TEDx & Keynote
Speaker Coaching
You’ve landed the talk. Now let’s make it extraordinary.
Being invited to give a TEDx talk or a keynote address is a career-defining moment. The stakes are high. You don’t just want to be good. You want your audience to remember what you said long after you’ve left the stage.
That’s where I come in.
TEDx & Keynote
Speaker Coaching
You’ve landed the talk. Now let’s make it extraordinary.
Being invited to give a TEDx talk or a keynote address is a career-defining moment. The stakes are high. You don’t just want to be good. You want your audience to remember what you said long after you’ve left the stage.
That’s where I come in.
Why Work With Me?
I’m a TEDx speaking coach who has personally guided over 25 speakers
to success on the red dot. My own TEDx talk at TEDxOltrarno was
selected as a TED Editor’s Pick, a distinction awarded to just 0.07%
of all TEDx talks worldwide. It had over 36,000 views in its first
week.
Before I became a coach, I spent over 20 years as a professional
actress, performing in roles on Netflix, Sky, RAI, and on stages
across Europe and the US. Every night, my job was to walk onto a stage
and hold an audience. To control my voice, my body, my nerves, and my
presence, and to make it all look effortless. That training is now the
foundation of everything I teach.
I don’t just teach the theory of great speaking. I’ve lived it. And I
know what it takes to turn a good talk into an unforgettable one.
What We'll Work On Together?
I work with you through the full arc of preparing your talk, from the earliest idea to the final rehearsal. Every session is recorded and sent back to you afterwards, so you can watch your own performance, see what’s working, and build on it.
Developing your idea
We begin by distilling your expertise into one clear, powerful idea — the kind that makes people lean in. Together, we find the narrative thread that gives your message shape, urgency, and staying power.
Structuring your talk
A great talk needs a clear shape and sense of momentum. We build yours with intention, making sure every section flows naturally into the next and the whole talk builds toward a moment your audience will remember.
Rehearsing under pressure
We don’t just practise. We rehearse with the precision and intensity of preparing for opening night. By the time you walk on stage, you know exactly how to manage your nerves, adapt to the unexpected, and deliver your talk with confidence.
Mastering your delivery
This is where my background in professional theatre makes the biggest difference. We work on your voice, body language, pacing, pauses, and stage presence, so you can command attention without sounding rehearsed or artificial. You'll learn to project confidence even when you're terrified, to connect with your audience rather than perform at them, and to be completely yourself on stage.
Who is this for?
TEDx speakers preparing for their talk
Keynote speakers at conferences and industry events
Anyone preparing for a high-profile speaking engagement where the stakes are significant
"Elia is a phenomenal advisor and coach. I have done so much public speaking in my career, but I have never worked with a public speaking expert in preparation for a big speech. I was blown away by her insights, practical skills and recommendations. She also does a phenomenal job breaking down all the feedback to significantly improve the outcome. I did meet her a few times in person, but I think she does a great job coaching and teaching on Zoom as well. Any exec would be very lucky to have her expertise."
I attended Elia's 2-day Workshop on Public Speaking Skills at the European University Institute -- without any doubt, a top notch learning experience! Elia was extremely well prepared, fun to work with, and she spent considerable time on one-to-one feedback throughout the workshop. She drew from her public speaking professional experience, acting career, and personal experience to deliver a high-level, high impact training. I personally feel that I learned an immense amount and would definitely want to work with Elia again!
Elia is a masterful and compelling speech coach. She gets down into the trenches with you to bring out the best of your talents. Her dedication to helping you take your coaching to the next level is beyond anything I have ever experience. I am beyond thankful for her unwavering support to get my speaking skills to the level needed to be a professional and captivating speaker.
Elia è una persona di elevato profilo professionale, culturale e umano. Ha grandi capacità comunicative, e riesce a trasmettere energia positiva durante le sue interazioni con il cliente o nell’ambito di un gruppo di lavoro, nell’ambito del quale evidenzia innate doti di leadership e mediazione. E’ sicuramente una persona affidabile e puntuale.
I had the pleasure to take part in a two-day workshop on public speaking delivered by Elia at the European University Institute in Florence. I can firmly assert that this was a life-changing experience that trained me to control my anxiety so as to give the best of me when speaking in front of an audience. I have tried to apply all the tips and tricks that Elia gave me and I have even passed them on to colleagues that were feeling stressed or nervous before giving a public talk. It worked every time!
I learned so much from Elia's interview workshops and public speaking lessons. A few weeks after finishing Elia’s training, I applied for two internships and I was offered both of the positions I applied for! In addition, people close to me said they saw a major change in my articulation, projection, and the overall way in which I carry myself. I know that I owe most of the improvements that I made to Elia. She is the reason that I have become more collected and mature.
Elia conducted several group public speaking courses within Menarini and the feedback across the teams was superb. She not only knew her audience well, but also delivered an impeccable connection with each of us, coaching and providing individual feedback that without a doubt was engaging and useful for all. Her technical abilities coupled with her enthusiasm and contagious positive energy geared all participants to progress with motivation while learning, and for some stepping out of their comfort zones and reaching higher professional communication levels. Bravo, Elia! I look forward to the next one!
I think I can speak for all of us that Elia has given us a life changing experience in this one workshop.
I am so thankful to Elia for all that she taught me. I still have much work to do, but what I know because of this class has changed my life forever. Instead of being a lazy-sounding hunchback, I am now a confident and aware person! I can never thank Elia enough for the gift she has given me.
