How to Deliver a Successful TED Talk 

I was thrilled to secure a spot at TEDxBocaRaton in 2024. This is a large and highly-respected TEDx event, with 600-700 attendees, three camera people, and a very professional production staff. 

But what would I speak about, I wondered? How to write a book? How to attract the attention of literary agents and publishers? How working as a ghostwriter has shaped my life over the past 25 years?

Then it struck me… I should speak about storytelling, of course! My TED talk, How Storytelling Can Heal Trauma and Our Divided World, was met with great enthusiasm by our live audience, and already has garnered over 100K views on YouTube. 

Writing Tip of the Week: How to Craft a TED talk that will resonate with your audience

Structure the Talk Like a Journey

You want your audience to go on a journey with you. But you don’t necessarily want to begin by defining your starting point. You might begin by establishing a clear destination. Where do you want to take your audience? What is the key takeaway you want them to leave with? 

Then go back and structure your talk around reaching that destination. Decide where you’re going to begin, and define the critical steps that you took to get there. 

You might consider using a tried and true storytelling framework like the Hero's Journey. Think of Star Wars, Harry Potter, even Barbie. You begin with a call to leave your life and go on an adventure. Along the way, you encounter enemies who try to foil your progress, as well as mentors who support you. In the end, you attain some insight, which you bring back to share with the rest of humanity. 

The Hero’s Journey is just one of several options for how to structure your talk. These frameworks provide a roadmap for your narrative and ensure a cohesive flow.

Create a Hook

Now don’t forget that your TED talk needs a captivating opening! Hook your audience from the start by plunging them into a high-stakes story, or by presenting shocking statistics or offering a counterintuitive perspective.

That said, don’t shy away from embracing ambiguity and creating mystery. If you leave some questions unanswered or create a sense of mystery, that will keep the audience guessing and listening til the end. 

Ensure your narrative builds momentum up to a climax. You can employ techniques like the "ticking clock" to create urgency and suspense.

Uncover Your Message

For each moment of your talk, ask yourself: What is the underlying message? What did you learn? How did it transform you? The goal is to extract valuable insights that will resonate with your audience.

Seek Feedback

As with any communications you deliver as a reader, be sure to share your work with trusted colleagues or mentors to gain valuable feedback and refine your talk.

Prepare and Practice

Now that you’ve written your talk, be sure to practice relentlessly. Remember: TED events don’t allow you a comfort monitor or any notes; you must have your speech completely memorized. Practice your delivery in your car as you drive, as you work out, and when you’re in the shower. 

When you feel confident and comfortable with your material, practice your presentation endlessly in front of other people: Your spouse or partner, your kids and friends, your colleagues. The more you rehearse, the better. 

You might also consider hiring a speaking coach. This person will not only give you tips and techniques for delivering an impactful speech, but can also help you refine your stories and message. 

Remember, a successful TED talk is not just about delivering information. It's about connecting with your audience on an emotional level, inspiring them with your story, and leaving them with a lasting impression.

Aloha,

MeiMei

Quote of the Week

Human connections are deeply nurtured in the field of shared story.

• Spiritual guru Jean Houston