Wondering what it’s like doing a TEDx talk? Depending on your talk’s topic, it might prove to be a transformative experience where you feel like you’ve finally released your idea worth spreading into the world, or it may simply feel exhilarating because there’s nothing quite like stepping into the red circle.

“Should I do a TEDx talk?”

What an open question this is! The answer is simple: do you have an idea that you feel will provoke conversation and thought? Are you willing to go through the rigors of applying for and preparing for your talk? If so, you might want to pursue your own TEDx talk.

For most people, it starts with an application process. While it’s true that some people get invited to do TEDx talks, many must go through the application process. I can’t speak for every TEDx, but here in Omaha, the application process consists of a few things:

·       Filling out an application, which includes a brief video, during the annual call for speakers (our main page on the website announces when the next call for speakers takes place).

·       Participating in an interview – though not everyone is selected for interviews. If you are, get excited because you are one step closer!

·       Getting selected and accepting the honor. Being a TEDx speaker is a big time commitment, so people running TEDx Omaha want to make sure you can commit the time necessary,

How do you prepare for a TEDx talk?

Luckily, you don’t have to go through the TEDx talk preparation process all by yourself. You’ll get a speaker coach, with whom you’ll work one-on-one. Their job is to help you hone your talk and to get you ready for the big day of the TEDx event.

You’ll also be a member of the cohort of speakers for your event. You may be surprised at how close you become with the people in this group as you all stumble your way through writing and rewriting your talks and practicing together.

So, what’s it like doing a TEDx talk? It’s a long and rewarding experience. You may find out many months in advance that you’ll be presenting a talk, but that’s a good thing. You need that time to craft your message and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

Because, after all, speakers don’t use teleprompters or notes. You memorize your talk and deliver it from memory. And that’s where all that rehearsal and reputation pays off. It’s part of the reason you must be all in to give a TEDx talk. It’s a long process, but as most people who have delivered TEDx talks would agree, it’s a process that’s worth the effort.

After your talk, you get to see your video on YouTube, as does everyone else. It can take a couple months for your TEDx video to appear on the TEDx Youtube page, but some talks are released by TED or edited into Shorts. Either way, your potential audience can be huge.

Does doing a TEDx talk change your life? That depends. Some TEDx speakers go on to write books or become influencers or wind up with more speaking gigs. But it’s not a golden ticket to fame by any means. It will probably heighten your credibility and, frankly, looks really good on a LinkedIn bio.

Whether or not doing a TEDx talk will change your life shouldn’t be the question. The question should be, “Will my TEDx talk change other people’s lives?”