Six months from now
YOU WILL STEP ON STAGE,
READY – AND EXCITED – TO DELIVER
YOUR SIGNATURE SPEECH
YOU WILL STEP ON STAGE, READY – AND EXCITED – TO DELIVER YOUR SIGNATURE SPEECH
Your career & self-confidence will never be the same
The Speakeasy with Helena Bowen, TED & TEDx Speaker Coach
September 20 - February 22
Write, rehearse & record your signature TED-style speech
Get everything you need to book speaking gigs, including
a professional video recording of your full talk & photos of you speaking
But most importantly: become the best version of yourself on stage
with 1:1 feedback from one of the top TED Speaker Coaches in the world
A 20-week, intimate group program limited to 15 speakers per group
apply here
You want to be the “go-to expert” in your field. Speaking on stage could be your solution.
Just think about the top entrepreneurs & thought leaders today.
It wasn’t because you read their Instagram caption & or their blog post. It’s not because you saw their name in Forbes.
You fell in love with them when you heard them speak.
You don’t need a business card if you have a viral talk online. Prospects fall down a rabbit hole of your best ideas on YouTube or TikTok and then they book a sales call. At that point, selling is easy -- because you’re talking to a fan, not a skeptic.
It’s not uncommon for my clients to walk off stage to an inbox full of new leads. If you’re an entrepreneur or a coach, that means hearing the ping-ping-ping of Stripe notifications as your packages sell out and your programs fill up.
If you’re an activist, educator, or scientist, giving the best lecture at a prestigious conference can be the difference between millions of dollars in funding and staying up late to write another grant proposal, again.
When you have a killer message and high visibility, the media can’t help but take notice. Many of my clients’ projects have been featured in major newspapers, magazines, and journals simply because of their videos online.
“More requests for keynote speeches than I can accomodate!”
“I was a good public speaker before working with her, but Helena took my speaking skills to the next level. She has an uncanny ability to zero in on what matters and what should be left out of a speech.
Thanks to Helena’s coaching, my career has blossomed. I now receive more requests for keynote speeches than I can accommodate.”
Mara Mintzer, Founder of Growing Up Boulder
Right now, you’re virtually unknown. But there are
Right now, you’re virtually unknown. But there are THOUSANDS of people desperate for your expertise!
THOUSANDS of people desperate for your expertise!
Instead of becoming the next Gary Vee or AOC, your life looks like this:
When past clients offer up a glowing referral for your services, their friends are most likely to say, “Who?! Never heard of them.”
You post consistently on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn but nothing seems to hit. Sure, you get likes & comments, but that doesn’t pay the bills.
You know that you’re the real deal -- but every time you jump on a sales call, your potential client is so skeptical that you start to doubt yourself. Even hot leads feel cold.
Your competitor is featured on a top-rated podcast. They have LESS experience than you, and a lot of their advice is straight-up bad. But the host hangs on their every word. If one more person compares YOU to THEM, you’re gonna lose it.
You started this whole thing because you love what you do. But now, you spend most of your time on marketing & sales. And for what?
Your career (and your mental health) took a heavy hit in the pandemic. Meanwhile, you watch other entrepreneurs online booking high-ticket packages, selling out their programs, and speaking on podcasts -- as if nothing happened!
Public speaking can solve your biggest marketing problems – and it’s a lot easier than you think
Here’s why:
The bar for public speaking is shockingly low. Lower than any other media (books, blogs, articles, posts, etc.) -- meaning you can learn & improve fast.
Plus, most people don’t want to do it! Even if you have hundreds or thousands of competitors in your niché, I bet that only a handful are taking full advantage of YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, podcasts, virtual summits, and live events.
Social media is on your side - nearly every platform is prioritizing VIDEO in 2023. TikTok is the fastest growing platform with 1.5 BILLION downloads in the last year and YouTube, which only supports video is the 2nd largest search engine in the world.
Almost everything you’ve read about public speaking is flat-out wrong, especially in 2023
🚫 You don’t need to be an extrovert (I’m not!)
🚫 You don’t need to join toastmasters (booooorrriiinnnggg)
🚫 You don’t need to become an actor or a theatre major
🚫 You don’t need to be a hype-man (sorry Tony Robbins)
🚫 You don’t need to put on some big cheesy performance with pre-planned hand gestures
You just need to capitalize on your UNIQUE strengths.
