TEDx Talking: Smita D Jain of Empower Yourself On What You Need To Know To Secure, Prepare, and…

TEDx Talking: Smita D Jain of Empower Yourself On What You Need To Know To Secure, Prepare, and Deliver a Highly Effective TEDx Talk

Trusting Your Gut on the Speech Day: On the day of your TEDx talk, trust in your preparation, intuition, and authenticity to guide your delivery. Embrace any nerves or butterflies as signs of excitement and readiness rather than fear. Trust in your ability to connect with the audience, stay present in the moment, and adapt to any unexpected twists or turns. By trusting your gut, you’ll deliver a memorable and impactful TEDx talk that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

In a world that is more connected than ever, the power of a well-crafted message to inspire, educate, and evoke change cannot be understated. TEDx Talks have emerged as a prestigious platform for sharing ideas worth spreading, reaching a global audience and creating impact on a grand scale. In this series, we are discussing the process of delivering a TEDx Talk that resonates and leaves a lasting impression. We are talking with experts who have successfully navigated the TEDx journey, including TEDx speakers, speaking coaches with a focus on TEDx preparations, and organizers involved in the selection and coaching of speakers. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Smita D Jain.

Smita D Jain, the founder and CEO of Empower Yourself, is a certified Executive Coach, Personal Empowerment Life Coach and NLP Practitioner. Her ‘Empower Yourself’ Personal Clarity and Performance Enhancement Coaching Programs enable introverted executives to speak their minds with confidence and communicate with impact. A two-time TEDx speaker and bestselling author of 3 books, Smita has appeared multiple times on National Television and is extensively quoted in leading portals and magazines around the globe. She has also co-authored the International Bestseller Series “Cracking the Rich Code: Volume 12” endorsed by Tony Robbins. Readers can learn more about her coaching programs at https://www.lifecoachsmitadjain.com/

Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I am an Indian and have been fortunate to have been born and raised in all corners of my country during my childhood, courtesy of my father’s background in the armed forces. Exposure to different cuisines, cultures and people from diverse backgrounds made me flexible and adaptable from a young age. I was always a good student, and after topping the grades in my senior secondary education, I pursued my commerce graduation and management postgraduation from the Ivy-league equivalent institutes in my country before embarking on my career as a management consultant at one of the Big 4 firms. After 14 years in the corporate world, I am now a coach, entrepreneur, and writer.

Can you tell us a bit about what you do professionally, and what brought you to this specific career path?

I was restless for the last two to three years of my 14-year corporate tenure. Despite doing well, I was dissatisfied and unsure of the impact that I was having around me. That’s what happens when the work you do is not aligned with your intrinsic values.

Then, the pandemic struck, and like many others, it was a period of introspection for me. I realized that life is uncertain, so it is better to make the most of the moment by doing what one likes.

A common thread underlying all my jobs was leadership- I enjoyed mentoring and guiding people and bringing out the best in them. The more I thought, the more I was sure that I would touch more lives and impact them positively by coaching, and in the process, also enjoy myself.

So, after over 14 years of corporate leadership experience in Fortune 50 companies, I quit my job in March 2021 to transform my passions into pursuits. I am now an ICF-accredited PCC Executive Coach and Personal Empowerment Life Coach by profession, and writing is my passion. I had a strong calling to empower people to speak their minds with confidence and communicate with impact so that they get better at what they do — and founded ‘Empower Yourself’ to bring my ideas to life.

Three Years and 1350+ coaching hours later, I know that I have not made a mistake in choosing to pursue my passion.

Thank you for all that. Let’s now turn to the main focus of our discussions. Can you tell us a bit about your particular experience with TEDx talks?

I have delivered TEDx talks twice, both in India.

I decided to become a TEDx speaker in December 2021. That was an easy decision. Figuring out the path was another ballgame altogether!

A TED talk isn’t just like any other talk. It needs to have certain elements. The speaker needs to demonstrate certain qualities. I know people who have taken years to write their TED talk, some of whom are still writing. Being a writer and speaker, I was able to work out this part fairly quickly.

It was the next step that stumped me — how to reach the stage and put yourself in a position to stand atop the red carpet?

I researched and researched but drew a blank. While a lot of literature — and quite a few coaches –claimed to help with the first bit, I couldn’t find a single source of help for that crucial last mile.

So, I decided to help myself by figuring out my own way.

After some days, I had something I could call a plan on paper.

When January 2022 dawned, I started executing the plan by sending pitches to TEDx organizers. I started getting responses — mostly unfavorable — but responses nevertheless. The plan was working!

Based on the responses, I refined my plan and pitch and set out on the path again. The reactions were even faster this time, and some were favorable. By the beginning of February, I was in discussions with the TEDx FIIB team in New Delhi; by the end of the month, the audition process had begun. I had a confirmation by March, and by April 2022, I was on the red carpet. The process was well organized and smooth, and the organizers were encouraging and empathetic.

Then, in September 2023, out of curiosity, I decided to follow the previous path I had created for myself again. I started reaching out to organizers, and this time, the response was even faster because I was already a TEDx speaker. In November 2023, I became a TEDx speaker again, this time at TEDxSTS Dwarka, a TEDx Youth event. Again, the organizers were very supportive and encouraging, which made the entire process a breeze.

Before we talk about the details, let’s consider the big picture. Preparing for a TEDx talk and securing it obviously requires a lot of mindshare, bandwidth, resources, and energy. From your personal experience, why is it worth it to invest all that to do a TEDx talk?

Preparing for and securing a TEDx talk undoubtedly demands significant time, effort, and resources. However, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Having personally navigated this journey, I can attest to the profound impact of delivering a TEDx talk.

First and foremost, a TEDx talk offers an unparalleled platform to share ideas that matter deeply to both the speaker and the audience. It provides an opportunity to contribute to important conversations, spark meaningful discussions, and inspire positive change on a global scale. The potential reach and influence of a TEDx talk extend far beyond the confines of the stage, allowing speakers to amplify their message and connect with diverse audiences worldwide.

Moreover, the process of preparing for a TEDx talk is inherently transformative. It pushes speakers to distil their ideas into clear, compelling narratives, fostering personal growth and self-discovery along the way. The rigorous preparation forces speakers to delve deep into their subject matter, gaining a deeper understanding of their own perspectives and insights.

The motivation to become a TEDx speaker came from a need to build a credible brand in my field. I coach my clients to confidently speak their minds and overcome their fears of public speaking. The TEDx name associated with my name means a permanent signature establishing my authority in this niche.

Ultimately, delivering a TEDx talk is both empowering and humbling. It provides a platform to share one’s voice, make a meaningful impact, and contribute to humanity’s collective knowledge. Despite the challenges, the opportunity to inspire, educate, and connect with others in such a profound way makes the journey well worth the investment.

Now, let’s talk about the how. Can you describe the application process for becoming a TEDx speaker? What are some common challenges faced in the application process that our readers should be forewarned about?

The application process for becoming a TEDx speaker typically involves several steps. Firstly, individuals interested in speaking at a TEDx event should research and identify upcoming TEDx events in their area or within their field of expertise. Once they have identified a suitable event, they can typically find information about the application process on the event’s official website or through other communication channels.

The application usually requires candidates to submit a detailed proposal outlining their proposed talk topic and any supporting materials such as a biography, previous speaking experience, and relevant credentials. Some TEDx events may also require candidates to submit a short video introducing themselves and summarizing their proposed talk.

Common challenges faced in the application process include:

Competition: TEDx events often receive many applications from qualified speakers, making the selection process highly competitive.
Clarity of Ideas: Crafting a compelling and innovative talk proposal that stands out from the crowd can be challenging, particularly when conveying complex ideas concisely.
Limited Slots: Many TEDx events have limited speaking slots available, meaning that even highly qualified applicants may not be selected due to space constraints.
Application Deadlines: Missing application deadlines can result in missed opportunities to speak at TEDx events, so applicants need to stay organized and submit their materials on time.
Feedback and Revisions: Applicants may receive feedback from event organizers and be asked to revise their proposals multiple times before final selection, requiring patience and flexibility.

