Mastering TEDx: 69 Essential Secrets for a Captivating Talk

Privileged to join Tedx Masterclass session from Believe In Greatness and enjoyed listening to great talks to build #PublicSpeaking #Inspiration #confidence from Gordon Williams and some of the presentation exercises were truly powerful to uplift participants to realise true inner potential from within.

Self Practice Workbook : Make sure to download workbook Link This gives good insights about solutions to make great public speaking possible.

Why now?

As an Engineering Lead to software domain, I had been presenting at key conferences in the last twenty years and attended number of coaching sessions on public speaking, emotional intelligence in larger groups but never had a chance to sit back and re-assess individual speaking performance from a dedicated speaking coach.

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After listening to Gordon's feedbacks and fixes to sharpen my skills, thought it should be useful for everyone to get benefit from. Some interesting takeaways of this 3 hour long session has been summarised to 69 secrets to public speaking that everyone must learn:

1?? You can be good at public speaking by controlling a negative mindset ????

?? Reframe fear as excitement—your mindset shapes your speech. ?? Replace “I might fail” with “I have something valuable to share.” ?? The best speakers aren’t fearless; they manage their mindset!

2?? Fear of being judged by others is the most disrupting thought that kills speaking skills ????

?? The audience is rooting for you—not against you! ?? Focus on delivering value, not on seeking approval. ??? Judgment is perception, but confidence is a choice!

3?? Focus on the things you can control ????

? You control your preparation, breath, and delivery—not the audience’s reaction. ?? Master what’s in your hands and let go of what isn’t. ?? Focus on progress, not perfection!

4?? The ability to communicate matters ?????

?? Great ideas don’t change the world—clear communication does. ?? If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t know it well enough. ?? Your voice, words, and delivery create impact.

5?? Technical knowledge vs. communication skills—Which one helps in public speaking? ????

?? Knowledge is power, but communication is influence. ?? Speaking with clarity makes complex ideas accessible. ??? Balance both to educate, inspire, and lead!

6?? Take control of the situation by controlling anxiousness and taking deep breaths ????

??♂? Deep breathing resets your nervous system. ?? Anxiety is energy—convert it into enthusiasm! ?? Breathe in confidence, breathe out fear!

7?? What is your confidence in public speaking—measure it. ????

?? Rate yourself before and after each speech to track progress. ?? Self-awareness helps identify growth areas. ?? Confidence isn’t a feeling—it’s a habit!

8?? Reading the room matters in public speaking ????

??? Are they engaged or zoning out? Adjust accordingly. ?? Eye contact and energy shift make a huge difference. ?? Connection happens when you read and react to your audience.

9?? Understand the subject before talking in public speaking ????

?? The more you know, the more confident you feel. ?? Simplify complex ideas to increase clarity. ??? Know your content well enough to explain it effortlessly!

?? Be a good listener in public speaking ????

?? The best speakers are also great listeners. ?? Listen to feedback, questions, and audience reactions. ?? Communication is a two-way street!

1??1?? Respect others to respect yourself in public speaking ????

?? Respect builds credibility and trust. ?? Every perspective matters—listen and engage. ?? Speak with integrity, and respect follows naturally!

1??2?? Trust others while in public speaking ????

?? Assume the audience wants you to succeed. ?? Trust fosters authentic delivery and connection. ?? A confident speaker trusts their message and their listeners!

1??3?? Be in control during public speaking ?????

? Nervous? Control your pace, voice, and breath. ??♂? Ground yourself with strong posture and eye contact. ?? Control the moment instead of letting it control you!

1??4?? Confidence Equation = Evidence + Feedback + Self Belief ????

?? Practice builds evidence of your ability. ?? Feedback helps refine your skills. ?? Self-belief transforms effort into excellence!

1??5?? How do you make yourself comfortable during public speaking when you are uncomfortable? ????

?? Fake confidence until it feels real—your body follows your mind. ?? Focus on your audience, not your nerves. ?? The more you speak, the more natural it becomes!

1??6?? Take feedback in public speaking and understand opportunities ????

?? Feedback helps you grow, not shrink! ?? Learn from every comment, but don’t take it personally. ?? Improvement comes from observation, not avoidance.

1??7?? Thinking about opportunity vs. anxiety in public speaking ??????

?? Shift from fear to excitement—it’s the same energy! ?? Every speech is a stepping stone to a bigger stage. ??? Fear is temporary, but opportunity lasts forever!

1??8?? ‘Be present’ in the moment in public speaking ???

? Let go of past mistakes—focus on delivering now. ?? Engage fully with the audience in real-time. ??? Presence makes your words more powerful!

1??9?? Instead of thinking about performance, help people understand the message during public speaking ?????

?? Make it about them, not about you! ?? Clarity over complexity—people remember simplicity. ?? Speak to connect, not just to impress.

2??0?? Lack of systems in assisting public speaking in workspaces ????

?? Workplaces focus on hard skills but neglect soft skills. ?? Every company should invest in communication training. ?? Public speaking isn’t just a skill—it’s a career accelerator!

2??1?? Taking Feedback from a Speaking Coach matters in fixing problems ???

?? A coach sees what you can’t—blind spots kill progress. ?? Expert guidance speeds up your learning curve. ??? Feedback is your fast track to mastery!

2??2?? Psychology in public speaking ????

?? Fear is natural—it’s wired into us. ?? Understanding audience psychology makes you more persuasive. ?? The best speakers don’t just talk—they influence!

2??3?? Delivery with body language matters ????

??♂? 55% of communication is non-verbal! ?? Strong posture = strong presence. ?? Eye contact, gestures, and stance amplify your words.

2??4?? Cognitive Dissonance in Public Speaking ????

?? When words don’t match body language, people notice! ?? Be authentic—your body should reflect your message. ?? Confidence comes from congruence!

2??5?? Bad vibes, discomfort, and nervousness during public speaking ????

?? Acknowledge the nerves, then reframe them. ?? Anxiety is normal—it shows you care! ?? Push through the discomfort; confidence grows with action.

2??6?? Challenge the nervousness during public speaking ????

? Convert fear into fuel—use the energy! ?? Speak often to desensitize fear. ?? The only way to beat nerves is to face them!

2??7?? Thought diffusions in public speaking ????

?? Don't believe every thought—let go of self-doubt. ?? Thoughts are not facts—challenge negative ones! ?? Reframe nerves as excitement to change your experience.

2??8?? Identity, challenge, and reframe the thought ????

?? Identify limiting beliefs holding you back. ?? Challenge them with facts and past successes. ??? Reframe nervousness as energy and opportunity!

2??9?? Improve outcome and change behavior ????

?? Small tweaks in speaking habits lead to massive improvements. ?? Self-awareness + deliberate practice = mastery. ?? Change how you prepare, and you’ll change how you perform!

3??0?? Why do you want to improve public speaking—understand them ????

?? Is it for leadership, confidence, or career growth? ?? Clarity in purpose strengthens commitment. ?? Knowing your ‘why’ makes practice easier!

3??1?? Tangible aspects of public speaking ???

?? Strong voice, structured speech, and clear articulation matter. ?? Eye contact and gestures build connection. ?? Presentation is just as important as content!

3??2?? Nerves that hold you back ????

?? Fear is temporary—growth is permanent! ?? Breathe, ground yourself, and own your space. ?? The more you speak, the less nerves control you.

3??3?? Public speaking requires time and practice ???

?? No one is born a great speaker—it’s a learned skill. ?? Consistency is the secret weapon for confidence. ?? Speak often, refine always, and grow endlessly!

3??4?? Relax and be more present ??♂???

?? A calm mind delivers a clear message. ?? Shift focus from self to audience. ?? The more present you are, the more engaging you become!

3??5?? Overthinking stalls progress ????

?? Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. ?? Act, learn, and improve—don’t get stuck in your head! ?? Speak with confidence, not hesitation.

3??6?? Good work is important, but getting visibility is a top priority in work ????

?? Skills alone don’t get you noticed—communication does! ?? Public speaking builds credibility and influence. ?? Be seen, be heard, and grow your career!

This is my most favourite TedX talk among the rest on Public Speaking which worked everytime I tend to relax with posture for few minutes before getting on to large speaking events to address thousands to address with key message delivery:

3??7?? Why some people under the spotlight struggle with public speaking ????

?? Pressure magnifies self-doubt and anxiety. ?? Preparation and mindset shifts reduce fear. ?? Even great leaders practice to stay confident!

3??8?? Peter Sage quote: "People never rise above their opinion of themselves" ????

?? If you believe you're a bad speaker, you’ll act like one. ?? Self-perception limits or expands your success. ?? See yourself as a great speaker, and you'll become one!

3??9?? Being mindful during public speaking ??♂???

? Stay in the moment—don’t dwell on mistakes. ?? Observe the audience, adjust, and engage. ?? Mindfulness improves focus and reduces nervousness.

4??0?? Audience, message, and speaker triangle in public speaking ????

?? Balance your focus between yourself, your message, and your audience. ?? If one element is missing, impact weakens. ?? Connection happens when all three align!

4??1?? Example feedback: "You speak very fast"—how to fix it ???

?? Slow down—pause to emphasize key points. ?? Record yourself and adjust pacing accordingly. ?? A well-paced speech keeps audiences engaged!

4??2?? You are a vessel for the message delivery—That’s all during public speaking ????

?? It’s not about you—it’s about the message! ?? Let go of ego and focus on impact. ??? Be a confident messenger, not a performer.

4??3?? "Did I do enough?"—Think during public speaking ????

?? Self-reflection drives improvement. ?? Focus on effort, not perfection. ?? Each speech is progress toward mastery!

4??4?? Tailor your message during public speaking ????

?? Customize your speech based on audience needs. ?? One-size-fits-all doesn’t work—adapt! ??? Connection comes from relevance!

4??5?? Keynotes—Give yourself creative freedom by writing, not memorizing ????

?? Structure beats strict memorization. ?? Bullet points guide, while rigid scripts limit. ??? Speak naturally, not robotically!

4??6?? Take a deep breath before public speaking ????

?? A deep inhale calms your mind. ?? Oxygen fuels focus and clarity. ?? Breathing right reduces nerves instantly!

4??7?? Do the best you can while challenged during public speaking ????

?? Perfection isn’t required—effort is! ?? Challenges refine your skills. ?? Push through, and growth will follow!

4??8?? People buy into people during negotiation in public speaking ????

?? Trust and connection matter more than facts. ?? Authenticity wins deals, not just data. ?? Speak with conviction, and people will follow!

4??9?? Embracing vulnerability in public speaking ????

?? Being real is more powerful than being perfect. ?? Vulnerability creates genuine connection. ??? Your story makes you relatable—own it!

5??0?? Prepare for the conditions like preparing for the weather in public speaking ?????

?? Know your audience, venue, and tech setup. ?? Adapt like you would for changing weather! ??? The more prepared you are, the more flexible you can be.

5??1?? Feel comfortable before public speaking ????

?? Confidence starts before you step on stage. ?? Use power poses, deep breaths, and practice. ??? A relaxed speaker is an effective speaker!

5??2?? Control nerves before public speaking ???

?? Accept nerves as normal, then manage them. ?? Preparation replaces fear with confidence. ??? Channel nervous energy into passion!

5??3?? Don't weaponize nerves before public speaking ????

?? Don’t let fear become your excuse. ?? Use nerves to energize, not paralyze. ?? Every speaker feels nerves—what matters is how you handle them!

5??4?? Diaphragmatic breathing before and during public speaking ????

?? Breathe deeply to calm and project your voice. ?? Shallow breathing fuels anxiety—control it. ??? Strong breathing = strong presence!

5??5?? Preparedness matters the most during public speaking ????

?? The more you prepare, the more confident you are. ?? Practice until speaking feels effortless. ??? Success is built in preparation, not just performance!

5??6?? What is the chain game and how it helps in public speaking? ????

?? The chain game helps you think on your feet! ?? It trains quick responses and structured storytelling. ??? The more you practice, the more fluently you speak!

5??7?? Eye contact matters during public speaking ????

?? Eye contact builds trust and engagement. ?? Scanning the audience keeps them involved. ??? Speak to your audience, not at them!

5??8?? Look at the forehead during public speaking ????

