Obama's speechwriter underscores his thorough preparation, claiming a 20-year journey to master his craft.
In the realm of political speeches, few have left a lasting impact quite like those penned by Terry Szuplat, a special assistant to President Barack Obama. During Obama's presidency, Szuplat wrote an impressive 500 speeches, some of which made history [2][3].
Szuplat emphasizes several crucial elements that elevate the impact of a well-crafted speech. These include masterful storytelling to build authentic connections, speaking with authentic power, and using simple yet effective communication techniques that resonate with audiences [2][3].
Authentic storytelling is key, according to Szuplat. By weaving personal anecdotes and relatable narratives into speeches, speakers can create emotional connections that foster trust and engagement [2][3].
Speaking with authentic power is another essential aspect. Szuplat highlights the importance of finding your own voice, thinking fast, and speaking smart to inspire and engage listeners effectively [2][3].
Clear, simple, and smart techniques are also vital for communicating ideas effectively. Szuplat believes in the power of language and advocates for the use of good sentences, good language, and clear communication, even in today's world where everyone can express their opinions freely [6].
Crafting speeches that build bridges and seek common ground is crucial for lasting influence and meaningful change [5]. Understanding others and fostering pluralism and common ground can help speakers create speeches that resonate with a diverse audience.
The 50-25-25 rule is a recommended approach for speech preparation. This rule suggests spending 50 percent of the time on thinking, researching, and organizing thoughts, 25 percent on writing, and 25 percent on revision and practice [6].
Szuplat and Obama had a close and intense collaboration, often discussing what and how to say things. They would meet to discuss the important speeches, often a few days or weeks before they were given [2][3].
Obama's speeches were primarily written by his advisory team, but he would sometimes make small changes or even rewrite speeches completely overnight [2][3]. A good speech should be original, authentic, intense, and passionate, and should touch on something true that moves people [7].
Szuplat's insights are drawn from his experience as one of Obama's top speechwriters and from his teachings on effective speechmaking and public communication. His advice is applicable to anyone seeking to improve their public speaking skills, regardless of their current level or background.
Even in today's world of spontaneous political discourse, Szuplat believes that there is a place for well-crafted speeches. He warns of the dangers of improvising too much in politics, citing the current US president as an example [4].
Speeches have the power to change the world, as seen in history with Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama [7]. By following Szuplat's advice and focusing on authentic storytelling, authentic power, clear communication, and unity, speakers can create speeches that inspire, engage, and bring about meaningful change.
In light of Terry Szuplat's expertise as a special assistant to President Barack Obama, he underscores the importance of addressing diverse areas beyond economic and social policy. Besides weaving personal anecdotes for emotional connections, he advocates for discussing lifestyle topics, such as fashion-and-beauty and personal-growth, to reach a broader audience. Furthermore, he suggests incorporating education-and-self-development themes, not only for career-development but also to advocate for skills-training opportunities that encourage personal growth. Entertainment, celebrities, and pop-culture can also be integrated into speeches to keep audiences engaged and interested, as they are significant elements of today's global society [1].
