Writing for President Obama featuring Terence Szuplat

Brand Story

Terence Szuplat had the opportunity of a lifetime at just 20 years old - a speechwriting internship in the White House. It’s what led to his passion for presentation writing, and after freelancing for many years, he returned to the White House to become one of former President Obama’s longest-serving speechwriters. In this episode of Brand Story, Terry talks about the importance of telling a story in everything you write and what it takes to connect with an audience.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

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Episode Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction - Terence Szuplat

(1:33) Career started as an internship

(6:22) Surviving eight years of speechwriting for President Obama

(9:43) Speechwriters as translators

(14:04) Experience writing for President Obama

(18:09) Terence Szuplat's favorite speech

(19:52) Importance of having a talented orator in-office

(23:33) Terence Szuplat's advice for business leaders

(28:15) Speechwriting for short-form media

(32:37) Advice for keynote speaking

(35:21) President Obama speaking empathetically

(41:06) Terence Szuplat's perspective on how we can listen better

(46:09) What's next for Terence Szuplat?

(47:44) Quick questions

(53:40) Outro