Creating a TEDx Talk with a little help from my friends

Stories of Change & Creativity

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Judy Oskam shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating and delivering her TEDx talk at Texas State University. She turned the microphone over to her long time friend and mentor Carole Barasch about the process, challenges, and insights gained. Earlier in her career, Carole was an award-winning TV news anchor and reporter and public relations professional.

This is an honest conversation about the emotional and strategic work that powers a successful TEDx talk—mentorship, message clarity, and showing up vulnerable.
In this episode, we talk about:

• The application process - it begins months before the actual TEDx event
• How working with multiple coaches helped refine content and delivery
• Creating a "personal advisory board" of mentors and friends for guidance
• Developing a theme: "take action and figure it out along the way"
• Vulnerability as a key component of an impactful presentation
• The importance of pacing, connecting with the audience, and practicing
• The value of having someone "in your corner" during challenging projects

Check out my TEDx talk - Why you should take action - then figure it out.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Stories of Change (00:00:00)

2. Landing on a TEDx Theme (00:01:24)

3. The Coaching and Preparation Process (00:05:16)

4. Creating Personal, Vulnerable Content (00:08:21)

5. The Core Message: Take Action (00:11:40)

6. Delivering the Talk and Dealing with Nerves (00:14:26)

7. Final Reflections and Advice (00:17:40)