Services Writing
Perhaps the most important aspect of writing a speech is crafting a clear message. The goal of a speech isn’t to impress people with how well you can write — it’s to get across the point you are trying to make. But what is the key message? Frequently there are several. Which one do you really want to focus attention on? Which message do you want to build the most quotable soundbite around; which point do you want to build up to, and build the speech around? Read
International Practices
Trade negotiators for the EU and Latin American countries may soon be able to say ‘yes, we have no bananas’ crowding their trade agenda. According to a report from the Financial Times, an end to the world’s longest-running trade dispute — involving preferential EU tariffs on bananas — may soon be in sight. The newspaper suggests that a resolution of the 16-year-old conflict may give a boost to the World Trade Organization’s floundering Doha Round negotiations, especially if it leads the way to a resolution of tariffs on dozen of tropical products. Read
International Perspectives Practices
Oracle’s proposed merger with Sun Microsystems offers the latest example of how the European Commission sometimes has a different view of antitrust issues than the Department of Justice. The objection to the deal by Europe’s top antitrust regulator also offers an example of the increasing importance of good communication across the Atlantic. It’s a growing challenge — a double-barreled challenge: Companies have to understand official thinking in Brussels, and be able to get their own message across.