Behind the Scenes with a Presidential Speechwriter: Insights from Terry Szuplat

Recently, at the Professional Speechwriters World Conference, I had the pleasure of attending a half-day seminar delivered by Terry Szuplat, author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience. As a speechwriter for President Obama, Terry brought a wealth of experience and an insider’s perspective that was both fascinating and inspiring. The session was a masterclass in storytelling, precision, and the art of delivering a truly resonating message.

A Glimpse into the Presidential Process

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Do You Know the Best Technique to Build a Relationship with Every Audience?

I was once asked for the number one secret of presentation success.

My reply was, “There is no one secret; however if there were, it would be that your subject is of interest to your audience.”

Your relationship with your audience is one of the most critical factors in determining the success of your presentation. Mastering the art of connection will set you apart whether you are addressing 5, 50, or 500 people. Knowing how to build that relationship from the beginning is one secret to speaking confidently and confidently.

How Do You Make a Genuine Connection with Your Audience?

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When A New Relationship Is Worth Millions Remember This Advice

Make More Sales More Often when you perfect your sales presentation

How do you handle a sales presentation when a new relationship is potentially worth millions?

These four principles will help you and your sales team build a strong foundation for a new client relationship.

Imagine my surprise when a national sales manager addressed his top 60 associates and said, “At lunch, the sales team and I agreed that we had no idea how we managed to sell anything before we met Patricia Fripp!”

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How to Calm Your Nerves Before Every Presentation

Are you ready to learn how to calm your nerves before your next big presentation?

Want to know a secret? Even the most seasoned speakers feel slightly nervous before a high-stakes presentation. It’s completely normal—just a human reaction, not a professional flaw. So, how do you transform that nervous energy into a presentation that captivates your audience? Here’s some of the advice I give my clients:

First. Master Your Material. Familiarity breeds confidence. Know your topic so well that it feels like a natural part of you. I always tell my clients, “Know your speech so well you can forget it.” In other words, you should be able to open your mouth, and the words fall flawlessly from your lips.

Second. Commit to Rehearsal. As Sir Michael Caine famously said, “Rehearsal is the work. Performance is the relaxation.” Don’t just rehearse alone; get feedback from a trusted friend, mentor, or professional coach. Rehearsing in front of others builds your confidence, helps refine your message, and allows you to receive positive feedback.

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How to Appreciate Your Life Experiences and Transform Your Speeches

When I talk to my executive speech coaching clients, I always say, “Your life experience is a reservoir of unique experiences and insights.”

I love to ask questions that pique my curiosity to help them uncover a treasure trove of content they can weave into their speeches. This approach makes them effective, memorable and authentic.

This isn’t just about storytelling; it’s a journey to understand the true essence of your communicative power. Your unique experiences resonate with others and build connections beyond the usual speaker-audience relationship.

For example, when discussing strategy, I asked my client, “When was the first time you realized the importance of strategy?” He replied, “When I was a 14-year-old ball boy before the French Open…”

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Want to Drive More Sales? Nobody Can Resist a Good Story Well Told

Want to Drive More Sales? Nobody Can Resist a Good Story Well Told

Please do not overlook one of the most powerful tools in sales—storytelling. If you’re in sales, you might have noticed that it often feels like our prospects are trained to resist our presentations. I promise you that a well-told story can break through even the most formidable defenses and help you close more deals.

When you’re up against intense competition, what sets you apart? It’s the story you tell. One that shows how you’ve made a real difference for your clients. These stories—whether you call them examples, case histories, or testimonials—are about your satisfied clients enjoying the benefits of your product or service.

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Let Us Set the Record Straight: Clarifying the 7-38-55 Rule

The famous 7-38-55 Rule from Albert Mehrabian’s research is often misquoted, especially when people try to apply it to public speaking or keynote addresses. Let’s set the record straight.

What the 7-38-55 Rule Really Means

Mehrabian’s research, from which the 7-38-55 Rule is derived, was actually about a particular kind of communication: situations where a person is expressing feelings or attitudes, and there is a mismatch between the verbal message (the words) and the nonverbal cues (tone of voice and facial expressions).

This rule is often summed up as:

7% of communication is through words

38% through tone of voice

55% through facial expressions

However, this research was conducted in a controlled environment. Participants evaluated short phrases expressing emotions, like “I like you” or “I don’t like you,” while the tone and facial expressions were manipulated to create ambiguity.

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Want to Know the Secrets of How to Become a Speaking Superstar?

Want to Know the Secrets of How to Become a Speaking Superstar?

If you want to become a speaking superstar, control your pace and embrace the power of the pause. Think of a pause as a tool, not a sign of forgetting what to say next. A well-placed pause gives your audience a moment to absorb your ideas. It also adds drama, allowing your words to carry more weight. Try practicing with a script, pausing for two full seconds at the end of each sentence. It will feel unnatural initially; however, with practice, you’ll find a rhythm that feels both steady and confident.

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How to Connect with an International Audience: Secrets of Working Effectively with Interpreters

The dictionary tells us that “translate” is a verb and means to change from one language into another or form or medium into another, essentially making sense of a language.

On the other hand, “interpret” is similar yet different. The primary definition is to make sense of, assign meaning to, or explain something.

Understanding this distinction is crucial when speaking to an international audience. Let me share a few examples from my experiences that might help you navigate this unique dynamic.

Learning from Professional Interpreters

While working with a large sales company, I developed a close relationship with several professional interpreters. As I often advise, I interviewed them to understand their craft better. They shared, “Patricia, translating documents is one part of our job. However, real skills come in when interpreting live for a speaker. When we interpret, we are acting out the stories. That means the international audience might not hear word-for-word what the speaker says, but they get the essence.”

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