After watching your latest favorite Tedx talk, you might be kicking yourself for not having a better question to ask, or you wonder what the speaker ate for lunch. Well we’ve got good news! First things first: read below for some do’s and don’ts from us here at Tedx like sarcastic humor funny coffee quotes.
Do’s of TedX are:
1. Be on time!
To get you excited for your video to be played on Ted.com, we like to roll out your talk as early as possible. That way, you have a chance at gaining more views and spreading awareness of your brand/company/cause.
2. Be prepared!
Research your topic thoroughly. You want a concrete answer. Otherwise, “The question isn’t as clear as I thought it would be/I didn’t get a good answer” complaints can follow you around for days.
3. Go for the Q&A!
Not all speakers are cut out to stick around after their talk and engage with the audience, but we encourage you to stay and hang out as long as possible. The opportunity of an interaction with Ted will give you that extra boost of positive energy that comes from being able to impact others through your words.
4. Be interactive!
The more you can engage with your audience, the better. Ask questions and share your experiences, add value to others’ experiences. This can be as simple as saying: “thank you” – without having to skip a beat!
5. Acknowledge the audience!
There are many different ways to do this: by using their name, thanking them for coming/wanting them to return, asking them if they have any questions or concerns – whatever works for you and your audience alike…
6. Be yourself!
Your presence will be the most powerful tool in turning heads at TedX. So be yourself! If you’re shy, ask for help. If you start as a disaster, finish as a winner. Whatever you do, be confident in yourself.
7. Be enjoyable!
You want to be remembered for the amazing experience and unforgettable story you can share with others, rather than some awkward moment that was hard to get through. So think it out beforehand and practice it – because we don’t want your energy getting drained before your talk is even released online – that would just be unprofessional.
8. Be yourself, but not too much!
With all the craziness that comes from being on stage, you can go a little crazy with your personal life. But remember: it’s ok to make mistakes. As artists we should be able to express ourselves freely and at our ability.
9. Be inspiring!
In a day and age where the world is facing so many problems, we need a voice louder than others – one that can share stories of hope and positivity; that has solutions for people to solve their own problems.
Don’ts of TedX are:
1. Don’t get drunk before your talk.
Your energy will be completely drained if you start out being a disaster – or worse, sleep through your own presentation. And after all, how sad would it be to make such an important speech in front of your peers, family and senior management and then not remember any of it?
2. Don’t do the whole “over-the-top” thing.
No one likes that guy who goes on stage with his own theme music and gets carried into the auditorium on a throne by his aides because he’s so famous and important. Save that for Hollywood, please.
3. Don’t bombard the audience with your questions
You shouldn’t need to ask 4 or 5 of them to get a result from the speaker (trust us, it’s no fun).
4. Don’t forget to thank you!
If you’re ever unsure how to react after a question, just show some appreciation toward the audience for being on board and for agreeing with your speech. This encourages us all to keep up the good work and helps us make more appearances in the future!
5. Don’t be annoying!
This goes without saying, but please don’t be too much of a buzzkill during your talk. Nobody likes a party-pooper, so don’t turn your TedX experience into one.
6. Don’t miss out on the Q&A!
You know you’re great at answering questions while you’re on stage, so stay around after and provide everyone with answers to their burning inquiries!
7. Don’t forget to be yourself!
When you stand up in front of an audience that can change the world one person at a time, remember: be confident. You have an amazing story and message to share with people around the globe, so go for it! Maybe not in a crazy-person way…but we all know that feeling when we get nervous on stage. It’s ok. We’ll go for you.
8. Don’t get caught up in the drama!
Staying on topic and staying chill is always a good way to go! Make sure you stay grounded in your talk so that your audience can find their reasons for following your advice.
9. Don’t forget the importance of cultural awareness!
Since Tedx is such a diverse company, it’s important to know others’ differences and respect them as much as you can. This includes dressing properly – google “TEDx code of conduct” if you don’t already know what we mean, or check out our previous blog post here: “TEDx The Ultimate Guide to Proper Dress Code” .
10. Don’t get too cocky!
What we say is true. You’re great – but you can always be better. So never stop improving, and never stop learning – even if you are the best speaker in the kingdom.
Summary:
But why should you listen to us? After all, we’re just a bunch of interns on the other side of this keyboard. Well, yes and no! Yes, because these tips were all discussed by our wonderful team of Ted interns who have each given multiple talks. And no, because these guidelines are not only meant to help YOU succeed at your next Ted Talk but also to help US succeed in presenting an amazing event completely free of charge for the speakers and attendees alike.
