As an engaging speaker I teach writers the art of persuasion. My practical talks and workshops specialize in how to craft compelling op-eds and short memoirs.
I have been coaching writers since my days editing at my university newspaper and throughout a 35-year journalism career. I'm also creating a book writing academy.
Sports coaching is also an important part of my life. I love working with children, particularly with my daughter's and son's baseball and flag football teams.
Op-eds and column writing are common and effective forms expressing your opinions. But too many writers don't know how to effectively make their argument. I know how to make your argument more persuasive.
I honestly believe everyone has story to tell -- a story worth telling. I know from experience how a short essay of 1,000 words or less can captivate readers. I want to hear your story and help you tell that story.
Writing is tough but learning to write is a journey worth taking. You will make mistakes. I sure did. But mistakes is how we learn and grow. And when you discover your writing has helped someone, or even brought a smile to their face on a difficult day, all the struggles are worthwhile.
I have found that a lot of people today are drawn to writing courses and seminars because they are using writing as a way to process trauma from their lives. I can't provide therapy for past trauma, but I understand the power of writing your story down, even if no one else reads it. When it comes to writing your truth, you are in charge.
"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,
Course Instructor at Trent University
"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
“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
“Scott shared his wisdom as
a seasoned journalist and his advice on navigating opinion pitches and writing an impactful opinion piece.
Our staff immensely enjoyed his presentation and look forward to applying his helpful advice in the year ahead!"
~ Madeleine McColl
Managing Editor,
The Gazette, Western University
I have almost completed my book writing program for the Coach Colby Writing Academy.
I have written four books (three have been published) and I can't wait to share my process. (My first novel is on its way.)
Much like running a marathon, you can achieve your goal one step at a time.
And make no mistake, writing a book is much like training for a marathon, a race I have completed twice.
To complete a marathon and a book you need the vision, the desire and the right training program. If you bring the desire, I can help develop the vision and supply the program.
In That’s What You Think: A Practical Guide to Writing Compelling Op-Eds and Short Memoirs, I encourage anyone with a story to share it. Personal stories will always gather value over time. So, take the time to get your ideas down on paper or on a screen and begin crafting your op-eds and your stories now.
I wrote this book because I kept getting asked, "Scott, what make a good op-ed?"The hallmarks of a good opinion article also make for an entertaining and informative short memoir. I believe your opinion matters and everyone has a story to tell.
“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
I am available for speaking engagements, workshops and one-on-one book coaching through the Coach Colby Writing Academy.
scottncolby@gmail.com
Copyright © 2024 Coach Colby: Opinion, Memoir and Book Writing Coach and Speaker - All Rights Reserved.
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