TED Talks have forever redefined public speaking — how we share and spread ideas on stage and screen.

At the heart of this phenomenon is a distinct speaker prep approach that I’ve coined The Maximized Messaging Method™ (M3).

The M3 framework distills core elements of successful TED Talk prep, emphasizing clarity, storytelling, and calls to engagement.

A signature example of the M3 approach’s effectiveness is the TEDx Talk** by Harvard's Dr. Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness.

In its first year, the talk became the single most intensively viewed viral talk in the history of TED. Today it tallies 49M views and claims slot #8 in the TED Top 10.

Along the way, the M3 framework has produced 100s of other talks, for my clients, built on 3 principles: Focus, Story, Action.

Let’s briefly unpack those and pair each with an illustrative million-view talk.

I. FIVEFOLD-FOCUS.

The 1st principle in the M3 approach is to apply a “Fivefold-Focus.” It sharpens a message and includes the following factors:

A BIG IDEA: Shape one core message that’s crisp, clear, and pithy.
THE RULE OF 3: Support the idea with three distinct points.
THE MESSAGE TEMPLE: Organize content into a structure with a foundation and progression.
POWERPOINT-FREE: Minimize distractions with clean, impactful visuals.
HIGHWAY SAFETY: Avoid “potholes” like jargon, off-topic detours, and distracting “billboards” of unnecessary detail.

For more on how to focus a message, click here.

→ EXAMPLE: Investor Natalie Fratto’s TED Residency Talk details her formula for determining which start-up founders to fund. At the 02:01-minute mark, Fratto shares three pithy ways to measure your own "adaptability quotient" — and why your response to change really matters. It is a solid example of the Rule of 3. And note her Big Idea: “Measure your adaptability quotient to improve.”

At 4M+ views, 3 ways to measure your adaptability to improve it is a talk worth modeling with a Fivefold-Focused message.

As one leading TED staffer once said:

“The more hyper-focused your message, the greater chance it will hook a listener’s memory.”

By embracing these 5 focusing factors, a TED or TED-style message is better positioned to spread.

II. STORY-WRAPPED.

The 2nd principle in the M3 approach is to design a “Story-Wrapped” message. It encompasses the Big Idea in narrative and includes the following factors:

RELATABLE: Share a story that’s connecting — even bonding! Do you personally know someone who could be impacted by your data? Name her, explain her circumstance, detail a bit of her life or work in ways that allow your audience to think, “Oh yes, I’ve done that.”
COLORFUL: You want the story shared to stand out enough that it sticks in the minds of viewers. A story is most shareable when elements of it are vivid and pop! But remember to limit the details you offer and ensure they serve a singular purpose.
COMPELLING: You want the stories shared to point viewers in the direction of action. Entertainment for its own sake is for Hollywood — not TED. Stories shared should absorb the audience and inspire. After all, a story has a job to do.
STICKY: A sub-framework of M3 approach involves storytelling according to the STICKY Stories™ model. Storytelling that sticks with listeners is Structured, Textured, Igniting...etc. After all to spread, a story first needs to be memorable.

For more on how to wrap a message in a story, click here.

→ EXAMPLE: Note how Shawn Achor begins his TEDx Talk with a personal and poignant story. It is relatable and colorful with a clear, dramatic problem to overcome. Beginning at the 00:10-minute mark, he has seamlessly hooked the audience; then he transitions to a workplace-focused Big Idea. (But we all recall his sister’s broken arm and his optimistic solution in a crisis moment!)

At 26.5M+ views, The happy secret to better work is a talk worth modeling with a Story-Wrapped message.

As one leading TEDxChicago organizer once said:

“By wrapping your idea in a story, it is more likely to stick.”

By embracing these 4 storytelling factors, a TED or TED-style message is better positioned to spread.

III. ACTION-IGNITING.

The 3rd principle in the M3 approach is an “Action-Igniting” purpose. It frames a results-oriented message and includes the following factors:

WINNABLE WINS: Achievable, small victories.
IMMEDIATE WINS: Actions that can begin tonight.
CLEAR WINS: Steps that are easily recognized as such.
REPEATABLE WINS: Habits that can be incorporated into daily life.
SHAREABLE WINS: Steps others can adopt themselves and spread.

For more on how to ignite listener action in a message, click here.

→ EXAMPLE: In the last moments of his TEDx Talk, note how Dr. Robert Waldinger** makes actionable, real-life next steps clear for viewers. At the 11:19-minute mark, he drills the macro into doable, simple habits: “Replace screen time with people time. Do something new together — long walks or date nights. Reach out to that family member who you haven't spoken to in years.”

At 49M+ views, What makes a good life? is a talk worth modeling with an Action-Igniting a message.

As one leading TEDxSeattle organizer once said:

“The point of any message is to drive results.”

By embracing these 5 actionable factors, a TED or TED-style message is better positioned to spread.

WHY IT WORKS BEYOND TED.

It turns out that the effectiveness of The Maximized Messaging Method isn’t exclusive to TED stages. The same principles apply in boardroom presentations, keynote addresses, and even media interviews — regardless of the engagement’s length.

After all, if you think about it, who doesn’t want their message to be focused, involve a story, and inspire action? Conversely, how many presentations, speeches, and interviews have you suffered through that lack one (or all) of these M3 keys?

Over the last decade, 100s of my non-TED clients have employed this approach with success, garnering media accolades, awards, and clients.

So whether you’re an engineer presenting data or a startup CEO seeking funding, a Fivefold-Focused, Story-Wrapped, and Action-Igniting message ensures your ideas connect and spread!

** Dr. Robert Waldinger is an “alumni” client of mine. We worked together in 2015 on a fall TEDx Talk (released on TED Dec. 23, 2015) and subsequent TED-style keynotes around the world.

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

TEDster Insights in Video.

Here's a video short that unpacks how to next-level your leadership communications.

Is Your Communication Style Holding You Back as a Manager?

Want more? The TED Talk Whisperer YouTube video library is here.

PODCAST MOMENTS.

Earlier this summer I enjoyed an extended conversation with Joshua Harris about the land of TEDsters and storytelling in the TED style.

Josh’s podcast CLEAR & LOUD is a favorite of mine — and he's only hit the 30s in his episode tally. Hope you come to feel the same!

Give Ep.30 a listen here.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:

• Discover the key differences between a typical TEDx Talk and a viral breakaway talk.

• Learn about the "TED tool shed" and the three key tools for a successful TED Talk.

• Explore the importance of storytelling and how to connect with your audience on an emotional level.

• Understand common mistakes speakers make and how to avoid them for a more impactful presentation.

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:

[ ✔] 5Fold-Focused
(5 factors here)

[ ✔] Story-Wrapped
(3 factors here)

[ ✔] Action-Igniting
(7 factors here)

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:

I WANT TO BEGIN!

LET THE WORLD LIVE YOUR MESSAGE™