Guest: Our episode guest is Alan Cohen, an author, public speaker, executive coach, and trainer for organizations and individuals seeking to maximize potential and drive peak performance in their lives, organizations, and careers. He is a Ted Talk speaker, and trains other speakers to speak on the stage and to use speaking to grow their business. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: What makes a good speechHow to stand out against other TEDx applicantsHow to be bold and back it upWhy you need to identify your goal of being a TEDx speakerWhy you shouldn’t be afraid if your idea isn’t newQuotables “I tell people all the time, you know, you've got to say something provocative, contrarian, and unique that they haven't heard everybody else say, because you sound like everybody else, they're not going to pick you.” — @JasonMudd9“The thing that I think makes a great TEDx speech is it is when people really bring their stories and their histories into the story and are willing to be vulnerable in that way too, regardless of what the topic is.” - Alan Cohen“So if you've got props like bring them, if you feel like if, if singing is part of your story, then sing. Do creating art on stage. Do that, play the drums, do whatever that. I think creativity goes a long way, as long as it doesn't obscure the key message and the way that you want people to be thinking differently.” - Alan Cohen“The more pure your purpose for doing it, I think, the more the energy of your application will appeal to the committee.” - Alan Cohen“It's researching the different TEDxes that are happening all around the country, all around the world, looking at the themes online, and seeing if you can connect your origin story, your journey to one of the themes.” - Alan CohenIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others and leave us a review! About Alan Cohen Our episode guest is Alan Cohen, an author, public speaker, executive coach, and trainer for organizations and individuals seeking to maximize potential and drive peak performance in their lives, organizations, and careers. He is a Ted Talk speaker, and trains other speakers to speak on the stage and to use speaking to grow their business. Spending decades as both a marketing expert and Human Resources consultant, he presided over the successful launch of the Harry Potter series as Scholastic’s Director of Marketing, as well as Director of Communications for the Broadway League. As an Executive Coach, Alan has worked with global organizations including Bloomberg, Tiffany, American Express, NBC, Bravo, Edelman Public Relations and MetLife. Guest’s contact info and resources: Alan Samuel Cohen Coaching and SpeakingAlan Samuel Cohen Coaching and Speaking on FacebookAlan Samuel Cohen on LinkedInSupport the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.