258: Obama’s Speechwriter: Working in the West Wing, Speeches that Make History, and Becoming a Confident Speaker. Terry Szuplat

09/17/24 • 39 min

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.

“Say It Well” is out now! You can also join Terry on his US book tour: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/say-it-well/

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

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.

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 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.

“Say It Well” is out now! You can also join Terry on his US book tour: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/say-it-well/

Previous Episode

257: The Laws of Connection That Will Transform Your Life. David Robson

Have you ever left a conversation doubting whether the other person liked you?

You’re not alone—it’s called the Liking Gap.

This week on Speak Like a CEO, Oliver Aust is joined by David Robson, author of the global bestsellers The Laws of Connection, The Expectation Effect, and The Intelligence Trap, and journalist and science writer for the BBC.

David reveals laws of human connection and the psychology behind the Liking Gap – why we underestimate how much others like us and how it impacts our personal and professional lives.

The conversation unpacks the consequences of the Liking Gap at work, including how it affects feedback, collaboration, and productivity.

David also shares actionable strategies to overcome this bias, build stronger connections, have better conversations, and improve communication skills.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn practical steps to overcoming self-doubt so you can build deeper relationships in life and work.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve the relationships in their lives and make new ones.

If you're looking to connect with your audience, 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/

Next Episode

259: Master Nonverbal Leadership with Insights from the Poker Table. Blake Eastman

Do you realize how much your body language influences the way others perceive you as a leader?

In this week’s episode of Speak Like a CEO, Oliver Aust sits down with Blake Eastman, founder of The Nonverbal Group and School of Cards. As a former professional poker player, Blake mastered reading body language and high-stakes decision-making at the poker table.

He now applies these skills to help top executives and elite teams enhance their nonverbal communication – even though he is the first to admit that different games are played at the poker table and in the boardroom.

Blake reveals how the smallest facial expressions, gestures, and tones of voice can either amplify or detract from the message you’re trying to convey.

Through his research and years of coaching, Blake emphasizes the power of alignment between what you say and how you say it.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for improving their own nonverbal communication, building trust, and communicating more authentically during virtual meetings.

By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with tools to build your leadership presence and communicate with confidence—without saying a word.

Find out more about Blake Eastman at https://www.nonverbalgroup.com/

Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now enroll in the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator.

https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/