Navigating the TEDx speaker application process requires persistence, creativity, and a willingness to adapt to feedback. Despite the challenges, securing a TEDx speaking opportunity can be an enriching experience.

Is there a website where you can apply for a TEDx talk? How do you apply and submit? How can you find out about all of the TEDx’s that are available?

Yes, there is a website where individuals can explore and apply for TEDx speaking opportunities. The official TED website (ted.com) hosts a dedicated section called “TEDx Talks”, where users can search for upcoming TEDx events globally.

Here’s how you can apply and submit your application:

Explore TEDx Events: Visit the TED website and navigate the “TEDx Talks” section. Here, you can search for upcoming TEDx events by location, date, or topic of interest.
Review Event Details: Click on individual events to view details such as event location, theme, and application deadline. It’s essential to thoroughly review the event information to ensure it aligns with your expertise and interests. Pick up events for three months later- speaker slots for events before that would have been filled up.
Submit Application: Once you’ve identified a TEDx event that interests you, follow the application instructions provided on the event page. This typically involves completing an online application form and submitting a proposal outlining your talk topic, along with any supporting materials requested by the event organizers. If there is no application submission link, you may contact the organizers.
Prepare Supporting Materials: Be prepared to provide a detailed biography, a summary of your proposed talk, and any relevant credentials or speaking experience. Some events may also require applicants to submit a short video introducing themselves and their proposed topic.
Follow-Up: After submitting your application, it’s a good idea to follow up with the event organizers if you haven’t received a response within the specified timeframe. This demonstrates your continued interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

In addition to the official TED website, individuals can also explore TEDx events through social media channels, local community websites, and networking platforms. Joining TEDx-related groups and communities can also provide valuable insights and connections to upcoming events in your area.

What strategies did you use or would you recommend to ensure that a talk is engaging and impactful?

Some of the successful strategies that I use for my talks, and also to coach my clients, include:

Start with a Compelling Hook: Begin your talk with a powerful opening that captures the audience’s attention and sets the stage for your message. This could be a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, or a compelling anecdote.
Craft a Clear and Concise Message: Define a clear and concise central message that resonates with your audience and conveys the key takeaway of your talk. Structure your talk around this central theme to maintain focus and coherence.
Use Storytelling Techniques: Incorporate storytelling techniques to make your talk more relatable and memorable. Use personal anecdotes, case studies, or real-life examples to illustrate your points and connect with the audience on an emotional level.
Utilize Visual Aids: Incorporate visual aids such as slides, videos, or props to enhance your presentation and reinforce key points. Visual elements can help break up the monotony of verbal communication and make complex concepts more accessible to the audience.
Practice and Refine Delivery: Rehearse your talk multiple times to ensure smooth delivery and confident presentation. Pay attention to your tone, pacing, and body language to convey sincerity and authenticity.
Provide Actionable Insights: Offer practical takeaways or actionable insights that inspire the audience to reflect on their own lives and take positive steps forward. Leave them with tangible ideas or strategies they can implement after the talk.

Implementing these strategies can help you create a TEDx talk that captivates and resonates with your audience.

There’s a saying from Mark Twain about how it takes more time to prepare for a five-minute talk than for a two-hour talk. The point is that crystallizing an idea and using the exact words is much more difficult than a freeform talk. So, how does a person do that? How does a person boil down an idea into five minutes?

To distil a complex idea into a succinct and impactful five-minute talk, it’s essential to begin by identifying the core message you want to convey clearly. This involves pinpointing the central theme or key takeaway that you want your audience to grasp. Once you have defined your message, outline the structure of your talk, organizing your content in a logical sequence that flows smoothly from one point to the next.

Prioritize the most critical points or insights that support your central message, ensuring that each contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative. When crafting your presentation, opt for clear and straightforward language that is easy for your audience to understand, avoiding unnecessary jargon or technical terms. Instead, focus on simplicity and clarity to ensure your message resonates with your listeners.

Additionally, framing your presentation as a compelling narrative can captivate your audience’s attention and create emotional resonance. Incorporating storytelling techniques like anecdotes or examples can help illustrate your points and engage your audience deeper. Finally, practice and refine your presentation, rehearsing multiple times to ensure that each word and phrase contributes to the overall impact of your talk.

