This is Brand Story, where host Steve Gilman talks with those on the front lines of brands: business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketers. Our guests represent a wide variety of roles and industries, but the lessons learned break through those walls, connecting us on shared themes of brand experience, leadership, storytelling and understanding your audience. You’ll hear unique stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from — because stories are what connects us.
https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/
episode 30: Writing for President Obama featuring Terence Szuplat
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.
Continue the conversation on social:
Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/writing-for-president-obama/
For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.
We’re also on:
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing
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