TEDx & TED Events I’ve Attended
After attending my first TEDx event – TEDxSanDiego in 2010 – I knew it wouldn’t be my last, and in the decade following, I had the pleasure of seeing hundreds of speakers take the stage and share their experiences, insights, and ideas on how to make the world a better place.
There’s much that we can learn about personal storytelling from reading books or watching videos online, but it’s not the same as the experience of sitting in the theatre, immersed in the energy of all the other attendees; hearing the laughter and applause, and on occasion, seeing their tears. It’s only through direct human connection that you truly learn about storytelling.
Another benefit of being at a TEDx event is the opportunity to interact with others who have just heard the same talk. What did they like, or not like, did the topic resonate with them, or touch them emotionally, did it cause them to think differently, or change their perspective?
If telling a personal story is your aim, I encourage you to seek out a TEDx event nearby and experience the art of live storytelling. Pay close attention to their words, as they are the most important aspect of any talk, but also their pacing, vocal variation and body movements. You will surely see your style of storytelling change, even subtly, when you study how others do it.