Elia is a gifted teacher and coach who gives attention, guidance, advice and feedback in preparing students to go out in the world and present their best selves. She does this with an infectious energy that inspires. Thank you, Elia!
I was very lucky to have Elia by my side as a speaking coach for TEDxFiesole 2022. Her expertise, positive energy and passion enabled me both to create and deliver a persuasive speech in a way I could not have dreamed of. Thank you for your tireless efforts and valuable support, from the very beginning until the (literally!) very last minute, dear Elia! You are an inspiration to those who are fortunate to work with you and I hope our paths cross again soon!
Elia è l’immagine della spontaneità e la sua capacità di trasferire i principi dell’efficacia comunicazionale, anche nel difficile percorso del ‘remoto’, fa leva su questo naturale talento. A ciò si aggiunge una grandissima carica emotiva ed una costante energia che sostengono i suoi interventi formativi senza soluzione di continuità. Desidero lasciare per ultimo, perché è ovvio, un commento sulla preparazione tecnica e professionale: anni di esperienza nel cinema e nel teatro si fondono con una incessante ricerca di innovazione e di studio continuo. Ho partecipato ad una sessione di alcuni giorni sulla comunicazione efficace da distanza e mi ritrovo cambiato e rafforzato perché ho acquisito maggior consapevolezza dei miei errori e delle mie capacità di superarli.
Find answers to common questions
Can you help me prepare for a specific presentation, pitch, keynote or important conversation?
Absolutely. That’s my job! You bring me the specific situation, and we work on getting you ready for it.
We start with your audience: Who are they? What do they already know? What do they care about? And, most importantly, what do they need to hear from you? We put ourselves in their shoes and shape your message around them.
From there, we work on your actual content—what to say, how to structure it, and how to make it clear, compelling, and memorable. If you’re using slides or other visuals, we work on those too.
We also focus on your delivery—your body language, voice, pacing, and presence—and I coach you to become a more engaging, confident, and authentic speaker.
Lastly, we tackle any nerves or anxiety so that when it’s time to speak, you feel calm, prepared, and ready to perform at your best.
What makes your approach different from traditional public-speaking training?
My approach has been shaped by very different worlds: my background as a professional actor, more than 15 years working with leaders, professionals, and organisations in the corporate and non-profit worlds, and my experience teaching public speaking and communication at universities in the United States and Italy. All of these have profoundly influenced the way I coach.
From my experience in theatre, on-camera work, and improvisation, I bring practical techniques for using your body and voice to communicate confidence and expertise, connecting with an audience, thinking on your feet, and staying present when the unexpected happens. I also teach you how to communicate effectively on camera, whether you’re in an online meeting, recording a video, or creating video content for social media.
This means we actually get up and work. We use theatre, improvisation, and voice exercises to explore how you use your body and voice and help you develop new habits that make you a more confident, engaging, and authentic communicator.
From years of coaching, consulting, and working alongside professionals in corporate environments, I understand the very real situations in which communication matters: presenting an idea, pitching a product or company, influencing a decision, leading a team, handling difficult questions, speaking to senior executives, or simply making sure your voice is heard in the room.
My years teaching public speaking and communication at universities in the United States and Italy have also deeply influenced my approach. I understand how people learn, how to break complex communication skills into practical tools, and how to create an environment where people feel comfortable experimenting, taking risks, and improving.
I’m not interested in teaching you a formula or turning you into a polished but generic speaker. My goal is to give you the tools to become a more confident, engaging, and compelling version of yourself when you communicate.
Can you help me if I have public speaking anxiety?
Absolutely. In fact, many of the people I work with experience some level of anxiety around public speaking—from normal nerves to feeling genuinely overwhelmed by the thought of speaking in front of others.
We work on both the physical and mental sides of those nerves. I teach you practical techniques to manage your breathing, body, voice, and thoughts before and while you speak, and we gradually put those techniques into practice together.
Most importantly, you’ll practise in a supportive environment where you can experiment, make mistakes, and build confidence without judgement. The goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate every nervous feeling. After all, being nervous is often a sign that you care, and that nervous energy can actually help you perform at your best. The goal is to learn how to manage your nerves so they work for you, rather than getting in the way of communicating at your best.
Are sessions available online and in person?
Absolutely! I coach clients both online and in person. I’m based in Florence, Italy, and work with clients around the world virtually. I’m also available to travel for in-person coaching, trainings, workshops, and speaking engagements.
Do you work in both English and Italian?
Yes! I’m bilingual and give keynote speeches, lead trainings, and coach clients in both English and Italian.
Ready to prepare the talk of your life?
Whether you’re preparing for a TEDx stage, a keynote slot, or any high-profile speaking engagement, let’s talk about how I can help you make it extraordinary.
or email me directly at inquiries@elianichols.com
Unlock your Confidence!
Free Guide
The Actor's 3-Minute Breathing Ritual for Confident Public Speaking
The breathing exercises I teach every client, and the ones that got me through my own TEDx talk. Three techniques, three minutes, and a calmer, more confident you before every presentation, pitch or interview.
Inside you’ll learn:
- The Calming Breath: settle your nerves before high-pressure moments
- The Energy Breath: bring life and presence to your delivery
- The Balance Breath: find focus and clarity when your mind is racing
- Plus: your 3-minute pre-stage ritual, ready to save to your phone
