Keynotes & Workshops

Terry Szuplat is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and author whose keynote presentations and multimedia workshops empower audiences with the communications skills he learned as one of President Barack Obama’s longest-serving White House speechwriters — lessons he shares in the national bestseller Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience.

Upon its release, Say It Well became an instant bestseller, spending several weeks on USA Today’s list of top-selling books in America. Named one of the Best Business Books of 2024 for bringing “positive change to our own personal and professional spaces and and places,” Say It Well is available in more than 50 countries and territories around the world and is being translated into eight languages (Spanish, German, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Lithuanian, Korean, and Chinese).

“The best keynote speaker I’ve ever heard!”

“For me, Terry Szuplat’s workshop was a truly life-changing experience, both professionally and personally. I highly recommend Terry as a teacher and trainer for leaders who want to make a real impact in the world.”

“As a CEO, Terry’s presentation helped me to better understand how to connect with potential clients through powerful storytelling.”

In these nonpartisan presentations designed for all audiences, Terry draws on his experience as a speechwriter for President Obama when he helped craft nearly 500 speeches during visits to more than 40 countries. He brings audiences inside the White House, goes behind-the-scenes of writing presidential addresses, and shares the communications secrets that can help anyone anywhere connect with their audiences and inspire their companies and communities to action.

“Through Terry’s lessons, anyone can understand how to structure a speech or a presentation to deliver emotion and make a lasting impact with their audience.”

“Terry Szuplat’s presentation was the best advice on communication that I have heard– straightforward, practical and executable. I will put into practice much of his advice.”

Topics include:

How to Break Through in a World of Noise

The attention spans of our audiences are dwindling. We’re all buried in a blizzard of emails and texts. Most people delete marketing emails in just seconds without reading them. In a world of noise, how do we break through with messages that are compelling and memorable? In this session, Terry Szuplat shares proven strategies and techniques for elevating your pitches and presentations, whether you’re communicating in person, by zoom, email, phone, or text.

How to be a Better Speaker: Lessons from an Obama Speechwriter

Terry Szuplat shares the secrets of great speeches that we should all seek to replicate as well as common mistakes that we should seek to avoid. In this special keynote tailored to business audiences, Terry discusses how executives and employees can improve their external and internal communications, enhance their company’s brand, and stand out from the competition.

Communicating in a Crisis

At one time or another, every company and organization will face a crisis. In high-stakes moments when every word counts, what should a leader say? What shouldn’t they say? How leaders and organizations react in times of crisis can shape a person’s or institution’s reputation for years to come. Terry Szuplat–who as a national security speechwriter at the White House helped craft presidential remarks during some of the nation’s most trying moments, from mass shootings to terrorist attacks–shares the lessons that can help any organization navigate any crisis and uphold the trust of their employees, partners, and communities.

Find Your Voice, Change the World

Public speaking is one of the most common phobias in the world. Many of us have something we want to say–in our families, communities, companies, and countries–but we don’t have the confidence or skills to say it. Terry Szuplat helps you find and unleash your own unique voice by sharing proven techniques for confronting our fears of public speaking, giving the speeches only we can give, and inspiring audiences to achieve the results we want.

The Art & Science of Public Speaking

Is public speaking an art? Or a science? Or both? And if both, how—as speakers—do we harness both our creative muse and evidence-based approaches to craft memorable presentations that elevate our message and inspire audiences? In this workshop, Terry Szuplat shares his proven strategies for mastering both the art and science of public speaking–empowering you with new skills that will transform how you think about, prepare for, draft, and deliver your next speech or presentation.

From the Page to the Podium

In these full-day and half-day workshops, Terry Szuplat guides participants through every step of crafting an inspiring presentation—from the page to the podium—from appreciating the “Barriers to Persuasion” to understanding what we need to “Know Before We Write.” Participants apply the lessons they’ve learned by drafting and editing an actual speech in real-time, culminating with presentations where speeches are shared so that participants leave with practical steps they can apply at work and in life.

Testimonials

(From anonymous surveys after past keynotes and presentations.)

“Brilliant!”

“Incredible.”

“Truly inspiring!”

“Beyond amazing.”

“Extremely moving.”

“Phenomenal speaker!”

“Exceptional presentation.”

“Captivating and informative.”

“Fantastic session–Bravo Zulu.”

“Inspiring, funny and relatable.”

“Superb presentation on comms!!”

“A privilege that I will cherish forever.”

“Fascinating. I enjoyed every minute.”

“Insightful, entertaining and inspiring.”

“I was mind-blown by your presentation.”

“Thank you very much for an inspirational day!”

“One of the highlights of my academic experience.”

“Interactive and lively. I feel rebooted in many ways!”

“Excellent speaker with useful advice for our industry.”

“Wonderful presentation, rich in substance and highly energizing.”

“This encouraged me in so many ways as an influencer, coach and speaker.”

“Terry left us all with some great takeaways that are applicable to what we all do.”

“Writing is hard for me, and I was inspired by the process of writing a speech, piece by piece.”

“Terry took us on a journey about what it meant to be an Obama speechwriter for eight years.”

“This was the most useful and entertaining speechwriting training I have attended in recent years.”

“As a speechwriter, I cannot imagine a better use of my time than a day spent learning from Terry.”

“Engaging, thought-provoking and sprinkled with many moving moments from an historic presidency.”

“You told us a fantastic story, truly touched our hearts and, yes, I think the world became a little bit better today.”

“The combination of speechwriting advice and Obama-based content was like being at an all-day World Cup final!”

“This course taught me a structured, methodical approach to writing inspirational speeches that work in so many contexts.”

“Terry drew a 7-hour sold-out workshop on ‘The Art of Speechwriting,’ and there were so many useful lessons, from work to life.”

“Terry was so fascinating to listen to! I could have sat there for hours just hearing him tell stories of his time working for President Obama.”

“As an entrepreneur who works to empower women, Terry showed me that with words I can have more impact and help my clients reach financial freedom.”

“Terry received the only standing ovation at our event, and I understand why. I would highly recommend Terry as a keynote speaker, workshop leader and communications expert.”

“It’s not often you get to learn about the art of speechwriting from someone who’s been through the mill and back as many times as Terence Szuplat. What an amazing workshop.”

“I’m a CEO of two international companies, and Terry’s presentation changed how I think about the role and impact of speeches. With Terry’s guidance, I’m confident that my speeches will now reach a broader audience and help me connect with customers in a whole new way.”

“I would recommend participating in Terry’s workshops or keynote presentation to anyone who desires to learn how to structure a message like Obama, and what it’s like to work right next to him. I assure you that you will leave the session with new insights and a newfound appreciation for the art of speechwriting.”