And by capitalize, I mean get paid -- to be yourself!
“Helena is the coach you want in the biggest race of your life.”
“I've struggled over the years with public speaking. The idea of doing a TEDx Talk appealed to me, but I was frightened that I wouldn't do it well – rather, terrified.
Helena is full of ideas and inspiration. She doesn't con you with empty praise or false encouragement, but offers clear-eyed advice you trust, even if it makes you nervous. She's someone you want to impress.
Giving my talk was a liberating experience. I went out on that stage and delivered more confidently than ever before.”
Chuck Plunkett, Journalist
I’m confident you can do this because I’ve helped 300+ speakers just like you
You might be overwhelmed by the thought of writing a signature speech or pitching yourself to events. But:
I’m Helena, pronounced “HELL-in-uh,” like “Damn! That girl can write a HELL of a good script.”
I’m a speaker coach & speechwriter based in Los Angeles and I specialize in the popular TED style of public speaking. In fact, I’m one of the top TEDx Speaker Coaches in the world.
Over the last 10 years I’ve worked with 300+ TED & TEDx Speakers, I’ve produced 20+ TEDx events, and reviewed over 10,000 speaker applications. I know how event organizers think, and I can slip into the shoes of any audience member.
My clients aren’t professional speakers – they’re CEOs, Fortune 500 executives, entrepreneurs, academics, and activists who are speaking at events to advance their work & career.
Too often, there’s a huge gap between the incredible work these leaders do – and their ability to communicate its value on stage. That’s where I come in:
I’m like an investigative journalist. But instead of interviewing you for an article about your work, I ask all the right questions to help you write an incredible TEDx Talk!
My clients’ TED & TEDx Talks have 200M+ views online
Because of their TED & TEDx Talks, they’ve been featured in:
At HBO, I worked on dozens of shows including Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, and Euphoria. Before that, I was an Assistant Director in Hollywood. I’m a lifelong moviegoer. I’m Seth Rogen’s second biggest fan. And I’ll keep using my sister-in-law’s Netflix account until they arrest me.
I believe that storytelling is the best way to trick your audience into joining a pyramid scheme to lead, inspire, and persuade. And I believe that most keynote speeches, business pitches, corporate presentations, and talks are boring. We can do better.
I invite you to join me in:
I’ll teach you all the best tips & tricks from those 300+ TED Talks – plus everything I learned in Hollywood!
An intimate group program for thought leaders in the making where you finally step up, speak up, and change the world
September 20 - February 22
apply here
14 group coaching sessions
5 private sessions to get personalized feedback
Speak on stage at our summit in Los Angeles in February
Receive a professional video recording of your talk & photos of you speaking on stage
Pitch your talk to TEDx events
Get practice speaking on video & on podcasts
Finally feel confident enough to call yourself, “A Speaker”
Application deadline: September 14th at 5pm PDT
The entire Speakeasy Program is designed for
YOU to take action & get tangible results
This isn’t just another online video course that you half-watch in Kajabi, forget about, and regret 6 months later (been there, done that!)
You wrote & delivered a TED-style signature speech that you can use or remix indefinitely
You’re completely aligned with your messaging -- you don’t feel like an actor, or a hype-man, or a fraud. What you say is what you mean & people love you for it
You know how to truly engage your audience (hint: it’s not your hand gestures!)
You have a professional video recording of your full TED-style speech & photos of you speaking on stage that you can post on your website & share on social media
You confidently say YES to any speaking opportunity because you finally know how to prepare (and it’s not what you’ve heard online)
You’ve pitched yourself for speaking opportunities including TEDx events, industry conferences, panels, workshops, and virtual summits. And event planners take you seriously because they’ve seen you speak on video
You guested on at least one podcast & you know how to pitch yourself for more
Your social media following + engagement is WAY UP because you’re posting videos every week - in less time, with less stress, and more impact. It may even become, dare I say it, fun?
You feel like your best, most charismatic, and confident self on stage & on camera.
All of this is possible because we’ve broken it down for you, step-by-step, so that you can fit it into your already busy schedule
apply here
Application deadline: September 14th at 5pm PDT
Here’s what you will have accomplished by the end of the Speakeasy:
“Helena was personally committed to my success.
