A NATIONAL BESTSELLER
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Audiobook available here.
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Media inquiries: Terry Szuplat can be reached at the contact form below.
See below for tour highlights, videos, interviews, podcasts, excerpts and reader reviews.
In Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience, Terry Szuplat shares the public speaking lessons he learned as one of President Barack Obama’s longest-serving speechwriters — lessons that can help anyone become a better speaker, communicator, and leader in work and in life. In a time of division and distrust, Terry shows how we can all speak with the empathy, civility, and honesty that we need now more than ever.
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).
PRAISE FOR SAY IT WELL
“For eight years, Terry Szuplat collaborated with President Barack Obama on some of the most impactful speeches of our time. In Say It Well, this gifted speechwriter shows you how your words can change your community, your nation, even the world.”
— David Axelrod,
Former senior strategist for President Barack Obama and New York Times bestselling author of Believer: My Forty Years in Politics
“I’ve worked with Terry for nearly a decade, and I’ve seen firsthand how his brilliant advice can help anyone give the speech only they can give. If you’re a CEO, executive, or employee who wants to energize your team, differentiate your brand, and win over new customers, read this remarkable book today.”
— Marc Benioff,
Co-founder, chair, and CEO of Salesforce and New York Times bestselling author of Trailblazer
“In a world where every word matters, Say It Well is a masterclass in how to articulate your vision compellingly and turn your speeches into powerful tools for leadership, persuasion, and impact. This book is destined to become a classic for anyone who wants to perfect the art of public speaking.”
— Dorie Clark,
Professor of executive education, Columbia Business School and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game
“If you’re called upon to give a speech, it’s helpful to have a master teacher. Terry Szuplat is one of those masters, and at the Pentagon he helped me make every word count. Say It Well is a profoundly experiential book that will help you find your cadence and help our country reclaim the civility we need today.”
— William S. Cohen,
Former Republican U.S. Senator from Maine and Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
“I was shocked when my graduation speech went viral and shocked again when Terry included my speech in this book. Say It Well is a true gift—an easy-to-use handbook, written with wisdom and humility, for how we can quiet our self-doubt, find our most authentic voice, and amplify our stories from the page to the stage!”
— Donovan Livingston, Ph.D.,
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Faculty and Author of Lift Off: From the Classroom to the Stars
As first reported by Axios, Say It Well is the first book by one of President Barack Obama’s speechwriters with practical advice on how to prepare a great speech or presentation and inspire your audience on any occasion.
In every chapter of Say It Well you’ll get…
–Never-before-heard insights from President Obama, including mistakes he made as a speaker early in his career, how he improved and became the orator who burst onto the world stage with his unforgettable speech in Boston in 2004, and why he communicated the way he did as both a candidate and as president;
–Behind-the-scenes stories from some of Obama’s most memorable speeches as told by the speechwriters who worked on them;
–The latest research from some of the world’s leading scholars, psychologists, and neuroscientists showing the science behind effective public speaking and persuasion;
–Practical tips and techniques you can apply in your own life and work as you communicate with your families, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow citizens;
–Remarkable stories of people from all walks of life–students, advocates, activists, executives, veterans–who’ve used these lessons to give speeches that have gone viral, inspiring millions of people around the world.
THE SAY IT WELL 2024 BOOK TOUR
Thank you for joining us!!
Sept. 17 — New York City — The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, with introductory remarks by former Chief White House Speechwriter Cody Keenan (video, photos)
Sept. 18 — Boston — The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, presentation and panel discussion with Brayden Harrington, Zander Moricz, Ashely All, and Donovan Livingston (video, photos)
Sept. 19 — Washington, D.C. — The George Washington University (listen: Chief Influencer podcast, photos)
Sept. 19 — Washington, D.C. — The National Press Club, in conversation with NPC President Emily Wilkins (photos)
Sept. 20 — Washington, D.C. — American University, Kerwin Hall 1, in conversation with National Public Radio’s Ron Elving (photos)
Sept. 21 — Washington, D.C. — Politics and Prose (Connecticut Ave.), in conversation with The Wall Street Journal’s Alex Ward (photos)
Sept. 22 — Los Angeles — Vroman’s Bookstore, in conversation with Pod Save America’s Jon Favreau (video, photos)
