3 Powerful Lessons I Learned from Giving a TEDx Talk

The Unexpected Life Transforming Principles I Discovered Preparing One of My Most-Watched Videos

Speaking on Stage Isn’t New to Me, But I Never Would Have Guessed What I Was About To Learn this Time…

In 2016, I was invited to give a TEDx Talk. As you might imagine, I was thrilled.

As the head of the Brave Thinking Institute, I speak on stages regularly. However, creating a talk for TEDx took public speaking to a completely new level for me!

Today, I’d love to share the three biggest lessons I learned from preparing, designing and delivering my TEDx Talk — whether or not you have an interest in public speaking, these lessons have the potential to transform major challenges and sticking points in your own life.

And if you haven’t seen it yet, I’d love for you to watch and share my TED talk before you read on!

The Hidden Code For Transforming Dreams Into Reality | Mary Morrissey | TEDxWilmingtonWomen

Lesson #1 – Focusing on the ONE thing that matters most

When you’re invited to the TEDx stage, you’re allowed to give an 18-minute talk that’s centered on one big idea.

So the first question I asked myself after committing to speak was this: “If I could share ONE thing with the world, what would it be?” (I invite you to ask yourself the same question!)

Now, I’ve studied and taught transformation for nearly 50 years, helping tens of thousands of people design and create lives they love living. I know a whole system of transformation that moves people from where they are to where they want to be. So picking only one idea to bring alive in a short speech was admittedly somewhat challenging!

At the same time, focusing on one idea was one of the most illuminating lessons of giving a TEDx talk. It was an incredible opportunity to hone in on my single, most powerful message. 

(For me, it was this: there is an inner formula you can replicate in your life, over and over again, to ensure success in whatever you want to create.)

When it comes to transforming your life, focusing your attention on the main element you would like to accomplish is no less important. No transformation can happen unless you first find out what you would like to be, do, have and give.

So, whether you are deciding on a topic for a speech, or choosing a new direction for your life, center your attention on what truly matters to you. 

What is the one big idea you would like to focus on?

Lesson #2 – The Power of Staying in the Present Moment

Based on my own experience, one of the best pieces of advice for public speaking I can give you is to speak slooooowly :). Let yourself feel the message while you’re giving it, and as you rehearse, pay attention to your timing.

Staying in the present moment will allow you to connect with your audience and better deliver your message.

This is something I had already mastered, thanks to many previous public appearances.

But when I gave my TEDx Talk, I actually spoke faster than I think I ever have in any talk I’ve ever given!

Many people interpret fast talking as a sign of nervousness and a lack of self-confidence. Your fast talking can make it appear that you don’t think people want to listen to you, or that what you have to say is not important, which is absolutely false!

In reality, what occurs is that if your body and mind feel uncomfortable, their natural reaction will be moving you towards what they consider to be safe. That means, familiar territory.

So the same way you might rush through a speech because it is out of your comfort zone, when you are elevating your life to different standards, you will find yourself in situations you have never been before. So your mind will push you to leave as soon as possible!

But if you stay centered in the present moment, you will be able to observe your immediate reaction, and instead choose how you want to respond — whether you’re on stage or off.

This is how you expand the confines of your known reality, and grow into the person you would love to become.

So make sure that as you rehearse your speech, you are aware of how fast you’re speaking. Repetition is key!

Lesson #3 – Remember Your Big WHY

After committing to delivering my TEDx Talk, I spent countless hours conceiving the message I would share during those 18 minutes. I rehearsed my talk many, many times. I travelled to Wilmington, Delaware from my home in Orange County, California. 

I was fully immersed in my experience of creating this talk. But once I stepped on stage, everything changed…

I remembered that my message wasn’t (and never is) about me.

My message was about benefiting everyone else — everyone in the audience, listening!

So if you’re about to go on stage, I highly recommend taking a deep breath and remembering to take your attention off yourself. 

There’s something that matters and has made a difference to you. And most likely, you care about delivering this idea in a way that can impact, influence and bring good to others.

So your speech isn’t about you; it’s really about the message that could make a difference in others’ lives. This is your big WHY, and you must hold it at the forefront of your thoughts.

At the same time, when you are on a transformational path, you must be clear on what your reason for changing is. Otherwise, the pull of familiar habits may cause you to drift back to old ways of thinking and acting. 

Those are the moments when remembering your “why”, or your main reason for growth is crucial. Would you like to gain freedom, security, or perhaps peace of mind? Maybe it’s sharing more time with your loved ones, creating beautiful memories together.

Whatever your main reason is, it will give you the clarity to continue your progress when challenges show up in your path. 

Think Bravely, Act Boldly and Accomplish Brilliantly

Just like delivering my message on the TEDx stage required me to step outside of my familiar environment, creating a life you love living is also a path filled with unknown challenges.

But unlike a TEDx Talk, it is not over in 18 minutes. Your life is far greater, and you deserve to enjoy every step of your journey. 

So if you truly desire to achieve new, extraordinary results, research shows you need a consistent program of study with an experienced mentor, over a sustained period of time.

And helping you achieve these results is the big WHY of my career. That’s the whole reason I created the Brave Thinking Masters Program.

In my Brave Thinking Masters Program, you’ll learn to think bravely, act boldly and accomplish brilliantly in every aspect of your life.

Would you love to connect to a dedicated community of high achievers, professional speakers, authors, business leaders and world-changers from across the globe?

Join a movement of like-minded Brave Thinking Masters worldwide.

Register for a Free Strategy Session Now

You’ll connect with one of my friendly Program Experts, who will help you clarify your goals, fine-tune your vision, and see whether or not this program is right for you! (It’s not right for everyone…)

Finally, here’s one last question for you before you go…

If you could give a TEDx Talk and share your ? One BIG Idea ?… What would you talk about?

Go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments section below ??????