“Delivering a talk on the TEDx stage has been a game-changer. Helena helped improve all aspects of my talk – the idea, script, memorization, and delivery.
My talk has made people stand up and pay attention in a way that they didn't before.”
Sarah Konradi, Program Director at the National Wildlife Federation
Here’s how it works:
Weeks 1-5
Clarify Your “Big Idea”
You’re a brilliant person – I bet you have a bunch of great ideas for a talk swirling around your head. How do you pick one that’s TED-worthy?
During this phase, we’ll get clear on your strengths as a speaker, better understand your audience, and find your “idea worth spreading.”
With the Speakeasy Social Media Challenge, you’ll get to test out those seeds of ideas on your audience & get immediate feedback on what works!
Weeks 6-11
Write Your Speech
I take you through the exact same process that I use with my TED & TEDx Speakers: you’ll create a compelling structure, write your draft, revise, and finalize.
Unlike most group programs, you’ll meet with me privately twice, on a 1:1 call, to go review your script & make copy edits.
Even if “designer” isn’t a term you identify with, I’ll teach you how to make slides stress-free.
Weeks 13-16
Rehearse like a Pro
I’ll teach you the right way to rehearse (it’s not a mirror!) & give you my best tips for stellar stage presence (it’s not your hands!).
You’ll rehearse in front of your Speakeasy cohort, learn from eachothers’ examples, and get real-time feedback on your delivery.
Best of all, you’ll rehearse privately & get feedback from 3-time TED Speaker Paula Stone Williams who has a combined 9.2 million views on her talks.
Week 17
Speak on Stage
Finally, you’ll deliver that talk on stage at our retreat in Los Angeles
You can publicize it all over social media just like it was a real event – because it is! You’ll receive personalized graphics & marketing copy to show off your new status as a capital S - Speaker online.
After the retreat, you’ll get a professional recording of your talk and pictures of you speaking on stage – aka all the photo & video assets you need to prove to event planners that you’re the real deal.
Weeks 18-20
Step into the Future
Now that you’ve learned how to prepare a TED-style talk, the world of publicity is your proverbial oyster. What’s next?
In these final weeks of the Speakeasy Program, our team of guest experts will help you chart the course, whether it’s paid professional speaking, podcast guesting, or pitching to media.
By the end of the program, you’ll have the confidence to pitch yourself and say “yes” to any speaking opportunity that comes your way!
“People reach out & say they were moved by what I had to say.”
“I have more than 1.1 million views online and my visibility has really increased. It was a great accomplishment - a dream come true.
Helena was indispensable every step of the way. She really brought out the best in me.”
Susan Cottrell, Faith Leader & LGBTQ Advocate
Our team of experts will support you
every step of the way
Throughout the program, I bring in guest experts for their advice, support, and services.
Paula Stone Williams
Keynote & TED Speaker
Forget about rehearsing your speech in the mirror – rehearse with someone who’s done 3 TED Talks with a combined 9.2 million views online!
About Paula: Paula Stone Williams is an internationally-known speaker on issues of gender equity, LGBTQ advocacy, and religious tolerance. As a keynote speaker, Paula has spoken for hundreds of corporations, conferences, and universities around the world. Paula’s memoir, As A Woman – What I Learned About Power, Sex, and the Patriarchy After I Transitioned was published by Simon & Schuster in 2021.
Paige Ray
Award-winning Photographer
When you step on stage in Los Angeles, you’ll feel confident about your speech. And with Paige, you can be confident that the video recording & photography will be world-class too!
About Paige: For the first 10 years of Paige’s career, she wrote stories as an editor and award-winning journalist. The last 10 years of her career she’s been as an award-winning photographer for creative brands seeking artful, editorial visuals in photo, video and website design. Her creative agency folds the power of both into one house.
Diane Mayor
Top-Ranked Podcast Host
They say a podcast is only as good as its host. Diane has hosted 232 episodes of her Global Top 3% podcast – and she’ll be interviewing YOU as her guest on our Speakeasy Podcast.
About Diane: Diane spent 15 years behind the scenes in banking and now helps service-based entrepreneurs build the lifestyle businesses of their dreams. Her long-running, top-ranking podcast, Coffee and Converse is for lifestyle entrepreneurs who are over the trendy tactics and ready for successful strategies to fast-track their business and lifestyle goals.