Sept 23 — Huntington Beach — Barnes & Noble, in conversation with former White House Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes (photos)
Sept. 24 — Emeryville, CA — Pixar Animation Studios, in conversation with Pixar’s Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson (photos)
Sept. 24 — San Francisco — Book Passage (Ferry Building), in conversation with former White House Communications Director and Pod Save America’s Dan Pfeiffer (photos)
Sept. 25 — Austin — BookPeople, in conversation with Abby Johnston, Partnerships Editor at The 19th (photos)
Sept. 26 — Medford, MA — Tufts University/The Fletcher School, in conversation with Ambassador Donald Heflin (photos)
Sept. 27 — Andover, MA — Andover Bookstore (photos)
Sept. 29 — Falmouth, MA — The MBL Falmouth Forum (video, photos)
Sept. 30 — Hyannis, MA — The JFK Hyannis Museum (photos)
Oct. 4 — Chicago, Oak Park — Whirlwind Coffee (photos)
Oct. 4 — Chicago — The Book Cellar, in conversation with former White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest (photos)
Oct. 7 — Atlanta — The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum (photos)
Oct. 10 — Boston — The Boston Athenaeum (photos)
EXCERPTS
“How Barack Obama Learned to Give a Speech” (People Magazine)
“How to Make an Argument That’s Actually Persuasive” (TIME)
REVIEWS
“The Path to Healing a Nation,” by Julian Adorney, the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism
“How I Learned to Say It Well,” by Elizabeth Doll, Braver Angels
“Reflections on Say It Well,” by Dave McCormick
PROFILES
“Terry Szuplat Knows How to ‘Say It Well'” (Falmouth Enterprise)
“AU Professor Terry Szuplat Publishes His First Book (The AU Eagle)
VIDEOS
Conversation with Pod Save America’s Jon Favreau at Vroman’s Bookstore
Presentation at the MBL Falmouth Forum, Falmouth, Massachusetts
“How AI Will Impact Public Speaking” (ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis, GoodMorningAmerica.com)
“How to Tone Down the Political Rhetoric After the Trump Assassination Attempt” (CNN)
“Reaction to Kamala Harris’ First Major Interview as the Democratic Nominee” (CNN)
“Former Obama Speechwriter Shares Public Speaking Lessons with New Book” (Good Morning DC)
“A Conversation with Former Obama Speechwriter Terry Szuplat” (NBC Bay Area)
Interview with Jeremy Connell-Waite, BetterStories.org (and what happened when Jeremy cloned me)
Interview with Carmine Gallo, author of Talk Like Ted
“Road to the 2024 Election” (UBS)
“What to Expect from the Harris-Trump Debate” (FOX News)
“Final Thoughts on the Democratic National Convention” (Scripps News)
“What Everyone Can Learn from Gov. Tim Waltz’s Speech” (CNN)
“Reaction to Speeches by President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama” (MSNBC)
“What to Expect from President Obama’s Convention Speech” (MSNBC)
“Previewing President Obama’s Convention Speech” (CBS)
“Previewing the Democratic National Convention” (Chicago WGN News)
PODCASTS & RADIO
“What Does it Take to Craft Speeches for a President?” — LAist with Larry Mantle
“Speak Your Mind” — Clear + Vivid with Alan Alda
“How to Say It Well and Find Your Voice” — Chief Influencer Podcast
“What Was it Like to Write Speeches for President Obama?” — The Gist with Mike Pesca
“Working in the West Wing: Speeches that Make History” — Speak Like a CEO with Oliver Aust
“From Cape Cod to the White House” — Creative Exchange Podcast, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod”
“A Conversation with Terry Szuplat” — Cape Cod Current, WMVY
PRINT INTERVIEWS
“Most Speakers Face Public Speaking Anxiety, Even Barack Obama’s Speechwriter” (Forbes)
“Terry Szuplat Wants to Change Your Next All-Hands Meeting” (Business.com)
“The Secret Behind Every Great Speech: the 50-25-25 Rule” (Inc.com)
“Obama’s Longtime Speechwriter Pens Advice on Public Speaking” (The Hill)
“Donald Trump Embraces ‘Love'” (The New York Times)
“Q&A with Former Obama Speechwriter Terry Szuplat” (Gotham Ghostwriters)
“Excerpt-To-Go” (Axios Communicators)
MORE PRAISE FOR SAY IT WELL
“Terry was the quiet hero of the Obama speechwriting office – kind, funny, and very, very talented. Can’t wait to read this one.”
— Jon Favreau, chief speechwriter to President Obama (2009-2013) and co-host of Pod Save America
“Over the 4 years that Terry and I shared a windowless suite, nobody gave me as much good speechwriting advice as he did. Or made me laugh harder. Or made me want to be kinder…people often ask for great books on speaking and speechwriting and this is it.”
— Cody Keenan, chief speechwriter to President Obama (2013-2017) and author of Grace: President Obama and the Ten Days in the Battle for America
For 8 years in the White House, I got to know Terry Szuplat as an extraordinary writer and even better person. In his new book (spoiler: smart, funny, accessible) he shares tips on how to find your voice, tell your story and speak in public. Check it out.”
— Ben Rhodes, deputy national security advisor to President Obama and author of After the Fall: Being American in the World We’ve Made and The World As It Is
“The one we’ve been waiting for! I’ve learned more about speechwriting from Terry Szuplat than from almost anyone. Excited to read his wisdom, humor, and humanity.”
