Just the Right Words

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A huge part of my writing process is done without a pen in hand (or fingers on keyboard). It’s about deep listening and observing without judgment. If you’re interested in knowing a little more about me, how I see the world, and — by extension — how I write, read on.

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Decorative photo of sunset behind high level bridge in Lethbridge, Alberta

Saying Goodbye To Robbie: Why Losing Someone You Haven’t Seen In 26 Years Still Sucks

It seemed fitting somehow to learn the news on April 1. Robbie Peterson* was one of those gregarious, larger-than-life personalities – always photographed with a gigantic, almost clown-like smile –…

Decorative photo of crumpled up paper in and near a trash can.

Writing Stuck? You May Be Too Close To Your Subject

Does this happen to you? You want to write the most beautiful message in a card for a beloved family member and… you get stuck. You want to write the…

A road sign pointing the way to Sanity in one direction, and Insanity in the other... (which will you choose?)

Five Tips To Save Your Sanity: Writing A Toast Or Eulogy When You Don’t Know Your Person That Well

You’ve agreed to deliver a speech to celebrate the guest of honour – the bride, the groom, the retiree or the deceased – but now that you’re actually sitting down…

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all the coziness and merriment of the season. To my clients, who allow me to do what I do… To the creatives, photographers, designers who inspire me and…

Close up of a microphone, with bokeh lights in background

Nervous About Public Speaking? Here’s A Little Secret…

Whenever I stand to speak in front of a group, my poor introverted body goes into survival mode: my palms sweat, my heart races, and my hands even shake a…

Unfocused Squirrels Running Wild – What If The Answer Is Simpler Than We Think?

Do you ever have a day where you’re feeling scattered and disorganized? You’re excited-distracted-anxious and your brain is whirring a million miles an hour? And… it’s the exact same day…

Rose laid across grave marker | How to Write a Eulogy : Centrepiece Writing Studio

Five Tips For Writing A Memorable Eulogy

If you’ve been asked to deliver a eulogy at a loved one’s funeral, memorial or celebration of life, it can be difficult to know where to begin. You’ve got decisions…

Hold The Salt: Why You Need To Keep Your Wedding Speech Clean

If you’ve been asked to give a wedding toast, it can be tempting – especially after a couple of glasses of champagne – to loosen up the crowd with a…

Cutting The Dead Weight: Editing And Why It Matters - Centrepiece Writing Studio - Shannon Marshall - Victoria, BC

Cutting The Dead Weight: Editing Your Speech And Why It Matters

I was in my garden this week, culling the dead flowers, and like any good speechwriter, my mind turned to editing. After all, pruning and editing are a lot alike.…

The Single Best Thing You Can Do To Nail Your Wedding Speech

Have you been invited to give a toast at an upcoming wedding? Whether you’re the best man, maid of honour, parent, sibling, or even if you are a bride or…

Saying Goodbye To Robbie: Why Losing Someone You Haven’t Seen In 26 Years Still Sucks

Writing Stuck? You May Be Too Close To Your Subject

Does this happen to you? You want to write the most beautiful message in a card for a beloved family member and… you get stuck. You want to write the…

Saying Goodbye To Robbie: Why Losing Someone You Haven’t Seen In 26 Years Still Sucks

Just the Right Words - in your mailbox!

Shannon Marshall

As a writer for more than 20 years, I specialize in helping people connect. I’ve written speeches for cabinet ministers and web copy for astronauts, and I love working one-on-one to craft clients’ custom messages for those moments that matter.

My personal insight, instincts and sense of curiosity allow me to see things many people overlook and uncover connections that aren’t always obvious. I bring a deep empathy and enthusiasm to my writing.

Drawing on years of advising, consulting and project leadership experience, I’ve learned to ask questions that move us quickly to the heart of the matter, then weave the details into speeches and portrait profiles that inspire and entertain.

I have experience in many areas of work, including corporate communications, strategic planning, team leadership, recruitment, workload management, workplace engagement and mental health & wellness.

My client is always at the centre of my work.

In my spare time I enjoy yoga, reading, film, Scrabble and chocolate.

Centrepiece Writing Studio is grateful to operate on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen people, now represented by the Songhees and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) nations...
The glorious land commonly known as Victoria, BC.

With great respect for the earliest residents of our shared coastal home, CWS strives to uphold our mutual values of storytelling and environmental stewardship.

Flower - Centrepiece Writing Studio - Shannon Marshall - Victoria, BC

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Shannon Marshall

My client is always at the centre of my work.

Let's connect and discover how we can tell your story.

Centrepiece Writing Studio is grateful to operate on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen people, now represented by the Songhees and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) nations... The glorious land commonly known as Victoria, BC.

Centrepiece Writing Studio is grateful to operate on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen people, now represented by the Songhees and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) nations...
The glorious land commonly known as Victoria, BC.