Mai-kee Tsang
Podcast Guesting Strategist
Want to book guest appearances on top-ranking podcasts? Mai-kee’s been featured on hundreds of podcasts & she’ll help YOU do the same – by taking the guesswork out of guesting.
About Mai-kee: Mai-kee is The Sustainable Visibility® & Podcast Guesting Strategist, ICF-certified trauma-conscious leadership coach, and the host of the Quiet Rebels® Podcast. She positions socially conscious visionaries like you as the sought-after guest expert to be booked on aligned podcasts - so you can share your story & work with the world at scale.
Adela Hussain
Media Pitching Expert
Public speaking & getting press is the one-two punch of publicity. Adela will help you master your media pitching and go from nowhere to “Wow, you’re everywhere.”
About Adela: Adela is a master at helping you pitch your business to people that don’t know you…yet. Just 1 year after she started pitching her fashion tech start-up to the media, Adela got 14 pieces of press in publications like the Guardian, plus 4 full pages in the Sunday Telegraph worth $150k free advertising! Now, she teaches other business owners to do the same.
Sean Lawton
Professional Speaking Expert
Want to be a paid professional speaker but don’t know where to start? Sean will help you navigate the speaking circuit with behind-the-scenes insights on agencies and bureaus.
About Sean: After two decades of connecting event planners with talented speakers and entertainers, Sean founded Collective Speakers, a speakers bureau promoting artists that make positive contributions to our rapidly transforming world. They prioritize speakers who give voice to topics often ignored by the mainstream, including disability equality, racial justice, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.
Kathe Crawford
Transformational Coach
Not sure if or how the Speakeasy Program can help you achieve all your biggest public speaking goals? Kathe can help you make a plan & change your life.
About Kathe: For decades, Kathe had the privilege of working with top brands including Chanel, Cartier, The Swatch Group, and Movado Group as luxury sales executive and watch & jewelry expert. Today, as a master coach and sales consultant, she coaches successful entrepreneurs and professionals who know there is more to life and only want to perform at their very best.
Laura Baldin
Cohort Caretaker
Relax. Have fun. Focus on writing and rehearsing your speech. You don’t need to worry about the details– because Laura will keep us on track & take exquisite care of our Speakeasy cohort.
About Laura: With her incredibly high attention to detail, unquenchable thirst for learning, and her drive to get things done right, Laura supports her clients in moving their mission forward. In her spare time, you’ll find Laura lounging at her cottage, reading the latest thriller, cocktail in hand with her beloved dog Milo at her side.
Sandra Booker
Business Strategist
You’ll remember the Speakeasy Retreat in LA for the rest of your life – because Sandra is behind-the-scenes, helping me plan a retreat worthy of her 7-figure clients.
About Sandra: Affectionately known to me as my “Business Mom,” Sandra is the Founder of Changemaker Inc., home to Any Old Task, The VA Studio, and Scale Society. As a business growth strategist, Sandra helps overworked, overwhelmed, multi-hatted entrepreneurs become the CEOs of sustainably scalable, and powerfully profitable businesses. Her clients include Tarzan Kay & Laura Belgray.
Retreat Weekend of Your Dreams In Los Angeles
Join us for the
Unlike most public speaking programs, you don’t have to cross your fingers and *hope* that you’ll book a speaking gig during the program. When you enroll, you’re booked to speak!
01.
Get the VIP Treatment from our celebrity makeup artists & hair stylists
It’s Hollywood, baby. You’ll look & feel your best on stage with our professional glam squad.
02.
Deliver your brand-new TED-style talk to an eager audience
The moment you’ve been waiting for! Our team of videographers & photographers will capture it.
03.
Celebrate on the town with your fellow Speakeasies - aka new best friends
There’s a lot to do (and eat and drink) in LA. After 17 weeks of hard work, treat yourself - you deserve it!
Get the assets you need to book future speaking gigs
Professional speakers spend tens of thousands of dollars to hire videographers & photographers. But it’s included in the price of the Speakeasy Program.
A full professional video recording of your talk
Post it on YouTube, use clips on TikTok & Instagram, submit it to event organizers & get booked to speak again!
High-resolution photos of you speaking on stage
Update your website & socials, impress your friends, enrage your enemies, remind clients you’re THE expert.
A full-length 1:1 podcast interview published online
Show top podcasters why they should book YOU as a guest. Woo prospective clients with long-form audio.
“People meet me & say ‘Oh, I watched your TEDx Talk and it was amazing!’”
“It’s actually mind-boggling how impactful my talk has been. It’s given me a level of credibility I didn't have before.
I've secured critical partnerships for my organization from people who found us by watching the talk. People meet with me and say, ‘Oh, I watched your TEDx Talk and it was amazing.’
It’s led to paid keynotes across the country. Helena was nothing short of amazing.”
Matt Vogl, Executive Director of the National Mental Health Innovation Center
Are you ready to be known foryour expertise around the world?
To get paid to be YOURSELF on stage & on camera?
To reshape your industry around your ideas?
Maybe even piss off a few of your competitors with your razor
-sharp opinions?
Good, you’re in the right place!
Join me in THE SPEAKEASY today
apply here
14 group coaching sessions
5 private sessions for personalized feedback
(seriously what other group program does that?)
Apply to TEDx events & get featured on podcasts
Grow your audience with our Social Media Challenge
Speak at our Summit in Los Angeles
Become a Confident & Charismatic Speaker for Life
Applications are due by Thursday, September 14th at 5 pm PT
Pay in Full
One payment of
$8000
Payment Plan
10 monthly payments of
$850
Frequently Asked Questions
Entrepreneurs, course creators, service providers, business owners -- people who are passionate about the work they do & know they should spend more time on stage & on camera to build their audience, establish their credibility, and expand their impact.
Past clients in this category include:
Tilak Mandadi, EVP at Disney
KC Davis, Struggle Care founder & Domestic Blisters on TikTok
Mara Mintzer, Founder of Growing Up Boulder
Tom Oxley, Neuroscientist & Founder of Synchron
Chris Fisher, Founder of The Earth Archive
Amanda Schochet, Founder of MICRO Museum
Activists & advocates -- people who have a mission, a cause, or a purpose in life that they want other people to get on board with (ex: racial justice, homelessness, LGBTQ rights, animal rights, foster care, etc.)
Past clients in this category include:
Paula Stone Williams, Transgender Author + Leader
Rep. Leslie Herod, Criminal Justice + Police Reform
Gregg Deal, Indigenous Artist + Activist
Marie-Claire Kakpotia, FGM Survivor + Founder of Les Orchidées Rouges
R. Alan Brooks, Comic Book Artist + Activist
Chuck Plunkett, Journalist + Whistleblower
Educators & researchers -- passionate subject area experts who want to share their knowledge with the general public, whether that’s on stage, on podcasts, and / or on camera (YouTube, TikTok, Reels, Podcasts, etc.)
Past clients in this category include:
Marah Hardt, Fish Sex Expert + Educator (yes, really)
Debbie Lovich, Work Futurist + Remote Work Expert
Cohen Bradley, Haida Cultural Ambassador + Indigenous Guide
Laura Rovner, Criminal Justice Lawyer + Law Professor
Carson Bruns, Tattoo Technologist
Henry Bair, Ophthalmologist + Podcaster
- I’ve coached 300+ TED & TEDx Speakers from 6 of 7 continents. Those speakers have 200M+ views online. Their talks have been translated into 35+ languages. And because of their TED / TEDx Talks, they’ve been featured in major media including The Guardian, NPR, and National Geographic. I’ve even had two clients whose talks were adapted into segments on HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. In other words: there are only a handful of people on earth that have more experience writing TED Talks than I do, and all of those people are full-time staff members at TED.
- I’ve produced & curated 20+ TEDx events, including TEDxMileHigh, the largest TEDx event in America. As far as you’re concerned, that comes with two major benefits. One, I’ve reviewed 10,000+ TEDx speaker applications, I know what speakers are pitching, I know what’s generic or cliché, and what isn’t. I can help you make tiny adjustments to your pitch that’ll make TEDx organizers sit up & pay attention. And two, I get to see allllllllllllll the audience feedback. All of it. Even the speakers don’t get to see the audience feedback, but I do. So I really know what works & what doesn’t.
