What It's Like To Be... A Speechwriter
Sep 9, 2025
Join Stephen Krupin, a seasoned speechwriter who crafted powerful addresses for President Obama and other leaders. He shares the intricate dance of writing for the ear, highlighting the emotional weight behind Memorial Day speeches and the challenges of connecting personal stories to a broader audience. Stephen delves into the balance of authenticity and creativity in speechwriting, recounting amusing tales from his White House days, and emphasizing the irreplaceable human touch in crafting resonant messages.
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Writing For A Rival Team
- Stephen Krupin was asked to write a congratulatory White House speech for the Pittsburgh Penguins despite rooting for the rival Capitals.
- He sneaked in subtle digs to cope with praising a team he hated.
Absent Memory Became The Speech
- A commencement-bound athlete told Krupin he couldn't remember his record-setting moment, which became the speech's organizing idea.
- Krupin turned the missing memory into a theme about pursuit versus achievement.
Using A Speech To Share Devastating News
- Krupin helped a physician announce terminal pancreatic cancer during a lifetime achievement speech to colleagues.
- The speech focused on gratitude, legacy, and how he would spend his remaining time.