**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**

Author Terry Szuplat, one of President Barack Obama’s longest-serving speechwriters, will discuss his forthcoming book, Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience. In his presentation, Terry will (1) take you behind-the-scenes of the White House to show you what it was like to write speeches for President Obama; (2) share tips on how anyone can become a better speaker and communicator; and (3) answer your questions about writing for a President, today’s political rhetoric, and whatever else you'd like to ask.

About The Book: As a White House speechwriter, Terry Szuplat helped craft hundreds of speeches for President Obama. But when it came to public speaking himself, Szuplat—like many people—was gripped by anxiety and preferred to stay in the shadows. When he was invited to give the first major speech of his life, he faced a choice—keep hiding from what scared him or finally face his fears. In Say It Well, Szuplat shares the life-changing lessons he learned from Barack Obama—one of the most admired speakers of our time—and how he applied these techniques to become a better speaker himself. In every chapter, he brings you never-before-heard insights and advice from Obama on public speaking and riveting behind-the-scenes stories of writing for a president—so you can learn how to communicate more effectively with any audience, from your company to your community.

About The Author: Terry Szuplat is a sought-after speaker and trainer who empower audiences with the communication skills he learned at the White House. From 2009 to 2017, he 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 runs his own speechwriting firm, Global Voices Communications, and he teaches speechwriting at his alma mater, American University's School of Public Affairs. His essays have appeared in major publications, including the New Yorker, New York Magazine, and the Washington Post. Originally from Massachusetts, he now lives outside Washington, D.C. with his wife and two children.

Register directly on Zoom HERE. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

RECORDING NOTE: This program will NOT be recorded.