TEDx Preparation: Diamonds from Pressure.

I have some exciting news to share! I was recently chosen to be a TEDx speaker for the University of Windsor TEDx Event on Sunday, January 28, 2018.

The theme of the event is “Diamonds from Pressure”.  Which fits in beautifully with my psychology blog — Thriving Under Pressure.

 

TEDx Diamonds from Pressure
TEDx Posters Everywhere!

What are TEDx Talks?

“A TEDx event is an independently operated, community driven event. The talks are no more than 18 minutes in length, are idea-focused, and cover a wide range of subjects to foster learning, inspiration and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter.” Source: Ted.com

TEDx Preparation in Six Steps  

The process of preparing a TEDx Talk has been quite different from any other keynote or seminar I have given.  I have maximum 18 minutes to convey an original idea. So I have no choice but to get right to the point. Which is a very good thing!

Step 1: Create an Outline  

In developing my speech, the first thing I did was create a storyboard for my TEDx script. (see below) I set it up like scenes in a movie. 5 scenes. 3-4 minutes per idea. 🎥

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The purpose of my TEDx Talk is to help people thrive on their journey from stress to strength.

Step 2: Let Your Ideas Flow

This is where you let your imagination run free. Luckily inspiration flowed in from everywhere! So much so that while at the movies last month, I was struck by an idea with only a movie napkin nearby. So I did what all writers do, I wrote on whatever material I could find. Hoping to capture one fleeting burst of insight.

 

TEDx Ideas in the Making
TEDX Napkin Edition

Step 3: Edit TEDx Script

In case you’re wondering, there are approximately 2500 words in an 18 minute TEDx speech. Thus I have been equally busy downsizing, condensing, and editing my script. Focus is the goal. Less is more! 

Step 4: Rehearse Rehearse Rehearse

Practice your TEDx speech as often as you can. In the mirror. On your run. In the car. At the mall. In front of anyone who is willing to listen. Stay open to feedback. As much as you can. Record yourself and listen back. This is especially important for hitting the 18 minute time limit. I used an audio to text dictation iPhone app called TEMI that helped tremendously.

 

Step 5: Take a TEDx Break

Now complete, it’s time to rest and enjoy some”Breathing Space“. As unrelenting work rarely fosters positive energy. Best to gear down before gearing up for the big TEDx day. Sign me up for a movie night, a kickboxing session, and a homemade dinner. Doctor’s orders. ♥

Step 6: Test out TEDx Red Carpet

TEDx Diamonds from Pressure is just 10 days away. The outline, the structure, and the body of TEDx complete. The stories worked out. The edits made. Just one last dress rehearsal on the TEDx stage!

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Hope to see you all January 28 2018!

TEDx Official Video: Thriving Under Pressure

83 thoughts on “TEDx Preparation: Diamonds from Pressure.”

Add yours

  1. Good luck on your speech. Since you prepared so well, you’ll do just fine, I am sure. Try to video tape it so we can all listen to you and benefit. At any rate, I wish you the best. Go give them all you got. Tom

    Reply

  2. Sounds amazing! I love TED talks and videos, positive psychology, grit, strengths, and opportunity. Grit and posttraumatic growth have helped me throughout my entire life – from childhood trauma to the Marines to adulthood trauma and the typical life stressors along the way. (I also like the calm, too, but being able to thrive after very hard challenges is the best sense of accomplishment I’ve ever experienced.) Best wishes on your TED speech!

    Reply

  4. This is wonderful, congratulations, how exciting! Sounds like you’re prepared and completely ready to go! I can’t wait to see it, I just saw from a previous comment that you’ll post it on your blog. I’d love to do a TED talk one day 🙂 Best of luck, you’ll be great!

    Reply

    1. Smiling big time from your words! I will definitely post the TEDx video once it’s made official. And may this post be a sign that your very own TED talk is in your future. I believe. And I know you do too. 😘

      Reply

  5. How wonderful, Andrea. I look forward to hearing your talk. I appreciate your sharing the preparation process. Your talk will be of great benefit to many.

