
“My husband and I lived in Manhattan for 10 years after we graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. When I was pregnant with our second daughter, we were ready for more space and a lifestyle shift. We’ve happily called Chappaqua home for the past 18 years.”
And what led you ultimately to create A Speech to Remember?
“I started my career at Cohn & Wolfe Healthcare, a medium-size public relations firm, where I rose from assistant account executive to vice president in under seven years. I transitioned to freelance writing for agencies and clients across health care, tech and marketing. Throughout, my passion remained the same – helping people communicate their stories with clarity and heart. That passion evolved into A Speech to Remember, which I launched in 2015.”
How did you set about it?
“I approached the launch of A Speech to Remember the same way I approached any successful PR campaign – strategically and creatively. Once my website was live, I focused on identifying my key audiences – event planners and individuals preparing for meaningful celebrations. I built tailored email campaigns, ran targeted social media content across Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and pursued earned media coverage in wedding, lifestyle and local publications. I also launched a blog focused on the challenges clients often face when writing and delivering speeches.”
And how has the business developed?
“The early days were a lesson in persistence. Some days I sent 50 emails and got one reply. Other times, I’d land an interview only for it never to materialize. But for every setback, there was progress, including curious event planners, kind responses and, slowly, paying clients. By the end of that first year, the business had real traction and momentum.”
How have you monetized your skills and how does pricing work?
“Because each speech is unique, pricing is customized based on factors like speech length, rehearsal length and timeline. I provide each client with a transparent quote upfront and work closely with them throughout the process to ensure they feel comfortable and confident.”
Besides word of mouth, do you advertise your business or promote it by any other means?
“Yes, I’ve always believed in a multichannel marketing approach. In addition to word of mouth, I conduct ongoing outreach to event planners, the media and former clients. I also maintain a strong presence on social media and use my blog to share tips and client stories that reflect the heart of my work.”
Some closing words?
“I’m deeply touched when clients return, whether it’s for their next child’s celebration or a sibling’s wedding. That kind of trust and continuity is the highest compliment I could receive.”