Most of us can think of maybe half a dozen different topics that they could speak about. How does a person choose, and say “Okay, this is the one for a TED talk”? How do they choose which of all their ideas should be the one?

Selecting the right topic for a TED talk involves thoughtful reflection and alignment with the event’s theme. Rather than fixating on preconceived ideas, it’s crucial to consider the overarching theme of the specific TEDx event you’re interested in speaking at. Begin by researching the event’s theme and objectives, and identify areas where your expertise, experiences, or insights intersect with the theme.

Once you’ve identified a theme that resonates with you, brainstorm potential topics or concepts that align with that theme. Consider the unique perspectives, stories, or ideas you can bring to the table, focusing on those that can inspire or provoke thought among the audience.

Moreover, prioritize topics you are passionate about and feel genuinely compelled to share with others. Authenticity and enthusiasm can significantly enhance the impact of your talk and resonate more deeply with your audience.

Ultimately, the key is to choose a topic that aligns with the event’s theme and allows you to communicate your message effectively and authentically. By selecting a topic that resonates with you and preparing concepts that complement the theme, you can ensure that your TED talk is engaging and meaningful.

Feedback is crucial in shaping a compelling TEDx talk. Can you describe how to seek out and incorporate feedback during the talk’s preparation? Who do you turn to for honest critiques, and how do you iterate on your presentation based on the feedback received?

In preparing for a TEDx talk, seeking and incorporating feedback is paramount to refining its quality and impact. I pursue feedback from diverse individuals, including colleagues, mentors, and fellow speakers, to gain varied perspectives on content, delivery, and overall effectiveness.

During feedback sessions, I prioritize honesty and constructive criticism, allowing me to identify strengths and areas for improvement. I approach feedback with an open mind, actively listening to insights and integrating actionable recommendations into my presentation. Iterating on feedback involves implementing changes incrementally, testing them through practice sessions, and evaluating effectiveness through further feedback and rehearsal.

I turn to online platforms and communities dedicated to public speaking and TEDx events to solicit feedback from a broader audience and gather diverse viewpoints. This iterative process allows for continuous refinement, ensuring the talk evolves to effectively meet its objectives.

And, of course, there are friends and family members — their feedback and support is always invaluable.

Let’s talk about the actual delivery of an excellent TEDx Talk. Most people are scared of speaking in public. How do you manage the stage fright before the talk?

Managing stage fright before a TEDx talk is crucial for delivering an excellent presentation. Drawing from my experience as a public speaker and executive coach, I employ different strategies at different times to mitigate stage fright and foster confidence on stage.

Firstly, thorough preparation is key — I dedicate ample time to rehearse my talk, familiarizing myself with the content and pacing to instill confidence. Additionally, I engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and visualization to calm my nerves and centre myself before stepping onto the stage. Positive self-talk and affirmations bolster my confidence, reinforcing a belief in my ability to deliver a compelling message. Embracing vulnerability and acknowledging that nervousness is natural further alleviates pressure, allowing me to connect authentically with the audience. Finally, I cultivate a mindset of excitement and gratitude, viewing the opportunity to share my ideas as a privilege rather than a source of fear.

By embracing preparation, relaxation, a positive mindset, and vulnerability, you can not only manage but also leverage the stage fright to your advantage.

What can a person do to ensure that people will remember the talk and that it won’t just go in one ear and out the other? Can you share how you gauge and adapt to audience reactions in real time during your talk to ensure maximum engagement?

To ensure that a TEDx talk leaves a lasting impression, crafting a memorable narrative that resonates with the audience is essential.

Drawing from my experience as a TEDx speaker and executive coach, I prioritize storytelling techniques that evoke emotion, provoke thought, and inspire action. I create a compelling narrative arc that captures the audience’s attention and fosters connection by weaving personal anecdotes, vivid imagery, and relatable examples into my talk. Additionally, I employ visual aids such as slides or props to complement my storytelling and reinforce key messages, enhancing retention and comprehension.

