I always say that a TED Talk delivery, at the highest level, is akin to watching a Cirque du Soleil solo.

Think about the last time you watched a world-class performance — whether an acrobat soaring through the air or a musician lost in their melody. The best performers don’t just execute their craft; they embody it!

When a Cirque performer steps on stage, they aren’t simply recalling choreography. They are living the performance: deeply connected to the moment and effortlessly adapting to the energy in the room.

Similarly, a truly unforgettable TED Talk isn’t just well-rehearsed — it’s fully internalized.

FULLY. INTERNALIZED.

This isn’t about repeating memorized lines; it’s about owning the message so deeply that the words become second nature.

That’s why the best TED speakers don’t sound robotic or over-rehearsed. They are rehearsed to the level beyond memorized.

FULLY. INTERNALIZED.

They sound alive. They can respond to the audience, adjust their pacing, and even be playful with their delivery because they know their content inside and out.

This isn’t a “Dancing With The Stars” performance, where every step is flawless until… it isn’t. We’re not talking about “perfection” that’s interrupted by stumbles, only to be regained again.

Subpar deliveries only add to the bevy of “maybe to mehhh” talks buried in the TEDx graveyard of YouTube. There are 100K+ talks like that sitting there with less than TED-worthy deliveries.

The best TED speakers — my clients — don’t “perform” a talk. Their mind isn’t occupied with remembering what comes next.

Instead, they are fully present, engaging with the audience in a way that makes every word feel fresh and authentic. They reach for a level of engagement that can only be described as captivating.

FULLY. INTERNALIZED.

That’s why, at its best, a TED Conference is Cirque du Soleil for ideas!

P.S. For some Cirque-level rehearsal guidelines and tips, 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.

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Feedback Poll.

Would you be willing to share your thoughts?

As February moves along, I'm weighing the launch of new trainings in 2025.

(In no particular order, click those you like; don't click those holding little interest.)

NICHE-IN NOW:
How To Establish Your Thought Leadership
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STORY-BASED INTRODUCTIONS:
How To Use Storytelling to Talk About Yourself
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How To Level-Up Your Speaking Fees
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PROFITABLE PRACTICE:
How To Next-Level Your Coaching Business
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BEYOND SELF-DOUBT:
How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
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MEDIA MAKER:
How To Become a Reporter's Go-To Expert
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Thanks for weighing in. More to come!

TED2025 Speakers Announced!

TED2025 (April 7-11) will convene thinkers who can show what human flourishing might look like in the years ahead.

Click to browse the speaker list.

Click for more info on attending the conference. To apply for a ticket, click here.

TEDster Video Insights.

Here's a video short that touches on the workload required to built a TED Talk.

Can 90 Minutes Transform Your TED Prep Productivity?

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

Chris Anderson, Photograph by TED's James Duncan Davidson (2011)

TED NEWS: Open Search For New Curator!

TED Head Chris Anderson recently announced his retirement and a worldwide search for his replacement.

Think you have the stuff to take the helm of the TED operation?

Details here:

Celebrating A Friend's New Podcast.

My buddy, Jeremy Connell-Waite (IBM's Global Communications Designer) just launched a new podcast.

It is worth highlighting, both because of his story craft genius AND the novel format.

After binging the lineup, my favorite episode is #4 where he deconstructs Bryan Stevenson's legendary TED Talk.

Presenting...

The Truth In Ten Podcast, give it a listen!

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-style keynote, 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 mySHORTtalk method 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 at a local level or a national conference, the mySHORTtalk framework can get you stage-ready.

To begin a conversation, click the button:

I WANT TO BEGIN!