Hey, welcome! I’m Cathlyn.
(CATH-lynn, she/her)
I help idea-driven, visionary businesses design and deliver their world-changing messages through TEDx coaching and done-for-you copywriting services.
Whether I’m writing a nurture email sequence for a client or guiding them through their TEDx applications, I help each solopreneur or small team leader I work with get the message that's on their heart out into the world and into the minds of the people who need to hear it. 💜
Find what you’re looking for in the links below, explore my site, or send me a note if you need a hand!
Learn more about:
This is, like, 3 years of content right here.
I’ve been there: You sit down to write an email or social post... and your mind goes blank. What do you even write about?!
It feels like so much pressure, because you know storytelling is essential for your business. You need it to connect with your audience, build trust, showcase your expertise… basically, it’s what makes people decide to buy from YOU.
Don’t worry, friend. I’ve got you.
Here are 150+ Stories to Tell When You Can’t Think of Anything to Write About.
This is a must-have resource, designed to help you create compelling, relatable, and high-converting content — even when you have no idea what to say.
Inside, I’ll walk you through the 4 categories of content that you need to share with your email and social audiences, plus 150+ story prompts you can use to power up your posts.
No more staring at a blank screen or struggling to come up with fresh ideas. Just compelling stories that help you grow your audience, increase engagement, and drive more sales. 💪
“Is this idea any good?” 🤔
If you’ve been considering giving a TEDx Talk, this question might be nagging at you.
After all, you don’t want to dive into creating a Power Talk that’s all about a lackluster idea.
You want to create your talk around what TED calls your Idea Worth Spreading — one that can spark a conversation and ignite a movement.
That’s why I started offering Idea Tester Sessions, so you can find out if your idea is really worth spreading…
Before you ever submit that first application.
Schedule your session. ⬇️
During this 30-minute 1:1 call, you’ll share about your idea and get my perspectives on:
✨ What’s the strongest lens or angle for this idea?
✨ Is it a strong concept for the TEDx stage?
✨ Is this what TEDx calls an Idea Worth Spreading — one that can ignite a movement?
Idea Tester Sessions are free — and therefore limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
⬅️ Find a time that works for you.
4 out of 5 buyers choose the brand with the blog.
According to Conductor Research
So beef up your blog, already.
No matter your writing skills, no matter your business, in this free guide, you’ll discover:
5 rinse-and-repeat blog posts you can use over and over again
Unlimited potential—saving you the energy of content brainstorming
Bite-sized action-steps to get you started today
The Brave Leap Sideways
Want to give your own TEDx Talk?
Claim your TEDx Planner!
This easy-to-follow TEDx Calendar takes the guesswork out of planning . . .
. . . and shows you just how much time to map out for:
writing,
editing,
memorizing, and
rehearsing your talk
Never wonder, “What’s my next step?”
“What’s important is knowing who we want to be, what world we want to create. . .
. . . and making choices that allow us to move in that direction.
If we’re going to reach our goals, if we’re going to live the life we want, we have to get off the treadmill.”
— Cathlyn Melvin, The Brave Leap Sideways
About Cathlyn
A degree in theatre performance. A minor in writing. 10+ years as an educator, professional actor, and entrepreneur. Drawing on her diverse experiences, copywriter Cathlyn Melvin uses her skills to lift the voices of B2B coaches and other mission-driven businesses—growing their reach, revenue, and impact.
Cathlyn’s expertise has been featured via Thrive Global, Much More Media, Captivate + Convert, Think Courageously, Americans for the Arts, and other outlets.
As a speaker and writer, Cathlyn seeks to shape our collective understanding of what it means to be mission-driven—and why values and impact are the ultimate personal and business compass.
How to Use TEDx to Grow Your Business
(Before You Ever Apply to Speak!)
Start leveraging the power of TEDx today.
From the moment you commit to making your TEDx Talk a reality, you can use the credibility of the TEDx brand to grow your business.
Long before you step foot onstage — even before you ever submit an application.
Join me live on Tuesday, May 21st at 1pm PT / 4pm ET.
In this short (45-minute) class, I’ll share two quick, simple, and powerful ways to grow your business with TEDx — right from the get-go.
Meet TEDx Coach Cathlyn Melvin
I help idea-driven businesses design and deliver life-changing messages through TEDx coaching and done-for-you copywriting services.
Starting as a nationally-ranked competitive speaker, and continuing with over a decade of experience as an actor, director, theatre teacher, copywriter, and editor…
My background lends me the perfect Venn diagram of skills to help you shape your Idea Worth Spreading, write and edit your engaging and impactful talk, and powerfully present your world-changing message on the TEDx stage.
"TED" and "TEDx" are registered trademarks and service marks of TED Conferences LLC. My events and coaching programs are not affiliated with or endorsed by TED Conferences, LLC or any of its affiliates. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Want to Speak on the TEDx Stage?
Here are 3 empowering secrets TED won’t tell you about sharing your message on the Red Dot.
In this 3-email series, you’ll get one quick video shared directly to your inbox every day, featuring behind-the-scenes details I’ve learned from attending numerous TEDx events live across the U.S. and interviewing real curators and organizers about what happens “behind the curtain.”
Discover just how achievable — and powerful — TEDx really can be for you.
Unlock the secrets to a winning TEDx application.
TEDx talks have the power to elevate your credibility, expand your reach, and connect you with your ideal audience. But when some events get hundreds of applications, how do you stand out and show them you’re the right speaker, with the right message for their event?
Inside The Essential TEDx Application Guide, you'll discover:
How the Application Process Works: Understand the steps you’ll encounter from submission to selection.
15+ Must-Answer Application Questions: These are the questions you’ll run into on nearly every TEDx application. Know what they’re looking for before you even start.
Expert Tips for Each Question: From crafting the perfect pitch to showcasing your impact, get actionable insights on what will grab attention and make your application shine.
Whether you're just starting your TEDx journey or looking to refine your application, this guide breaks down the common questions you’ll find on applications and gives you the tools to answer each one.