3 Years, 3 Takeaways & the Lessons That Shaped My TEDxAthens Journey
Over the last three years as a speaker coach at TEDxAthens, I have had the incredible opportunity to work with a diverse range of brilliant minds. These experiences have shaped my understanding of communication and taught me valuable lessons about the speaker-coaching process.
I wish I could share all the lessons I have learned, but here are the three key takeaways from my TEDxAthens coaching journey that stand out the most:
1. Embracing Individuality: Every Speaker's Journey is Unique
One of my most important lessons is that every speaker is unique. You cannot approach coaching with a “TED formula” that works for everyone. Each person comes with their expertise, stories, and beliefs, and it’s essential to dig deep into what makes them and their ideas stand out. My role as a coach is not to impose a structure or format but to guide each speaker to find their voice and determine what they wish to communicate. Some speakers might arrive with a clear message, while others need more time to explore and refine their ideas. The beauty of this process is that it is deeply personal, and the only formula that works is tailored to the individual.
2. The Creative Process Looks Different for Everyone
The journey to a great talk can take many forms. I have seen speakers who, from day one, knew exactly what they wanted to say and had their talk drafted during our very first session. On the other hand, some speakers require multiple sessions, working through their ideas over time, needing support and guidance as they evolve their message.
And that’s perfectly fine! Leaving a talk behind that will live on the global TEDx platform is no easy task. It’s natural for speakers to feel unsure or overwhelmed at times, and that’s where the coaching process becomes vital.
3. Expect the Unexpected
As a trained stage actress, I’ve come to appreciate the power of the unexpected. Crafting a compelling story and practicing delivery are often what make the difference between a good talk and a great one. Rehearsals allow speakers to become familiar with their content, helping them connect to the words, find the right rhythm, tone, and reach out to the audience.
However, even with all the preparations in the world, the day of the talk didn’t always go as planned. A perfect example of this was during TEDxAthens 2023 when Dr. Tunc Tiryaki gave his captivating talk on longevity and regenerative medicine. Just one minute before he was about to finish, the entire area of Athens experienced a power outage. Everyone was shocked. The talk had to pause until the electricity was restored. Once the lights went on, the audience welcomed Tunc with a strong applause back on the stage, and he seamlessly picked up right where he left off! His talk now has over 1 million views on YouTube, and thanks to editing, the final cut turned out great (you can watch the talk here).
Speakers who are ready to stay in the present moment and adapt make the audience feel like they are truly part of the experience. Even if things go awry on the day of the talk, the final version can still be extraordinary!
Creating an impactful talk is like navigating in the dark, and your coach serves as the guiding light that helps you anticipate your audience's questions to craft a powerful message.
