3 Common TED Talk no-No-NOs

And what to do about them.

By Devin D. Marks | Published May 14, 2024

Gearing up for a TEDx Talk? Before you take the stage, beware of these three common pitfalls that can derail your presentation.

1. DO NOT ASSUME YOUR IDEA IS TED-WORTHY.

Your book thesis isn’t a TED topic. And not all ideas are really “spread-ready” or spread-worthy. Don’t assume the next step is focusing on scriptwriting and rehearsals. That idea likely needs a 2nd look.

→ There’s a proven and powerful framework for bringing discipline to an idea. Don’t just riff things to explaining it. Find the big idea (really) worth spreading via the TED-style BIG IDEA Mill.

2. DO NOT WING THE REHEARSALS.

Months of rigorous rehearsals distinguish the gap between a “Mhhheh” and Dancing With The Stars delivery — and then there’s the Cirque du Soleil wow. That’s your goal.

→ Keynotes or virtual summits should get about one hour of prep time per minute. For hopeful TEDsters a ten hours per minute pace is a starting point. (Helpful tips here.)

3. DO NOT GO IT ALONE.

A penetrating TED Talk is akin to summiting Mt. Everest. It takes discipline, preparation, special equipment, and a sherpa-like guide to help you along the way.

→ Look for a guide who has been up and down that mountain numerous times; whose clients master Cirque du Soleil-like deliveries; and whose portfolio of views hits multiple 7-figures. (Helpful article here.)

Sadly, these 3 no-No-NOs are missed, dismissed, or ignored again and again and again on TEDx stages.

(Now you know better.)

With diligence, preparation, and the right support, you'll be ready to inspire and captivate in your center stage moment!