TEDx Talking: Debbie Bryan On What You Need To Know To Secure, Prepare, and Deliver a Highly Effective TEDx Talk
Passion for helping others: Discovering my passion for helping others came from reflecting on my own journey of overcoming adversity. Realising that my story could inspire and empower others, I made a conscious effort to focus on how my experiences could benefit those around me.
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 Debbie Bryan.
Debbie Bryan is an award-winning leadership expert, internationally acclaimed TEDx speaker, best-selling author and speaker mentor who has defied the odds, emerging not only as a beacon of resilience but also as a leader in her field. Through her recent TEDx talk, “Turning Impossible into ‘I am Possible,’” Debbie Bryan shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, transforming her life, and empowering others to do the same.
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?
Sure! I grew up in a pretty typical setting as the eldest child in my family. My parents were very young when they had me — 19 and 21. My family was quite entrepreneurial. My dad started off as a sailor in the merchant navy and worked his way up to owning his own car sales business. In our household, everything was for sale. It wasn’t unusual to come home and find the sofa gone or the TV sold because my dad had sold them. He eventually opened a car sales business and achieved great success.
Growing up in that environment, one of my goals was to reach a similar level of success and own my own business. At 14, I started working as a hairdresser. I actually went job hunting on my 14th birthday, asking every business in town for a job. After that, I became a hairdresser and moved to London at 17 to continue in the field. Unfortunately, I developed an allergy to the products and had to pivot my career.
As a child, I was incredibly shy and would blush easily when speaking. My nickname was Dolly and I was quite introverted. I loved reading and drawing, spending most of my time with books and art.
Can you tell us a bit about what you do professionally, and what brought you to this specific career path?
Twelve years ago, a life-altering incident set me on a new path. A severe, life-threatening accident left me on the brink of being wheelchair-bound at the age of 55. Instead of succumbing to the limitations imposed by this unfortunate event, I made a courageous decision to redefine my business strategy.
At that moment, I transitioned from being a successful salon owner to embracing a new identity as an executive business coach. This change made me realise how crucial it is to focus on the bigger picture of running a business rather than getting stuck in the details of day-to-day operations while I was recovering. While I had heard this wisdom before, it took facing my own physical limitations to truly comprehend its significance.
Today, as both an international speaker and business coach, I draw upon my journey of resilience to empower others to overcome their own challenges and unlock their full potential.
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?
My experience with TEDx talks was truly remarkable. Throughout the application process, I felt highly valued as I meticulously met their requirements, armed with all the necessary assets and tools, including videos and visibility. Although there was a slight hiccup when I initially misidentified Western New London’s location, mistaking it for the UK when it’s actually in Ontario, Canada. Nonetheless, I maintained my enthusiasm for pursuing opportunities. The TEDx process, while structured, was fair, with interviews and transparent communication about expectations. Their support was unwavering, offering guidance and even assisting with my slideshow on the big day.
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?
It does take a lot. It’s a big commitment. It’s quite scary when you actually tell people that you’re doing a TEDx talk. Two years ago, I decided that I would do a TED talk at some point in my life, but I never dreamed that I would do it within two years. It’s literally a dream come true for me. It’s like the cherry on top of the Christmas tree, in terms of why it’s worth it to invest in doing it. Obviously, I flew to Canada for mine. The reason is that it’s your social proof. In the world of speakers, it’s the equivalent of a blue tick on Instagram. It shows event bookers and people who are looking to book speakers that you’re considered elite enough to be a TED speaker and that you have ideas that are worth listening to.
The wealth of opportunities that opened up the minute my talk was out and people knew I had done a TED talk — they treat you differently. You’re almost a bit of a celebrity. In terms of opportunities, I was asked to speak at the House of Lords for International Women’s Day. I have been asked to participate in exclusive C-suite events, spoken on stages that would not have been open to me if I hadn’t done a TEDx talk. And that just continues to grow. More people are interested in it. I’ve had people come to me wanting to learn to speak and become more confident in their speech. So, it’s growing my business massively. The investment is minuscule in comparison to what you get from it.
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 TEDx varies for each event. I’ve encountered many people applying for TEDx, and I’ve assisted some with their applications. However, there’s no guarantee of acceptance, as every application is unique. In my case, the process involved submitting an application followed by an interview. The selection panel then decides whom to put forward as speakers. I learned later that I was among the first chosen, and it was a unanimous decision based on the appeal of my story. Knowing this earlier would have alleviated some doubt.
There are strict guidelines regarding the topics speakers can address. Politics, religion, and heavy business themes are generally off-limits. TED emphasises sharing ideas rather than promoting personal agendas.
Additionally, TED speakers are expected to convey their message succinctly. Talks are limited to 15 minutes, with a focus on delivering three key points. TED is strict about adhering to these time constraints, which can be challenging for speakers. My talk, for instance, was timed at 14 minutes and 44 seconds, and exceeding the limit is not allowed. This pressure to condense ideas into a concise yet powerful presentation is a significant aspect of the TED 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 you can apply for a TEDx talk. It features a map displaying various TEDx events around the world. Additionally, you can visit individual TEDx webpages to access the application process. One effective approach is to connect with the person responsible for organising the TEDx event on social media. This often leads you to the application page. While some applications may be found on the website, the process can vary for each event. The key is to establish a connection with the event organiser so that your application stands out. Having a strong social media presence is crucial, as organisers may review your profiles to gauge your suitability as a speaker. It’s essential to ensure that your social media reflects positively on you, as negative content could harm your chances.
