Hi, I'm Coach Colby: Speaker and Writing Coach

"Scott’s op-ed workshop for faculty  members at Western was engaging, interactive and packed with practical tips to demystify the art of writing compelling and impactful opinion articles. Through his personable teaching style, Scott equipped  attendees with the skills and confidence to make their voices heard. Since attending the workshop, we’ve already seen our faculty members incorporating these techniques into their writing, resulting in clearer, more streamlined pieces. We highly recommend Scott's workshops to anyone looking to sharpen their opinion writing!” 

~ Crystal Mackay, Director, Media Relations, Western University

"Scott Colby is an outstanding speaker and storyteller. Scott expertly struck a balance between being informative and engaging students with his inspirational storytelling, infused with his personal touch of sincerity and humour. He spoke for an hour with ease and confidence and left my students elated and enthused. I cannot say enough good things about Scott as a speaker and I would highly recommend hiring him as the main speaker for your next event.” 

~ Adelle Purdham, 

Author and Course Instructor, 

Trent University 

 "Scott gave an AMAZING presentation to a course I teach on writing op-eds and short memoirs. Having been an op-ed editor at The Boston Globe, I have extremely high standards. Scott exceeded them. He gave a lively, engaging talk and interjected humor that kept the students’ attention. As a direct result of Scott’s presentation, some of my beginner students had their work published for the first time.  

 ~ Darlene Ricker,

Instructor at the Carnegie Center 

for Literacy and Learning, 

The University of Kentucky   
 

 “Scott  Colby was an excellent presenter and kept a room of medical researchers  engaged for an hour. He  was able to effectively explain the art and science of writing an opinion piece and even motivated several people to try their hand at this form of writing. We appreciate his insights as well into the media and his ability to convey the basics of effective  writing, story-telling and opinion writing.” 

 ~ Marina Jimenez, 

Director Communications, 

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
 

"Thank you for showing me how to write an op-ed. It’s easy to write out instructions, to outline a step-by-step process, but it’s another thing entirely to make someone believe your words. You made me believe. I’m not sure if you’ve been told this before but you’re a natural born storyteller. I felt your stories as if they were my own, and I have goosebumps to prove it."
~ T, Student 

"You are an incredible storyteller and teacher. You engaged the class with intriguing stories that applied appropriately to the ideas and concepts you were making. Your emphasis on writing, even when we do not feel qualified to write, inspired me to understand the complexities of writing and imposter syndrome and how every person’s words can influence people around them. "

~ Rebecca, Student 

"A wonderful presentation! I thoroughly enjoyed your personality, the interactive quality and transparency of your lecture. There were many takeaways for me from this: from “chase your dream” (you will get through the door, but where you end up may surprise you) to sometimes your biggest mentors are those who we least expect. You made the world feel bigger."
~ Mary, Student

"Your storytelling and advice were given generously with honesty and humour. I enjoyed the passion you share for what you do. You taught me the value of emotional truth and how my authentic self can shine through in my writing. I was left with the understanding that even in writing you will make mistakes but you need to own them in order to learn from them."
~ Zoe, Student 

"What I enjoyed most about your talk was your humour. The greatest strength of your talk was your ability to strike a great balance between delivering educational information and doing so in a funny and entertaining way. I did not expect our guest speaker to be as funny as you were." 

 ~ Matthew, student
 

“So, whether you’re in PR, you want to be a writer, or you have something important to say, ‘That’s What You Think’ is like that no-nonsense friend who gives it to you straight and shows you how to make your voice heard in the opinion pages.” 

~ Carrie, Amazon review

 "Seasoned writers, speakers and other communicators, including those in the public health space, will uncover blind spots and discover what they're missing. 

Be forewarned: You'll  be inspired to do better. I certainly have been." 

 ~ Iris Gorfinkel, M.D. C.M.

“That’s What You Think,” promises to enhance your stories by helping you tell them in a better way. Colby, an expert in his field, keeps this promise in a clear, concise, and engaging guide. Colby shares some of his own stories, his successes and failures. The book’s case studies augment the earlier chapters and the tone is one of positive encouragement. 

~ Alex, Amazon review

“The best part is that his book isn’t just about telling you how to write; it’s like sitting down for coffee with (Scott), and he’s giving you the inside scoop on cutting through all that noise. ‘That’s What You Think’ is like that no-nonsense friend who gives it to you straight and shows you how to make your voice heard in the opinion pages.” 

~ Amazon review

“(‘That’s What You Think’) should be considered mandatory reading in literary courses at high school, college and university levels. It is written in plain language with both common sense and the energy of an adventurer. Great stuff.” 

~ Michael Sobota, newspaper review

"Scott  Colby's "That's What You Think" is a guide on op-ed writing and fills  important gaps in an area that isn't really formally taught anywhere  else. It's practical, insightful, and an essential read for any writer."

~ Peter, Amazon review

"This book is funny, raw, and helpful. You feel like the author is  having a conversation with you! It teaches you how to write  personal stories without sounding like you're looking for self-validation. Super helpful! I admire how transparent and real the author was. I will definitely read it again."

~ Julia, Amazon review

" 'That’s What You Think: A Practical Guide to Writing Compelling Op-Eds and Short Memoirs,' was my recommended (course) text. The key word is 'compelling.' To get these pieces published, they must be persuasive, powerful and superbly crafted. As a direct result of Scott’s presentation, some of my beginner students had their work published for the first time. 

~ Darlene Ricker

Instructor at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning