15 Nov Unveiling the TEDx Journey: A Rollercoaster of Emotions, Insights, and Growth

I’ve gotten so many questions about my the Behind-the-Scenes experience of giving my first TEDx Talk. So… I decided to let you in on all the secrets! In the following blog post, you’ll take a deep dive into my mentality and experiences before giving the biggest talk of my life. But first– I’m excited to share my Talk: “Transformation: Write, Share, and Live -Living Your Legacy”. Thank you to @TEDXRALEIGH for your selection and the chance to share my story with the world. Sharing my story and cementing my legacy in the world felt AMAZING!

Embarking on the TEDx journey was a thrilling and nerve-wracking experience filled with anticipation and excitement. Little did I know that preparing and delivering a TEDx talk would be a transformative journey, pushing me beyond my comfort zones and teaching me invaluable levelless lessons. In this blog post, I’m excited to share the behind-the-scenes stories, insights gained, and the profound lessons learned from my TEDx experience.

It all began with a seemingly simple idea – an idea worth spreading. The journey commenced with the application process, where articulating the essence of my message became an exercise in clarity and precision. Crafting a compelling proposal and capturing the attention of the TEDx organizers set the stage for what was to come.

Once the proposal was accepted, the real work began. Collaborating with the TEDx team and mentors, I refined my message, shaping it into a narrative that would resonate with a diverse audience. Rehearsals, feedback sessions, and refining the script became the daily norm. During this phase, I realized the power of simplicity – distilling complex ideas into relatable anecdotes, connecting with the audience personally, and showing vulnerability.

The Nerves:

As the event date approached, the nerves kicked in. The infamous TEDx red circle loomed large, symbolizing both opportunity and challenge. Overcoming stage fright and embracing the vulnerability of sharing personal stories became crucial. I learned that the nerves were not a hindrance but a testament to the significance of the message I was about to share.

The Backstage Stories:

Behind the scenes were moments of laughter, nervous energy, and unexpected challenges. From last-minute script tweaks to dealing with technical hiccups, the backstage was a world of its own. Connecting with fellow speakers, sharing stories, and realizing the diversity of experiences added a layer of camaraderie that enriched the overall experience. I will continue to build these relationships.

The Moment of Truth:

Standing on the TEDx stage, bathed in the iconic red light, was surreal. The adrenaline rush, the attentive audience, and the realization that this was the culmination of months of hard work converged into a moment of truth. Delivering the talk with authenticity, passion, and a genuine connection with the audience became my primary focus.

Lessons Learned:

1.   Authenticity is Key: The most impactful talks come from a place of authenticity. Sharing personal stories, vulnerabilities, and genuine passion creates a connection with the audience that transcends the stage.

2.   Embrace Vulnerability: Opening up and sharing personal stories can be daunting, but the vulnerability makes a talk relatable and memorable. Audiences appreciate authenticity and courage. 

3.   Simplicity Amplifies Impact: Simplicity is your ally in the quest to communicate complex ideas. Distill your message to its core essence, making it accessible to a broad audience.

4.   Connect with Your Audience: Understand your audience’s perspective and tailor your message to resonate with them. A genuine connection fosters engagement and leaves a lasting impression.

Conclusion:

The TEDx journey was more than a speech/talk on a stage; it was a transformative experience that pushed boundaries, unearthed hidden strengths, and connected me with a diverse global community. Once an intimidating symbol, the red circle represents a platform where ideas can spark change. Reflecting on this journey, I’m grateful for the lessons learned and the connections made, knowing that the impact extends beyond those few minutes on stage. I encourage you to dive deeper into the insights shared during my talk; check out Transformation: Write, Share, Live -Living Your Legacy. Where I explore that we have the power to live our legacy while we are living, and it begins with us embracing who we are, taking actions to write about it, telling our stories, and living so we are leaving lasting principles that transform generations.