Say It Well

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.