    Reply

    1. Thamks so much Norah! As challenging as it has been to prepare for the event. It has stretched me in so many ways. So much so that I’m living the speech that I’m giving. Thriving under pressure definitely!💥💃

      Reply

    1. Thank you for your best wishes! So very motivating. 😊

      Keep writing. Keep dreaming. And let my experience be the first step towards yours! Your Road to Happiness Blog is your TED Talk in the making!

      Reply

  7. Congrats, Andrea! What a wonderful honor! Thanks for sharing the notes on your prep work. Very interesting. I look forward to seeing the video.

    Reply

        1. Yes! For sure. Which is exactly why we encourage students to teach someone what they need to learn, rather than passively reading about it in a textbook. The best way to study. Higher learning. All the way!

          Reply

  8. Fantastic topic to talk about, as you know many people don’t realise that there strength is just resting waiting to be called, their stress keeps their strength locked up with a tissue paper knot.
    You’ll be fantastic, all the best.

    Reply

    1. It’s no surprise that you’ve never heard this TEDx preparation process… I made it up along the way!

      Like a painting or a song. You never know what you’re going to get until the idea comes along. 💡

      Similar to how we write our blogs, the TEDx creative process has a mind all on its own. Ultimately, I surrendered and worked hard. Opening me up to a fresh way of giving speeches.

      Thank you so much for your positivity & support! ☀️

      Reply

    1. I will definitely post the link to the TEDx talk later! Knowing that I have our blogging community to share my ideas with — has been a critical motivator since I began preparing my speech. Speaking of which, thank you for your interest and support. Your encouragement energizes me!

      Reply

  12. I am sure it was a challenge to polish this down to the core 18 minutes/2500 words! But no surprise that the inspirations flowed, as you are such an inspiring soul!! I look forward to seeing the video when it becomes available and will be sending you LOVE on the 28th!! xo

    Reply

  13. Congratulations! I hope your talk goes well. I’m sure it will.
    Also, I was just wondering, how does one get in touch with TEDx to do one, or is one just chosen? I think that doing a TEDx talk would be fascinating.
    I wish you the best in your endeavours.

    Reply

    1. Great question!

      TEDx speakers must apply to give a talk. Typically there are 50 to 200+ applicants, depending on the size of the city.

      The TEDx committee then narrows down the pool of applicants to 8 speakers based on their “pitch” for their talk.

      And the best part is that you don’t have to be a professional speaker!

      The committee picks the final 8 speakers based on your IDEA alone. And then coaches you through the preparation process. Connection is the essence of TEDx Talks after all. Spreading ideas (like wild fire) to a live audience and the TED community at large.

      –> Application tips: https://www.ted.com/attend/conferences/conferences-application-tips

      Now you can add TEDx Speaker to your vision board. Just like I did all those years ago. 🙂

      Reply

      1. I certainly will add TEDx to my vision board. Thanks so much for taking the time to point me in the right direction! This will save me a ton of time.
        Your efforts are very much appreciated! 🙂

        Reply

  14. How exciting! Break a leg, as they say in stage talk. Just let your enthusiasm shine through.
    As an aside: I just learned we earned our degrees at the same University. Explains it all, lol!

    Reply

  15. Congratulations on being included in the TED Talk program. This seems like a great opportunity for you to reach a wider audience and help more people. I know that you will thrive under this pressure, shine your light, and share your wisdom. Have fun Andrea! 🙂

    Reply

  17. Oh, Andrea, I am so incredibly happy for you! I love how you are preparing. You serve so much with your blog, and I’m so glad you get this opportunity to continue to uplift us all. Wow! Light ahead, and much love to all who are touched by your talk. Debbie

    Reply

    1. You sure know how to light a fire inside me Dr. G! E for Enthusiasm is definitely your middle name. I am pumped to get up on that stage on January 28. And equally exited to share the TEDx video with you. Rock on Dr. G! I am grateful to have you in my corner. Your Energy+ Support = Priceless.

      Reply

  25. That’s amazing news! I enjoy a lot of TED talks, so I’m looking forward to yours. Good luck with the speech, I’m sure you’ll ace it! 💪🏻

    Also, Happy New Year! I’m sorry I’m rather late with the wishes and everything, I’m still in the process of catching up with my favourite blogs. 😅

    Reply
  27. Pingback: TEDx Photos: Diamonds from Pressure. – Thriving Under Pressure

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