I've been working on my TEDxCSULB talk for the past few weeks, every morning. I've been researching, writing, rehearsing and iterating, trying to polish and edit my talk down to the required time: 12 minutes.
I know it sounds easy, but speaking for an hour is much easier and more forgiving than speaking for just 12 minutes. It's because you have to be concise, entertaining, and to the point. You have to put on your "editor" hat, and cut out all of the crap (and sometimes even the ideas you've fallen in love with), just to hit the requirements of a good TED talk.
This morning, during my daily rehearsal in my sweat pants, in front of my imaginary audience, I finally hit the 12 minute mark. I was stuck on 14 for so long, but I can finally take a brief breath of air and have a mini-celebration.
Now I can move onto creating my slides, and practice runs in front of a live audience. I have a month till I’m on stage, but I still have a long road ahead of me and a lot to learn and prepare for.
When all I’m done with this process, I’d love to share with you all what’ve learned, and how to deliver your own TED talk.
