The Power of TED and TEDx Talks

Firstly, if you are one of the growing few who has never heard of TED or their conferences, please take a moment to open up a new tab (at the risk of losing your attention here), go to the YouTube page, and then search “TED TALKS” or “TEDx.”  You will see what all the fuss is about.  

TED Talk speakers volunteer their time to give a speech not longer than 18 minutes (according to official TED guidelines), with or without a slide deck, and attempt to engage a live audience with a new or innovative way of thinking about something we can all relate to.   Not all TED speakers achieve this goal, but the ones that do have a chance to spread their message far throughout the global social media world as the popular videos go ‘viral.’

As a Communication Coach/Trainer you can take advantage of this online community in three main ways:

1 - Use TED and TEDx Talk videos in your private coaching, workshops and ebooks/e-materials if you provide them.  Having 3rd party support for your ideas from another expert serves to strengthen your position of authority, especially if those videos are popular.

2 - Coach your clients to perform well on their own TEDx Talk.  Not all Communication Coaches are Presentation Coaches, but the ones that are should consider attracting clients who are interested in doing a TED Talk, like authors and thought leaders in the community.  If you can coach them to have a great performance it obviously enhances your marketing message that you are a fine Communication/Presentation Coach!

3 - Become a TEDx speaker.  Easier said than done, but not out of reach.  Both NCCA President Mark Bowden (above, in photo) and NCCA Executive Director Ric Phillips have given a TEDx Talk.  Do some research on how speakers are chosen, talk to former speakers, get to know the TEDx Conference organizers, and put your name in the hat.  It would help if you already have a track record of speaking credibility like videos of you in action, delivering keynotes and workshops, etc. but it absolutely is not necessary to be a professional speaker first.  The main idea of TED is to share new ideas, and many speakers who do well on TED do not have the smoothness of a professional speaker, but they have a cool idea and a great story to share.  Their videos then goes viral!  

It’s worth noting that getting invited to be a TEDx speaker is a great achievement but the next part is the real challenge of actually creating a winning talk.  What makes a great TED Talk?  Research TED videos on YouTube and ask yourself which ones you like, and why?  Search articles and blog posts from speakers giving advice.  Invest a few bucks in the popular online Udemy course by TED founder Chris Anderson (+Acumen Presents: Chris Anderson on Public Speaking).  Maybe even hire a Communication Coach to help you perform at your best for that day. It would be worth it to ensure you have a great talk, a fine video to share, and some added credibility for your business ventures.  Break a leg!

Add a Comment

You must be a member of this site to submit comments.

Already a member?  Login  Not a member?  Register