Speechwriting Services

What do Simon Sinek, Brené Brown and Amy Cuddy have in common? All three rose from relative obscurity to become in-demand speakers and influential business leaders as a direct result of their TED Talks.

As that trio proves, delivering a powerful TED Talk can launch careers, supercharge book sales and lead to highly paid speaking engagements. But first, you have to write it.

The Hired Pens’ Anna Goldsmith is here to help. She has coached hundreds of TEDx speakers and will show you how to use techniques from the TED stage — including storytelling, relatable humor and a conversational voice — to supercharge your own talk.

Whether you’re preparing for a TEDx event or want to give the kind of leadership speech that fires up your team or inspires donors to dig a little deeper, Anna will get you there. Discover how to:

• Find and shape your own “big idea worth spreading.”
• Capture the attention of your audience from the very first line.
• Showcase your expertise without the laundry list of degrees and titles.
• Build emotional rapport through compelling storytelling and humor.
• Transform “industry speak” into relatable, conversational language.
• Avoid common speaker pitfalls, including the dreaded attention-span trap.

If you’d like to explore working together on your own TED Talk, TED-style talk or keynote, the first step is to connect with Anna for a short call. We’ll talk about where you are in the process — e.g., just kicking around “big ideas” vs. looking to polish a rough draft? Then we’ll figure out the process, program and pricing that works for you. Email Anna to learn more.

Anna is a founding partner of The Hired Pens, an award-winning copywriting agency that serves clients across a wide range of industries. Since 2018, she has also produced TEDxPortsmouth, one of the largest and most successful TEDx events in the country. The speakers she’s worked with have been recognized across TED platforms and around the world.

Her success (and delight in doing this work) has inspired The Hired Pens to create an offshoot of their business, dedicated to helping TEDx speakers — and those who wish to deliver TED-style presentations — craft the talk of a lifetime.

“Anna was enormously helpful in shaping my TEDx Portsmouth talk. She suggested new ideas and helped to significantly enhance the final product. It would not have been the same without her experience-based insights, and I was very grateful for her support.”

– James W. Dean Jr., president, University of New Hampshire

“Every writer needs an Anna! Her expertise and guidance in helping me craft my TEDx speech were not just beneficial but essential. With honest feedback and a critical eye, Anna effortlessly helped me shape an inspiring speech that was concise and humorous, all while staying true to my own voice. Her one-on-one sessions not only enhanced my writing and delivery skills but also instilled the confidence I needed to step on stage in front of 900 people. Thanks to Anna, my talk went flawlessly.”

– Julie Machado, marketing coordinator, Landy’s Management Group

“Anna is a ninja editor, writer and speaking coach. The moment you meet her, you surrender all trust instantly because you know you’re in the hands of someone who is direct, honest and ready to mine you for your best ideas and talent so that you are confident, rehearsed and ready for the moment you step out on that big red dot. Anna is smart, funny and artistic, and I hit the lottery having her as my coach.”

– Scarlet Keys, professor, Berklee College of Music

“Through refinement and iterations, Anna helps you convey your message in your true, authentic voice, while being able to keep to the parameters of a TED Talk. TED Talks are an investment in everyone’s time and one of the most fulfilling, memorable and rewarding things you will ever do — especially when you have her expertise to guide you.”

– Dr. Kartik Sakthivel, vice president and chief information officer, LIMRA/LOMA, LL Global

“Anna took the time to understand the subject matter and get to know me so my voice wouldn’t be lost in the process, and she helped me write the talk I had always dreamed of giving. I am so grateful to have had Anna in my corner every step of the way, from thought partner to writing support, advising me as I practiced and even cheering me on when the big day arrived. Her personal touch is just what I needed. Thank you, Anna!”

– John Monahan III, law enforcement consultant

“Presenting at TEDxPortsmouth was one of the most memorable and impactful moments in my personal and professional career. Through close collaboration with Anna, plus lots of practice, I formed a greater understanding about a subject I cared deeply about. I also learned how to apply discipline and clarity when communicating a big idea. I believe it has helped me further an idea that is having a positive impact on the people that I serve.”

– Craig Welch, executive director, Portsmouth Housing Authority

“TED” and “TEDx” are registered trademarks and service marks of TED Conferences LLC

The Hired Pens LLC is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by TED Conferences, LLC or any of its affiliates.