A NATIONAL BESTSELLER PORCHLIGHT AWARD WINNER AS ONE OF THE BEST BUSINESS BOOKS OF 2024 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. As a White House
speechwriter Terry Szuplat helped craft hundreds of speeches for President Obama. But when it
came to public speaking himself Szuplat—like many people—was gripped by anxiety and preferred
to stay in the shadows. When he was invited to give the first major speech of his life he
faced a choice: keep hiding from what scared him or finally face his fears. In Say It Well
Szuplat shares the life-changing lessons he learned from Barack Obama—one of the most admired
speakers of our time—and how he applied these techniques to become a better speaker himself. In
every chapter he shares never-before-heard advice from Obama on speaking well along with
riveting behind-the-scenes stories of writing for a president—so you can master every step of
public speaking including: • Tips for overcoming stage fright • Best
practices for using artificial intelligence to compose a memorable speech •
Attention-grabbing openings to pull in any audience • Framing techniques to make
your arguments more persuasive • Scientifically-proven ways to inspire people to
action • Tricks for editing polishing and practicing your words for maximum
impact • The only way to end any great speech Along the way Szuplat introduces you
to remarkable people from all walks of life—students advocates business executives
veterans—who have used these techniques to give speeches that have gone viral and inspired
millions of people around the world. At a time of division and distrust Say It Well also shows
how we can all speak with the empathy civility and honesty that we need now more than ever.
In sharing his journey to find his own voice Szuplat will help you find yours. Written with
humor and warmth this is your new guide to the art of public speaking. And the next time you
speak—whether you’re giving a toast or a eulogy for a loved one a presentation at work or an
impassioned appeal for a cause you care about—not only will you know what to say you’ll know
how to say it well.