During the talk, I remain attuned to audience reactions and adapt my delivery in real time to maintain engagement. By observing nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and applause, I gauge the audience’s level of interest and adjust my pace, tone, and content accordingly. For instance, if I notice signs of confusion or disengagement, I may pause to clarify a concept or pose a thought-provoking question to reignite interest. Likewise, if I sense enthusiasm or agreement, I may amplify my energy and enthusiasm to capitalize on the positive momentum.

By actively monitoring audience reactions and adapting my presentation on the fly, I ensure maximum engagement and leave a lasting impact on the audience long after the talk concludes.

Based on your experience or research, what are the “Five Things You Need To Deliver a Highly Effective TEDx Talk ”?

Compelling Storytelling: Engage your audience with a captivating narrative that resonates emotionally and intellectually. Share personal anecdotes, experiences, or insights that illustrate your main idea. For instance, in my TEDx talk, I shared a transformative moment from my own journey to highlight how all organizations’ diversity initiatives do not result in inclusion.
Clear and Concise Message: Distill your ideas into a clear and concise message that can be easily understood and remembered. Focus on one main idea or theme and support it with relevant examples or evidence. In my second TEDx talk, I emphasized the theme of sustainable leadership, conveying this message through relatable stories and actionable insights.
Authenticity and Vulnerability: Connect with your audience on a personal level by sharing authentic and vulnerable moments. Be genuine and transparent about your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Demonstrating vulnerability creates an empathetic connection with your audience and inspires trust and authenticity. In my first TEDx talk, I shared my struggles and insecurities, allowing listeners to see themselves reflected in my journey and feel empowered to overcome obstacles.
Ruthless Practice: Dedicate ample time to rehearse and refine your delivery, ensuring that every word, gesture, and pause contributes to the overall impact of your talk. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to polish your presentation to perfection. By practising rigorously, you’ll build confidence, mastery, and fluency in conveying your message effectively. Owing to nerves, I ended up practising my talk the entire night, a day before my first TEDx talk. That made me very confident on stage, notwithstanding the lack of sleep!
Trusting Your Gut on the Speech Day: On the day of your TEDx talk, trust in your preparation, intuition, and authenticity to guide your delivery. Embrace any nerves or butterflies as signs of excitement and readiness rather than fear. Trust in your ability to connect with the audience, stay present in the moment, and adapt to any unexpected twists or turns. By trusting your gut, you’ll deliver a memorable and impactful TEDx talk that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

After delivering a TEDx talk, what strategies do you use to maximize its impact and reach? Could you share how to engage with your audience through social media, follow-up events, or other means to encourage action or further discussion on the topic?

After delivering a TEDx talk, I employ three key strategies to amplify its impact and reach. Firstly, I leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to share the talk’s snippets, key takeaways, and behind-the-scenes insights. Engaging with the audience through interactive polls, Q&A sessions, and live discussions fosters further dialogue and connection around the topic. I always make it a point to tag and thank the event organizers in these posts.

Secondly, I actively participate in relevant online communities, forums, and networking groups to share my TEDx experience, invite feedback, and encourage discussions on related topics. By initiating and participating in conversations across various platforms, I aim to inspire action, spark curiosity, and drive positive change within the community.

Lastly, I maintain ongoing communication with the TEDx organizers, audience members, and fellow speakers to exchange ideas, share resources, and collaborate on future projects. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, we can collectively amplify the impact of our TEDx talks and create a ripple effect of inspiration and empowerment.

How can our readers watch your TEDx talk and follow your work?

Readers can watch my first TEDx talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_ONJZKy2So&t=23s

They can click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrIv9Png1WM to watch my second TEDx talk.

Readers can also visit my Empower Yourself coaching website at https://www.lifecoachsmitadjain.com/

The website has details about my coaching program, structure, and methodology. It also contains my Personal Development blog page and links to my articles on third-party publications. I am also available on LinkedIn and Instagram as @smitadasjain and @smitadjain, respectively.

Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!

TEDx Talking: Smita D Jain of Empower Yourself On What You Need To Know To Secure, Prepare, and… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.