Whenever I’m evaluating someone’s readiness for a TED Talk (or a major keynote), I use a mental checklist.
I call them “the Four B’s.” Over the years, I’ve learned that these are essential commitments that every potential speaker should have if I’m going to work with them.
Why? They need to truly be prepared for the intensity that a TED Talk or high-stakes presentation demands.
The first B is all about skills and experience. Speaking to an audience requires more than just delivering information; it’s about engaging and leaving a lasting impression. When I refer to “bench strength,” I’m looking for those natural skills that make for a speaker who can be compelling and “on.”
In my initial discovery calls, I’m often considering:
- Charisma and Energy: Does this prospect have an engaging presence? Are they likely to be able to “light up” in front of a crowd?
NOTE: Bench strength doesn’t mean perfection; it means having a foundation to build on. Without it, the road to a memorable talk becomes much steeper — if not impossible.
→ EXAMPLE: Think of a TED great like Tim Urban (with 73 million views). He brings a special pulsing energy and clarity that makes us hang on his every word, right?
The second B is all about ensuring there’s space in the speaker’s weekly schedule. A TED Talk is a time-intensive commitment, often taking 3-6 months to script and practice. Many aspiring speakers (or keynote speakers) underestimate the time investment it takes to perfect a high-stakes talk.
In my initial discovery calls, I’m often considering:
- Feedback and Adjustments: Beyond schedule considerations, is this person capable of being vulnerable enough to take rehearsal input from friends and colleagues?
NOTE: Regardless of your abilities, a powerful TED Talk isn’t something you can cram into a week — it requires a dedicated number of hours each week, over months.
→ EXAMPLE: Think of a TED great like Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor (with 29M views). She put in more than 200 hours of time into rehearsals.
The third B is all about deep commitment to (and trust in) the process. The process for high-stakes presentations is intensive and iterative, requiring openness to continuous improvement. Often speakers rehearse their talks countless times alone. Then they practice in front of others. Each rehearsal offers nuances to adjust — whether in pacing, phrasing, or emphasis.
In my initial discovery calls, I’m often considering:
- Openness to Coaching: Is this person likely to be receptive to constructive criticism, whether it’s refining language, altering content, or modifying tone.
NOTE: Without buy-in, a talk can fall flat. Those who succeed are fully engaged and genuinely excited (and committed) about perfecting their message.
→ EXAMPLE: Think of a TED great like Dr. Robert Waldinger (with 48M views). He began our first session saying, “Devin, I’m an expert in many things, but not TED. So when I meet someone who is an expert, I trust them and lean in!”
The final B is all about budget. While this factor may be obvious, it’s crucial to address. Prepping a TED Talk (or a similar high-profile presentation) requires investment for professional coaching.
That said, if the prospect is of a DIY mindset, so it goes — I do try and set them up for success with reading material and even a referral to other coaches who may fit their pocketbook. (Along those lines, click here and here.)
It also helps to keep in mind, not every idea is “worth spreading” on a TED stage. What’s more, you’ll note that the quality of the topic isn’t even a consideration in the 4 B’s. Frankly, ideas change or are swapped for others.
But for those who can answer “yes” to Bench Strength, Bandwidth, Buy-In, and Bullion, the path to a (potentially) exceptional talk is wide open!
So my first step in gauging if someone is truly ready for center stage, is to review the 4 B’s.
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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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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. TEDxNortheasternU (Boston) Apply here.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Event date: 2/22/25
2. TEDxGreenhouseRoad (Houston) Apply here.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Event Date: Multiple
3. TEDxTulane (Louisiana) Apply here.
Application Deadline: 11/17/24
Event Date: 3/25/25
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.
NEW MICRO-TRAINING. (A Subscriber Gift.)
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Forty-five frustrating minutes later, and you make the classic, amateur speechwriter’s MISTAKE:
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TEDster Insights in Video.
Here's a video short that unpacks a some dimensions of the TEDster mindset.
How does overconfidence hinder success on the TED stage?
​Want more? The TED Talk Whisperer YouTube video library is here.
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 or a commencement address; an all-hands preso or a keynote, you will want to be:
Those 3 priorities are what make The Marks Messaging Method so very, very connecting and compelling.
Have a keynote coming up? Are you interested in public speaking training?
Good news!
This framework can next-level any general public speaking opportunity. Whether for a national conference keynote, employee all-hands, or funding pitch, The Marks Messaging Method 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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