Speechwriter Vivien Cooper Speeches with heart, impact, and authenticity.
When you can't afford to wing it, trust an experienced professional speechwriter to bring out your best. I expertly help you uncover and express your deepest, most authentic message when it matters most. Speeches you can deliver with confidence and pride. For every occasion.
wedding SPEECHEs, TOASTS & CUSTOM VOWS
Best man? Maid of honor? Parent or loved one of the bride or groom? Or, maybe you are the bride or groom, seeking custom vows.
You may be wondering how to write with just the right balance of humor, sentiment, and impact.
I understand that this is one of the biggest days of your life. I'm here to help you be your best when it matters most.
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BUSINESS SPEECHES AND TRIBUTES
No need to worry about stumbling through your speech and losing opportunities and the respect and esteem of your colleagues.
I've got your back. I am here to ensure that your speech delivers on every level, providing valuable, useful, and memorable takeaways for your audience. With my help, you will be sure to hit a home run.
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graduation and commencement speeches
- Nervous about confidently speaking in front of the entire school? Don't know how to prepare a speech that will inspire, motivate, move, and entertain your audience?
- Whether you are a student, a faculty member, or an honored guest, I will write a speech for you that will be remembered for years to come. I will also work with you on your nerves, so you can deliver it with comfort and ease.
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MEMORIAL SPEECHES AND EULOGIES
When a loved one passes and you're grieving and in shock, coming up with the right words of remembrance can seem impossible, and impossibly painful. I understand. I am here with gentle, compassionate support. Helping you find the words when words fail you. Freeing you to be present for your loved ones as you collectively mourn and remember.
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SPEECHES FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES AND EVENTS
Having your son, daughter, or loved one become a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, or go through a religious rite of passage of another faith, is a major cause for celebration. It can also trigger anxiety if you need to get up during or after the ceremony and speak to the attendees.
Your child or loved one has gone through quite a journey, preparing for the big day. Now it's your turn to prepare to find just the right words.
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birthday and anniversary toasts and speeches
A birthday party or anniversary gathering for one of your nearest and dearest is a time for celebration and reflection, and a rare opportunity to let those you love most know what you mean to them. I help you uncover and express your fondest memories and deepest sentiments. Speeches that move the honoree and leave a lasting impression.
Meet Vivien
Bio and Back Story
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YOUNG ME PLAYING PIANO NASHVILLE/2ND HOME HOME/L.A. A POET/LYRICIST ME NOW WHERE MY SPECIAL FX DAD WORKED
Bio
After writing dozens of book-length memoirs and short bios, a colleague referred a speech client to me, with the question, "Have you ever written speeches?" It was an aha moment for me. Suddenly, it became clear that my longtime work as a biographer made me ideally suited to serve speech clients too. Client testimonials, like those featured on this site, told me that my theory was right. I love writing speeches and it's a natural gift of mine. It is very satisfying for me to serve clients who need to express themselves verbally in speeches for events, ceremonies, and conferences--all those times of life that matter most. It is a wonderful feeling when they tell me that the speech I wrote boosted their confidence and pride, allowed them to relax, and was very well received.
Back Story
I grew up as the daughter of a special-effects tech for film and TV in Los Angeles. Some of my earliest memories involve being deeply engrossed in great movies and TV shows. Then there was the incredible music I listened to growing up. In particular, the lyrics to the songs sparked my imagination. At a young age, I began playing the piano and writing poetry and song lyrics. (www.theinstrumentalalphabet.com)
I began my professional writing career by writing profile articles about film/TV studio pros like my dad, who worked on set. I soon found that I had innate insights into human nature and the ability to listen and connect with a client's heart, mind, spirit and intentions. I instinctively understood the most moving and effective way to present a client's message in writing. Over the years, my clientele has included those in the entertainment industry, as well as survivors of trauma and tragedy.
In earlier years, I worked as a civil litigation legal secretary. Typing 100 words per minute comes in handy to this day. I don't have to record or transcribe interviews, allowing for a streamlined process. I also spent years conducting business-to-business market research interviews and writing accompanying summaries. I have been told that during my interviewing process, I put clients at ease and create a comfortable dynamic that enables them to open up. I live in Los Angeles, the home of the film/TV industry, not far from where I grew up. I also spend time each year in my beloved second home of Nashville, Tennessee, where I lived from 1990 to1997. When I am not writing, I can often be found at the movies, enjoying great music and art, spending time with loved ones, or out walking in gorgeous Southern California. My Episcopalian faith is my foundation and my integrity is my compass.
In earlier years, I worked as a civil litigation legal secretary. Typing 100 words per minute comes in handy to this day. I don't have to record or transcribe interviews, allowing for a streamlined process. I also spent years conducting business-to-business market research interviews and writing accompanying summaries. I have been told that during my interviewing process, I put clients at ease and create a comfortable dynamic that enables them to open up. I live in Los Angeles, the home of the film/TV industry, not far from where I grew up. I also spend time each year in my beloved second home of Nashville, Tennessee, where I lived from 1990 to1997. When I am not writing, I can often be found at the movies, enjoying great music and art, spending time with loved ones, or out walking in gorgeous Southern California. My Episcopalian faith is my foundation and my integrity is my compass.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
"What a day! Thanks for your help! I hit a grand slam thanks to you.Vivien was able to put me at ease as soon as I told her the difficulties I have about writing my speech. She was also very helpful in making my speech humorous but not over the top—and most importantly from the heart. Both of which were exactly what I’d hoped to find. Highly recommending doesn’t seem to cover my recommendation. 10 stars out of 10."C. SheehanRetired United States Secret Service driving instructor
"Working with Vivien was one of the best experiences ever. She helped me write a great speech for a competition I was in. She listened to everything I said and helped put into words exactly what I was feeling. Thanks to Vivien I won the contest and look forward to working with her again. Best decision I ever made was to work with her. "
Jawn M., San Francisco
"Vivien, WOW! I cannot thank you enough for helping my son with his graduation commencement speech. You made it into a masterpiece as the words come alive, jump off the paper. Your ability to turn his experiences and ideas into the extraordinary truly elevated his speech. I know the graduation class, teachers, parents etc. will be hanging onto every word. His speech is now funny, moving, inspiring and, most of all, heartfelt and he cannot wait to share it with everyone. We are beyond grateful. Marie, a mom in Connecticut
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SPEECH SAMPLES
"I knew Bob for over fifty years. We first met when I was seventeen or eighteen and still in high school. I was working at X menswear store in Owensville. Bob was the window-display trimmer across multiple store locations and Owensville was one of his stops. He excelled at his craft and was recognized by many of his peers. It was easy to see how he earned his great reputation. All you had to do was watch the pride he took in tying the perfect knot in a tie. Every window display of Bob's had his signature artistic flair. From time to time, he would roll into town, his enthusiasm and personality larger than life. When he first arrived at the store, he would do a short assessment of what he needed for the window and give me the task of preparing it for him. “I need all of this ready in an hour!” he would say, and then disappear.I would get busy finding whatever he needed and, right on time, he would return in an hour. He would spend the rest of the day doing his exceptional window work, all the while entertaining us with stories. Then he would roll back out of town. There was never a dull moment when Bob was in the store..."
"At my wedding, Omar, you said that you had always looked up to me. You may be younger by three years, but I’ve always looked up to you.
Remember those summers when our family took vacations to Syria to visit our grandparents at their house in the countryside? When Grandmother brought in the Arabic tutor, you and I started at the same level. But you’re so smart, you picked it up a lot quicker than I did. And when I applied to my job, and needed someone to review my cover letter and resume, of course it was you I thought of first. And you didn’t hesitate. You even did the same for Karen.
That’s you, Omar—always loyal and always putting family first. Always there if I need your help with my career. And your love for family also means I get little alerts from you to remind me not to miss a family member’s birthday. You’re really thoughtful in that way.
One memory in particular reminds me of your loyalty. You were so young when this happened, you might not even remember it—but I do. You were 4 and I was 7, and for some reason I was upset at Mom and Dad. I had done something wrong and got in trouble and I didn’t like my punishment. Maybe they took away the Game Boy or something.
Anyway, I started thinking about those pictures I would see whenever Mom took us to the stores—those pictures of missing children. I decided that if those kids could make it on their own, I could too. I was going to run away from home, and with any luck, I was taking you with me. Thanks to your loyalty, I was able to convince you to come with me. So we did it, we ran away from home—not that we got more than a few blocks before the housekeeper found us and brought us back. But still, you agreed to go with me. That’s my loyal brother!
When I was thinking about your defining characteristics, these are the things that came to mind…You are loyal, family-oriented, kind-hearted, reliable, and trustworthy. And very decisive, determined and forthcoming. Once you decide what you want, or what you want to do, you never change your mind. You go after what you want with everything you have and you don’t let anything stop you. No wonder you won that Courage of Your Convictions Award while you were editor-in-chief of the Standard—the high school paper of the American School in London we attended.
And you always got a 100% in class participation while I got a zero!
At the toy store, I would always agonize over which toy to buy, and whatever I chose, I would always regret it. You, on the other hand, would go straight for the toy you wanted, get it home, and be perfectly happy with it.
[Addressing the crowd] Omar is such a private person when it comes to his personal life, I didn’t even know that he and Rachel were dating for 7 years! Even then, I only found out because Mom finally told me. [Back to Omar] I think you had kept Mom and Dad in the dark all that time too.
I’m so happy that Rachel is the woman you chose to marry, Omar. You know when I knew she was definitely the one for you? When we were all in Nashville together on that Saturday night, and Rachel never objected or complained that, on our one Saturday night in Nashville, you two were going to turn in early. Right then I knew that she really loved you, that you two were a good match, and she had a kind heart—just like you. I think that’s the key to your relationship—you are both good, kind-hearted people who care deeply about family.
So, here’s a toast to Omar and Rachel! I wish you two both good health and a long, happy marriage." "My name is Javier X and I am a husband, a father of three children, and the son of Cuban immigrants. I have always considered myself an ordinary guy next door. When I was young and working at a bank, I noticed that some of our wealthiest bank customers were in the mortgage industry. I also knew that my future wife’s next-door neighbor seemed to be doing very well in the mortgage business. So, when I was given the opportunity to go to work as a loan officer for him, I jumped at it. It took me about six months to close my first deal, and then I was off and running. I was nineteen years old and doing very well as a loan officer for this mortgage company. I became very successful and learned the business as I went along. I decided to open my own mortgage company. My winning streak continued. I was a successful young business owner and everything I touched turned to gold. America was having a real estate boom and everything looked very promising. What could go wrong? The big financial collapse of 2008, that’s what! I was not quite thirty years old. I was hit hard, like most of America. And now I had big problems to solve—not only for me and my family, but for the people I had working for me. It’s hard to put into words all the emotions I was feeling at the time. All I can say is that it was very, very difficult... "
"I had no idea my late husband was suffering until he took his life. Look around you. There might be individuals in this very audience who are feeling hopeless right now. Data shows that over a third of all transgender individuals, for example, attempt suicide. Could you tell if someone was feeling hopeless or suicidal? Many suffer in silence and never let on. Consider the documentary, The Bridge. A man crosses the Golden Gate Bridge feeling like, Nobody loves me. Nobody cares. I might as well jump. When no one he passes on the bridge shows him any kindness, he jumps. Midair, he realizes he wants to live. Miraculously, he does..."
"Ovarian cancer—and it had spread. This news hit us like a two-by-four. Betty and I had done our research so we knew about the high mortality rate and rate of recurrence. The plan was put in place. A month of debulking the tumor and then chemo—during the Christmas holiday season, of all times. Chemo was not exactly a walk in the park. Betty had chemo brain, and came home from her treatments zonked out. She slept so much, she lost entire days. But chemo wasn’t as bad as all the horror stories we had heard either. In fact, one day, Betty said to one of the nurses. “What’s the deal? I’m not throwing up all the time. Are you sure the chemo is working?” The nurse laughed and said, “You’re thinking of chemo the way it used to be! We’ve come a long way since then...”
"It’s hard for me to say how much of my indomitable spirit, my resilience, is inherent and how much of it I acquired by dealing with difficulties and trauma. What I do know for sure is this: If I had never faced adversity and emerged from it stronger, I wouldn’t know how to navigate difficult situations. And if I didn’t know how to navigate difficult situations, how could I be an effective leader? Today, I am going to share with you from my heart. This is not easy for me. I much prefer to be on the other side of the equation, doing the listening. And sometimes, I prefer to be completely invisible. But I’m going to talk about my own struggles, and my own recovery journey in the hopes that it resonates for even one person here today. If anything I say today helps you, my job is done..."
"At my wedding, Omar, you said that you had always looked up to me. You may be younger by three years, but I’ve always looked up to you.
Remember those summers when our family took vacations to Syria to visit our grandparents at their house in the countryside? When Grandmother brought in the Arabic tutor, you and I started at the same level. But you’re so smart, you picked it up a lot quicker than I did. And when I applied to my job, and needed someone to review my cover letter and resume, of course it was you I thought of first. And you didn’t hesitate. You even did the same for Karen.
That’s you, Omar—always loyal and always putting family first. Always there if I need your help with my career. And your love for family also means I get little alerts from you to remind me not to miss a family member’s birthday. You’re really thoughtful in that way.
One memory in particular reminds me of your loyalty. You were so young when this happened, you might not even remember it—but I do. You were 4 and I was 7, and for some reason I was upset at Mom and Dad. I had done something wrong and got in trouble and I didn’t like my punishment. Maybe they took away the Game Boy or something.
