WEEK SEVEN: November 6,

Talking to the Voters -- Political Speechmaking in the Digital Age.

Guest Peter Flaherty, Senior Advisor to Romney for President 2008, 2012.

The spoken words of a candidate are one of the most revealing forms of communication in a campaign. Speeches are critically important to any campaign, and even more so in presidential races that are scrutinized at every juncture. Content, tone, delivery, venue -- all must convey exactly what the candidate wants to express, in the candidate's own voice, in a way that connects with voters…all the while making sure that no snippet can be misconstrued or seen as a gaffe in a YouTube clip. Peter worked for Mitt Romney for ten years -- in the state house and on the presidential campaigns -- framing countless speeches, and understands the process as well as anyone in politics today. In addition to his campaign experience, Peter's background as a homicide prosecutor in the Suffolk County DA's office gives him a unique understanding of the importance of narrative and persuasion in spoken language.

Faculty Dining Room