Standing In The Red Circle - What It’s Like To Speak at TEDx
Two years ago my book Building Small hit the streets. It was a big accomplishment and I awaited what it might bring.
One of the first big ʻthingsʻ to result from its publication was an invitation to present at TEDxSonoma County. I had been a fan of TED for years and the chance to be part of this esteemed franchise, and maybe gain a little of the halo that comes from being on the TEDx stage, made the four grueling years writing the book feel like it was worthwhile.
Naively, I thought, ‘how hard could this be? Iʻve done a lot of speaking in my professional career. And I wrote the book! So I know the material inside and out’. I saw it as just a fun chance to share what Iʻd learned, hone my speaking skills and meet some interesting people.
Jim Heid
I had no idea what an incredibe journey it would be.
TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) has a well established brand that they protect mightily. And rightly so. Everything from your presentation style, length, lighting, messaging and engagement is managed and refined. And, by the way… there are no notes.
So I was given a presentation coach. I saw this as a good chance to gain some objective feedback on my speaking and delivery style. From detailed editing of my script, phrasing, articulation and timing - to carefully explaining how to bring heart and authenticity to my talk – Hillary Wicht, provided me an invaluable service. The part I dreaded most, but she demanded I do again and again, was to record and listen to myself present. Like many of us, I hate listening to my presentations but the simple use of a phone app to record and playback my talk gave me a whole new understanding of what I THOUGHT I was saying, vs what was actually being conveyed.
After months of preparation the week for TEDx arrived, along with a combination of nervousness and excitement. Daily practice rounds (often while walking my dogs because they were the only ones who would not critique me) led up to the day of the ʻdry runʻ. Walking into the Jackson Theater, getting my direction on where to stand and how to engage, I realized this was the real deal. The dark theater unfolded as I went through my carefully honed script, hoping to nail it. While there were a few flubs and missteps, overall it felt pretty good and our fearless leader, Marilyn Nagel, assured me it would be great.
That evening was the final ramp of our journey. One of TEDxSonomaCounty’s long standing patrons, Lynn & Anisya Fritz, graciously invited the speakers to their beautiful Lynmar Winery for an evening of wine, exceptional food and most of all – the chance for casual conversation and distraction from the next day’s anxieties.
On TEDx day, we huddled as a group in the ʻgreen roomʻ. Like other opportunities in one’s life where complete strangers are thrown into a moment together, there was this incredible sense of community and friendship.
I was the second to present and that was a good thing. My 8 minutes and 43 seconds was over before I knew it, and my worst fears did not materialize (would I forget that big line?). There was applause. And then it was over.
After I finished, my fellow speakers rolled out one by one and I got to sit, listen, or watch. I loved the incredible diversity of topics and backgrounds, amidst this consistent thread of continuity and the ideals of TED. Professional. Thought provoking. Entertaining. And always on point.
What did I learn?
TEDxSonomaCounty is one of our region’s best-kept secrets and it deserves to be exposed. I can’t imagine living in a better place, and yet having access to such thought provoking, professional ideas and conversations.
If this sounds like something you would like to do, or see, TEDxSonomaCounty 2023 will take place March 4 in the Jackson Theater at Sonoma Country Day School.
Learn more and get tickets for TEDxSonomaCounty here
Watch Jim Heid’s TEDxSonomaCounty 2022 talk “Building Small” here