How to Give a TEDx talk

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and give a TEDx talk.

Doing so will require as much as six months of preparation to get the 18-minute talk into tip top shape – the kind of talk which generates thousands of Youtube views and gets talked about.

Let’s face it: there are so many TED and TEDx talks out there that it may be challenging to pick a topic that hasn’t yet been addressed. And since most TEDx venues have designated themes, your topic will need to be suitable.

But done carefully crafted and delivered with aplomb, your talk can be transformative. Here’s what TED founder Chris Anderson has to say about an impactful talk:

Carefully crafted short talks can be the key to unlocking empathy, stirring excitement, spreading knowledge, and promoting a shared dream. Done right, a talk can electrify a room and transform an audience’s worldview. Done right, a talk is more powerful than anything in written form.

Like writing a book, preparing for TEDx can be one of the most loneliest tasks you can undertake. That’s why the support of your network – family, friends, mentors – is absolutely crucial in getting you to the finish line.

• Here are some of the elements I recommend to include in a glowing talk:
• Empathy, empathy and empathy: in short – the ability to understand and share the feelings of other. If you are speaking about, say, the plight of children in the developing world, project your feelings. Make the audience feel as if you are taking them on your journey.
• Notes vs teleprompter vs memory. My 75% rule means memorize about 75 percent of your talk and utilize cue cards – or teleprompter, if available – with key lines to keep you on course. The cards also serve as a sort of security cover should panic set in.
• If you don’t feel/believe what you are saying the audience will see through you. Say it like you believe it. Audiences can easily detect if you are fibbing or don’t believe in what you are preaching.
• The “three” rule: the human brain best processes things in threes. So, for example, the three best tips to creating a successful brand. This strategy also helps give a simple structure to your talk.
• Short, punchy sentences.If you cant resist run-on sentences then hire an editor – or beg one of your writer friends to help simplify your speech. Be absolutely sure to include one or two memorable lines that people will remember – and perhaps even post on social media.
• Keep it simple: I often advise: “tell it to me like I’m a 3-year-old.” If you are talking about the amazing abilities of the human heart, don’t address the room as if you’re speaking to a cardiology conference.
• Use stats: we live in a data-driven society. Don’t overwhelm the audience with numbers but do use them to back up what you are saying.
• Include that ‘a-ha’ moment: you want your speech to stand out and be memorable. Leave the audience with some fact about you (or your subject) that they didn’t know before or haven’t though of.
• While TEDx talks are limited to 18 minutes, feel free to go much shorter. Some of the most popular talks are as short as five minutes.

Here is how the TEDx team defines a good talk: “Something that’s new and surprising; an idea or invention that your audience has never heard about. A great basic idea (that your audience has maybe already heard) with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives. In other words, an idea isn’t just a story or a list of facts. A good idea takes certain evidence or observations and draws a larger conclusion.”

Once you’ve come up with your script it’s time to transition to practice. I recommend recording yourself every other day and using the video to identify passages which need improvement. Again – this is where trusted friends and contacts will come in as very useful. Their feedback will be invaluable in helping you to improve your talk and delivery.

Remember: if you falter, alter!

Many TEDx teams offer speech coaches or one-on-one feedback in the days and weeks leading up to your talk. No matter how polished a speaker you think you are, avail of this offer! You might also want to reach out to a recognized speech coach.

While preparing for the TEDx stage be extremely mindful of your posture, hand gestures and body language. “Your body language shapes who you are,” says social psychologist Amy Cuddy. Use her body language chart on ‘power poses’ to help prep yourself for the stage.

The last question that needs to be addressed is one of the most important: how to get invited onto the TEDx stage? It is not as complicated as one would think. For my two TEDx talks – at TEDxUW and TEDxCollegeofEuropeNatolin – I was invited by a contact belonging to the network of the organizers. However you can always shop for a venue and apply to appear on stage. You can search for venues here.

Be mindful of the theme of the TEDx – whether it is suitable for your area of interest/expertise – and that you will be responsible for travel, accommodation and other costs.

Once you’ve delivered your smashing TEDx talk it will be time to show the world the results of your hard work. Use your social media platform to amplify the impact of your talk. In most cases the official video of your talk will appear online several weeks after it was delivered.

Delivering a TED or TEDx talk can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life. Go ahead – inspire, inform and share your “ideas worth spreading!”

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