STORIES FROM THE STAGE: How To Prepare For TEDx

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.

?? Disclaimer...

There are a lot of "right" ways to prepare for any speaking opportunity, including the TED Conferences stage. If you're looking for the most widely accepted guiding principles based on tried and true wisdom, check out the official TEDx Speaker Guide . The advice that follows in this article has been compiled to directly respond to the question I keep asking myself: "how did you get this opportunity?!" I hope the article helps others as well.

1. Become a student of the TED talk model.

Watch a wide range of TED talks regularly and study the similarities and differences between them. Figure out what styles you are drawn to. Do you like Sarah Jones' humor and performance art style?

Do you like Simon Sinek 's use of a dynamic visual aid?

Do you like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's use of storytelling?

Studying my favorite TED talks was the first step and I started it a decade before taking the stage. Read the first edition of this newsletter, "Remembering Rita F. Pierson" >>>

2. Abandon everything you think you know.

Let go of everything you think you know about public speaking. Seriously. Forget about the podium, the stiff posture, and the rehearsed tone.

I've told everyone... preparing for TEDx has been the single greatest investment in myself as a public speaker!

TED talks are about authenticity, connection, and vulnerability. Embrace the fact that this isn't just a speech; it's a story, and you're the storyteller! TED audiences aren't looking for a polished performance; they're craving something real, something that resonates deeply.

So, ditch the formalities, and focus on being genuine. Let your passion and authenticity shine through, and your talk will be all the more powerful for it.

3. Practice, practice, practice!

There's no way around it: practice is key. Rehearse your talk over and over again until it becomes second nature.

Practice in front of friends, family, or even in front of a mirror. Record yourself and watch it back to identify areas for improvement. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you'll become.

And remember, it's not just about memorizing your lines; it's about mastering the flow, the timing, and the delivery. So, practice until you can deliver your talk flawlessly, every time.

My brilliant TEDx coach, Frankline Mardi , said this:

Don't try to memorize every word on the page. Instead, focus on internalizing your talk so that the true essence comes through.

Internalization is about understanding the major themes, the overall structure, and the emotions you want to provoke for listeners. Memorization can be fleeting but once your talk is internalized, you've got it!

I also want to shoutout the advice of Keeana S. Saxon, Esq. :

Once you've internalized your talk, sit down with a blank sheet of paper and write it out from start to finish.

This was, by far, the best test of my readiness to present the talk.

4. Thank the people who got you here.

Behind every successful TED talk is a team of supporters who have helped you along the way.

Whether it's friends and family who have listened to you rehearse a thousand times, mentors who have offered guidance and encouragement, or colleagues who have shared their expertise, take the time to thank them.

Acknowledge their contributions and express your gratitude publicly. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it also reinforces the connections that have helped you reach this milestone. So, before you step onto that TED stage, make sure to thank the people who have helped you get there.

I cannot thank my coach, Frankline Mardi , enough. Her masterful guidance through this process has made all the difference. Additionally, thank you to the entire team of volunteer coaches and coordinators a part of TEDxRoxbury . Lastly, thank you to the other speakers who I've gotten to grow alongside in our weekly check-ins! ??

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 >>>

Visit https://lnkd.in/eaeE9z5f to get your tickets for TEDxRoxbury 2024.