If I never hear this phrase in a speech again, it’ll be too soon 🙅🏻♀️
“Now more than ever.”
It’s become the background music of public remarks—familiar, unremarkable, and easy to tune out.
I get it. We’re often writing in tight windows and tiny word counts—crafting remarks meant to be clipped for the news or scrolled past on social. There’s pressure to sound urgent, relevant and emotional. But that’s exactly why we need to choose our words more carefully, not less.
Colloquialisms like “now more than ever” feel like shortcuts to sincerity, but they usually do the opposite. They flatten the message.
So how do we write better? Here’s what I’m thinking:
✅ Be specific. What exactly is happening “now”? Why is this moment different? Don’t assume urgency—prove it.
✅ Be bold. Say something only you can say. That’s what makes a line worth remembering.
✅ Be real. Audiences don’t want polished perfection—they want clarity, conviction, and connection.
Even in a 15-second clip, your words can make someone feel something. So let’s stop reaching for the expected lines and start writing ones that actually mean something.
I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling like if you’ve heard one speech you’ve heard them all. What phrases are you ready to retire, and what have you tried instead?
Devine + Partners is a Philadelphia public relations agency . We offer a full range of communications services – from message and content development and media relations to issues management and employee and community engagement.
