Ep. 279: Say it Well: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House

01/31/25 • 67 min

In this episode, Stephen Donnelly and former Obama speechwriter Terry Szuplat have a wide-ranging discussion on everything from Obama’s journey in public speaking, to Trump’s latest inaugural address, to Rev. Mariann Budde’s controversial sermon, and the influence of AI in speechwriting.
And of course, they chat about Terry’s new book, Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience.
In Say it Well, Terry opens up about his own struggles with public speaking, and lays out a practical guide for those looking to find their own voice for a better world.
Click here to purchase your copy.
We’re also giving away two copies! Listen in for details.
CHAPTERS
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:03 - Meet Terry
00:03:22 - The Washington D.C. Plane Collision
00:14:31 - Why are We Afraid of Public Speaking?
00:22:27 - Obama’s Challenges in Public Speaking
00:28:52 - Beware the Demagogue
00:35:49 - Style versus Substance
00:45:41 - Rev. Mariann Bubbe
00:48:55 - Chat GPT
00:51:28 - Obama’s Hurdle in Public Speaking
00:53:48 - Vulnerability in Public Speaking
00:57:59 - Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!
01:01:26 - Speeches in Pop Culture
01:03:06:22 - Wrap Up
The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

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Previous Episode

Ep.278: The Big Flip: How Steve Bracks Helped Win Victoria for Labor

“Kennett was ... ripping the heart out of country areas.”

25 years ago in Victoria, Jeff Kennett’s Liberal Party was up for re-election. Holding a large majority of seats, they were expected to win the election and entrench another generation of conservative rule in Victoria.

But, in the background, the Steve Bracks-led Labor Party was building momentum in unlikely places. What resulted was a political upheaval that surprised everyone - even, until the final stretch, Steve Bracks.

In this week’s episode, Stephen Donnelly is joined by the 44th Premier and the man himself, Steve Bracks. He tells us how they did it, and why assuming leadership of the party was one of toughest choices of his career.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction
01:46 The Back Story
12:51 Replacing John Brumby
19:48 Steve’s Strategy
23:39 Going Head to Head with Kennett
26:49 Reaching Out to the Regions
31:40 The Prognosis
36:33 Election Night
45:06 Courting the Independents
53:53 Declaring Victory
57:24 Successive Wins
59:22 Mic Drop!

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

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Next Episode

Ep. 280: Feeney Files #11: New Year, Same Feeney

This week, Stephen Donnelly and former Labor Campaign Director and federal MP, David Feeney, unpack the way forward for Albanese’s Labor government as the federal election looms.

In a complex, de-centralised, and increasingly click-baity media landscape, the Labor Government has their work cut out for them if they intend to keep the national conversation focused on key issues - particularly while Dutton dangles culture-war bait.

Is Labor adequately prepared for the fight ahead? Will Feeney deliver another epic 30 minute address? Listen in to find out.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction
02:57 Sliding Into Campaign Mode
08:04 The Cabinet Reshuffle
19:10 Election Date Predictions
30:23 Defining the Message
47:23 The Victoria Effect
53:44 Wrap Up

#sociallydemocratic #dunnstreet #podcast #auspol #federalelection #Albo #Dutton #AnthonyAlbanese #BillShorten #culturewars #politicalmemes #KarateKid #VoiceReferendum #negativegearing #Labor #DavidFeeney #StephenDonnelly

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