Top TED Speakers Dance Like Dazzling Grandparents At A Wedding

Rehearse for a next-level performance

By Devin D. Marks | Published Dec. 6, 2022

In most speaking events, the TEDsters are using a memorized speech.

But like those captivating dancers — they’re flowing. Polished. Elegant. Even playful.

They’ve been dazzling watchers at the country club every Friday for the last 40 years. Their moves are practiced. Precise. Every step has a purpose. Yet it plays like a natural, intriguing conversation — over a 3-cocktail lunch.

On the flip side...

Consider the amateur ballroom dancer in his first newlywed dance. The event is important to him. After all, it’s his own wedding! But the dance feels awkward and by-the-numbers.

When it comes to the TED style...

We need something beyond newlyweds; beyond even Dancing With The Stars. We need to perform like that dazzling silver couple.

When working with clients, I coach them beyond the memorized and route. I encourage them to reach for a performance level that’s responsive and playful.

(That’s partly why my million-view speaker clients captivate.)

They are responding to the room’s energy.

They are responding to the moment’s energy.

They are responding to you.

That is not awkward.

That is not mechanical.

That is captivating.

That's why TED Speakers are akin to Dancing Grandparents who dazzle us on the wedding reception dance floor!

** For a next-level rehearsal approach, click here and here.

DEVIN D. MARKS is known as The TED Talk Whisperer. His firm, CONNECT to COMPEL, has served 100s of TED, TEDx, and short-talk speakers — including Harvard’s Dr. Robert Waldinger for his all-time Top 10 TEDx Talk. The result: 100s of millions of views for clients. He helps niche experts, authors, and leaders spread world-changing ideas. 

You can reach Devin at 617.804.6020, or DM him here. His newsletters are here.

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