MEET C.J. MARKS
THE PREMIER
TEDX COACH
IN ASIA
I help TEDx dreams become reality.
Join CJ Marks, a renowned keynote speaker and presentation coach, to unlock your potential in public speaking and leadership. Discover transformative workshops designed for professionals seeking to enhance their communication abilities and achieve personal growth.
Keynote Speaking
CJ Marks offers transformative keynote speaking engagements that inspire and empower audiences. With a focus on enhancing communication skills, his sessions are tailored to meet the needs of executives, managers, and government officials, ensuring impactful learning experiences.
Empower Your Team
Unlock your team’s potential with CJ Marks’ expert coaching and workshops. His unique approach combines global experience with practical strategies, fostering leadership and professional development in diverse environments.
Who is C.J.Marks
CJ Marks is a globally recognized keynote speaker, presentation coach, and TEDx trainer.
With over two decades of experience, CJ has empowered executives, managers, and government officials worldwide to enhance their communication skills.
He has collaborated with TEDx organizers and speakers across six continents and is also an award-winning Toastmaster and PechaKucha Night organizer.
- I can help you craft your TEDx idea into a clear vision.
- I can help you find the right TEDx event for your message.
- I can get you stage-ready for your big TEDx day.
- I have the experience, insight and connections to provide you with
professional guidance, sound tips and expert advice on how to properly
promote your TEDx talk to help get the results you want, and the attention
that you need.
Best-selling authors, industry thought leaders, social influencers and prominent motivational speakers seek my help when they are preparing for their TEDx talk.
Moreover, TEDx Event Organizers reach out to me when they want to get their speakers ready for their TEDx events.
MY SERVICES
“If I tell you I’m good, probably you will say I’m boasting.But if I tell you I’m not good, you’ll know I’m lying.” Bruce Lee
Corporate Coaching
I am not simply a preeminent go-to TEDx asset; I also work with C-Suite executives, company presidents, politicians, thought leaders and influencers from diverse backgrounds to imbue them with confidence and skills to excel in their presentations. Maybe you are an up-and-coming speaker struggling with glossophobia;
I have proven tips to help get you through your upcoming talk.
Perhaps you are a polished speaker looking to get to the next level; no problem.
From speech contest champions to multi-million dollar start-up pitches to keynote talks, to political campaign stump speeches, to compelling content and delivery for your podcasts…
I got you covered.
One on One Sessions
I do not do workshops…I do “funshops”. One-on-one or group sessions, the result is the same…educational and entertaining sessions that enlighten and empower my clients to achieve successful results in their presentations.
Here are several of my staple sessions:
“From Novice to Polished”
This session addresses the fundamental components of what makes a presentation memorable and relevant. Understanding the situation, understanding the audience and understanding yourself, gestures and body control, slide work (including effective and ineffective use of color); this is a masterclass on how to become a more effective, efficient and impactful communicator.
“The Cheat Code: How to (and how not to) get a TEDx Talk”
I have heard, and seen, the challenges that many people face with achieving their goal of speaking on the TEDx platform in front of a live audience. I know what it takes to achieve this goal; I have the maps, I have the keys, and I can show you the way and help you open the doors.
“Talking Taboo…Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable”
In this session, we address the “taboos” of public speaking. We will learn why thethings we avoid talking about are in fact the things that we should talk about. We need to become comfortable with the uncomfortable topics if we are going to be effective communicators and strong leaders.
Here is a small sample of what some of the people
that I have worked with have to say.
TEDx ORGANISERS
❞
“It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend C.J Marks for his exceptional contributions to our TEDxAwaji team.
C.J’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable in our efforts to curate engaging and impactful speaker lineups.
Throughout our collaboration, C.J demonstrated a remarkable ability to not only reach out to potential speakers but also to train and prepare them effectively. His insightful feedback and advice during consultation sessions were instrumental in refining the presentations and ensuring their alignment with our event’s goals.
C.J’s motivation and commitment to supporting TEDx events shine through in his proactive approach and willingness to leverage his extensive network for the benefit of
our cause.
