Four Steps to a TEDx Talk

I’m going to make this another short article as I’ve got to prep a three hour workshop for a UCL post-graduate management programme. I’m delivering it later this week and it still needs some work!

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be selected to deliver a TEDx talk at TEDx Wandsworth. It was a thoroughly enjoyable (although slightly nerve wrecking) experience and a few people have asked me to share how I got selected and how I found the process.

I’ve broken this down into four steps to make it easier to digest.

TED and the independent franchised TEDx events are all about ‘ideas worth spreading’. To that end, you need an idea, a theory or an interesting story to tell. In my opinion the best talks give the audience something that they’re able to apply to their own lives – something that they can practically use. This is not an opportunity to present a sales pitch, a lecture or make the point about something that is blindingly obvious. It has to be original, unique and hopefully interesting. Inventing a new way of measuring business performance or another version of Myers-Briggs won’t cut it.

A quick look at the TEDx website revealed over ten events in London over the next 12 months. Ideally you want to target events that have been run at least once. This will mean that the organisers will have been through their teething problems and run an event which they’ve probably improved. Version 2 of anything is usually better than Version 1. Go for events that are about 4-6 months away as these will be starting to look for speakers.

You will then have to go through a process to pitch your idea to the organisers. Sometimes this involves putting it on a single slide, others will give you more leeway and allow you to go into more detail. The point here is that this is a numbers game. You may have to apply to a few events before you get selected but once you have done the preparation for one event, making a few changes and applying for a second one is quick and easy. I applied to three events before I was picked up by the organisers at TEDx Wandsworth.

3. Once Selected…

The TEDx organisers have to ensure that they maintain the quality of the TEDx brand. Usually, this means that they will coach you through the process. It will probably mean that you’ll have to write the whole speech out word for word so that you can share it with someone and they can critique it.

For those of you that don’t write every word you’re going to say when you speak in public, this can feel constrictive but it’s designed to maintain a high level of quality. If you don’t want to do this, don’t apply as it will frustrate you. To be honest, I found this process valuable. It helped me to articulate my points in a logical flow by taking a third party through the argument.

In the days leading up to the event, you will need to spend a lot of time rehearsing so you know the talk off by heart. At TEDx Wandsworth, there was a rehearsal the day before the event. This gave me and the rest of the speakers the opportunity to get on the stage and deliver the talk without an audience.

The one thing I noticed was how bright the lights were. The room is dark with the light focussed onto you on the stage. It’s very difficult to make out the audience so don’t expect to be able read reactions or pick up on eye contact from anyone beyond the front row!

When the day comes, just try and enjoy it – you know the talk, just relax and nail it.

It will take a couple of weeks for the video to be edited and then be put on the TEDx website.

For those of you considering an application, I can thoroughly recommend TEDx Wandsworth. Andrew Ballantine programme managed a superb event; the attention to detail and organisation was exceptional. These are the areas that often get neglected but are important in making sure the day runs smoothly. The support and guidance of the speaking coaches was invaluable. I am confident that my talk was significantly enhanced by the support I received.

This was the second TEDx Wandsworth event run by Amman Abid. It is clearly a passion project for him and one that he takes seriously. I think that their level of commitment sets them apart and I am confident that this is among the best TEDx events in London.

If you’re interested in speaking or attending one of these events – keep an eye on the website for updates.