“Say It Well” by Terry Szuplat (2024)

“Say It Well” (2024) by Terry Szuplat is a guide to the art of public speaking, based on Szuplat’s experience as a speechwriter for President Barack Obama at the White House. Despite helping craft memorable speeches, Szuplat faced his own fear of public speaking. The book details how he applied the lessons he learned from Obama to overcome that anxiety and develop his own skills as a speaker.

Szuplat shares techniques for every aspect of a successful speech: how to overcome stage fright, use artificial intelligence effectively for speechwriting, create attention-grabbing openings, and structure persuasive arguments. He also offers tips on how to close a speech in a memorable way. Throughout the book, he narrates inspiring stories of ordinary people who have used these techniques to give viral speeches that have impacted millions.

The book emphasizes the importance of empathy and honesty, suggesting that a good speech should be clear and respectful, especially in times of division. 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.

(Note: Since “Say It Well” was published last Monday and was not yet available in print, I decided to listen to it as an audiobook. Thanks to technology, I was able to enjoy it right away! A must-read for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills.)