— Sarada Peri, senior presidential speechwriter for Barack Obama
READER REVIEWS
“‘Say It Well’ is the best book on the art and science of public speaking that I’ve ever read. This is not hyperbole. I mean it…When a book is this good you can’t just read it once and put it on the shelf. You need to process it. And keep going back to it…Draw in the margins. Colour in the parts which mean something to you. Underline your favourite quotes. Fold pages over. Make LOTS of colourful notes… your future audiences will thank you for it!”
— Jeremy Connell-Waite, BetterStories.org
“One of the best books I’ve ever read on public speaking. I do not say that lightly.I’ve read a lot of books. It’s also saying a lot because when it comes to politics I don’t agree with a lot of what Terry believes in or for what Obama stood for. That’s how good this book is…Terry artfully weaves together traveling around the world to 40 countries with Obama and all the things he learned from him. He then parallels them to everyday people who have learned to face their fears of speaking, and then applies them to you and me.”
— Eva Rose Daniel, The Speak Shop
‘Say It Well’ is not a political memoir but an actionable guide that helps you find your own voice, become a better presenter, and stand out in a sea of corporate blandness.”
— Oliver Aust, Speak Like a CEO
“It’s the best book I’ve ever read on public speaking… As soon as I finished it, I ordered copies for our entire team.”
— Paul Orzulak, West Wing Writers
“This is easily the best book on public speaking that I have ever read, and I highly recommend it to spark your enthusiasm for public speaking. Whether you need to make a memorable toast at your brother’s wedding, inspire enthusiasm for your cause or campaign, or just perform better at Toastmasters, this book is a joy to read and ensures the next time you need to say something important, you’ll Say It Well.”
— Elizabeth Doll, Braver Angels
“…an accessible and invaluable handbook full of concrete tips for crafting and delivering compelling speeches and presentations.”
— Gotham Ghostwriters, New York City
“After finishing it, I wanted to revisit some of the insightful ideas I’d highlighted…But to my surprise, it had vanished! After searching frantically, I finally found it–under my 15-year-old’s pillow… Thank you for writing it so well that even a teenager couldn’t resist falling in love with it!”
—Smaranda Heroiu, Bucharest, Romania
“I binged your book less than two days before a presentation that I was absolutely panicked about… It completely transformed my approach to that presentation and my perspective on public speaking in general… The paralyzing terror faded. Even the prep-procrastination seems silly because you gave us a preparation formula. Genuinely one of the best career books I’ve ever read!”
—Danielle P. Tong, Columbus, Ohio
“The way [Terry] articulates the universal struggles of questioning our self-worth and striving for acceptance is both poignant and powerful. He encapsulated it beautifully: love, belonging, and safety are indeed the foundational roots we all need to thrive… I’m incredibly grateful for this book, and I truly believe ‘Say It Well’ is a must-read for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.”
—Martha Elisabeth Blum, London
“I’ve spent so much time over the years researching how to be a better speaker… This single book is the most helpful and up-to-date instructional text I’ve found…especially when it comes to modern presentations with modern audiences. No matter if you present from the stage or the boardroom, here’s your CTA: drop everything and read it!
—Melissa Turner, Portland, Oregon
“I love how inspiring and accessible this book is — to newbies and those of us who ‘do comms’ for a living… It reads like a conversations with someone you met at a dinner party who absolutely loves what he does… I promise you’ll be inspired to reimagine how you approach the job of storytelling.”
—Agnes Roter, Toronto, Canada
“‘Say It Well’ is such a great read! It’s perfect for anyone who wants to improve how they tell their story, whether in personal or professional settings. Before reading this book, I struggled with making my story relatable… But Terry’s advice has helped me shape my narrative in a way that’s authentic and impactful… If you’re looking for a book that helps you communicate better and gives you practical tools to tell your story, ‘Say It Well’ is definitely worth checking out.”
—Audrey Willis, Memphis, Tennessee
“I just finished reading ‘Say It Well’ by Terry Szuplat, and it was such a great find! As someone still working on my English, I found it so helpful for learning how to speak clearly and connect with people. Now my husband, who speaks ‘broken English,’ is reading it too, and it’s been amazing to see how much it’s helping him.”
—Shakiba Shaheer, Washington, D.C.
“The lessons Szuplat shares are not just for professional speakers but for anyone looking to speak with confidence and purpose, whether in a work meeting, presentation, or personal event. With a practical and thoughtful approach, ‘Say It Well’ is an invitation to discover and use our own voice to inspire and drive positive change.”
—Josue Fiallo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
“It’s been a while since I immersed myself in a 300-page book, but this one had me hooked from the start. Terry’s reflections on writing speeches for President Obama are not just fascinating—they feel like a masterclass in the art of communication.”
—Erdenesukh Otgonbayar, Khan Uul, Ulaanbaatar Hot, Mongolia
“Ultimately, ‘Say It Well’ is about hope: about finding it, about speaking it, about spreading it. If we can do that, I think we can end our current age of pessimism and bring about a new dawn in America.”
—Julian Adorney, Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism
–Infographic by Katheryne Bwye
Contact Terry...
You can reach Terry directly by email or by filling out the form below: