258: Obama’s Speechwriter: Working in the West Wing, Speeches that Make History, and Becoming a Confident Speaker. Terry Szuplat
Sep 17, 2024
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Terry Szuplat, a former speechwriter for Barack Obama and author of "Say It Well," shares his journey in the White House and the art of impactful communication. He reveals personal anecdotes, including a memorable moment when Obama lost his train of thought. The conversation dives into overcoming speech anxiety and the importance of understanding both yourself and your audience. Terry also discusses effective speech preparation and the power of a hopeful conclusion, offering actionable tips to enhance your public speaking skills.
Great speakers develop their skills over time through practice and can improve by learning from personal experiences, no matter their background.
Effective communication relies on understanding the audience's perspective, requiring speakers to balance their personal values with the interests of those they address.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Public Speaking Skills
Great speakers develop their skills over time rather than being naturally gifted. Barack Obama shared a personal experience where he froze up during a speech as a young man, highlighting that even he faced challenges in public speaking. This moment of insecurity emphasized that everyone has the potential to improve their speaking abilities through practice. The key takeaway is that there is always a path to growth, regardless of previous setbacks.
Understanding Your Audience
Effective communication begins with being a good listener and understanding the audience's perspective. Obama learned valuable lessons while working as a community organizer, where engaging with local communities helped him refine his own communication style. This approach emphasizes the balance between conveying personal values and connecting with the audience's interests. Speakers should not only consider their message but also how it resonates with those they are addressing.
Crafting Your Unique Voice
Finding and embracing one's unique voice is crucial for impactful communication. Many speakers fall into the trap of regurgitating mainstream ideas, which makes their messages forgettable. It is essential to draw from personal experiences and stories that make one's presentation stand out. By being authentic and expressing what only they can say, leaders can create memorable connections with their audiences.
The Importance of Preparation and Practice
Preparation is vital for delivering effective speeches, with a recommended structure of allocating time for planning, writing, and practicing. Following the 50-25-25 rule can help speakers articulate their thoughts clearly and confidently. The emphasis on practicing out loud reveals the importance of refining the delivery and ensuring the speech flows naturally. Ultimately, well-prepared speakers are more likely to engage their audience and communicate their messages effectively.
In today’s episode, one of Barack Obama’s longest-serving speechwriters reveals the public speaking lessons that will help you become a more confident and compelling communicator and leader.
For 8 years, Terry Szuplat worked on hundreds of speeches for President Obama. He served as a special assistant to the president, and from 2013 to 2017 he was the deputy director of the White House Speechwriting Office.
In Terry’s brand new book “Say It Well”, he shares the life-changing lessons he learned from Barack Obama and how he applied these techniques to become a better speaker himself.
We talk about the one time President Obama froze up and lost his train of thought, Terry’s first meeting with the President, and what it was like working closely with one of the most inspiring communicators of our time.
We also get tactical. Terry shares lots of actionable advice on speaking and presenting that you can apply immediately.
Enjoy this episode with the man who wrote many speeches that made history: Terry Szuplat.
If you want to “present it well”, Oliver has a live Presentation Secrets Workshop coming up, so make sure you are subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter: https://www.eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter
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