Bonus Episode: Terry Szuplat Answers Audience Questions - Chief Influencer - Episode # 091
Ever wonder how we can find our authentic voice in a world full of competing messages?"
This week’s episode is a special bonus edition! We’re bringing you exclusive content from our live interview with Terry Szuplat, a speechwriter for President Barack Obama. This interview was recorded at George Washington University and is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
The focus of this episode is on audience questions and hearing Terry’s insights on career advice, aligning with an organization’s values, and finding one’s voice as a communicator. He also shares his experiences with public speaking, the evolution of Obama as an orator, and the dynamic between leaders and their speechwriters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication skills, mutual respect in leadership, and the value of continuous learning and adaptation.
Takeaways:
- Align with organizations and individuals whose values reflect your own: Partnering with like-minded people fosters a more harmonious, productive environment and strengthens shared goals.
- Develop your unique voice as a communicator: Cultivating your authentic voice sets you apart, making your communication more impactful. Embrace authenticity and stay true to yourself.
- Meet the speaker where they are: Understanding and empathizing with the perspective of your audience leads to more meaningful, effective communication.
Quote of the Show:
- “Crises are great character revealers, aren’t they? I worked for Barack Obama for eight years, and not once did he raise his voice at me, despite the many reasons he could have. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders, yet never lost his cool. If the President of the United States could maintain composure, treat people with respect, and keep it together, that’s the kind of boss we all deserve.”
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Creators and Guests
Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.
Guest
Terry Szuplat
Obama speechwriter (2009-17) | Bestselling author of SAY IT WELL: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience