Tips For Your First TEDx Talk!

Recently I had the opportunity to give a TEDx Talk at TEDxFieldstoneDriveEd; it was an amazing experience.  Like many reading this post right now, I have always wanted to give a TEDx Talk! Just like you, I have seen talks from great and inspiring educators, talks that helped to shape me into the educator I am today. A TEDx Talk is your chance to share a message with the world, but when you say “Yes” to the talk, you can feel overwhelmed by the task. 

If the day comes when you get a text, email, or call asking you to be a part of a TEDx or to apply to speak at an event, say “Yes!” Even though you may have no idea what you will talk about, say “Yes!”  Such opportunities are rare; don’t miss out on the chance! Allow yourself to take a leap! I can recall the day I received a text from Dr. Kris Felicello asking if I would be a part of his TEDxFieldstoneEd event. I responded back, immediately; my answer was an enthusiastic “YES!”  Being asked was an honor, accepting was easy. But what to do and how to do it, that was the challenge. I learned a lot going through the preparation for my first TEDx Talk, and I’m sharing some tips with you to help you on your journey to the red carpet on the TEDx stage! 

Savvy Tips for TEDx

Deciding what to speak about can be daunting. We have all seen brilliant and memorable talks from education leaders, and we all want to give “that talk.”  But this type of thinking would be an error; you need to give your talk.  And what is the topic of your talk?  That’s easy, it’s your story, a story you know better than anyone else.  

First, I watched several TEDx talks and read articles on giving a TEDx Talk to understand the talk’s structure. Next, I started writing my talk. Initially, I was looking for a formula, but I soon learned there was no specific formula. However, I saw a framework common to many talks I viewed that I will share it with you.  Great talks have a message and a call to action that create deep connections among listeners. To better clarify, presenting a talk on the benefits of reading strategies is not a topic that will resonate with many non-educators. It is important to have a topic that has wide appeal. Your audience will be broader and larger if more people can relate to your speech.

Traits of Talks That Impact Listeners

1. Begin your talk with a compelling message or call to action.  In the first minute, you will either grab the listener’s attention or not. Exude confidence as you start your talk.
2. Use story as the foundation for your TEDx talk. Remember your story is always the best; A goal should be to have at least three stories in your talk but not more than five supporting stories for your theme.
3. Try to integrate emotions into your story. Add elements that are funny, sad, and thought-provoking. Sounds easy, but it’s not.  Adding in emotional elements will take you some time, reflection, and practice. 
4. When you end your talk, bring the message full circle--right back to your introduction. Present a compelling call to action. A message to inspire others and hopefully, change their thinking. Remember, you cannot speak more than eighteen minutes. Try to get near the maximum time. If your talk is less than twelve minutes, I suggest you make it longer.

You might think, no problem this is easy. Let me tell you, it’s not. When your framework is in place and you have written your talk, now what?  It’s time to practice. Plan on spending at least five months preparing for your talk. My suggestion is to practice alone for thirty-to sixty-minutes a day until about two months prior to the talk.  Once you are two months out, start practicing in front of a friend or your spouse. It was easy to say my talk in a room by myself, but it was a struggle in front of my wife. I recall asking myself, how could I possibly do this talk in front of an audience and on camera if I cannot do the talk in front of my wife?  Well, the answer is to practice every day. This includes your hand motions and facial expressions. 

The goal is to know your talk so well that you can give it perfectly in front of any audience.  

Some Do’s and Don’ts to Consider

You will need to consider whether you will memorize your talk or develop a mental outline.  Either one is fine. However, if you memorize it, you’ll want to deliver the talk in a relaxed manner, and to do that takes practice.  The other option is creating an outline that you memorize. This can be effective as long as you know how each section of the outline starts, what is in the section, and how to get out of the section and move on to the next part. 

Do not make the mistake of thinking you can wing it; this increases the risk of presenting a poor speech. Do not read your speech.  You simply do not look prepared if you read your message. The goal is simple; know your talk so well that you can give it anywhere. To hit this standard, you will need months of practice.    

Some Final Thoughts

Think about what you are going to wear.  In general, it is best to dress in darker clothing.  The goal is to look professional but not flashy. You do not want to give a TEDx Talk and get an email asking you where you got your suit or dress.

Have fun! Giving a TEDx is a wonderful experience and opportunity.  Plan ahead, practice, and tell your story. 

The Link to My TEDx Talk

I have now completed my TEDx. You can watch it here! My topic: “Two Ways to Get Into a Swimming Pool!”  Enjoy!