Working with him has been an absolute pleasure, and I have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone seeking a passionate and knowledgeable volunteer to enhance their event.
We at TEDxAwaji team would highly recommend working with C.J Marks.”
Gihad Hussein
TEDx Awaji
❞
“C.J. Marks was the first one I recruited as a TEDx Speaker Coach for the inaugural TEDxAAW event. This selection proved to be fortuitous. His warmth and genuine empathy were immediately apparent during our initial Zoom calls. He connects with individuals personally and fosters a sense of trust and camaraderie, which I believe is
important for effective coaching.
C.J., along with another coach, helped me train and prepare our team of eighteen TEDx speakers. Their coaching skills were consistently praised by the speakers they worked with.
Despite a jam-packed schedule, C.J. consistently dedicated himself to the one-on-one coaching sessions, each lasting a full hour. His professionalism was also top-notch; he was always on time, prepared, and a pleasure to work with. I often saw his CC’d email
to speakers, where he went the extra mile to find mutually agreeable times that fit the speakers’ busy schedules.C.J. is a valuable asset to any team. His coaching demonstrably contributed to the
success of the TEDxAAW event, and his dedication makes him a natural leader. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his chosen field.”
Shelomi Domingo
TEDx Ayala Avenue Women
❞
“It’s with great pleasure that I recommend CJ.MARKS for his exceptional support during our TEDx event. CJ went above and beyond by recording a captivating video invitation to encourage attendance.
His professionalism and attention to detail were evident throughout the process. Not only did CJ deliver a high-quality video, but he also demonstrated a keen understanding of our event’s objectives and audience.
CJ’s dedication and creativity significantly contributed to the success of our TEDx event, and I’m confident that his talents will continue to make a positive impact wherever he goes.
Thank you, CJ, for your invaluable contribution. It was a pleasure working with you, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate again in the future.”
Wilfred Dabire
TEDx Tokoin
❞
“I highly recommend CJ for his exceptional coaching and advisory skills. CJ was an invaluable support as an adviser for my TEDx event, providing me with full guidance on how to make it a success.
His unwavering support and expertise truly made a difference, allowing me to navigate the event with confidence and ease. CJ’s ability to provide insightful advice and direction is truly commendable, making him a standout coach and adviser.
I am grateful for CJ’s encouragement, patience, and dedication throughout the entire process. If you are looking for a supportive and knowledgeable coach to guide you through your endeavors, I wholeheartedly recommend CJ. His positive attitude and dedication to helping others succeed make him a truly exceptional professional.”
Dr. Fabi Cariño
CPHR, CLDP, CCBP, H. Doc HR
❞
“C.J. has been an invaluable addition to the TEDx events I’ve produced and co-organized since 2024.
Drawing from a wealth of experience gained through volunteering and working with various regional and international TEDx initiatives, he has made a significant impact on our speaker development efforts and has offered strategic insights for growth.
Our team is incredibly fortunate to have him as our lead TEDx coach, and I’m confident that his exceptional management and technical expertise will continue to elevate the impact of TEDx even further. “
LEAH ANGELA CIOCO
TEDx UPV
❞
“I highly recommend C.J. as a speaker coach. He tailors his training to individual needs, emphasizes core skills, and offers constructive feedback. C.J. also focuses on mental conditioning and stays updated with the latest techniques. His supportive approach keeps clients motivated and confident.
DR. SAM SAMMANE
Founder of TheoSym, Best Selling Author, AI Thought Leader, 4x
TEDx Speaker
TEDx SPEAKERS
❞
“This was my first TEDx talk and even though I am a seasoned speaker I welcomed the opportunity to be coached by C.J.
I am glad I did because there are subtle differences in the delivery style of keynote speeches and a TEDx talk which I learnt about working with C.J. The remit was to deliver a talk that galvanised people to take action and C.J. helped me to elevate my talk from good to great!
What I liked about C.J’s style was he allowed me to remain authentic. He shared tips and techniques to enhance the quality of my talk. Some trainers give suggestions that makes you feel like you are acting, this was not the case working with C.J., I delivered my talk as me.
