Three simple life lessons I (re)learned from TEDx prep

This weekend I had the opportunity to present on the PurdueU TEDx stage (www.tedxpurdue.com). Long before the video is edited and posted for the public, I want to pause and reflect on what I learned from the preparation process. Three insights continue to reappear in my mind and touch my heart. Each of these three is valuable well beyond the scope of preparing for a TEDx appearance. And not one is unique or new. Sometimes we simply need solid reminders of what we already know. At least I do. 

Your message matters . . . kinda: In preparing for the TEDx appearance, I had to first pick a topic, a theme. For some of the folks that shared the stage with me at Loeb Playhouse, this was easy. It was their life work, their life passion. Forster Care by the Forster Care Director. Microbots by the Engineering Professor. Salamanders by the Wildlife Science Professor. I didn’t have that clarity. I don’t have a single life calling, a body of research, or unique deep expertise. Lots of topics touch my soul. I needed to answer the question: “Where is God most alive in me, right now?” 

The ability to talk 12 – 18 minutes on a topic requires passion, knowledge and curiosity. Simply having a topic that you care about is an indicator of health. Could you pick a topic? Or two or three? Would you enjoy the experience of presenting on that topic? Would talking to others about it give you energy? If yes, celebrate that fact! If not, don’t feel discouraged; just know that your journey is different. A journey to rekindle passion, knowledge and curiosity. It is within you. The world will be better after hearing it!

Having a message worth sharing is the key point. What it is, well, that is just the detail. 

Practice matters: In preparing for the TEDx appearance, I had to practice. . . .Well, I didn’t “have to”. But if I wanted the message to be coherent, compelling and engaging, I had to practice. I had a lot to say in a short period of time and I wanted to fit it all in and not leave the audience confused or bored. The flow of the message mattered. Further, the details mattered: tone of voice, speed of speech, intent of gestures. I practiced. I recorded . I watched replay. I adjusted. I recorded. I watched replay. I adjusted, I recorded. I watched replay. I adjusted,  . . . I repeated this process over and over and over. I was sick and tired of practicing. I also asked for feedback from a few friends. They helped me see what I couldn’t. The videos and the advice of friends helped me practice with purpose. The message was better because of it. 

And sure, everyone has a different skill set and some practiced more or less than I did. At some point in the journey, I knew I was ready. And then I practiced some more.

The tribe matters: In preparing for the TEDx appearance, I had to draw upon personal experiences. At one point, I realized that my topic and my examples would not have been possible if it weren’t for the direct influence of my husband on my life. I wouldn’t have even had the invite to participate if it weren’t for the connections Jeff brought to my life. And then I considered all of the sources of indirect impact on my life that influenced my message. My father’s example of community service, my spiritual mentor’s coaching of me, my reading of authors sharing on the topic I discussed. I realized that as much as it was my message, it was the message of my tribe.  Sure, I was the one putting it together, but it was really a compilation of God working in my life through people. 

This leaves me thinking . . .whose message am I encouraging, enhancing and bringing to life?

So there you have it . . .three simple lessons gleaned from my preparation journey. With a bit more time, I may uncover insights from the actual TEDx weekend itself. It was a significant opportunity that I will ever treasure!