- I’m a fun-loving person who prioritizes fun every step on the way. I’ve spent years designing & refining this program so that it’s not only extremely successful but as fun as possible. People show up to my classes not because they paid for them, but because they genuinely want to and know it’ll be a good time.
Scroll down for “8 weird reasons” for more…
Here are some of the results past clients have experienced after working with me:
You leverage your strengths as a speaker instead of pretending to be someone you’re not. Reminder: you don’t have to be a hype man, or a Tony Robbins, or an extrovert, or an actor to be a successful speaker!
You show up consistently & authentically (real authenticity -- not the fake sh*t you see on Instagram). Speaking on camera is easy because you don’t have to “perform.” You’re confident & charismatic.
You book new speaking opportunities -- perhaps a TEDx Talk, a keynote, virtual summits, or guest spots on podcasts. You’re happy to say “yes” to any opportunity that drops in your DMs because you know how to prepare.
That increased visibility EXPLODES your career, mission, or cause. Publicity, marketing, and sales get easier. If you’re a service provider, that means more clients at higher rates. If you’re a course creator, that means more students & better testimonials.
You become the thought leader you were destined to be. People want your opinion and they respect you deeply. Your days of “like for like” and “follow for follow” are over because people can’t stop talking about you. Word of mouth is my favorite type of marketing.
When you apply, you can choose from these 3 groups:
- Wednesdays at 10am Los Angeles / 1pm New York / 6pm London
- Wednesdays at 4pm Los Angeles / 7pm New York / 9am+1 Sydney
- Thursdays at 10am Los Angeles / 1pm New York / 6pm London
Each group is limited to 15 participants & each call is highly interactive.
You’ll have 3 opportunities to meet with me privately to get personalized feedback on your script & slides. Instead of meeting as a group that week, you’ll schedule a time to meet with me privately.
You’ll have 2 opportunities to rehearse your talk privately with me or with TED Speaker Paula Stone Williams. Instead of meeting as a group that week, you’ll schedule a time to meet with us privately.
The retreat in Los Angeles is currently scheduled for the weekend of February 3rd. Once all students have registered for the program, we will confirm the dates, times, and itinerary with plenty of advanced notice for you to book your flights & accommodations.
Additional Guest Expert Sessions are scheduled according to their availability. If you are unavailable for a call, you can submit questions in advance and watch the replay.
The Speakeasy is delivered live and is extremely interactive. This is not a cookie-cutter pre-recorded video course that you watch at your own leisure. We recommend that you only commit to the program if you can attend the majority of group meeting sessions. That’s how you’ll get the best results!
- $850 / month for 10 months
- $1143 / month for 7 months (no interest!)
- $8000 if you pay in full.
Luckily, the financial benefits of speaking are extremely high. Increased visibility + publicity > more clients > higher prices. If you’re a keynote speaker, you could earn back the cost of the entire program in just 1-2 hours on stage, depending on your fee.
We recommend that you budget for round trip flights to/from Los Angeles, a 2-3 nights stay in a hotel or Airbnb, and ground transportation. Public transportation in LA is unfortunately lacking – so we recommend that you budget for Uber/Lyft or book a rental car.
The retreat in Los Angeles is currently scheduled for the weekend of February 3rd. Once all students have registered for the program, we will confirm the dates, times, locations, and itinerary with plenty of advanced notice for you to book your flights & accommodations.
If you want to keep costs low, talk to other Speakeasy students to see who might want to share hotel rooms, AirBnBs, and/or a rental car.
The Speakeasy is limited to 15 people per group & we always have more applicants than seats in the program. Taking a seat means that someone else cannot join the program, which is why there are no refunds after the program has started.
If you have any questions about the application form, please contact team@helenabowen.com
If you’d like to book a call to decide whether the program is a fit for you, click here.
I don’t teach how to sell from stage or how to pitch to investors. The program will help you achieve those two goals organically, without ever making a verbal offer. But if selling or pitching is your top priority, it’s not the right fit.
I’m not a theatre major, I’m not an actor, I don’t do improv. I teach the TED-style of speaking, which involves writing an exquisite speech & delivering it in a conversational way. If you’re particularly drawn to more theatrical, performative, motivational speakers, this is not the right program.
