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Keynote SpeakerTerry Szuplat

Obama White House speechwriter, Speaker & Trainer, Bestselling author of SAY IT WELL, Adjunct Professor at American University

Terry Szuplat is a sought-after speaker and trainer and the author of the national bestseller Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience in which he shares the public speaking lessons he learned as one of President Barack Obama’s longest-serving White House speechwriters. From 2009 to... Read more

Watch Terry Szuplat in action

Popular Talks by Terry Szuplat

  • How to Break Through in a World of Noise

    The attention spans of our audiences are dwindling. We’re all buried in a blizzard of emails and texts. Most people delete marketing emails in just seconds without reading them. In a world of noise, how do we break through with messages that are compelling and memorable? In this session, Terry…
  • How to be a Better Speaker: Lessons from an Obama Speechwriter

    Terry Szuplat shares the secrets of great speeches that we should all seek to replicate as well as common mistakes that we should seek to avoid. In this special keynote tailored to business audiences, Terry discusses how executives and employees can improve their external and internal communications, enhance their company’s…
  • Communicating in a Crisis

    At one time or another, every company and organization will face a crisis. In high-stakes moments when every word counts, what should a leader say? What shouldn’t they say? How leaders and organizations react in times of crisis can shape a person’s or institution’s reputation for years to come. Terry…
  • Find Your Voice, Change the World

    Public speaking is one of the most common phobias in the world. Many of us have something we want to say–in our families, communities, companies, and countries–but we don’t have the confidence or skills to say it. Terry Szuplat helps you find and unleash your own unique voice by sharing…
  • The Art & Science of Public Speaking

    Is public speaking an art? Or a science? Or both? And if both, how—as speakers—do we harness both our creative muse and evidence-based approaches to craft memorable presentations that elevate our message and inspire audiences? In this workshop, Terry Szuplat shares his proven strategies for mastering both the art and…
  • From the Page to the Podium

    In these full-day and half-day workshops, Terry Szuplat guides participants through every step of crafting an inspiring presentation—from the page to the podium—from appreciating the “Barriers to Persuasion” to understanding what we need to “Know Before We Write.” Participants apply the lessons they’ve learned by drafting and editing an actual…

Biography

Terry Szuplat is a sought-after speaker and trainer and the author of the national bestseller Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience in which he shares the public speaking lessons he learned as one of President Barack Obama’s longest-serving White House speechwriters. From 2009 to 2017, Terry served as a special assistant to the president and as a member of the National Security Council staff, and from 2013 to 2017 he was the deputy director of the White House Speechwriting Office.

Today, Terry helps leaders in business, advocacy, philanthropy, and politics inspire audiences around the world, and he teaches speechwriting at his alma mater, American University’s School of Public Affairs. He lives outside Washington, D.C. with his wife and two children.

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What clients say about Terry Szuplat

”For eight years, Terry Szuplat collaborated with President Barack Obama on some of the most impactful speeches of our time... this gifted speechwriter shows you how your words can change your community, your nation, even the world.” David Axelrod, Former senior strategist for President Obama
“If you’re called upon to give a speech, it’s helpful to have a master teacher. Terry Szuplat is one of those masters, and at the Pentagon he helped me make every word count." William S. Cohen, Former Republican U.S. Senator from Maine Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
"I’ve learned more about speechwriting from Terry Szuplat than from almost anyone." Sarada Peri, Senior presidential speechwriter for Barack Obama

How to book Terry Szuplat as a keynote speaker

How do I book Terry Szuplat for a keynote speech?

You can book Terry Szuplat through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Terry's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Terry Szuplat's speaking fees?

Terry Szuplat's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Terry tailored to your event.

What topics does Terry Szuplat speak about?

Terry Szuplat speaks on Communication, Leadership & Motivation, Performance. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Terry to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Terry Szuplat available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Terry Szuplat for events worldwide, subject to Terry's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Terry Szuplat deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Terry Szuplat is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Terry Szuplat?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Terry can accommodate.

Can Terry Szuplat tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Terry Szuplat on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Terry can offer.

What languages does Terry Szuplat present in?

Terry Szuplat delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Terry Szuplat a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Terry Szuplat's areas of expertise include Communication, Leadership & Motivation, Performance. To get a clear sense of Terry's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Terry Szuplat speak at?

Terry Szuplat can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Communication, Leadership & Motivation, Performance is relevant. Details of Terry's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Terry Szuplat offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Terry Szuplat is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Terry Szuplat?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Terry Szuplat, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Terry's current availability for your dates.