Are Speeches Dead?

Looking back at the election, it’s hard to see a speech that defined the race or moved public opinion. Sure, there were memorable moments—Michelle Obama’s DNC speech stands out—but the pivotal ones weren’t traditional speeches. Instead, they were smaller, viral moments:

• Joe Biden’s debate performance, especially his slip-up: “We finally beat Medicare.”

• Donald Trump’s defiant fist pump.

• Kamala Harris’ remark on The View that she wouldn’t have done anything differently than Biden.

In our attention economy, rhetorician Jay Heinrichs asks the Big Question: Do speeches even work?

For centuries, speeches have shaped public discourse. According to Heinrichs, rich ancient Greeks hired consultants—the “Wise Ones,” or Sophists—to craft their speeches. If the days of “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears” are over, are speeches past their sell-by date?

To quote Joan Didion: “It is easy to see the beginnings of things, and harder to see the ends.” I don’t think we’re at the end of speeches.  

Humans have always communicated through speech, but the way we do it has evolved. As communication theorist Marshall McLuhan famously said: “The medium is the message.”

In other words, the platform matters more than the content. From the printing press to social media, technology has changed how speeches are written and delivered.

Where do speeches stand today?

1. Long speeches still have their place.

While some say attention spans are shrinking, podcasts prove that audiences will listen for hours to compelling content. The issue isn’t length; it’s connection. While audiences may be fragmented, listeners will pay attention to speakers they trust.   

2. Epic speeches and speakers are the exception, not the rule.  

There’s not much powerhouse oratory in the air right now. This may be a sign of the times. Our political and economic environment is unsettled, and many leaders are being cautious.

Also, we’re only five years out from a global pandemic that moved public life indoors and online. We’re just getting our groove back after being Zoomed.

There are still plenty of powerful speakers out there.

On the Democratic side, the Obamas still pack a punch. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has lots of energy, and Pete Buttigieg excels in cable hits.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s “weave” creates viral moments. Critics hate it, but Trump knows it only takes one memorable soundbite to make news. In his longer speeches, like his RNC address, he can lose steam and his audience’s attention.

Aside from Trump, the most influential voices on the right aren’t political officeholders but online MAGA personalities like Ben Shapiro. They were critical to Trump’s media strategy and know what their audiences want to hear.

3. The unifying, pivotal speech is a rare breed, but it’s not dead—yet.

I remember when everyone watched President Reagan’s Challenger address. Obama’s race speech saved his campaign. It’s hard to imagine these moments today. That doesn’t mean they’re gone forever.

Many Americans on the 40-yard lines of politics are hungry for speeches that bridge divides and reflect shared values. For now, they’re curating voices they trust where they find them.  

4. Short, viral moments are the new political speeches.

It’s a TikTok world, and short speeches pack a punch. Iowa state Sen. Zach Wahls’ career took off after his passionate remarks about his two moms. Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow grabbed headlines with a fiery five-minute floor speech about her identity. Less is more.

Is Speechwriting Dead?

No. It’s evolving with our new media ecosystem. Until recently, a big speech needed a big platform: a stadium, joint session of Congress, or TEDx stage.

Now, there are many platforms for many audiences.  Just as there isn’t one medium, there isn’t one way to deliver a message. Speakers must focus on the right vehicle that suits their message, audience, and style.

It’s not time to mourn the speech. We’re still talking to each other, just on different channels for different lengths of time.

Americans haven’t tuned out. They’ve tuned in—but only to voices that reflect their values and speak with conviction.