Say It Well

If you’ve ever felt nervous about giving a presentation, making a toast, or telling an anecdote at a party, you’re in good company: The fear of public speaking is one of the most prevalent phobias. But you must strive to overcome it because, according to renowned speechwriter Terry Szuplat, public speaking is a vital skill: It can help you engage more fully in opportunities, raise your profile, tell your story, and entertain, engage, inform, and inspire others.

Szuplat knows just how hard public speaking can be. Despite being an accomplished speechwriter — he wrote speeches for Barack Obama throughout Obama’s eight-year presidency — Szuplat found it difficult to speak for himself, even at low-key social events. He began to notice the cost — missed chances for professional advancement, less enjoyment in social gatherings, and a feeling of playing it too safe.