STORIES FROM THE STAGE: ChatGPT Wrote My TED Talk ??

Welcome to the latest edition of "Stories From The Stage," a limited series newsletter designed to offer a peek inside JAKE Small's TEDxRoxbury 2024 journey. This newsletter features some of JAKE's favorite TED talks as well as advice for those who aspire to take the TEDx stage one day.

ChatGPT Wrote My TED Talk... (kind of)

When preparing for my TEDx talk, "The Miracle of Mattering," I relied on countless hours of personal reflection and the guidance of my brilliant TED coaches. Could ChatGPT have actually written my TED talk? Absolutely not. ??

My talk is the beautiful result of lived experiences, deeply personal insights, and weeks of meticulous preparation. However, AI like ChatGPT can be an invaluable tool in the creative process.

Here's how...

1. Generating Ideas and Overcoming Writer's Block

AI can help brainstorm topics, generate outlines, and provide fresh perspectives. When I was stuck, ChatGPT offered new angles to explore, helping me refine my core message. For instance, during one of my writer's block moments, I asked ChatGPT to suggest themes around "mattering," which sparked a new section in my talk about what would happen if every Black boy knew they mattered.

2. Drafting and Editing

While my talk required a personal touch, ChatGPT assisted in structuring my drafts, suggesting transitions, and enhancing clarity. It was like having a personal editor to fine-tune my narrative. It suggested alternative ways to phrase complex ideas and even pointed out areas where my message could be stronger or more concise.

3. Enhancing Stage Performance

AI can provide tips on voice inflection, pacing, and body language, helping speakers connect with their audience more intimately. By integrating these insights, speakers can feel better prepared and poised on stage. ChatGPT can also suggest exercises for managing pre-speech anxiety and techniques for maintaining eye contact with the audience.

I didn't use these features; instead, I relied on the weekly sessions with my coach and took advice from her human perspective. Leveraging a combination of human and artificial intelligence can be really helpful.

4. Storytelling Techniques

Great talks often hinge on compelling stories. ChatGPT helped me refine my storytelling by suggesting ways to build suspense and emphasize key moments in my personal anecdotes. It recommended structuring my story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, ensuring each part flowed seamlessly into the next.

5. Feedback and Iteration

AI can also play a role in the iterative process of refining a talk. By generating multiple versions of certain sections, ChatGPT provided a variety of approaches to conveying my message. This allowed me to experiment with different phrasing and narrative techniques until I found the most impactful way to present my ideas.

Final Thoughts

While ChatGPT didn't write my TED talk, it played a supportive role in the preparation process. AI tools can enhance creativity, provide constructive feedback, and help overcome obstacles. However, the heart of any talk lies in personal experience and genuine connection—something no AI can replicate.

It was my steadfast commitment to continuously working on the talk and the support of my coaches, friends, and family members that got it to the level of excellence that it arrived.

Thank you to everyone who supported me on this journey. Your encouragement and belief in my message were the true champions of this story. Embracing technology in our creative processes can lead to remarkable outcomes, but it's the human touch that brings those creations to life.

Thank you for reading!

Follow www.imjakesmall.com to keep up with JAKE Small and his work as a justice-driven consultant and speaker. JAKE is passionate about advancing education equity and focuses his research on the mattering of Black boys as a tool for academic persistence and professional success. He is the author of the upcoming book titled "For Every Black Boy." Learn more >>>