In this episode of the Expert Speaker Podcast, Majeed Mogharreban sits down with the master storyteller and speaking coach, Alan Samuel Cohen. Known as the “Chief Story Catalyst,” Alan helps business leaders and executives refine their stories to connect, inspire, and create impact. Together, Majeed and Alan dive deep into the art of storytelling, why it matters, and how even the simplest stories can have profound influence. Alan also shares insights into his TED Talk journey, his process for helping others land on the TED stage, and practical tips for speakers looking to turn their passion into profit.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Storytelling: Stories ignite our brain and emotions, creating instant connection and trust. Alan emphasizes how well-crafted stories can engage an audience more effectively than data-heavy presentations.
• Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Impact: Alan debunks the myth that only extraordinary experiences make for great stories. He explains how even the most “ordinary” life events can resonate powerfully with others because of their emotional relatability.
• Creating Connection in Chaos: Drawing on his experience leading the publicity team for the Harry Potter books, Alan explains how teams can navigate through chaos by aligning around a shared purpose, putting aside ego, and committing to a common goal.
• TED Talk Strategy: Alan offers insight into how to craft a TED-worthy idea. He stresses the importance of focusing on the idea's transformative power rather than personal fame or promotion. His coaching program helps speakers define, refine, and present their ideas in a fresh, impactful way.
• Getting Paid for Speaking: Alan shares practical advice on how to get paid well as a speaker, including the importance of honing a signature speech, speaking consistently, and negotiating fees based on value. He highlights the value of speaking, whether paid or not, in front of your ideal clients to generate new business opportunities.
• Speaking Opportunities Everywhere: By continuously improving and repeating key speeches, speakers can maximize their impact and create new opportunities for future engagements.

Notable Quotes:

• “When you hear ‘I’ve got a story for you,’ you're already leaning in.”
• “Our ordinary lives, with their extraordinary emotions, are what people connect with.”
• “If you can move one person with your TED Talk, you’ve got a TED-worthy idea.”
• “The best way to get booked as a speaker is to keep speaking. The more you’re in front of your best-fit client, the more opportunities you create.”

Connect with Alan Samuel Cohen:

• Website: www.alansamuelcohen.com
• LinkedIn: Alan Samuel Cohen
• Instagram: @alansamuelcohen

Join Alan’s Free Speaker Clinics: Alan hosts monthly Speaker Clinics, offering attendees a chance to workshop their speeches and receive expert feedback. These one-hour sessions are designed to help you refine your public speaking skills and craft impactful talks. Learn more on his website.

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