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I’ve dreamt of the TEDx stage for years – who hasn't, right? Especially after watching legends like Brene Brown! But guess what? A TEDx stage is just another stage, lovely. If you’ve got something to share, then it’s accessible to you. Don’t put it on a pedestal. If you want it, go for it!

I’ve been wanting this for years, and now I want to share my journey and lessons with you.

Demystifying the Application Process

For years, I’d see TEDx events and think, “Should I apply? What's the process?” It felt a bit daunting. But here's the scoop—first, the theme really threw me off. I remember a TEDx with the theme “non binary,” and I was like, “How does personal branding fit into that?”

But for my TEDx at Bells Beach, the theme was “undercurrent—things we don't see,” which aligned perfectly with my talk on finding your magnetic magic. So, lesson one: don’t overthink the theme. It matters, but it shouldn’t hold you back.

The Application

You send in a pitch and a full application detailing your talk idea. If they like it, you get accepted. Yay! Then, there’s a process you go through: final scripts, slides, practice recordings—you get the gist. It’s structured, yes, but nothing too complicated if you've spoken before.

The Practice

Most speakers memorize their talks. I don’t. I prepare thoroughly and know my slides and points, but I don't memorise word for word. For me, if I forget a line, it could throw me off. So, I go with bullet points and speak naturally. Find what works for you and stick with it. Authenticity is key!

Managing Nerves

The day before the event and the morning of, my mind kept saying, “Maybe I should practice more.” But no, I’d done enough. So, I reminded myself, “You’ve practiced, you know your stuff. Just go out and have fun!” It’s easy to build things up in our minds, but managing your mindset is crucial.

Connecting with the Audience

On the day of the talk, I focused on being present. Before going on stage, I kept reminding myself to connect with the audience, to be there for them. This shifted my focus from myself to the audience, making it a more positive and engaging experience.

It's Okay to Be Imperfect

Guess what? My talk wasn’t flawless. I forgot a bit and had to backtrack, but it was all good. Perfection isn't the goal. Connection and delivering your message are. And I achieved that. The feedback was great, and lots of people came up to talk to me afterward. Mission accomplished!

Putting Yourself Out There

If you want to do a TEDx, start talking about it! Share your desire with others. Opportunities often come from unexpected places. Be vocal about your goals. I’ve shared my goal to be on stages like South by Southwest, and when opportunities arise, people remember and let you know.

The Say-Do-Be Principle

Here’s a principle I shared in my talk: Say what you want, Do the actions that align with your goal, and Be in the energy of it. For example, I started in corporate speaking, ran my workshops, and kept building. Now, I regularly host events and receive speaker invitations. You grow into it by doing it, and your energy attracts those opportunities.

Be Prepared and Be Authentic

There were a couple of first-timers at the TEDx who’d never spoken at big events. If that’s you, it’s okay! Start building your experience, even with smaller audiences. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

TEDx was an amazing experience, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If you’ve got the passion and the drive, go for it. Put yourself out there, prepare, and show up authentically. And remember, it’s all about connecting with your audience and having fun while you’re at it!

So, if a TEDx talk is on your bucket list, get out there and make it happen. You’ve got this!

EPS 379 – TEDx Talk Reflection

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