From Obama's White House to Your Workplace: Terry Szuplat on Authentic Communication

Show notes

In this episode of the Aspire to Inspire Podcast, host Lottie Bazley sits down with Terry Szuplat, former senior speechwriter to President Barack Obama and bestselling author of Say It Well. They dive into the power of storytelling, the emotional impact of authenticity, and why every person—regardless of title—has a story worth telling.

Terry shares behind-the-scenes White House moments, practical communication tools, and insight on writing speeches that move people—not just inform them. Whether you’re delivering a keynote, a wedding toast, or an internal company update, Terry believes that every one of us has a story worth telling. This episode is filled with insights into how to find your voice, write with impact, and speak with clarity and conviction. For communicators, leaders, and anyone who’s ever said “I don’t know what to say,” this is a must-listen.

Terry Szuplat is a former Obama speechwriter and the bestselling author of SAY IT WELL: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience. He served nearly eight years in the White House, including as Deputy Director of Speechwriting and one of President Obama’s foreign policy speechwriters. Today, he’s a keynote speaker, trainer, and adjunct professor at American University who helps leaders inspire audiences around the world.

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Selected People, Places & Things Mentioned: Barack Obama; Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience; Terry Szuplat Bio; The White House; John F. Kennedy; Hyannis Port, Massachusetts; Kennedy Clan; President Kennedy’s greatest speeches; American University; Marriage equality in the United States; The Boston Marathon Bombing; Barack Obama Boston Marathon speech; Army Ranger Cory Remsburg; Fort Knox; Stump speeches in politics; Abolitionism; American Civil Rights Movement; Steve Jobs; Stanford; Steve Jobs speech at Stanford; Inside Steve Jobs’ Stanford speech; Bill McRaven; The University of Texas; Habitat for Humanity; Global Voices Communication; Terry Szuplat LinkedIn

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Follow the host and guest: Lottie Bazley on LinkedIn & Terry Szuplat on LinkedIn

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About Staffbase:

Staffbase is the fastest-growing, most experienced employee communications platform provider for enterprise companies seeking to inspire diverse, disconnected, and distributed workforces. Staffbase is on a mission to empower communicators worldwide with a platform that helps companies connect with every employee through inspiring communication that drives collaboration and achieves business results.

Headquartered in Chemnitz, Germany, Staffbase has offices worldwide, including New York City, London, Berlin, Sydney, and Vancouver.

Learn more at staffbase.com.