Speech Writing: The Art of Inspiring and Shaping Relationships

Drafting speeches for senior leaders was the focus of a practical training course for nearly 70 Vietnamese Government officials, led by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs with support from the Australian Government through the Vietnam-Australia Centre (VAC).

Taking place over two days, 15-16 July in Hanoi, the training course brought together officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the Government Office to learn from experienced speechwriters from both Australia and Vietnam.

Students talk with Mr. Michael Smith, Senior Coordinator from Ethos CRS, a strategic communications consulting firm.

Students learned how to prepare an outline, write for impact, and communicate powerful messages—all essential skills in complex diplomatic and political contexts.

Online presentation by Mr. Joseph Kerr, Chief Speechwriter, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Canberra.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung, National Director of the Vietnam - Australia Center, shares his experience in developing speech recommendations for senior leaders.

Ms. Peta Donald, First Secretary, Australian Embassy in Vietnam, shares her experience in drafting media statements.

“ Speechwriting is about more than just words. It is about shaping messages that express shared values and priorities.

I am very proud that through capacity building activities for Vietnamese officials, Australia is supporting Vietnam’s diplomatic efforts to respond to national and global challenges, ” said Ms. Cathy McWilliam, Acting Counsellor, Australian Embassy in Hanoi.

Ms. Cathy McWilliam, Acting Counsellor, Australian Embassy in Hanoi, delivered the opening speech at the training course.

The interactive training sessions, led by leading experts from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, combined theory, practical examples, and hands-on exercises.

Students work in groups to analyze speeches by global leaders, refine key messages to convey, and present specially drafted speech outlines to senior Vietnamese leaders.

“ Speech writing skills for senior leaders are also a very important part of the work of foreign affairs officers.

This training course is an example of effective cooperation between Vietnam and Australia, demonstrating the two countries' shared commitment to improving the capacity of public sector officials to meet the requirements of new tasks in the new context ," said Ms. Nguyen Dieu Ha, Acting Head of Training and Recruitment, Department of Organization and Personnel, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ms. Nguyen Dieu Ha, Acting Head of Training and Recruitment Department, Department of Organization and Personnel, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the opening speech of the training course.

This training initiative builds on VAC’s commitment to supporting the development of public sector leadership and professional communications in Vietnam; and reflects the growing need for effective speechwriting skills across ministries and agencies, particularly in positions requiring high-level collaboration and policy coordination.

“ The training course model has equipped our students with skills for a variety of contexts in the role of a diplomat. Thanks to the practical tools and in-depth knowledge, I feel more confident and ready to contribute to high-level diplomacy with my writing skills ,” said student Dang Trung Dung, lecturer at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Students present the results of group practice.

This is the second time this specialized training course has been supported by VAC, following the first course chaired by the Central External Relations Commission in 2024.

This is an example of the follow-up activities by VAC in collaboration with government partners to provide focused and impactful learning opportunities that help build capacity for Vietnam’s public sector.