Available in the U.S. & Canada here and internationally here.
Audiobook available here.
Media inquiries: Terry Szuplat can be reached at the contact form below.
In this national bestseller, 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 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.
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
THE SAY IT WELL BOOK TOUR — THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!!
Sept. 17 — New York City — 6:00pm: The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, registration encouraged; register here
Sept. 18 — Boston — 7:00pm: The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, event details here
Sept. 19 — Washington, D.C. — 12:00pm: The George Washington University, register early to secure your seat
Sept. 19 — Washington, D.C. — 6:00pm: The National Press Club (this event is now open to the public!) registration/ticket required; get your ticket here
Sept. 20 — Washington, D.C. — 3:45pm: American University, Kerwin Hall 1, event details here
Sept. 21 — Washington, D.C. — 5:00pm: Politics and Prose (Connecticut Ave.), event details here
Sept. 22 — Los Angeles — 3:00pm: Vroman’s Bookstore, ticketed event, get your ticket here
Sept 23 — Huntington Beach — 7:00pm: Barnes & Noble, event details here
Sept. 24 — Emeryville, CA — Pixar Animation Studios (private event)
Sept. 24 — San Francisco — 5:30pm: Book Passage (Ferry Building), event details here
Sept. 25 — Austin — 7:00pm: BookPeople, event details here
Sept. 26 — Medford, MA — NEW TIME: 4:00pm: Tufts University/The Fletcher School, event details here
Sept. 27 — Andover, MA — 7:00pm: Andover Bookstore, event details here
Sept. 29 — Falmouth, MA — 2:00pm: The MBL Falmouth Forum, event details here
Sept. 30 — Hyannis, MA — 4:00pm: The JFK Hyannis Museum, event details here
Oct. 4 — Chicago, Oak Park — 8:30-11:30am: Whirlwind Coffee, event details here
Oct. 4 — Chicago — 7:00pm: The Book Cellar, event details here
Oct. 7 — Atlanta — 7:00pm: The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, event details here
Oct. 10 — Boston — 6:00pm: The Boston Athenaeum, event details here
Contact Terry...
You can reach Terry directly by email or by filling out the form below: