Ready to take the TED stage? Follow these 10 proven steps for a successful TED talk.

I gave my TEDx on how opportunities are everywhere. After my friend Louis passed, I raised $40K for mental health and started the online community 18percent. Check out these tips for prepping your own TED talk.

1. Write Your Ideas Down

Before your topic is set in stone, start writing. Don’t think about the organization or sentence structure. Just write down all your ideas, stories, interactions, and anything that comes to mind. Don’t be hard on yourself. The organization comes later.

2. Think About the Message You Want to Leave with Your Audience

First, ask yourself: What makes your story special and what lessons do you want to impart to others? Brainstorming with others can help. Don't be afraid to embrace your unique experiences & the lessons learned.

3. Write Your Script

At this point, you have a ton of thoughts on paper. Start organizing them into a coherent script. So you can begin the memorization process. It may feel choppy or scattered at first, but give it time as your script will soon evolve.

4. Deliver Your Talk on Camera

To give a powerful speech, don't worry about memorizing every word. Film yourself delivering your talk on camera & improvise instead of reading from the script. I started with 40% memorized, but filming helped me add new lines and gain confidence.

5. Back to the Drawing Board

After you deliver your talk, watch your recording and transcribe every line. Incorporate the new lines into your script. Keep working on your script until it is about 85% complete. Give yourself a few days to get there.

6. Record Yourself

Memorize your script, then record yourself delivering it repeatedly. Watch the recording and take notes, observing your delivery and pacing. Comment in your script where to adjust delivery and remove any forced lines. Practice until you nail down your script.

7. Watch Yourself Closely

As your script nears completion, practice on camera & review your body language & delivery as if you were watching someone else on the TED stage.

Watch and learn from other TED talks, taking notes to incorporate into your own. Keep honing your skills.

8. Practice in Front of a Small Group

Practice your speech with a small group and share your story with those who may not know it. Your delivery may be shaky at first, but take feedback with a grain of salt. Adjust your script only if necessary.

9. Practice in Front of Many People

Present to as many people as possible, aiming for an audience of 10 or more.

For an even better simulation, reproduce the TED talk setting with bright lights. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel on stage.

10. Record and Listen

Listen to yourself over and over again to master your TED talk. Practice in the shower, during your commute, and in your head. Know your talk inside and out. One week before your talk, avoid making any last-minute changes.

Giving a TEDx talk was a life-changing experience that boosted my confidence and helped me conquer fear. Remember, your talk is a chance to share from the heart and have fun with the process. Don't be discouraged by scary moments or doubts - they're all part of the journey.

While I can't share my company talk, I had the opportunity to deliver my TEDx speech at an eating disorder awareness gala. Click here to watch and discover how you can make a difference in the world.

If you’d like to personally connect, shoot me a DM. Also...follow me on Instagram, I share a lot of content on my Instagram stories! https://instagram.com/zach08590/

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