How to Prepare for a TEDx Talk: My 10-Step Process

By Zach Schleien

Preparing for my TEDx was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever done. Here's the exact 10-step process I used.

Standing on the red dot, lights blinding, 1,800 people staring - and the only thing between you and a great talk is preparation. Here's the exact 10-step process I used to prepare for my TEDx.

Why I Did a TEDx

I did my TEDx on how opportunities are everywhere. After my close family friend Louis passed away, I wanted to honor him. I raised $40,000 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and started the mental health community 18percent.

Before I knew what I wanted to say, I followed a deliberate process. I had an idea of my topic, but not the message. Here's how I got there.

The 10-Step Process

1. Write Your Ideas Down

Don't think about organization or sentence structure. Just dump every thought, story, and interaction onto paper. The organization comes later.

2. Find Your Message

Look at the common threads in your notes. Ask yourself: Why do I want to share this? What makes it special? What do I want the audience to walk away with? This can take days or weeks. Don't rush it.

3. Write Your Script

Organize your ideas into a coherent script. It won't be perfect - sections will move around later. But get it on paper so you can start memorizing.

4. Deliver It on Camera (Even at 40%)

Even if you've only memorized part of your talk, record yourself delivering it. You'll go off-script in spots, and those improvised moments often become the best parts of your final talk.

5. Back to the Drawing Board

Watch your recording. Transcribe what you actually said - line for line. Incorporate the best new lines into your script. Keep building until you're about 85% done.

6. Record Yourself Repeatedly

Prop up your phone and deliver your talk over and over. Watch each recording. Note where your delivery feels forced. Print the script and write comments in the margins.

7. Watch Yourself Like a Critic

At 95% complete, shift into critique mode. Watch yourself as if you were watching another speaker on the TED stage. How's your body language? Pacing? Study other TED talks for inspiration.

8. Practice in Front of Uncomfortable Audiences

Don't practice with close family or friends - they'll be too kind. Find work colleagues or acquaintances who don't know your story. Their reactions will be more honest.

9. Practice in Front of Large Groups

Build confidence by delivering to bigger audiences whenever possible. On stage, you won't be able to see faces under the lights. If you can reproduce that setting, even better.

10. Record and Listen Obsessively

I practiced in the shower, on my commute, and even rehearsed inside my head. One week before your talk: stop making changes. Trust the work you've done.

It's a Process

Skipping steps will show on stage. Doing a TEDx was one of the most meaningful moments in my life. It built my confidence, helped me overcome fear, and became a story I'll always carry.

Remember: you know your talk best. It's yours. Share your heart and have fun through the process. Yes, it will be scary. Yes, you'll doubt yourself. That's all part of it.

Whether you're preparing for a talk, a pitch, or a media appearance - communication is the foundation of growth. Let's work on yours.