Finlay Games speaking at the Open University TEDx event 2019

Recently, I had the honor of standing on that iconic red dot of the TEDx Stage, delivering a talk on mental health, for the Open University’s first-ever TEDx event (no pressure!). Having now had time to come back down to earth, I want to take some time to reflect on this amazing experience. In this blog, I will share the entire process, from first applying to be a TEDx speaker, through the rehearsal process, and a reflection on the delivery of the talk itself.

What Is A TEDx Talk?

Before I start, I had better explain what a TEDx talk is, for those who may not have heard of them. As a huge fan of TED talks myself, I forget that not everyone knows what they are!

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. The first TED event was organized by Richard Wurman and was held in 1984 in Monterrey California. The whole idea of TED was to be an ‘anti-conference’. Wurman wanted to move away from the usual lengthy, power-point slide, academic style presentations, towards shorter, and more accessible talks. In the years since its inception, TED has grown massively. Today, it continues as a non-profit organization, staying true to its original idea of sharing ‘ideas worth spreading’.

TEDx events are independently organized, the X stands for independent. An organization can hold its own TEDx event, however, they are still governed by the main TED rules and guidance.

Ted talks are now viral, they are the go-to source for new information and inspirational ideas, with millions upon millions of views. Securing a TEDx talk is not easy and they are much sought after. Hence why I feel so honored to have been chosen!

The Call for TEDx Open University Speakers

I applied to be a TEDx speaker in the early summer of 2019. A good friend of mine nudged me in the direction of the call for speakers for TEDx Open University, which was to be their first TEDx event. The call for speakers was on the theme of ‘Imagine What’s Next’. It required an idea, a synopsis, and a three-minute video selling your idea.

My instant thought was, ‘I can’t do this’. But that thought is not new to me. I have generalized anxiety disorder and my default position is ‘I can’t’. However, I have learned to ignore this thought and do things despite it. It has almost become a bit of a game with myself, you tell me I can’t, right, then I shall up my game and do it twice!

My second thought was, ‘this theme is perfect for me’ and it made me smile. That theme could easily be the title of my life these days! Since I entered recovery in 2010, my life has changed dramatically. From once having no future at all, to now having so much hope for the future it often overwhelms me!

Creating an ‘Idea Worth Spreading’ And Applying to Be A Speaker

I share passionately about recovery and overcoming challenges. However, recovery to me isn’t necessarily about being symptom-free. To me, recovery is about learning ways to manage challenges and succeed despite them.

I have fashioned my own way forward over the last few years, finding ways to make my life flexible, so that my mental health challenges don’t get in the way of my life. I decided that sharing the ways I use flexibility in my mental health recovery, would make the perfect TEDx talk.

Believing I had a message worth hearing, I decided to face my fears and apply. After all, even if I wasn’t at the level of a TEDx speaker, applying was a powerful act of self-belief. Before I could change my mind, I pressed record, said my bit, wrote out the synopsis and sent it off!

Invited to Be A TEDX Open University Speaker!

Well, imagine my surprise when about a month later, I received an email, inviting me to be a TEDx Open University speaker! My poor partner was dozing next to me in bed, as I yelled in excitement and terror. I burst into tears, a combination of shock and pride, that I could be given such an honor.

However, it was also terrifying. Although I am used to talking on camera for my YouTube channel, a live audience was something new entirely! I have given a few talks in my time, but nothing as prestigious as the TEDx stage, and certainly not live-streamed.

Preparing for MY TEDx Talk

The prestigious nature of the TEDx stage made my anxiety for the talk higher than usual. However, I had two months to prepare and I knew that as long as I was confident my ability to deliver my talk, I could work with the anxiety. During the two months preparation time, I would have a coaching session, to help me iron out any issues, and a rehearsal, which would help greatly.

I began to write my talk, but suddenly, I didn’t trust myself. How could my idea compare to so many influential speakers? As the other speakers were announced, I felt like a nobody in comparison. So many speakers were also lecturers or held Ph.D.’s. Who was I! This initial reaction meant I went off track with my talk and began to make it a little too academic. Luckily, after speaking with my coach, I saw that my own voice, my own story, was qualification enough and just as powerful as any Ph.D. I went back to my original idea, based on sharing my story, of how I had found flexibility and molded it to suit my life.

The rehearsal was a huge turning point for me. Being able to practice and see how the talk flowed, really helped. I received wonderful feedback, from the organizers, as well as some tips on delivery. My only issue was that I needed to slow down when I spoke. At home, my talk was just over my allotted time of fourteen minutes. When I delivered it in my rehearsal, it was just over ten minutes!

In the remaining time before the event, I practiced slowing down and using pauses. I must have spoken my talk hundred of times, to anyone who would listen! My partner Chris likely also knows it word for word!

Delivering My TEDx Talk

Two months can seem like a long time, but it flew by and suddenly the big day arrived. My partner and I stayed at the Open University conference center the night before, which meant we had time to arrive and for me to try to relax. My anxiety was sky-high, but I knew it would be. I just made sure to have a light breakfast and to do lots of gentle breathing.

Finlay Games standing on a red circle carpet on the TEDx Open University stage in the Berrill theatre

I was second to present my talk. It was scary to be one of the first up, but a relief that I wouldn’t have to be in a high anxiety state all day. It was important to me to enjoy the moment though, and not wish for it to be over. Standing on stage and delivering my talk was going to be a defining moment and I wanted to make sure I enjoyed every single second of it.

Reflecting on My TEDx Speaking Experience

I wasn’t wrong, it was the most defining moment, not just of this year but of my entire life. I didn’t miss a word, and I managed to breathe and pause! Though, a pause on the stage, with a hundred or so people staring at you and your heart pounding in your chest, feels like a very long pause!

People laughed at the right moments, which was a relief, and I saw lots of nods of recognition in the audience. Afterward, people shared how my talk resonated with them and there were so many wonderful comments, on how it had made them think differently. Mission accomplished!

I loved every minute, and it has changed me in many positive ways. I have been growing more and more confident in my message and my ability to deliver it, and that it’s a message people want to hear. Standing on the TEDx stage really brought it home to me that I am on the right path.

Sharing the Message

My talk is now live and ready to watch on TEDx YouTube. I would be so grateful, if it’s a message that resonates with you, if you could leave a comment on the video itself and share it with your networks and on your social media. I would like to reach as many people as possible and let them know that there is nothing wrong with being different or needing to do things differently. And that within us all is the power to recover our lives and rewrite our story.

Hello! My name is Finn and I have a passion for creating honest content, that inspires personal growth and promotes well-being.

Buy my Phalloplasty memoir here.

If you enjoy my content and want to say thanks, become a Friend of Finn and get bonus perks!

Man standing on a stage giving at tedx talk at the berrill theatre at the open university
Pin for later!
Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
0 Shares