In a previous post, I introduced my FRAMEWORK that I share with clients to use to create their TED talks. It breaks down the presentation into different key elements that contribute to an overall great talk. I decided to explore several popular TED talks to use as examples of this framework in action. My hope is to inspire you so that you can create your unique, authentic talk!
So, let’s break it down. What makes Simon Sinek’s Talk, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action”, one of the top ten “most-watched” TED talks of all time?
MAKE THE AUDIENCE CARE
MINUTE 0:14: “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume?”
Sinek starts his talk with questions to invest his listeners. Meeting the audience where they are and connecting with them is imperative in the first 60 seconds. Sinek’s cadence and tone is engaging and exciting and it draws the listener in immediately.
INTRODUCE YOUR IDEA
His discovery is that there is a pattern to great leadership.
MINUTE 1:35: “they think, act and communicate the exact same way and it’s the complete opposite of everyone else….I call it the Golden Circle.”
INTRODUCE YOURSELF
MINUTE 1:17: “About three and a half years ago, I made a discovery. And this discovery profoundly changed my view on how I thought the world worked, and it even profoundly changed the way in which I operate in it.”
While Sinek chooses to not list his accomplishments and credentials talking about his discovery puts him in a role of researcher, academic or somehow curious about this topic.
PRESENT THE EVIDENCE/DATA
Sinek draws a simple visual for his audience that he has named The Golden Circle and then proceeds to break it down piece by piece.
MINUTE 5:58, “If you look at a cross-section of the human brain, from the top down, the human brain is actually broken into three major components that correlate perfectly with the golden circle…”
MINUTE 9:38: “The difference was, Orville and Wilbur were driven by a cause, by a purpose, by a belief. They believed that if they could figure out this flying machine, it’ll change the course of the world.”
REMIND THE AUDIENCE OF YOUR IDEA
MINUTE 10:51: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. If you talk about what you believe, you will attract those who believe what you believe.”
REVEAL THE NEW REALITY
MINUTE 17:11: “Listen to politicians now, with their comprehensive 12-point plans. They’re not inspiring anybody. Because there are leaders and there are those who lead. Leaders hold a position of power or authority, but those who lead inspire us. Whether they’re individuals or organizations, we follow those who lead, not because we have to, but because we want to.”
INVITE YOUR AUDIENCE TO TAKE ACTION
MINUTE 17:43: “We follow those who lead, not for them, but for ourselves. And it’s those who start with «why»that have the ability to inspire those around them or find others who inspire them.”
Preparing a TED talk can be one of the most rewarding and fastest way to deepen the learning about your message, your work and yourself– whether you’ll ever deliver it within a red dot or not!
I’ve created a FRAMEWORK which my clients use to create their TED Talks. It breaks down the presentation into different key elements that contribute to an overall great talk. This is NOT A FORMULA–nor a cookie cutter, step-by-step process. It’s a simple framework– the box which holds the sand– so you can create your unique, authentic talk!
So, let’s break it down. What makes Brene Brown’s one of the top ten “most-watched” TED talks of all times???
MAKE THE AUDIENCE CARE
Brene starts with a personal story: “A couple of years ago, an event planner called me….” This is a perfect start for her– as she is a masterful storyteller. Audiences can’t resist the “once upon a time” beginning. It’s a great way to engage them within the first 60 seconds! This is one of the ways I coach my clients to MAKE THEIR AUDIENCE CARE. (There are, of course, other strategies.)
INTRODUCE YOUR IDEA
As she talks about her experience with the event planner, she gently introduces elements of her core IDEA when she says: “The academic insecure part of me…..” Then she describes her process– “I tried to call deep on my courage…”
INTRODUCE YOURSELF
While at the same time she is introducing herself– not just by listing her academic accomplishments or credentials in a linear, organized order– but by weaving them into the narrative. After all, why would we trust her, why would we listen to her without information on who she is and her credentials? (Her credentials relay her expertise– which is what an audience needs to trust the speaker as the right messenger for that message.) “I’m a researcher/storyteller,” Brene says as she moves on with her presentation.
PRESENT THE EVIDENCE/DATA
Most of Brene’s talk is spent explaining her research process– her findings, her learning– while at the same time presenting the evidence for the topic’s relevance. Why this topic is important– not just to her as a researcher– but to each one of us as human beings looking to live the most fulfilled, connected and purposeful lives.
“Thousands of pieces of data…”
“People were sending me their journal pages…”
REMIND THE AUDIENCE OF YOUR IDEA
She goes back to her IDEA which is presented THROUGHOUT the talk, not in just ONE section.
“They were willing to let go of who they thought they should be…”
“Which you have to, for connection…”
“They fully embraced vulnerability…”
REVEAL THE NEW REALITY
Brene goes on to give clear examples of the world we live in and how her IDEA plays out.
“We numb vulnerability…”
“ We seek perfection.”
“We just need you to be authentic and real and say, ‘We’re sorry, we’ll fix it…’ ”
INVITE YOUR AUDIENCE TO TAKE ACTION
She closes her talk leading her audience to simple call-to-actions– which they can implement in their lives right away.
“To let ourselves be seen, deeply seen.”
