Speech writing for TED Talks

Speechwriting tips for the Big Idea & TED-style talks

In TED-style talks, content is focused into short time slots between 5 to 18 minutes:

  • Long enough to deliver a compelling idea.
  • Short enough to hold attention.

Time is the catalyst that creates better talks.
Stephanie is the coach that harnesses it for unique Big Ideas and a clear speechwriting process.

SESSIONS 2-4:  Big Idea & Speechwriting

The great TED talks resonate with the speaker and their audience.

These presentations feel authentic because they come from the heart of the speaker.

We identified this foundation—the TEDx talk idea and your speaker persona—in the first coaching session. Sessions 2-4 of this 10-session package are where we map out the storyline and lay down the bricks. The speaker will sharpen their Big Idea and create the backbone for a simple, clear, and compelling TED-style storyline that is authentic to the speaker.

Stephanie’s 20+ years as an experience consultant and her insightful speechwriting tips always guide speakers to uncover surprising and often memorable TED-style talks.

The TEDx coach assigns homework between sessions to advance the speechwriting process.

NEXT STEP:  Visual storytelling and slide design

Speechwriting for Time – A TEDx coaching example

For TEDxSanDiego client Dr. Edith Eva Eger, the speechwriting challenge was time.

  • How do you edit a powerful experience like surviving the Holocaust down to just 7 minutes?
  • Can a Big Idea like freedom deliver a punch inside the bigger story?

Watch the speaker video. Is it a TEDx success?

Speechwriting tips for TED-style talks:

  • It’s one Big Idea
  • Personal and compelling
  • Clear flow & underlying theme
  • Graphics are seen, not read
  • Purposeful movement