We've become familiar with the idea of a "stump speech". As reporters followed Presidential candidates last year as they zig-zagged around the country, we learned that good candidates have a well-crafted, well-worn short speech that conveys the message of their campaign in a concise and compelling way. The development of the stump speech is a key early process for candidates to hone their message and the framing of their campaign.
At Camp Wellstone, every participant in the candidate track - whether they are currently running for office, already elected, or just thinking about it - gets put through the wringer of coming up with a stump speech of their own. For many, this is the first time they've put pen to paper and intentionally thought about how to communicate why they are running. We teach candidates to think about the following things as they write/ prepare their stump speech:
- Core message and values you wish to communicate. What is the one impression you want listeners to leave with? This will likely be related to your core message, and not an issue or policy point.
- Introduction. How do you want to begin? Remember to be clear about your name and office, but also grab people's attention.
- Core rationale and issues. What is the core problem that drives your candidacy? What do you wish to change?
- Relevant biographical information. What in your background has prepared you to represent your community? Be careful not to make this sound like you are reading a resume.
- Why you are the best candidate. This can include ties back to your personal story, as well as contrasts to you opponent.
- Conclusion. What note do you want to leave on? What will your ask be?
Below are some sample Camp Wellstone candidate track stump speeches from Camp Wellstone Seattle in April. Check 'em out, and let us know what you think. It's much harder than it seems - 90 seconds is a very short period of time!
COMMENTS
I love my One-minute Speech
I recall I did this exercise at Camp Wellstone several years ago. It wasn't easy but I did it. I was truly amazed that I actually finished my speech in exactly one minute. I used powerful yet effective word such as change, real change, education, smaller class size etc and ultimately chain them together! It was so fun, I love it! I can't comment on the sample speeches that were posted simply because I wasn't able to hear very well, sorry!
Here is my one-minute speech...
Folks, my one-minute speech is not quite done yet, but it is coming so please stay tuned!
My 1-minute speech!
My name is "Anonymous," and I am running for Governor. People in our state believe we should do better. I believe: We should do better. We can do better. We must do better.
When our youngest child was a pre-schooler, my spouse and I sent her to the University of Minnesota Child Care Center. We paid more for our child care than other parents, simply because we were in a higher income bracket and agreed on a sliding fee arrangement. The kids were all treated fairly and equally, and in a very nurturing and secure place.
I plan to adopt that same philosophy so we can acquire more resources from the wealthiest, without compromising their quality of life, all the while lifting the needy. If we do this, we can all be better!
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