Available to book
Marcus Barnes
Mental Health
Creativity
Transform storytelling and leadership communication with Marcus Barnes, speaker, journalist and ICF coach-in-training. Marcus works with executives and teams to unlock creativity, enhance digital presence and drive personal growth, delivering expertise featured in Forbes, The Guardian and Cambridge University Press.
Journalist
Author
Music Business
Marcus Barnes is a highly respected journalist, copywriter, author, and ICF coach-in-training, with over two decades of experience shaping narratives in leading global publications.
An interviewer and public speaker, he has been published in Cambridge University Press, Thames & Hudson, Forbes, The Guardian, The Observer, The Independent, TimeOut, and many more.
Beyond his media career, Marcus has spent over a decade studying and applying self-development techniques—integrating writing, storytelling, and neuroscience-backed coaching methods to help individuals and teams gain clarity, shift their mindset, unlock creativity, and enhance communication.
Through thoughtfully designed sessions, tailored coaching, speaking engagements, and bespoke workshops, Marcus helps professionals and executives master writing as a transformational tool—whether for refining storytelling, amplifying digital presence, enhancing leadership communication, or driving personal growth.
Topics, sessions and talks
Many people struggle with writing, believing they’re “not good at it.” But the truth is, writing is a universally powerful tool for processing thoughts, organising ideas and enhancing mental clarity. In this session, Marcus Barnes walks participants through proven, practical writing techniques designed to reduce overwhelm, enhance focus and improve emotional resilience. Attendees will leave with a renewed confidence in writing and the ability to use it as a strategic tool for wellbeing and self-leadership.
Great leaders, brands and professionals don’t just communicate - they connect. In this session, Marcus Barnes breaks down the core principles of high-impact storytelling, helping participants refine their personal or business narratives to engage, persuade and inspire. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to structure compelling stories, master messaging and elevate their communication skills to command attention.
In today’s fast-paced world, clarity is power. This session with Marcus Barnes explores how effective written communication - from emails to reports to thought leadership content - can set professionals apart. Marcus shares frameworks for clear, concise and compelling writing, helping leaders and teams increase their influence, avoid miscommunication and drive better decision-making. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to enhance their written presence and executive communication.
In this session, Marcus Barnes teaches participants how to identify, deconstruct and reframe limiting beliefs through the power of writing. By using narrative-shifting techniques and affirmations, attendees will transform negative self-talk into growth-oriented, empowering stories. Through practical writing exercises, individuals will reprogram their mindset, gaining the tools needed to boost confidence, overcome self-doubt and unlock personal growth.
Writing isn’t just for communication - it’s a gateway to breakthrough thinking and problem-solving. This interactive session explores how writing can spark creativity, generate new ideas and unlock innovative solutions. With Marcus Barnes, participants will engage in guided exercises designed to shift perspective, challenge assumptions, spark new concepts and cultivate idea generation - a vital skill for entrepreneurs, executives and creative professionals.
Marcus Barnes equips teams and individuals with a fresh, high-impact approach to communication, creativity and self-leadership through the power of writing. His extensive background in journalism, coaching and self-development makes him a dynamic, engaging speaker for corporate and professional audiences.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email marcus.barnes@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Marcus's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Marcus Barnes structures sessions around interactive writing and storytelling exercises drawn from his two decades of journalism and copywriting practice, using frameworks he presents through real-world examples to help participants develop written and narrative communication skills.
Marcus Barnes speaks on writing for mental clarity and wellbeing, storytelling for influence, and leadership communication. He has over two decades of experience as a journalist, copywriter and author, with bylines in Forbes, The Guardian, The Independent and TimeOut, and is the author of Around The World In 80 Raves and Around The World In 80 Record Stores.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.
There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.
Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.
Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.
Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.
Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.
You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.
Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.
Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.
A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.
When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.
Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.
Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.
Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.
Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
Get the right person
Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.
