Dr. Steven Cohen is a leading expert on public speaking, effective communication, and executive presence. An accomplished scholar and dynamic trainer, he has brought research-based insights to clients in a wide range of industries. Dr. Cohen is well known for helping leaders and professionals communicate with confidence, influence, and authority. He has been quoted in media outlets such as the Financial Times, Forbes, Slate, Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, and NBC News. He was also featured in the BBC Radio documentary, “Churchill’s Secret Cabinet.”
Dr. Cohen is a professor at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and the president of Summit Presentations, LLC, a communication training firm that serves companies and government agencies. Based on the latest research, Dr. Cohen and his team develop high-impact training experiences that dramatically improve participants’ communication and leadership skills. Prior to starting the company, Dr. Cohen spent several years working in the private sector. He was an assistant vice president and team leader at Bank of America and later became a senior strategy consultant at IBM Global Business Services. Dr. Cohen was also the founder and chairman of Friends for Life of America, a nonprofit organization that improves the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Dr. Cohen’s scholarly interests include business presentations, leadership communication, and public speaking training. He is particularly interested in the communication behaviors of effective leaders, and the use of experiential exercises in both live and virtual training environments. Dr. Cohen’s work has appeared in national and international publications, including College Teaching, Communication Teacher, The International Journal of Listening, Listening Education, Relevant Rhetoric, and Toastmaster magazine. Dr. Cohen is the author of Public Speaking: The Path to Success (2nd edition) and Lessons from the Podium: Public Speaking as a Leadership Art. He is also the editor of Speaking for Success: Readings and Resources (2nd edition), a collection of essential articles on the art of public speaking.
Dr. Cohen earned a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Maryland, a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from the University of Florida. He is the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Dean’s Award for Faculty Excellence from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and The National Society of Leadership and Success Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Cohen has earned Advanced Toastmaster and Competent Leader designations from Toastmasters International. He is a lifetime member of Beta Gamma Sigma and was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame.