Every time I've gone to IdeaBank®, it has shed light on what I've had to do. Using it is as easy and reliable as turning on a light switch. I'm even willing to bet that if (when) my computer crashes and I'm on deadline, I'll be able to call the IdeaBank® and someone will answer the phone and help me.

Arthur Edwards
Executive Director for Executive and
Employee Communications
Cingular Wireless
Atlanta, Georgia

Good anecdotes help drive home the speaker's key messages and are remembered long after he/she has left the podium. It never ceases to amaze me how consistently audiences remember "the stories" better than the basic content and structure of a speech. For a speech to senior managers on the importance of working together, I found an anecdote from IdeaBank® about how fragile a single stick is, yet how strong a bundle is. To illustrate, the speaker snapped a pencil in two at that point in the speech. The sound echoed through the microphone and was remembered along with the message about sticking together -- long after his speech was over.

Marie Lerch
Director of Public Relations
Booz Allen & Hamilton
McLean, Virginia

IdeaBank® never fails me. I can always find a joke, an anecdote, a quotation, or a historical tidbit about my topic. When I am clueless about a topic, or, worse yet, when I have no topic and sit slack-jawed at my computer, I can rely on IdeaBank® and serendipity.

Dr. Beth Barnes
Chief of Staff to the President
Central Florida University
Orlando, Florida

IdeaBank® is absolutely essential to a freelance speechwriter whose clients represent a broad range of industries and audiences. Its rich store of humor, anecdotes and, of course, History Today, reaches across the technology, energy and finance industries, among others. The available material abounds with appeal to sales reps, customers, professionals, or groups geared to women's or minority interests.

Stephan Lesher
Freelance writer
Katonah, New York

If there's one overwhelming attribute of IdeaBank®, it gives you possibilities. Possibilities to do quick research through a reliable source. Possibilities to create speeches that capture audience attention. And possibilities to impress your clients with your vast knowledge of history and your amazing research abilities. Just don't let them know how easy it is.

C. Fletcher Dean
Manager of Executive Communications
Eastman Chemical Company
Kingsport, Tennessee

Most of my work falls into three categories, the motivational/leadership talk, the local commerce/economy discussion, or after-dinner/retirement comments. I find IdeaBank® indispensable for all three.

Jim Baum
VP, Public Affairs
First Union National Bank
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Four years ago, I developed a whole new respect for expense control. That's when I set up my own speechwriting business. Now, each December, I put out a plate of cookies and have a budget meeting with myself. I review my bottom line and make spending decisions for the coming year. One of these decisions is a slam-dunk. I always renew my subscription to IdeaBank®. As a sole practitioner, IdeaBank® is like having my own research department, as well as a brainstorming partner.

Ann Boor
Freelance writer
Houston, Texas

As a speechwriter and corporate communicator, IdeaBank® is my equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife. No matter what task I must accomplish, I know the content of IdeaBank® can provide me with just the right tool. This is especially true of the welcome messages and introductions for which our management often is called upon to make. A note sheet with key messages and a couple of good "stories" for the occasion drawn from IdeaBank® work great in these informal situations.

Lani Jordan
Director of Corporate Communications
CHS Cooperatives
St. Paul, Minnesota

I go into the IdeaBank® files for every speech I write. No matter what I need, chances are I'll find it there. It's invaluable. I like it better than my 401(k) plan. It gives me a much better payoff for my investment. Plus, if you're having trouble finding something, you can call Charles Francis. He actually answers the phone and is helpful. Kind of throws you off at first, but you get used to it.

John Crane
Executive Speechwriter
Hartford Life
Simsbury, Connecticut