What's the most common TEDx mistake that hopeful speakers make?

Settling for the 1st opportunity that comes your way.

Not all TEDx events are created equal. With 3K+ annual conferences all around the world and all run by volunteers... There’s a wide gap in quality and know-how.

Fact is that many, many event organizers are learning on the job. Often they don’t have the resources to properly vet speaker ideas or produce high-quality videos.

Before applying to TEDxAnywhere, do your research and use these 5 tools to find your ideal TEDx event:

1. LEARN the complicated TED terrain. (Article here.)

2. VET the production quality. (7 tips here.)

3. REFINE-Refine-refine your idea. (7 tips here.)

4. BELIEVE you deserve the best stage. (Article here.)

5. FIND an independent TEDx coach. (4 tips here.)

Your idea is worth spreading. Invest the time and effort to find the right platform, and you'll have a chance to maximize your impact.

DEVIN D. MARKS is known as The TED Talk Whisperer. His firm, CONNECT to COMPEL, has served 100s of TED, TEDx, and TED-Style 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.

PODCAST MOMENTS.

HOST Dallas Burnett: "To me, a TED Talk is just like any other work of art. You just were describing this masterpiece where the artist has refined their style and then lay out this canvas. And then everybody in the museum comes by and says, 'I just need to take that in.' I love the way you defined that. It's just powerful!"

Those words by show host, Dallas Burnett, added a new layer of understanding (for me) in our conversation on The Last 10% podcast.

A TED Talk is an action-inspiring canvas — a work of art!

Yes, TED-style communications has been systemized. But it isn't paint by numbers. Each canvas is unique and inspiring in a different way.

Click here to listen to the episode.

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Want to dive into non-TED oriented presentation tips?

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Click here to subscribe to BETTER Speaking!

The bi-weekly(ish) newsletter is focused on best practices for general keynotes, boardroom presentations, employee all-hands, and the like. This is the sister publication to TEDxTuesdays and is (largely) a TED Talk-free zone.

Let’s work together to improve your everyday presentations with the very best of TED-style tools!

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. TEDxWarrenton (Virginia) Apply here.

Application Deadline: 6/30/24

Event Date: 10/26/24

2. TEDxTemecula (California) Apply here.

Application Deadline: TBD

Event Date: 08/28/24

3. TEDxNaperville (Chicago area) Apply here.

Application Deadline: Rolling

Event Date: 11/9/24

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.

Short TEDster Insights

Here's a quick video that unpacks 3 key factors that go into a viral talk:

What does it take to make a video go viral?

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:

[ ✔] 5Fold-Focused
(5 factors here)

[ ✔] Story-Wrapped
(3 factors here)

[ ✔] Action-Igniting
(7 factors here)

Those 3 priorities are what make the Marks Messaging Method so very, very connecting and compelling.

To begin a conversation, click here:

I WANT TO BEGIN!