UNSW is in the market for a speech writer, “to promote the authoritative voice and contribution a great university can make”. The news interests UNSW people who wonder where the position will sit, what it will cost and why management is not happy with what is written now. The advert is silent on pay and relations with “the existing writer and communications manager” (one person, two people?) so CMM asked UNSW about salary range, work unit, continuing appointment/contract status and reporting line, to get some idea of the standing and experience the university wants in a writer. To which the university replied; “the specifics of this important role have been detailed in the job advertisement. The successful applicant will work closely with existing communications staff who are committed to building UNSW’s profile and reputation.”

Nicely done, in the hands of a lesser writer this would have read “but-out.”