According to the National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC), “the fear of public speaking is the most common phobia ahead of death.”
Interestingly though, it’s not speaking that will kill you. It’s not being heard.
That was the subject of Yasmin Baba’s recent TED Talk on the female health gap. Yasmin highlighted the huge disparity that exists between research into men’s health compared to women’s and how much more difficult it is for women to be heard.
For example, did you know that women are diagnosed four years later than men on average for major health conditions?
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding a number of clients like Yasmin through the daunting process of writing and rehearsing a TED Talk.
And whilst you might not have TED in your diary anytime soon, the same rules apply for any presentation, meeting, manifesto, conversation – the lot.
So here’s the step-by-step approach I use to help my clients deliver a compelling talk with confidence.
1. Clarify the message
A TED Talk is not just about delivering information, it’s about sharing an ‘idea worth spreading’.
You need to identify the heart of your message – what do you want the audience to remember long after the talk? Whether you’re sharing a groundbreaking idea or telling a personal story, clarity is key.
Distill the message into a simple, compelling concept that serves as the foundation for the talk.
2. Structure the talk
A TED Talk typically lasts between 12 to 18 minutes, making structure critical. It’s easy to overwhelm an audience with too much information in such a limited time.
A clear and engaging structure is crucial. Often I advise following the formula of: a powerful introduction, an exploration of the idea, and a call to action.
This helps maintain the audience’s attention while ensuring the talk remains focused and impactful.
3. Craft the narrative
While facts and data are important, storytelling plays a huge role in TED Talks. People connect with stories, not just information.
I encourage my clients to weave in personal anecdotes, case studies, or real-life examples that highlight their message. A well-crafted narrative humanises their ideas, making them more relatable and memorable for the audience.
In fact, TED recommends that up to 60% of the talk should be what’s called ‘pathos’ – the human element. So don’t be too humble. The fact that you are doing the talk, not anyone else, is important. Help the audience understand why you’re up there.
4. Rehearse the delivery
Most people struggle with rehearsing, but it’s also where I tend to see the most growth. Rehearse your delivery, practise pacing, tone, body language, and the use of pauses to make your speech more impactful.
Sometimes, small adjustments, like shifting posture or slowing down your speech, can make a world of difference. Run it, then run it again, then run it again. And again…
And remember, REHEARSE has the word HEAR in the middle for a reason – if you haven’t heard it out loud a number of times then you haven’t rehearsed it.
The keen eyed among you may have noticed REHEARSE also has two other words in it. You want to avoid ending up on your ARSE in a HEARSE because you haven’t REHEARSED properly!
5. Manage the nerves
Finally, managing nerves is an essential aspect of preparation. The pressure of a TED Talk can be anxiety-inducing, so develop strategies that calm your nerves before stepping on stage.
This might include breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or simply reminding yourself of your “why” – why you’re giving the talk in the first place
In the end, my goal is to help you communicate with authenticity and confidence. The result is not just a well-crafted TED Talk, but an experience that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impact.
No ARSES. No HEARSES.