Preparing a TED talk can be one of the most rewarding and fastest way to deepen the learning about your message, your work and yourself– whether you’ll ever deliver it within a red dot or not!
Let me introduce myself, my name is Linda Othote and I collaborate with Dolores Hirschmann in Masters in Clarity.
Dolores’ blog about sailing a 420 with her oldest son and «Expert Leadership» triggered some thoughts about something I experienced recently…
I had the opportunity to join a large group of volunteers who spent the morning painting and doing yard work at a local elementary school in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Though there were a few glitches in brushes and paint getting delivered to our area on time; we found ways to still be productive. Some washed down the walls, others pitched in to help a teacher take down posters from the walls of her classroom. I asked a couple more to track down a trash can and drop cloths. All were flexible and accepted the assignments and direction I offered.
Then a «boss» showed up and started barking different «orders» at my team. It was not only confusing, but it was disruptive. I quietly but firmly explained to her that we knew what we had to do, we had a plan and we were executing it. She persisted. It became somewhat unpleasant– (I could tell that several team members were confused and put off by her approach.) So, I calmly stated AGAIN that things were under control. «We’ve got this.» That was the end of that and she finally moved on to «bark» at the other teams in the hallway. I am still not sure who she was…
We completed the painting and worked well together. Those who were more skilled painters cut in the edges, others rolled the flat surfaces. Those who did not feel confident about painting followed behind and did cleanup to remove drips of paint here and there on the floor boards.
I didn’t think anything more about the «boss» incident until we were wrapping up. I thanked everyone for their help and for coming. Then three young men (in their late teens) approached me and said, «Thank you for leading with CLARITY and kindness.»
I have worked professionally for many years as a marketing communications consultant and program/project manager, so I not only enjoy but am accustomed to running/coordinating large teams. But I have to admit I was somewhat stunned by their feedback.
So remember when you are «leading»:
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- Learn/observe/identify what people are «good at».
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- Be very clear on what you want them to do– why, what and when.
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- If there is a conflict or a disagreement, stand firm–but try to resolve the situation with kindness and CLARITY.
- Thank them for their contributions.
I don’t know about you, but I would much rather be a «leader» than a «boss»!
As for Dolores, she’s right on! Everything is better and easier when we make CLARITY a priority in our lives!
I’m taking time off….
This week I turn 45, my husband and I celebrate 20 years together and my daughter turns 16!
So I’m turning off my screens (computer, phone, etc) and turning on conversation, sailing, swimming and just spending time with friends and family!
If you want my itinerary this week, here it is:
– Tuesday, July 18th – Day of swimming, sailing, and cookout with family and friends for my birthday!
– Wednesday, July 19th- My husband and I are spending the evening on a sunset cruise in Boston Harbor on a classic schooner and we are sleeping on the boat!
– Friday, July 20th- It’s party time! We are wrapping up the week with a family and friends party while celebrating my daughter turning 16!
So, why am I telling you all this? Because as a business owner, I can’t afford to TURN OFF my business just because I’m taking time off!
Let me ask you this: If you are running a small business, do you ever take time off? At what cost? How do you keep the DOORS OPEN while you recharge?
Here are three strategies I rely upon:
- Marketing Systems: Years ago, when I launched my business I understood that my clients hire me based on trust. Somehow, they had built a relationship with me either through an acquaintance we share or through my presence in the market. Either way, I had to make myself known and available for them to inquire about my services. Consistently being PRESENT in the marketplace requires a STRATEGY and a SYSTEM! I now have a team that supports me– but at first, I didn’t. So I had technology systems that I could program, automate and time release so that I consistently showed up in the market. Depending on how far along you are or whether you have a team or not, are you CLEAR on your marketing strategy and systems?
- Clarity of Deliverable: My clients can’t wait for me to come back from vacation. Our vacations are NOT synchronized…. so even if I’m off, they are NOT! They need to keep on working, keep on moving forward. So how can I help them keep moving forward if they can’t meet with me? Well, I’ve identified which part of my service needs to be one-on-one– me working directly with them– versus exercises, learnings and working with each other in my IDEApreneur community. This has allowed my clients to work consistently while allowing me to recharge my batteries. Are you tied to your desk? Do your customers rely 100% on you being at your desk for them to get value?
- My Team: Yes, I now have a TEAM and they are AWESOME! They are CLEAR on my mission and what I’m looking to build. We have aligned our projects and actions so we are all working together towards a common goal. They are definitely the reason I’m able to really relax when taking time off! You might not be there yet, but as you begin to envision your growth, begin visualizing your dream team! (If you already have a team–take some time to reassess–IS IT YOUR DREAM TEAM?)
The last strategy is to COLLABORATE. I’m constantly learning and partnering with colleagues and experts in the market to support each other and bring new ideas and learning to my audience.
As part of this strategy, I want to introduce Angela Giles, a seasoned digital marketer who can help YOU identify Marketing Breakthroughs to gain visibility and get seen in your market. She has put together a phenomenal list of speakers, movers and shakers of the Marketing Industry who have gathered to share their juicy tidbits which will help you skyrocket your empire. If you want to step up and level up your marketing game be sure to register for this event. It all starts July 31st – REGISTER NOW! IT’S FREE!
I look forward to hearing about how YOU recharge while keeping your business running. Have a great week,