He was on hand providing support right up until the event. Twenty four hours before my talk, my mind went blank and my confidence plummeted because this was such a big event for me.
He managed to get me back on track both with my confidence and memory recall. I was blown away by the compliments after the talk.
Even my family who have seen me deliver alot of keynote speeches said this talk was by far one of my better talks. I could not have reached this new level without the coaching and guidance from C.J.
As a coach and trainer myself I have a high standard of what I expect from others and I highly recommend C.J. Marks and wouldn’t hesitate to engage with his services again.”
Dr Arpinder Bansi
International Speaker
❞
“Impactful, Reliable and Amazing!
I first met CJ in TEDx Manila and right away his advice and teachings on how to better present myself resulted on a better performance on stage.
He focuses on how to enhance what you already have as a speaker and teach it in a way that is easily implemented.
I also attended one of is Presentation and Public Speaking Workshops where he taught the strategies on how to become more effective speaker, he made the steps easy to follow and skills that can be remembered and implemented immediately.
CJ is also a great connector where he is passionate to see everyone thrive and he makes sure he can support in every way possible.
He connected me to many incredible successful individuals around the world plus through CJ I was given an opportunity to speak in Japan.
I highly recommend CJ in coaching, presenting and public speaking especially if you are after in enhancing your team performance in your organisation or even a one on one
public speaking mentoring.”
Joyce Santiago Savage
Global Motivational Speaker
❞
“C.J. was my coach for TEDx UPV from August to November 2024. His expertise is speech delivery, however, he brings so much more than delivery to the table. He is skilled at keeping you on track, gently pushing you to reach higher limits, providing valuable feedback on script and slides, in addition to making 100% sure that you are
prepared and have your TEDx Talk completely internalized to ensure success on stage. Equally important, he is highly experienced with TED style talks and very active behind-the-scenes leading up to the event to make sure that the media and filming is set up for you to succeed in post production. On rehearsal day, he was present early
and stayed late to make sure the stage and cameras were set up for optimal filming.
I truly can’t say enough good things about my experience with C.J., even when he was, more than gently, pushing me to make sure I was ready. He is a Coach who cares deeply about his clients and makes sure you are “Game Day” ready.
C.J. is truly a perfect combination of skill, constructive feedback, deep knowledge of behind the scenes, and persistence to make sure you have the best stage presence and post-production possible to deliver a TEDx talk that can leave a legacy.”
Susan Rae Blanchet
B Corp CEO, Founder, Lawyer
❞
“CJ is hands down such a great coach, and mentor, and with 3 weeks to the TEDx talk — he had me feel so prepared- and as a public speaker, there’s always things to learn, especially doing a timed talk where timing is less and word choice is important. I knocked it out of the park thanks to him! Definitely work with him you won’t be disappointed”
Dr Neeta Bhusan
International Keynote Speaker, 5x Award Winning Author
❞
“If you’re looking for a presentation coach who truly takes you to the next level, I can’t recommend C.J Marks enough.
His patience, dedication, and sharp eye for detail make all the difference, even for those of us who already have public speaking experience. He doesn’t just give generic advice, he tailors his guidance to your strengths while pushing you to improve in ways you didn’t even realize you needed.
Working with him for TEDx Awaji 2025 was a game-changer.
He helped me refine my delivery, connect with the audience on a deeper level, and step onto that stage with confidence.
His support was crucial, and I’m incredibly grateful.”
Carlos Lastres
Senior Product Designer/ Software Engineer TEDx Speaker
❞
“C.J. Marks has been the most professional and inspiring mentor and tutor in preparing my TEDx Speech.
He has always been available and delivered his knowledge in a performing and friendly manner. I could tell from the beginning how natural he is in mentoring, he does it with passion and love which get immediately to the hearts and minds of the people he is mentoring.
I would have never been able to deliver the speech without his counselling, timing and framing each session.
Thank you again for the unforgettable journey.”
