The Apt Word Communications
The right words for the moments that matter.
Elana Aptowitzer
Founder & Principal
The Apt Word Communications
Services
1 / Speechwriting Services
Every speech is an opportunity to inform, inspire, persuade, or lead. I work closely with clients to develop speeches that are authentic to their voice, strategically aligned with their objectives, and tailored to their audience. Whether you're delivering a keynote, conference address, executive presentation, political speech, or personal remarks, I help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and lasting impact.
Speechwriting rates available per hour, per speech, or per day, depending on the scope of work. Please contact me for a quote.
2 / Strategic Communications Advisory
Strong communications begin with a clear strategy. I work with leaders and organizations to develop messaging, navigate complex communications challenges, and communicate with purpose. Whether you're announcing a major initiative, managing a sensitive issue, or refining your organization's voice, I provide practical, strategic advice tailored to your goals and your audience.
Please contact me for a quote.
3 / Plain Language Writing & Editorial Services
Clear writing builds understanding and credibility. I provide plain language writing, editing, and document revision services that transform complex ideas into clear, concise, and engaging communications. Whether you need a report, article, op-ed, leadership message, website content, briefing note, policy document, or an existing document refined for greater clarity and impact, I help ensure your writing is accessible, polished, and effective—without sacrificing accuracy or meaning.
Please contact me for a quote.
4 / Public Speaking Coaching
An exceptional speech deserves an exceptional delivery. I provide one-on-one coaching to help clients become more confident, engaging, and effective communicators. Together, we'll refine your delivery, strengthen your executive presence, manage nerves, and develop techniques that help you connect with your audience and leave a lasting impression.
Please contact me for a quote.
5 / University Application Essay Coaching & Editing
Every applicant has a story worth telling. I provide personalized coaching and editorial support to help students craft compelling supplemental essays that reflect their unique experiences, strengths, and aspirations. Through thoughtful feedback and careful editing, I help students communicate their ideas clearly and effectively while ensuring each essay remains authentically their own.
From $110+ per hour
Get to Know Me
I launched The Apt Word Communications because I believe that the right words have the power to inform, inspire, influence, and build trust. I provide expert speechwriting, strategic communications advice, plain language writing and editing, public speaking coaching, and university application essay coaching tailored to the unique needs of each client.
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Whether you're a business leader, public official, non-profit organization, or student, I'll work to understand your goals, refine your message, and help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. I approach every project with enthusiasm, discretion, and a commitment to helping you find the words to commuicate what matters most.
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About Elana Aptowitzer
Elana Aptowitzer is a senior communications advisor, speechwriter, and strategic communications consultant with nearly two decades of experience. She is the founder of The Apt Word Communications, a consultancy she has led for more than 13 years.
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She has worked with cabinet ministers, elected officials, senior public servants, executives, and non-profit leaders on some of their most consequential communications. Her expertise spans executive speechwriting, strategic messaging, communications advisory services, and leadership communications. She is known for providing candid, thoughtful advice that helps leaders deliver the right message to the right audience—and be remembered for it.
Elana has lectured on professional speechwriting at multiple universities and has spoken about leadership communications and the craft of speechwriting at communications conferences internationally. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from McGill University and a Master's degree in Strategic Public Communications from American University in Washington, D.C. She spent 18 years working in Ottawa before relocating to the Greater Toronto Area in 2023.
Testimonials
Christian Leuprecht
Professor, Royal Military College
Assoc. Director, Institute of Intergov. Relations
"I hired Elana in a last ditch effort to gain acceptance to the professional university program of my dreams - a program known for competitive standards and highly selective acceptance rates. Initially, I thought my chances of acceptance were weak, but after working with Elana to refine my supplemental essays and application, I had much greater confidence in my chances. She helped me expand my thought-process about what to include in my essays, how to write them, and what program administrators would be looking for. She was also an exceptional editor. Working with her was simple and stress-free from start to finish. I was accepted to the program and credit our work together for my acceptance. Don't hesitate to work with her!"
Daniel C.
Student, Ivy League Professional School, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm not a CEO or a politician. Are professional speechwriting services right for me?
My company needs communications help, but I'm not exactly sure what services we need. Can you help us?
Is it wrong for me to hire a speechwriter? Will people know I didn't write my own speech?
Yes! While many people believe that only politicians and CEOs hire speechwriters, the reality is that I've worked with mothers of the bride preparing their wedding speech, university students preparing for important presentations, and many regular people just looking to put their best foot forward in their public speaking.
Absolutely! This is common. Our first conversation is an opportunity to discuss your goals, audience, timeline, and any challenges you're facing. From there, I'll recommend the exact services or approach that best meet your needs. We'll work together to find a solution that's practical, effective, and tailored to your budget and objectives.
Absolutely not - on both counts! There are many valid reasons to hire a speechwriter, and doing so doesn't mean the speech isn't yours. My job is to write the speech you dreamed of writing yourself. It will sound like you and be infused with your ideas, turns of phrases, and personality. That speech belongs to you, and you can proudly take credit for it. I operate with complete discretion.
Can I afford a professional speechwriter/editor/
communications advisor?
Most likely, yes! Please contact me to discuss your project so that I can offer you a no obligation quote. I structure my rate by the hour, the project, or the day, depending on what works best for you and your budget.
I wrote my own speech and I just need someone to review it and polish it up. Can you do that?
With pleasure! I'm happy to work with people who prefer to do their own writing and seek professional review and editing services. Please contact me to discuss a quote.
