#135 Dec 23, 25

Terry Szuplat on How to Say It Well and Find Your Voice (Re-Air)

We’re excited to re-air this powerful conversation with Terry Szuplat, former White House speechwriter for President Barack Obama and author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind. Inspire Any Audience.

Originally released as an in-person discussion, this episode quickly became a listener favorite for its timeless insights into authentic communication. Terry explores why simplicity, clarity, and personal storytelling matter more than ever—especially in a noisy digital age. Whether you missed it the first time or are revisiting it for fresh inspiration, this conversation offers practical guidance for leaders, communicators, and anyone striving to speak with impact.

Takeaways:

Talk Like a Human: Communicate with clarity and avoid jargon so your message resonates.
Know Yourself Deeply: Authentic influence starts with understanding your identity and values.
Utilize Personal Stories: Your unique experiences create connection and credibility.
Prepare Thoughtfully: Terry’s 50-25-25 rule helps craft messages that hit the mark.
Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection: Audiences value sincerity more than flawless delivery.

Quote of the Show:

"When you tell the stories that only you can tell, then no one can steal your words, ever."

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/
Website: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/about/
Say It Well: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/say-it-well-terry-szuplat

Shout Outs:

Former President Barack Obama
Tim Walz
The George Washington University College of Professional Studies

Episode Video

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

Amanda Goyette

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.