Elizabeth (Liz) Coursen

Elizabeth (Liz) Coursen

FL, US
Whether she is reciting Robert Frost in a keynote or discussing American English business writing in a training, Liz Coursen has entertained audiences from Miami to Milan, from Maine to Mumbai.

An author, editor, and historian, Liz speaks professionally an average of 80 times a year, presenting an original, 40+-title repertoire of educational and motivational programs, trainings, and keynotes. Liz's award-winning books include Shade in the Sunshine State: Reflections on Segregation in Florida and Before You Even Open Your Mouth: Business Writing for Professional Speakers. Her recently published eleventh book, Write AMERICAN! Business Writing in American English (India edition), is the first in a series of workbooks for people for whom American English is a second language.
In 2017, with business partner Gayle Williams, Liz traveled to India, where she presented 11 workshops in American English business writing and one keynote address—her first.
A self-described "serial entrepreneur," Liz started her first business at the age of 10 and hasn't looked back—over the years she has been, among other things, a construction contractor, an importer of Italian linens, and a buyer of large diamonds. She put herself through Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, by starting a lawn care service, and played ice hockey all four years—as the only girl on the team.
Liz's first book, Brunswick and Bowdoin College, was traditionally published in 2009. The experience was so horrible that, even though you "never say never," Liz swears she will never be traditionally published again. (Like all horrible experiences, however, she made it into a humorous speech!) Liz has self-published 12 books since then, and is currently working on her fourteenth book, Comma Common Sense.

In addition to her own books, Liz is currently offering collaborative opportunities with these projects:
First Breath, Last Breath: Daughters Share Stories of their Mothers' Death
I Came to Keynote
I Came to Speak

She finds great satisfaction in helping business owners and professional speakers establish credibility and expand their influence through authorship, and has edited 147 books, articles, and websites.
Liz is also the host of "Suncoast Authors TV," which airs on Manatee Educational Television.
A lifelong advocate for literacy, Liz collects and distributes books to homeless people in metro Sarasota; since 2012, she has given away more than 15,000 books to needy citizens in her community.

An author, editor, and historian, Liz speaks professionally an average of 80 times a year, presenting an original, 40+-title repertoire of educational and motivational programs, trainings, and keynotes. Liz's award-winning books include Shade in the Sunshine State: Reflections on Segregation in Florida and Before You Even Open Your Mouth: Business Writing for Professional Speakers. Her recently published eleventh book, Write AMERICAN! Business Writing in American English (India edition), is the first in a series of workbooks for people for whom American English is a second language.
In 2017, with business partner Gayle Williams, Liz traveled to India, where she presented 11 workshops in American English business writing and one keynote address—her first.
A self-described "serial entrepreneur," Liz started her first business at the age of 10 and hasn't looked back—over the years she has been, among other things, a construction contractor, an importer of Italian linens, and a buyer of large diamonds. She put herself through Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, by starting a lawn care service, and played ice hockey all four years—as the only girl on the team.
Liz's first book, Brunswick and Bowdoin College, was traditionally published in 2009. The experience was so horrible that, even though you "never say never," Liz swears she will never be traditionally published again. (Like all horrible experiences, however, she made it into a humorous speech!) Liz has self-published 12 books since then, and is currently working on her fourteenth book, Comma Common Sense.

In addition to her own books, Liz is currently offering collaborative opportunities with these projects:
First Breath, Last Breath: Daughters Share Stories of their Mothers' Death
I Came to Keynote
I Came to Speak

She finds great satisfaction in helping business owners and professional speakers establish credibility and expand their influence through authorship, and has edited 147 books, articles, and websites.
Liz is also the host of "Suncoast Authors TV," which airs on Manatee Educational Television.
A lifelong advocate for literacy, Liz collects and distributes books to homeless people in metro Sarasota; since 2012, she has given away more than 15,000 books to needy citizens in her community.

Your Writing Speaks! The Explosive Power of the Published Speaker

What does your writing say about you? Liz Coursen knows firsthand that careful and correct writing opens doors: Liz was invited to present her first keynote address on the basis of her written application to present a conference workshop.
In this fun and interactive workshop, award-winning American author, book coach, and editor Liz Coursen will show you how to turbocharge your speaking career by becoming a published author. Whether you're working on an article, a book, or a blog...

Writing / PublishingAudience ActivityEducational / Informative

Write Right, Right NOW! Ten Things that Every Professional Must Know…about Writing

In business, it's all about one thing, and that one thing is trust. And, chances are good that people will read about you, your products, or your services, before they hear you speak.
Do you want to stand out from the competition? Do you want to make more sales? Do you want to make sure that your team is representing your brand properly across all platforms?
According to Liz Coursen, an award-winning author who has written 11 books about American English, confident,...

TrainingAudience ActivityEducational / Informative

When Booker T. met J.R.: Lessons in American Philanthropy

In 1911, Booker T. Washington, principal of the Tuskegee Institute, met Julius Rosenwald, Chicago philanthropist and CEO of Sears, Roebuck. Taken individually, they were formidable leaders, men who had already accomplished great things; together, they changed the fabric of the American South and forever altered the lives of millions.
The brand of by-your-bootstraps philanthropy practiced by both men would result in profound social change: nobody got nothing for free.
In this...
American LegendsEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing

Lightbulb Moments: How to Spark Ideas!

Do you ever need to generate ideas?
Do you ever need to spark your creativity?
Do you ever need to do it RIGHT AWAY?

It turns out that creativity can be learned. Ideas-new ideas, fresh ideas, original ideas-are all around you, constantly within your grasp...fluttering around your head like so many brightly colored butterflies.

In this fun and interactive workshop, learn proven, effective, and innovative strategies that allow you to tap into your natural...

CreativityAudience ActivityEducational / Informative

The Best You Have

Was your mother, like mine, a fount of wisdom? And did you ever, as I did, discover one day that maybe, just maybe, about one thing anyway, your mother was...wrong?
Join me for "The Best You Have," a 30-minute inspirational and motivational keynote speech in which I talk about my mother, I tell the story of the most influential person in my life, I recite "The Road Not Taken," and I tell not one but two Mother Teresa stories from people who actually met her.
"The Best You Have"...
Women in SocietyInspirational / Life-changing

When You Hit the Ice, Don't Lead with Your Chin!

Have you ever walked into a room and had conversation cease? In September 1977, Liz Coursen walked into an organizational meeting of the Emory University ice hockey team and the room got very, very quiet. Liz would go on to play ice hockey at Emory for all four years-as the only girl on the team.
During this 40-minute keynote address, Liz will share her own experiences-the serious, the sad, and the downright silly-of being "the first" and "the only," as well as the experiences of other...
Women in SocietyEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing