Being a TEDx speaker is an exciting journey. It's proof that you have something to tell to a broader audience. TEDx talks have become one of the most influential and inspiring ways to share ideas and perspectives with a global audience. They are short, powerful, and thought-provoking presentations that follow the format and guidelines set by the TED organization. These talks provide a platform for people to share their ideas and perspectives with a global audience, inspiring them to think differently, challenge their beliefs, and broaden their understanding of the world.
How to become a TEDx Speaker?
To become a TEDx speaker, you need to have an idea that is unique or disrupting and inspiring, related to your expertise or experience, and find the right TEDx event that matches your topic. In preparing for a TEDx talk, it is essential to take enough time to reflect on your audience, your authentic and original story, and the main message people should remember. Then, ask always: what should your audience feel, think, and do during and after your speech.
I learned a lot during my application, preparation phase, and on the stage!
These are some of my key learnings for preparing a ted talk:
1. Choose your topic and your origin story
The first step in preparing a TEDx talk is choosing your unique topic. Your topic should be something that you are passionate about, and that you have a deep understanding of. Think about your experiences, your expertise, and your interests, and identify a topic that you believe would be of interest to a broad audience. The idea should be ideally unique or disrupting thoughts and believes.
2. Define your message
Once you have chosen your topic, it is important to define your message. Your message should be clear, concise, and focused. Think about what you want your audience to take away from your talk, and craft your message accordingly.
3. Have a TEDx Coach
You will have up and downs during the preparing time and also would need clear open honest feedback. Having a coach on your site will help to structure your thoughts, your key messaging and will ensure that you create the best possible impact of your speech.
Thank you Chris Baldwin for your guidance and useful feedback!
4. Structure your talk and use story telling
The structure of your talk is critical to its success. A typical TEDx talk is around 15-17 minutes long, so you need to make sure that your content is well-organized, on the point and easy to follow. You need to have a clear storyline and start with an attention-grabbing opening - your origin story with your key message. Your stories needs to support your key message and needs to be easy to follow.
5. Use visuals and activate when possible all the senses
Visuals are an essential part of any TEDx talk. They can help to support your audience to understand your points better. Beside visuals use your voice, your body language targeted. To activate also the emotions you need to be mindful of how you deliver your message.
6. Practice, practice, practice
Practice is essential when it comes to preparing a TEDx talk. Practice your talk in front of your friends, family, your coach and even before that record yourself and watch it /listen it back. The more you practice, the more confident and comfortable you will be on the day of your talk and manage your time better.
7. Be authentic and don't be afraid to show your vulnerability
Finally, it is essential to be authentic when giving a TEDx talk. Be yourself, speak from the heart, and connect with your audience. The more authentic and vulnerable you are, the more likely your audience is to connect with you and your message. Its not about trying to be perfect its about really touching peoples heart and inspire them within your true self.
8. Use story map to not forget your speech
The main fear before the stage is to forget the speech. To avoid this kind of blackout prepare a story map with your beginning, main messages combined with your stories and ending with the conclusion. Prepare a one pager visualize your talk including the duration and main outcomes for each section. Have this one pager with you and make sure that you can easily check it in a worst case situation even on the stage.
This journey was so unique. With a small one message we can make a big difference in others people world. Keep spreading the worth, keep sharing your purpose and remember, your message has the power to make an impact.
Big thank you to Tedx Bodrum Youth College to having me in this event, thank you to Zeynep Fortaci to make this event happen and for the continuous support and to all the students who organized the event, especially to Elif, who supported us before during and after the big day!
Can`t wait to share the speech with all of you soon!