In the program, you’ll need to join our weekly Zoom calls, use Word or Google Docs, and create & upload videos from your smartphone to the social media site of your choosing. If you’re not tech-savvy but willing to learn, great. But if you’ll need significant technical help to accomplish those tasks, this is not a good fit.
In Los Angeles, you’ll get the VIP treatment from our team of celebrity makeup artists & hairstylists so you look and feel your best. Our videographers & photographers will capture your big moment in the spotlight so you have everything you need to pitch yourself for future speaking engagements. You’ll cheer on fellow Speakeasies and, most importantly, celebrate together!
You’re welcome to arrive earlier or stay longer so you can soak up the best of what California has to offer – food, drinks, celebrity sightings, shopping, and surfing. After registration for the program closes, we’ll survey the group to find out what activities you’d like to include in the retreat weekend. Trust me, it’ll be fun!
- No pitching or explicitly selling from stage
- No hate speech or discriminatory language
- No political or religious proselytizing
If you’re unsure whether your idea fits those guidelines, email us at team@helenabowen.com.
By not attending the retreat, you will NOT receive a professional video recording of your talk, and you will NOT receive photos of you speaking on stage. You will NOT be able to attend any group meals, activities, or guest sessions that weekend.
But, you will still write & rehearse an incredible speech by showing up to our group coaching & 1:1 sessions.
Several past Speakeasy students have booked TEDx events because of the speech and/or pitch that they developed during the Speakeasy. But, ultimately, it is up to you whether you apply to TEDx events during the program, which TEDx events you apply to, and how many applications you submit.
My general rule of thumb for TEDx events is that so long as you’re following TED’s content guidelines & you’re open to feedback from the organizers, it’s not so much a matter of if, but when, you’ll be confirmed to speak. If you get rejected, apply to a different event, rinse, and repeat until you’re confirmed.
Though we do not guarantee that you’ll get paid speaking engagements as a result of your participation, working on those areas will significantly improve your chances of getting paid speaking engagements in the future, AND one of our guest expert sessions is specifically focused on getting paid gigs.
Plus, event organizers love to see videos & photos of you speaking. You will get both of those assets by participating in the retreat.
The reason most people are scared of public speaking is because they’re totally out of practice. Most people only give one or two or four speeches a year – no wonder they don’t feel comfortable on stage or on camera! Every time feels like the first time.
But when you start speaking on social media once a week, every week, speaking becomes part of your routine. You grow your confidence & find your own style.
By the end of the program, you’ll have a minimum of TWENTY videos online + you’ll have grown your social media following / engagement dramatically.
In the last Speakeasy Cohort, one student grew her following on TikTok from 0 to 95,000 people – all because of the Speakeasy challenge.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned podcast guest, our experienced host Diane Mayor will interview you about your work (or the subject of your Speakeasy Speech), you’ll get practice as a podcast guest, we’ll edit it and publish it online.
You can share it with your clients, colleagues, and friends. You can use it as an example of your skills in future podcast pitches (Mai-kee will teach you how!). Maybe new clients will find you organically!
01.
If you’re anxious at the thought of putting yourself out there, of getting on stages, of speaking on camera, and guesting on podcasts, I can help. I’ve helped hundreds of TED / TEDx speakers who, believe it or not, suffer from imposter syndrome. I love working with speakers in a group because you can support & uplift each other.
02.
THE SPEAKEASY is great for accountability. We have a weekly call, weekly assignments, and the retreat is a hard deadline. The Social Media Challenge will force you to post every week. Apply here and force your future self to get sh*t done.
03.
04.
Already this year, in 2023, I’ve coached speakers from the U.S., the UK, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, China, Tibet, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, East Turkistan, Zimbabwe, and Côte d'Ivoire.
I’ve co-written TED Talks in Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Uyghur.
05.
Why do I mention it? Because THE SPEAKEASY isn’t some old-ass program that I designed 10 years ago and never updated. This isn’t Toastmasters! (burrrrnnnnn). I will help you become a better speaker using the strategies, styles, and tactics that work right now, in 2023.
06.
5 years from now you’ll be walking down the street, see a digital poster for Margo Robbie’s new Barbie 7 sequel on Streamberry, and think to yourself, “Ah yes, that time I didn’t sign up for The Speakeasy.”
Avoid future self-loathing now while you can.