Michele Bezzi
International Tour Leader, Travel Coordinator, Cultural Exchange
Ambassador
❞
“CJ was my coach in TEDx UPV which was held in Solaire Pasay, Philippines. He provided valuable insights which helped a lot. Main one is considering how I speak (I speak fast), he was able to guide me on how I can use calmness and be at the moment.
Thank you so much again, CJ!”
Jommel Macabagdal
CEO and Managing Director, Civil Engineer, Project Manager Professional, Professor
❞
“Marks was my TEDxKobe speaker coach in 2019. His advice has been so instrumental that I use those skills in my class. He is the best speaker coach I have ever met!”
Ryohei Onishi
Japanese-English / English-Japanese Interpreter, 2x TED Speaker
❞
“I highly recommend CJ as a speech coach based on my exceptional experience with him during my preparation for TEDx Ayala Avenue Women. CJ meticulously assessed my specific needs and provided invaluable advice, demonstrating both kindness and firmness throughout the process.
His guidance was instrumental to my success, and I am deeply grateful for his support. Thank you, CJ!”
Pamela L. Reyes
Award Winning Movie Director & Producer
❞
“I had the immense pleasure of working with CJ as my coach while preparing for my TEDx talk, and I can confidently say it was one of the best professional experiences I’ve had. CJ’s technical expertise and deep knowledge of the TEDx universe were evident from the very first session.
Qualities and Skills
CJ possesses an extraordinary understanding of how to structure a TEDx talk, tailored it perfectly to my field of Social Entrepreneurship. His patience and ability to guide through personal experience and storytelling were invaluable. Impactful Guidance
Thanks to CJ, I felt extremely prepared for the day of the event. His coaching not only made the preparation process seamless but also enjoyable.
In conclusion, CJ’s coaching was instrumental in the success of my TEDx talk. His skills, patience, and profound understanding of TEDx talks make him an exceptional coach. I highly recommend CJ for anyone looking to excel in their public speaking endeavors.
Alicia D. Polak
IT & Non IT Related Project Management
Cause Related Project Manager
❞
“I salute CJ Marks! I am more than happy to give him the highest recommendation as a coach and a mentor not only within Toastmasters and TEDx but in various aspects of life. After getting a chance to work with him, where I got an opportunity to be guided
directly by him, I have realized that he had a lot of confidence in me than I could ever imagine. CJ Marks has consistently encouraged me to confront my fears, particularly in public speaking, and his guidance has been invaluable in my personal and professional growth.
His sincerity and dedication to helping others are truly commendable. CJ consistently goes above and beyond, always willing to lend a helping hand and provide support whenever needed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all the effor tsand hard work that he has put in the accomplishment of my podium journey.
Further, I wholeheartedly endorse CJ Marks as a mentor and coach. His passion for empowering others and his genuine care for their success make him a remarkable individual to work with.
Thank you, CJ Marks, for everything you have done for me.
Mary Claire Delgado
Education Specialist, Career Coach, Chef, Triathlete
❞
“I salute CJ Marks! I am more than happy to give him the highest recommendation as a coach and a mentor not only within Toastmasters and TEDx but in various aspects of life. After getting a chance to work with him, where I got an opportunity to be guideddirectly by him, I have realized that he had a lot of confidence in me than I could ever imagine. CJ Marks has consistently encouraged me to confront my fears, particularly in public speaking, and his guidance has been invaluable in my personal and professional growth.
His sincerity and dedication to helping others are truly commendable. CJ consistently goes above and beyond, always willing to lend a helping hand and provide support whenever needed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all the effortsand hard work that he has put in the accomplishment of my podium journey.
Further, I wholeheartedly endorse CJ Marks as a mentor and coach. His passion for empowering others and his genuine care for their success make him a remarkable individual to work with.
Thank you, CJ Marks, for everything you have done for me.