?? If eye contact makes you nervous, focus on foreheads. ?? It creates the illusion of direct engagement. ??? Confidence comes from controlled focus!

5??9?? Body language, message, and facial expressions matter in public speaking ?????

?? Nonverbal cues enhance verbal impact. ?? Open gestures and expressive faces boost connection. ??? What you do speaks as loudly as what you say!

6??0?? How story creation exercises help in public speaking ????

?? Stories captivate and make messages memorable. ?? Practicing storytelling strengthens speech delivery. ??? Great speakers are great storytellers!

6??1?? Authentic mindfulness and public speaking ??♂???

?? Being present keeps you calm and focused. ?? Mindful speakers connect deeply with their audience. ??? Speak with awareness, not just words!

6??2?? Look at your audience during public speaking ????

?? Engaged eyes show confidence and sincerity. ?? Reading reactions helps you adjust delivery. ??? Your audience is your anchor—connect with them!

6??3?? Think about your message during public speaking ????

?? Focus on delivering value, not on yourself. ?? A clear message makes communication impactful. ??? Speak with purpose, not just to fill silence!

6??4?? What is necessary during message delivery in public speaking? ????

?? Clarity, confidence, and connection matter most. ?? Emphasize key points with voice and gestures. ??? If they don’t remember your message, you haven’t delivered it well!

6??5?? Char Richardson quote on doubt ????

?? "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." ?? Confidence isn’t the absence of fear, but acting despite it. ??? Believe in your message, and others will too!

6??6?? Show yourself compassion during public speaking ????

?? You’re allowed to be imperfect—growth takes time. ?? Don’t judge yourself harshly; learn and improve. ??? The kinder you are to yourself, the better you’ll speak!

6??7?? Past you can't change, future you can't predict, but the present you can control in public speaking ???

?? Don’t dwell on past mistakes—focus on now. ?? Future success is built in the present moment. ??? Stay present, and your confidence will shine!

6??8?? Positive associations matter for better momentum in public speaking ????

?? Link public speaking with excitement, not fear! ?? Focus on past wins to build confidence. ??? A positive mindset fuels smoother delivery!

6??9?? Consistency in public speaking matters—dropping it brings you back to square one ????

?? Speaking is a muscle—use it or lose it! ?? Regular practice builds lasting confidence. ??? Stay consistent, and progress will follow!

Never take it light as 'public speaking' is a No.1 Fear among the others:

Summary

"The success of your presentation will be judged not by the knowledge you send but by what the listener receives." – Lily Walters

Learnt PREP strategy from this session and HERO framework in earlier executive coaching sessions and both were masterclass formula for a brilliant public speaking session.

PREP in public speaking is a widely used framework to structure your speech or argument clearly and persuasively. It's an acronym that stands for:

P – Point

Start by clearly stating your main point or argument. This is the core message of your speech.

R – Reason

Provide reasons or evidence to support your point. This helps your audience understand why your point is valid.

E – Example

Give examples, anecdotes, or data to back up your reason. Concrete examples make your argument more relatable and convincing.

P – Point (again)

End by reiterating your point to reinforce the message and ensure it sticks with your audience.

HERO is another useful framework in public speaking that helps you structure your speech or presentation effectively. It’s designed to make your message memorable and impactful, guiding you through an engaging process.

H – Hook

Start with a powerful opening to grab your audience's attention. This could be a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact, a joke, or a personal story. The goal is to make your audience want to listen.

E – Empathy

Show empathy by connecting with your audience. Acknowledge their feelings, struggles, or interests. Let them know you understand their perspective, which builds trust and rapport.

R – Resolution

Present a solution or offer a way forward. This is where you explain how to resolve the issue, overcome the challenge, or achieve the goal. It's important that your audience can see how your message will help them.

O – Outcome

Finish with a strong closing that paints a picture of the positive outcome after following your solution. Inspire your audience with a clear vision of the benefits they’ll experience if they apply what you’ve shared.

Finally my sincere thanks to Gordon Williams for spending time and energy to making the TedX level coaching works for everyone in the London Classroom. I have chosen to attend his session through eventbrite and looking to join in any upcoming podcasts to watch his insights at youtube.

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