A smooth script is a winning script.

When I’m working with hopeful leaders heading to center stage or center screen, I say imagine:

You’re steering the minivan.

Your viewers are seated in the back.

You’re driving along the keynote highway.

The overall goal is to ensure a smooth, jostle-free, interesting ride. A message that’s free from distractions and disruptions.

In crafting a next-level presentation, there are obstacles to navigate that can disrupt your messaging highway. These road hazards include:

1. POTHOLES. Gaps in information and coded language. If listeners can’t understand an industry term or acronym, they’ll be left, struggling to decode your words instead of absorbing your message.

2. SPEED BUMPS. These are jolting or shocking statements that can unsettle an audience. While it’s important to grab attention, controversy or abrupt changes in tone throw listeners off.

3. BILLBOARDS. Distracting content that doesn’t contribute to the core message will divert attention. These unnecessary tangents or side-comments can cause your audience to silently rabbit trail.

4. RUMBLE STRIPS. The friction of rumble strips represents familiar content that causes your listeners to mentally drift. If your message feels too repetitive or predictable, you risk losing engagement.

5. EXIT RAMPS. Frequent topic shifts can lead the audience away from the main point. Too many side points will make your speech feel unfocused and scattered.

A well-crafted presentation is like a well-maintained highway — smooth, clear, and free from distractions.

So, before stepping onto the stage, take the time to ensure your audience will both enjoy a memorable journey and arrive at your intended destination!

P.S. To go deeper with the TED and TED-style, click here and here.

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. He helps 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.

Do you find this newsletter of value? If so, please share it with a friend who you think may benefit from it. Just share this link:

https://ConnectToCompel.com/resources

TED Talks Watch Party: Grow Into the Future You

Event by TED Conferences

How do you become the best version of yourself?

Join TED's leadership, Tuesday, July 22nd at 11:30AM ET for a very special TED Talks Watch Party on LinkedIn featuring talks from TEDNext — the (new) conference all about investing in future you.

These speakers will help you explore how to level up all the areas of your life — one step at a time.

Hosted by Digital Curator Ikey Ajavon with special guest Monique Ruff-Bell, TED’s Chief Program & Strategy Officer. Plus: An exclusive preview of this year’s event!

THE TED TALK FAST TRACK

Want to learn to land and deliver a top-tier TED Talk?

The 2nd edition of my new workshop kicks off, next in May:

July 28+29 (Mon** Tue)
12-2 PM EST

It is a no-fee event, but participation is curated by an application process — to ensure a rich peer-learner gathering.

Click here to learn more. (Only 20 seats available.) Apply here.

** If that conflicts with your calendar, the fall-back dates are: Aug 18+19. Just indicate your preference in the COMMENTS section of the application.

AUTHORS WANTED!

If you are a coach, consultant, or change-maker with a published (or soon to publish) book on this email list: CLICK HERE. Thank you for being a champion of our work.

We value you and will have more to share about (new) coach-focused programming soon!

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. TEDxManitouSprings (Colorado, USA) Apply here.
Application Deadline: 07/18/25
Event Date: 09/0425

2. TEDxYorkU (Toronto, Canada) Apply here.
Application Deadline: TBA
Event Date: 08/08/25

3. TEDxGalway (UK) 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!