Being asked to deliver a TED talk is an interesting experience (I’ll write about the actual experience of giving the talk at a later date.) There's lots of coaching from TED organizers on content, length, and delivery. I’ve had a private sessions with a voice coach and participated in a workshop on what do (and not do) with hands and body posture, and been told what to wear (and not to wear) on camera. I’ve met some of the other presenters at a live rehearsal in NYC and experienced impostor syndrome as I sat through a dinner with them afterwards. I’ve since recovered. I’ve tightened up my main points and editing out many stories--perhaps I’ll have a chance to share all of them in another, longer talk.
The topic of my talk on April 26 is cohousing as an antidote for isolation. I highlight how we have become isolated due to the pursuit of the American Dream as well as social media, and how cohousing promotes social connection and could even save your life.
For those you interested in process, here are some interesting bits I found during my research for the talk:
A recent article describing the medical dangers of loneliness, particularly for middle aged men: https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2017/03/09/the-biggest-threat-facing-middle-age-men-isn-smoking-obesity-loneliness/k6saC9FnnHQCUbf5mJ8okL/story.html
A fantastic video, albeit a commercial, describing isolation and the importance of eating together to build community: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDuA9OPyp6I
One of my favorite TED Talks. It's about procrastination, watched while procrastinating on my own talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_urban_inside_the_mind_of_a_master_procrastinator
And another TED favorite. I have been employing the Wonder Woman stance before talks and presentations over the past few years. You can be sure I’ll be taking the stance before my TED: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are
- Grace