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!
