Insight - Strategy - Communication
John Oxley
Executive Speeches
Messages for high-stakes moments
You know your business. You are good at what you do. But perhaps speaking about it in a formal setting doesn't come naturally to you.
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I've worked with leaders of businesses from major listed companies to family-run SMES, helping them to find the right words when it matters. Whether it is a keynote address, opening an event, or something else, I will help you hone your message to have the best impact.
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Fees start from £250
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"A smooth process and a great speech. Would recommend to anyone with an important presentation coming up."
SME Founder
From boardrooms to big stages, I help senior leaders say what matters and to do it clearly, confidently, and compellingly. Whether you need to launch a vision, handle a crisis, or simply hold the room at your annual conference, I craft speeches that cut through.
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My background spans corporate strategy, media, and high-level communications, so I understand both the substance and the style. Every speech is bespoke: rooted in your goals, your voice, and the audience in front of you. I work closely with clients—executives, founders, directors—to shape not just the message, but the delivery, whether that’s a polished keynote or an off-the-cuff town hall.
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I’ve written for CEOs, policy leaders, and entrepreneurs across industries. That includes investor presentations, internal briefings, awards ceremonies, change communications, and more. The common thread? Strategic storytelling that builds trust, sharpens reputation, and moves people to act. I am also experienced in dealing with publicly listed companies, where everything needs legal and regulatory approval.
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Whether you’re leading a business, navigating change, or simply want to sound like the sharpest mind in the room—I can help you find the words.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 / How much does a speechwriter cost?
Fees are determined by the length of the speech and the level of independent research required. Before beginning the process, I will provide you with a bespoke cost. Fees start at £250.
2 / How does the process work?
After your initial enquiry, I will discuss your speechwriting requirements with you. I will then provide a fully costed quotation. We will then have a longer call, for about an hour, to discuss content and tone. This helps me to understand your message, but also how you communicate and your voice. I then produce a first draft of the speech, and make any edits you need until you are happy with it. Finally, I provide a completed draft in whatever form makes things easiest for you - like notecards.
3 / How much notice do you need?
Normally, it takes around two weeks to produce a speech from first meeting to final draft. I also recommend you have the speech ready at least one week before you are due to give it, so that you have time to rehearse. Subject to availability, I do also offer an express speechwriting service for events less than 7 days away. This will incur an extra prioritisation fee.
4 / Can you coach me on how to speak?
Yes! With every speech writing commission, I provide some basic advice and tips on how to give the speech. I also offer specialist coaching on presentation as an additional service. This is charged by the hour, in addition to the speechwriting fee. Again, this will be agreed in advance.
5 / Do we need to meet in person?
All my speechwriting services are "remote first" and we will usually meet via videocall. If you prefer to meet in person, I will do my best to facilitate it. If you are outside of London Zones 1 & 2, this will incur extra charges for travel time and expenses. These can be discussed in full at the outset.
6 / Why hire a speechwriter?
By hiring me, you get more than just words. You get someone who understands your story and your voice. I can take what you want to say and craft it into a structure which is fluid and natural for you. You may think that an online template or AI software can do this for you, but these will only give you generic outputs. With an experienced speechwriter, you get something bespoke for you and your event.