I had the incredible opportunity to do a TEDx talk this month. The theme for TEDxDupreePark was “Seeds of Greatness”; I shared my Idea Worth Spreading: When I Stopped Hiding, I Found Freedom. But, even more, significant than my speaking opportunity, was what I gained personally from my experience that day.
My 3 Lessons:
1) Not everyone wants to do a TEDx/TED talk. (what???)
BUT, those who do are a very, very special group. I met incredible people with inspiring ideas worth spreading– from belonging to self-care to overcoming adversity. I found my tribe; we shared both the stage and moments of real connection.
Our common goal: Impact.
*Lesson 1: Find your people; they nourish you.
2) It’s half mental.
It was similar to my marathon training twenty+ years ago, half physical, half mental.
While preparing the content and practicing is definitely a huge piece to delivering a TEDx, it’s also about envisioning yourself on stage and having the space to appreciate the moment and message you are offering. I invested in myself by investing in a coach, as you would for any other significant project — that made all the difference from content to vision.
* Lesson 2: Keep investing in yourself; you are worth it.
3) 13minutes goes by fast.
The hours of prep rehearsing my talk aloud to a video camera and family/friends, then replaying the tapes to listen for consistency and gaps seemed endless and long.
Being on stage that day delivering my TEDx went by in a flash, a true out-of-body experience, as though the words just took over. At the end, I looked out to say “thank you” and took a minute for gratitude and breathing in the accomplishment.
*Lesson 3: Take a minute to breathe in the moment; be present.
If you have an idea worth spreading, TEDx is totally worth it!
