Want to nail a TEDx talk? Here's what you need to know...

Have you ever watched a TEDx talk and thought, "I could do that!" only to realize you have no idea where to start? Don't worry, you're not alone. 

Today, since it’s his Birthday, I'm sharing insider tips from the one and only  Bobby Umar, CEO of Discover Your Personal Brand and five-time TEDx speaker…

Getting a TEDx Talk

The first step is to find your core idea. No pressure, right? Bobby suggests brainstorming until you find the story that resonates with you and aligns with the theme of the TEDx event. Remember, every TEDx event is different, so you'll need to do your homework to ensure your pitch is a good fit. Also, be prepared to travel. 

Creating a TEDx Talk

Here's where the rubber meets the road. Keep it simple, concise, and, most importantly, authentic. No one likes a TEDx talk that's basically an infomercial. Share personal stories, but make sure they support a clear, overarching idea. The goal is to captivate the audience, not confuse them with a 17-step process. And don't forget to practice (TEDx talks require a lot of preparation). As Bobby puts it, "This is where your storytelling skills will shine."

Leveraging a TEDx Talk

You've given your talk, the applause has faded, and you're left with a nice video. Now what? Share the journey on social media! Make sure to let people know what you learned, who you met, and why it matters. Press releases, interviews, podcasts, and networking can all help boost your visibility. You don't just want people to watch your TEDx talk; you want them to remember it and share it.

PR and Beyond

If you want your TEDx talk to go viral, you've got to think like a PR pro. Build buzz before and after the talk. Keep the momentum going by sharing snippets, lessons learned, and stories behind the scenes. And if you're lucky, your talk might even end up on https://www.ted.com/

So there you have it...your guide to becoming a TEDx speaker.

P.S. If you want to hear  Bobby and my entire conversation (How to be a TEDx Speaker) on the Stories With Traction podcast, you can find it HERE.