My Story of TEDx 2020

I had one main goal for 2020: land and deliver a TEDx Talk, in which I would share the story of my escape from what I call the hedonism trap.

I started working towards the goal early, completing Helen Packham’s course, Land and Deliver, in the last quarter of 2019, which was invaluable in helping me to define and refine my core message.

I benefitted greatly from speaking with TEDx alumnus, Heather Younger, in early 2020 who generously gave her time to share valuable insights on the TEDx application process.

Having searched the internet for TEDx events that would be held in 2020, I came across an opportunity to apply for a spot at TEDx MCPHS in Boston, MA. Having done the preparation beforehand, the application process was straightforward. It was then a case of waiting for a response from the organisers.

Just before bedtime on Tuesday 18th February, my phone, waiting to be switched off on top of my bed, illuminated and vibrated with the news that I’d be selected as a speaker for TEDx MCPHS. I was delighted, though the timing of the news wasn’t conducive to getting to sleep straightaway! The event would be held in Boston, MA on Saturday 11th April. “From Bradford to Boston” was a slogan I had in mind when announcing my Talk, but it wasn’t to be on this occasion.

Covid Kibosh

As covid-19 spread from China into Europe and North America, the world shut down in March. It looked like TEDx would be off the table until at least Spring 2021. Refunds were issued for flights and accommodation, and there was a period of waiting for more information from the organisers regarding next steps.

News came at the end of August that the show must go on and that the event would be held virtually through video recordings of Talks and a separate live Zoom event. With a deadline of 15th October for the recordings, the turnaround time was tight. We had a matter of weeks to complete, refine, learn and record our Talks at a suitable location.

Making Plan B Work

What followed the announcement of the virtual event was some late night speech writing, completing various drafts to refine the Talk, and then, once finalised, some intense practice at home on a red rug that I received in the post.

I was particularly grateful for feedback from the organisers and my friend (and speaking coach) Simon Day who helped me to polish off a few rough edges.

In terms of where to record the Talk, my romantic side dictated that I do it in a meeting room at the Novotel Hotel in Leeds, which is (in non-covid times) the home of Leeds City Toastmasters, a public speaking club at which I found my public speaking voice in recent years.

Simon and a few friends came down on the day to help get the set up right with cameras and lighting, and to remind me that I wasn’t just speaking into a camera. Speaking into a camera is a world apart from speaking to a live in-person audience!

With the recording done, there was a break before the live Zoom event. Each speaker had the option to speak live on Zoom or have their recording shown instead. While it was tempting to have my recording shown, I didn’t think it would be anywhere near as rewarding as the live experience, albeit speaking into an iPhone camera in front of an invisible audience.

Notwithstanding the invisibility of the audience, I relished giving the Talk live on Zoom. Delivering my TEDx Talk felt like a very meaningful and rewarding tick in the box of goal completion. As soon as I’d done it, I ran upstairs for a celebratory hug with my wife Rachael: TEDx 2020 was done!

Reflection and Gratitude

The beauty of TED as an organisation is that its ethos is encapsulated within the phrase, Ideas worth spreading. Whereas I had a goal to land and deliver a TEDx Talk in 2020, it really wasn’t about me; it was about those I could serve through giving the Talk. I have a fixation on speaking to others who might be struggling and suffering within the clutches of the hedonism trap, just like I was in my time as a student. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to share my story to give others hope and guidance in finding a way out of the trap. With that in mind, my TEDx Talk marks something of a beginning rather than an end in itself. 

I have been grateful for the initial feedback that I’ve received following the Talk’s appearance on the TEDx YouTube channel, some of which has been shared in public and some in private. It clearly resonates with those who are, or have been, stuck in the hedonism trap.

I’m particularly grateful to Mareo McCracken for his generous support in sharing the Talk with his extensive LinkedIn network, which he tirelessly contributes to every single day. I’m also grateful to several others who have supported me and my content in recent years; and who encouraged me to take steps forward in landing and delivering the TEDx Talk.

What’s Next?

My priorities for 2021 will be launching a mastermind workshop – which follows the theme of my TEDx Talk: creating a life of purpose, meaning and fulfilment in a world full of distractions, temptations and challenges – and launching a podcast. More fundamentally, however, my priority will be to serve more people, starting with finding, and being found by, those I can serve.

Since the age of 19 I’ve had a feeling that I have work to do in New York City. Once the effects of covid subside, I fancy a crack at the Big Apple. In the meantime, my TEDx Talk, Escaping the Hedonism Trap, is available to watch through the link. If you know someone who might find it useful, please share.

#tedx #tedxspeaker #valuesmatter