What strategies did you use or would you recommend to ensure that a talk is engaging and impactful?
Firstly, I painted a vivid picture of my narrative by taking the audience through the sequence of events in a concise manner, kicking off with a hook to grab their attention from the start. Structuring my talk around the hero’s journey format, commonly seen in movies and shows, helped create an engaging storyline that resonated with the audience. Injecting humour at strategic points throughout the talk not only lightened the mood but also made me more relatable, fostering a stronger connection with the audience. Alongside these tactics, I encouraged audience interaction to keep them engaged and ensure my message stuck with them long after the talk ended.
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 crystallising 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?
Know your core message by heart. This means stripping away any excess information that doesn’t directly contribute to your main point. I like to sculpt away the unnecessary bits to reveal the true essence of what I want to say, this means getting rid of the ego boosting fluff that is only meant to serve me.
I can’t stress enough the importance of practice and refinement. Practice with a timer to gauge the pacing of your delivery and make sure that you stay within the allotted time frame. By doing this, you can identify areas that may need adjustment and figure out where you tend to go off on a tangent and where you’ve delivered perfectly so you can make the necessary changes.
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?
For me, the decision was as clear as day. It all started with a life-altering accident that nearly had me wheelchair bound for the rest of my life. That accident turned out to be the plot twist of a lifetime. It took what seemed like a tragic plotline and flipped it on its head, transforming it into a tale of resilience and personal growth. So when it came time to choose a TED talk topic, it was a no-brainer.
While you’re choosing among your brilliant ideas, take a pause to remember how you got here. What experiences brought you to this moment of being considered to speak at a TEDx stage? What challenges did you conquer to be considered standing on this stage?
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?
You receive constant feedback from the TEDx organisers, who comprise a large team. This process typically spans around 12 months, making it a significant undertaking for each individual involved. With hundreds of applicants, organisers face the challenge of selecting just a few, making it a tough decision. They provide guidance through a contract, outlining expectations for applicants.
For example, I underwent a Zoom interview, while one of my coaching clients had to do a five-minute audition. This variation in the selection process requires applicants to adapt to the organisers’ needs. Whether through interviews, auditions, or video submissions, being flexible is crucial to support the collaborative effort between speakers, organisers, and the event team. This teamwork is what makes the TEDx experience truly remarkable.
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?
Preparation is key to managing stage fright. By thoroughly preparing my speech in terms of flow, sequence, length, and tone of voice, I build confidence in my ability to deliver it effectively. Knowing my speech by heart significantly diminishes my fear of speaking in public. The more familiar I am with the content and the structure of my talk, the less anxious I feel on stage — not just on the TEDx stage but every stage I’ve spoken on so far.
Through diligent preparation and rehearsal, I make sure that I can focus on enjoying myself on stage and inspiring the audience without feeling anxious or fearful.
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?
I inject humour to grab their attention. In my TEDx talk, I recounted how, following a life-altering accident that nearly left me in a wheelchair, I defied all expectations by embarking on a 360km cycling journey through India. While storytelling kept them hooked, I also shared quirky details, like the time I accidentally bought the wrong type of cycling shorts, resulting in a rather revealing ride! The audience’s laughter assured me they were fully immersed in my talk.
Here is the primary question of our discussion. Based on your experience or research, what are the “Five Things You Need To Deliver a Highly Effective TEDx Talk ”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
- A story that changed the trajectory of your life positively: For me, this story revolves around the accident that changed my life forever.
- Passion for helping others: Discovering my passion for helping others came from reflecting on my own journey of overcoming adversity. Realising that my story could inspire and empower others, I made a conscious effort to focus on how my experiences could benefit those around me.
- Storytelling skills: I honed my storytelling skills to effectively convey my story and how I want to impact the audience. I learned that it’s not just about having a great story but also about how you share it.
- Time and dedication to practise: Delivering a highly effective TEDx talk requires dedicated practice and refinement. I spent countless hours rehearsing my speech, fine-tuning each word and gesture.
- A continuity plan: After speaking at the TEDx stage, I didn’t want my message to end there. I made a continuity plan to continue helping the audience and more people beyond the event. This involved leveraging various platforms, such as social media and events, to reach a wider audience and provide ongoing support and guidance. By having a clear plan for post-talk engagement, I aimed to ensure that my message continued to inspire and empower others long after the event concluded.
After delivering a TEDx talk, what strategies do you use to maximise 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?
I share snippets of my talk and encourage discussions on my social media account while making appearances on podcasts and shows to retell my story. This is how I reach a broader audience and hopefully inspire those who need to hear my story to transform their lives and find resilience.
I’ve partnered with organisations, as well as elite networking companies, to speak at gatherings where attendees can delve deeper into the topics I addressed and connect with others who share similar interests. These events provide opportunities for meaningful interactions and keep the conversations around resilience and self-development going.
I’m currently collaborating on responding to features, articles, and interviews to broaden the reach of my message and teachings across even more platforms.
How can our readers watch your TEDx talk and follow your work?
You can view my TEDx talk here, learn more about my work here, and reach out to me at [email protected] if you’d like to connect.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
TEDx Talking: Debbie Bryan On What You Need To Know To Secure, Prepare, and Deliver a Highly… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.