Anyway, I started thinking about those pictures I would see whenever Mom took us to the stores—those pictures of missing children. I decided that if those kids could make it on their own, I could too. I was going to run away from home, and with any luck, I was taking you with me. Thanks to your loyalty, I was able to convince you to come with me. So we did it, we ran away from home—not that we got more than a few blocks before the housekeeper found us and brought us back. But still, you agreed to go with me. That’s my loyal brother!
When I was thinking about your defining characteristics, these are the things that came to mind…You are loyal, family-oriented, kind-hearted, reliable, and trustworthy. And very decisive, determined and forthcoming. Once you decide what you want, or what you want to do, you never change your mind. You go after what you want with everything you have and you don’t let anything stop you. No wonder you won that Courage of Your Convictions Award while you were editor-in-chief of the Standard—the high school paper of the American School in London we attended.
And you always got a 100% in class participation while I got a zero!
At the toy store, I would always agonize over which toy to buy, and whatever I chose, I would always regret it. You, on the other hand, would go straight for the toy you wanted, get it home, and be perfectly happy with it.
[Addressing the crowd] Omar is such a private person when it comes to his personal life, I didn’t even know that he and Rachel were dating for 7 years! Even then, I only found out because Mom finally told me. [Back to Omar] I think you had kept Mom and Dad in the dark all that time too.
I’m so happy that Rachel is the woman you chose to marry, Omar. You know when I knew she was definitely the one for you? When we were all in Nashville together on that Saturday night, and Rachel never objected or complained that, on our one Saturday night in Nashville, you two were going to turn in early. Right then I knew that she really loved you, that you two were a good match, and she had a kind heart—just like you. I think that’s the key to your relationship—you are both good, kind-hearted people who care deeply about family.
So, here’s a toast to Omar and Rachel! I wish you two both good health and a long, happy marriage." "My name is Javier X and I am a husband, a father of three children, and the son of Cuban immigrants. I have always considered myself an ordinary guy next door. When I was young and working at a bank, I noticed that some of our wealthiest bank customers were in the mortgage industry. I also knew that my future wife’s next-door neighbor seemed to be doing very well in the mortgage business. So, when I was given the opportunity to go to work as a loan officer for him, I jumped at it. It took me about six months to close my first deal, and then I was off and running. I was nineteen years old and doing very well as a loan officer for this mortgage company. I became very successful and learned the business as I went along. I decided to open my own mortgage company. My winning streak continued. I was a successful young business owner and everything I touched turned to gold. America was having a real estate boom and everything looked very promising. What could go wrong? The big financial collapse of 2008, that’s what! I was not quite thirty years old. I was hit hard, like most of America. And now I had big problems to solve—not only for me and my family, but for the people I had working for me. It’s hard to put into words all the emotions I was feeling at the time. All I can say is that it was very, very difficult... "
"I had no idea my late husband was suffering until he took his life. Look around you. There might be individuals in this very audience who are feeling hopeless right now. Data shows that over a third of all transgender individuals, for example, attempt suicide. Could you tell if someone was feeling hopeless or suicidal? Many suffer in silence and never let on. Consider the documentary, The Bridge. A man crosses the Golden Gate Bridge feeling like, Nobody loves me. Nobody cares. I might as well jump. When no one he passes on the bridge shows him any kindness, he jumps. Midair, he realizes he wants to live. Miraculously, he does..."
"Ovarian cancer—and it had spread. This news hit us like a two-by-four. Betty and I had done our research so we knew about the high mortality rate and rate of recurrence. The plan was put in place. A month of debulking the tumor and then chemo—during the Christmas holiday season, of all times. Chemo was not exactly a walk in the park. Betty had chemo brain, and came home from her treatments zonked out. She slept so much, she lost entire days. But chemo wasn’t as bad as all the horror stories we had heard either. In fact, one day, Betty said to one of the nurses. “What’s the deal? I’m not throwing up all the time. Are you sure the chemo is working?” The nurse laughed and said, “You’re thinking of chemo the way it used to be! We’ve come a long way since then...”
"It’s hard for me to say how much of my indomitable spirit, my resilience, is inherent and how much of it I acquired by dealing with difficulties and trauma. What I do know for sure is this: If I had never faced adversity and emerged from it stronger, I wouldn’t know how to navigate difficult situations. And if I didn’t know how to navigate difficult situations, how could I be an effective leader? Today, I am going to share with you from my heart. This is not easy for me. I much prefer to be on the other side of the equation, doing the listening. And sometimes, I prefer to be completely invisible. But I’m going to talk about my own struggles, and my own recovery journey in the hopes that it resonates for even one person here today. If anything I say today helps you, my job is done..."