Last month, we had the privilege of hosting 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," for an engaging in-person discussion. The event, held at the National Churchill Leadership Center, was also recorded as part of Chief Influencer, an initiative and podcast of Social Driver in partnership with The Communications Board and the George Washington University College of Professional Studies. The episode is available here. 

Chief Influencer, moderated by Anthony Shop, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, explores the successes of some of the most influential and inspiring people in Washington and beyond. This episode's focus on Terry's expertise in speechwriting and communication strategy aligns perfectly with the podcast's mission to uncover valuable insights from key influencers.

Terry shared valuable insights on effective communication, drawing from his extensive experience crafting speeches for one of the most admired orators of our time. His key message emphasized the importance of authenticity and simplicity in public speaking.

One of the standout pieces of advice Terry offered was what he calls the "barbecue rule" - communicating as if you're explaining your job to friends and family at a casual gathering. This approach encourages speakers to cut through jargon and buzzwords, making their message more relatable and impactful.

Here are five more insightful takeaways from Terry's talk:

• Talk Like a Human: Simplify your language and communicate in a relatable way. Avoid jargon and buzzwords to enhance relatability and impact.
• Know Yourself Deeply: Understand your identity, values, and story before inspiring others. Clarity in who you are will resonate with your audience's authenticity.
• Utilize Personal Stories: Incorporate personal anecdotes in your speeches. Unique experiences will engage your audience and create a personal connection.
• Prepare Thoughtfully: Use the 50-25-25 rule for preparation: spend 50% on planning and research, 25% on content creation, and 25% on practicing and refining your delivery for a polished presentation. This method, he argues, is applicable regardless of the time available for preparation.
• Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection: Prioritize being genuine over delivering a flawless performance. Audiences appreciate sincerity and your true self.

On the topic of AI in speechwriting, Terry cautioned against overreliance on technology. He emphasized that audiences crave human connection and authentic storytelling—elements that AI cannot replicate.

The event concluded with a Q&A session and book signing, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to engage directly with this master communicator.

This insightful discussion offered valuable lessons for students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills. Terry's emphasis on authenticity, simplicity, and thorough preparation serves as a reminder of the enduring power of effective human communication in our increasingly digital world.

The impact of Terry's talk extended beyond the event itself, with coverage appearing in the Capitol Communicator, further highlighting the importance and relevance of his message in today's communication landscape.