“I want my TEDx to go viral!”
Whenever I hear that entreaty, my antenna twitch.
While talks with one million views (or more) is my specialty, there must be more THERE there.
"Viral" cannot be the end-goal — at least not for my team.
Sure, 100K views (the official measure of “viral”) may be a win. But in the land of TED, there are 6 *other* equally valid definitions of success worth considering.
For example, instead of mega-views, the goal may be an invitation to “sit at the table.”
One of my favorite “alumni” clients (Joe Kerns-Goodwin) didn't want millions of views — that's the domain of his mother. If Doris** sneezes on X-Twitter, 1M+ is almost guaranteed.
Sure, Joe wanted his idea to spread. But what he really hoped for from the talk was to be invited to the public policy table — to weigh in on the topic of national service.
His talk was basically a call for the draft — a tough sell. Obligatory service by America’s youth isn’t going to blow up TikTok for many 18 year olds.
Joe’s TEDx released in 2015. But even today, it hovers at a mere 9K views or so. Yet the handful of folks who watched and shared his talk early on were *the* people he most wanted to reach.
His wins included:
âś” Invited by Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign to weigh in on her youth service platform.
âś” Invited by Gen. Stanley McChrystal to serve his nonprofit's board as a spokesperson.
✔ Invited by The Aspen Institute — arguably a competitor of TED — to have his talk featured on their blog and email list.
âś” Invited by a Boston Globe reporter to weigh in on a public policy series of articles.
✔ Invited to keynote a veteran support organization’s gala fundraiser.
In the end, the *impact* of his talk was worth far more than a high view count.
So the next time you dream of going viral from a TEDx stage, consider instead the real, deeper purpose. Pursue that success.
Go for impact!
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** I wasn’t involved in Doris Kearns Goodwin’s 2M+ view, 2008 TED Talk.
DEVIN D. MARKS is known as The TED Talk Whisperer. His firm, CONNECT to COMPEL, has served 100s of TED, TEDx, and short-talk speakers. The result: 100s of millions of views. His team help niche experts, authors, and leaders (just like you), spread BIG ideas.
LET THE WORLD LIVE YOUR MESSAGE™
You can reach Devin at 617.804.6020, or DM him here.
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ADV: Recommending This Book!
My long-ago Thinker Thursdays lunch mate, Tamsen Webster, recently published her 2nd book.
She was kind enough to get me an advance copy. (I read it in a single sitting.)
Suffice it to say, yes-Yes-YES! SAY WHAT THEY CAN'T UNHEAR: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change is a treasure trove of idea-spreading insights.
In it, Tamsen offers an actionable and novel approach to marketing and storytelling. I’ve recommended it to clients and collaborators.
In my opinion, SAY WHAT THEY CAN'T UNHEAR will become a must-have on any thought leader's bookshelf!
TEDster Insights in Video.
Here's a video short that unpacks some dimensions of the ideal on-stage rehearsal prep regimen I use with TEDsters.
Ready for TEDx Success? Find the Worth in Early Arrival.
​Want more? The TED Talk Whisperer YouTube video library is here.
New Tools: Bring it on!
The CONNECT to COMPEL (free) Learning Library and (for-fee) Online Curriculum continue to grow.
For 2025 additions, I've decided to ASK YOU what you think should be next.
So the following topics include the projects I'm weighing — whether to develop as Learning Tools (PDF giveaways), Classes, or Cohorts.
Simply click** the links below if one (or more) hold some appeal.
** Note: If you don't care to learn more, don't click the link. ;7
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- WEB CLASSES (3 Video Lessons, $97)​
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​STORY-BASED INTRODUCTIONS: Use Storytelling to Talk About Yourself​
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​CLIMB BEYOND DOUBT: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome to Overcome Mountains
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- MASTER CLASSES (6 Hybrid Sessions, $1,297)
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​THE COACH PRACTICE CATALYST: Next-Level Your Coaching Business
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​THE AUTHOR MEDIA MAKER: Become a Reporter's Go-To Expert
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- LEARNING COHORTS (1:1 Live Zoom, $600/Mth)​
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​NEXT STAGES: Level Up Your Paid Speaking Career
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​NICHE IN NOW: Focus & Launch Your Thought Leadership
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EXTRA CREDIT: If you don't see something that appeals to you (or you want it in a different format), simply REPLY to this email.
Let me know what you'd like me to work on next.
(I personally read every email.)
TEDxAnywhere: 3 TEDx Events Seeking Speakers.
There's always a bevy of TEDx events bubbling with deadline announcements. But when it comes to quality productions worth applying to, there's a select few. Why aren't they all fair game? One phrase: Volunteer Run Events.
There is a wide range of event production quality (or lack thereof) in the volunteer-led TEDx world. Not all events are created equal. (More here on TEDx event selection.)
Suffice it to say, these 3 are worth investing (and risking) 3-6 months of your time as a hopeful speaker.
1. TEDxBGSU (Bowling Green, OH) Apply here.
​Application Deadline: 12/2/24
Event Date: 3/19/25
2. TEDxManteca (Manteca, OH) Apply here.
​Application Deadline: Rolling
Event Date: 4/13/25
3. TEDxRaleigh (Raleigh, NC) Apply here.
​Application Deadline: Rolling
Event Date: 4/13/25
P.S. Read each event's rules closely. Some welcome outside speakers (i.e., not local to the venue); some have stringent zip code rules (e.g., "must live or work within a 30-mile radius"). And remember, relationships often drive decisions, so be prepared to play The Kevin Bacon 6 Degrees of Separation game.
Become a TED-Level Presenter!
When you're ready to take center stage (or center screen), let me know. Whether you're working on a TED Talk, commencement address, or an employee all-hands presentation, you will want to be:
Those 3 priorities are what make The Maximized Messaging Method (m3) so very, very connecting and compelling.
Have a speech coming up? Are you interested in public speaking training?
Good news!
This framework can next-level any general center stage opportunity. Whether for a national conference keynote or funding pitch, the m3 framework can get you stage-ready.
To begin a conversation, click here:
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LET THE WORLD LIVE YOUR MESSAGE™
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