Episode 58 – Giving a TEDx Talk
We discuss Giving a TEDx Talk in this episode of Business Growth Time.
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What is TED?
TED began in 1984 now a 5 day conference held on the west coast.
The difference between TED and TEDx is more than just the X. That X stands for “independently produced event”. While there are a few flavors of TED conferences (TED Ed, TED Women, TED Summit, TED Global, TED Med) there have been 1000’s of TEDx conferences. (16853 past TEDx events and 1514 coming). Just on the day we recorded this (August 18, 2016) there were 10 different TEDx events in Iran, China, South Africa, Greece, U.S., Nigeria, Egypt, and Canada.
TED is an acronym that stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. These are the primary areas that drive innovation across all sectors in economy.
- TED talks are generally 18 minutes or less
- They should fall under T E or D, but don’t have to
- Some are stories of personal triumph, some are breakthroughs in science or technology
- There are talks that will make you laugh. Others will make you cry. Some may have you do both
Key Points:
- Watch some videos from that conference
- Reach out to the organizers
- Don’t waste people’s time. People involved with TEDx are ALL volunteers
How to become a TEDx speaker?
Step 1. Pick your conference – Can you get there? Some may pay for your travels. some won’t. You won’t get paid to speak so make sure it’s worth your time. If you have the right offering, you could get a table/booth or setup at labs.
Step 2. Apply to speak – There is an application process and you will need to get selected.
Make your application stand out by highlighting why it’s an idea worth spreading and why you’re uniquely qualified to deliver it. I know at our conference we get lots of people looking to deliver motivational speeches or talks on soft skills. If you do, make it pop. You’re going to be in a big pile…stand out. The application process could take up to 3 months so be patient but persistent.
Step 3. Design your talk– Tagline is “ideas worth spreading”. What’s the 1 idea that you can share that could change the world?
- Stay on point
- Trend is shorter talks because it makes for better video views. Some talks are six minutes!
- You could be in front of an audience of 32 or 3200
- Use visuals if they compliment your talk. No “death by PowerPoint”
Step 4. Practice a lot
Workshop it in front of friends. You don’t have to be a pro speaker, but you’d better look and sound like one. Record your talk and watch it. Share it with your circle and get feedback.
Step 5. Rock that talk
Nothing can prepare to walk out in front of 1500 people when your name is called. Know that you will be nervous. Use that as fuel. The nerves will subside within 30 seconds.
TED Talk Tips:
- Have a super strong opener
- Deliver the goods
- Close with something memorable
- You can’t sell anything from the stage
- Put your website info on your slide
- Include your twitter handle too so people can tweet about you
Lawrence Lessig – Who is a brilliant Professor
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