Lijani Nakatani
Founder and Owner of RS English Dynamics
BUSINESS CLIENTS
❞
“I bumped into C.J. a couple of times over the past few years but we met again at a PechaKucha meeting when I was talking about the environmental/resilience curriculum at our school, Kobe Bilingual School. Long story short, C.J. came over for a term and
coached our public speaking Club who then gave a series of PechaKucha presentations – he youngest children to ever do so – at Nishinomiya. C.J. both demonstrated and motivated the students to speak up and speak out so when they gave their
presentations they were able to speak confidently, engagingly and spontaneously without notes and bring the house down!
The Club was full and all those taking part –
students and teachers – benefitted from his energy, his useful soundbite style practice points and his motivating feedback.
I’d be happy to recommend him to any school
looking to launch a similar program.
Please get in touch if you’d like more details.”
Janina Tubby
Founder Head of School / Director of Kobe Bilingual School
❞
“Working with C.J. was exactly what I needed to refine and improve my presentation for an upcoming event. But he wasn’t just a coach. He was a mentor in the truest sense.
He genuinely cares about your success, and it shows in everything he does. His feedback was insightful, and always on point. He encouraged me, challenged me, and helped me refine my message without ever making me feel like I had to ‘perform’ or be anything other than myself. His guidance was invaluable, and his support made all the difference.
If you’re looking for a coach who pushes you in the best way possible, inspires you, and brings out your true self, I can’t recommend C.J. enough.”
Sama Alkhalili
Founder of In English With Love
❞
“We contacted CJ Marks to present a session on public speaking skills at an official JET
programme conference. He was very thorough in the lead up to the conference, checking in via Zoom and ensuring that the content of the presentation was tailored to the needs and skills of the participants.
On the day of the session, CJ was engaging and gave participants ample opportunity to put into practice the tips and tricks he had just covered. As well as being well prepared, it was clear that CJ had a wealth of experience behind him as he gave helpful answers
to all the participants’ questions.
Given his experience and skills, CJ Marks would be the perfect presenter for those looking to improve their own speaking and presentation skills.”
Charleen Lay
Program Coordinator: Council of Local Authorities for International
Relations / Jet Programme
❞
“We worked with C.J. briefly to optimize remote tech team comms and for a few public speaking events. C.J. added value and helped the team with communication, storytelling and delivery. I gladly recommend C.J. as a communication and public speaking coach. We look forward to working with him in the future.
Manas Kala
CEO of Veritus
❞
“CJ was an incredible speech coach for me. I’ve presented for years but the special skills needed to pull off a high-quality TEDx Talk were only possible because of his coaching. If you’re looking for a coach to help you feel confident and to help you nail a world-class speech, look no further than this man.”
ROBERT STROUD.
PHD
❞
“I had the absolute pleasure of working with C.J. as my speech coach for my recent TEDx talk, and his impact was nothing short of transformative. C.J. is so much more than a coach who simply reviews a script; he is a true partner in the entire process.
He provided critical input that helped sharpen my central idea, ensuring it would resonate powerfully with the audience. But where he truly excels is in preparing you for the realities of the TEDx stage. He gave me the tools to think on my feet and navigate any potential ‘fog’ during the delivery, which was invaluable for my confidence.
Thanks to his insightful coaching and valuable connections, I walked on that stage feeling completely prepared and, I’m proud to say, I nailed it. One of the biggest lessons I took from him is his philosophy: “Train hard so the fight becomes easy.” It was absolutely true. The delivery felt effortless because the preparation he guided me through was so rigorous and thoughtful. I cannot recommend C.J. highly enough.”
VEEJAY MADHAVAN
CEO, Company
WORK WITH ME
$1000 USD
per hour
Perfect for individuals who needs a polish on their upcoming presentation.
$2500USD
Three (3) Hour Session
Ideal for an intimate session with
high level leaders wanting to improve public speaking.
$5000USD
Day Rate (7-8 hours)
Designed for larger conference and seminars.
(Rates do not include travel and accommodation expenses).
I have special rates for TEDx Speakers. Additionally, I offer generous discounts for
young learners, students, NPOs, refugees and other such hardship cases.
Contact me for details about my rates for additional services, such as ghost writing and
TEDx related bookings and promotion.
Let us get to work on making you a more confident and capable speaker.
BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULT CALL!