How to become a TEDx speaker

The TED rules list seven (7) types of possible TEDx presentations:

     The big idea, tech demo, performance, artist statement, dazzle with wonder, small idea, & issue talk

Every TEDx talk I coach is a Big Idea.
It is the “Idea Worth Spreading.” It’s the foundation that sets TED talks apart from other presentations. So,  preparation is everything. Without a fully hatched idea, your TEDx talk may be another PowerPoint.

My unique ability as a TEDx coach is to hone in and find your Big Idea and make it shine.

I think it sets me apart from other TEDx coaches. I’ve always helped speakers to refine an idea before the speech writing begins. That’s why we’ll focus the first four  sessions of your coaching package on developing your idea and speech.

My TEDx coaching process is both creative and intuitive. 
The creative process was sharpened as a writer and as a museum educator. As an educator, I distilled Big Ideas from vast, complex and often archaic data into “aha” moments for the modern public. As a writer, I’ve crafted the memorable takeaways for narrators, exhibits, and later my books.

My intuitive process is unique to me. TEDx talks are personal to the speaker. They’re based on personal stories or viewpoints. I am moved by my speakers and I encourage them stay in this zone because the audience also connects with it.

TEDx talks are laser focused.
The time slot is assigned by the event and will be 5 to 18 minutes in length:

     Long enough to deliver a single, compelling idea.
     Short enough to hold the audience’s attention.

There’s a benefit to this time constraint for speech writers. It forces the writer to compile a concise idea and deliver it as a soundbite “worth spreading.”

Good speechwriting connects the audience with the speaker. A great TEDx speech moves the audience when the words are personal to the speaker. It lifts attention and mood because it is authentic. It resonates on video as well.

At Experienceology®, the speechwriting process is something that I excel at as a TEDx coach. I’m first and foremost an experience curator.  I’ve worked as a writer, author, speaker, and consultant for over 30 years. I’ve focused most of that time on developing exhibition scripts, speeches, and narrations for hundreds of speakers and conference events. It often doesn’t even feel like work.

Speechwriting is like sculpting.
The final piece is often surprising to the artist, memorable to the audience.

Visual storytelling is the second character on the TEDx stage.
These images, props, and body language engage and move the audience beyond the spoken word.

Consider your favorite TED talk memory. A visual element probably increased its memorability because our brains are visually wired. We are visual learners who process observations at lightning speed. In just a glance, your visual will simplify, codify, or emote a specific thought. A facial expression or gesture speaks subtle volumes. We purposefully choose visual storytelling elements to complement the spoken word.

In my TEDx coaching, “storytelling” is the emphasis. You won’t read infographics or commit “death by PowerPoint” with your talk. You will be coached to build clean, simple slides using royalty-free images. In my experience-consulting background, I collaborated with artists and designers to create graphic panels that we tested with the public before installation. These same fundamentals are shared with my TEDx speakers during the two sessions dedicated to designing their narratives.

Props require more planning in a TEDx talk. On one hand, the item is distracting if it doesn’t spread the idea. It is also difficult to to set up special shots with the event’s camera crews, so this is something we’ll troubleshoot together.

Are you a speaker who talks with their hands or have nervous energy? This presents an opportunity to add a storytelling element for impact.

Your voice is your instrument.
A TEDx coach guides you to tune it with volume, enunciation, pacing, modulation, emotion, and impactful pauses.

I’ll bring out your confidence, too.

As your TEDx coach, I make notes as you rehearse the performance, including timing, pacing, vocal modulation, and pronunciation. I catch and eliminate filler words and spot others that are dropped, compressed, and losing meaning. Our aim is a talk that is clear, on time, and easy to follow.

Is English your second language?
I regularly coach non-native English speakers. Your rehearsals focus on individual needs such as articulation of key words. It’s common to place the emphasis on the wrong syllable. Catching it ensures we won’t encounter misunderstandings that distract from your message.

Every speaker has a unique vocal need. Your TEDx coach will help you tune it.

How do you create an authentic stage presence?

In some TED talks, it’s standing perfectly still.

The quality that attracts attention most is you being your authentic self.

My TEDx coaching process taps your authentic presence by focusing on purposeful movement. This is a theater technique used by coaches to bring the actor’s story alive. Each movement has an intention and is scripted in advance.

Authenticity increases or decreases with purposeful movement. It’s your most important stage commodity. You’ll increase it when you utilize it well.

Your final video will benefit. When purposeful movement is scripted, the editor has more footage to work with because the camera operators know the speaker’s movements in advance.

As your TEDx coach, my goal is to deliver your best possible talk. That’s why my process includes four rehearsal sessions where we’ll tweak and critique the movements with video recordings.

How do online TEDx rehearsals work?

My rehearsals are similar to a video production.  We develop a stage-ready performance in four progressive work sessions:

1. Table Read
2. Timing
3. Dry Run
4. Dress Rehearsal

In the first two rehearsals, we refine your TEDx idea and speech while progressively editing for time. For best results, expect to rehearse between meetings.

During rehearsal three, the speaker performs the speech as a dry run while sitting or standing in front of the webcam. We tweak the vocal performance.

Rehearsal four is a full rehearsal standing before the webcam. The coaching focuses on performance and timing with emphasis on purposeful movement and storytelling. I encourage speakers to continue recording and critiquing their performance in the days leading to the event. We also cover wardrobe and event questions.

Event Tip. If a high quality  TEDx video is your ultimate pursuit, review that event’s previous videos before booking. Once booked, you can ask about the camera and lighting setup, screen placement, and the space you will have to work with on the stage, including that signature red circle carpet. Larger TEDx events tend to have better video and venues.

Schedule a free 30-minute TEDx coaching consult. We’ll meet over Zoom video.

When the session ends, I’ll encourage you to meet other TEDx coaches to ensure you find the best fit for your speaking style and your topic. I do not initiate follow up calls or send marketing emails.

If you choose to move forward with speaker coaching, you’ll contact me via email with some prepared dates, so we can both check our calendar availability. Once we’re scheduled, I’ll send you a one-page Statement Of Work which explains my TEDx coaching process and what you can expect. I’ll also attach an invoice for your records which can be paid via Zelle or Venmo. With funds received, you are now booked for your ten sessions:

(1-4)    Big Idea & Speech Writing
(5-6)    Visual Storytelling & Slide Design
(7-10)  Rehearsal

Ready to start?
Fees are non-refundable / expire at the end of the calendar year (unless prior arrangements made).