Crafting a TEDx Talk That Showcases Your Big Idea with Anna Goldsmith | Ep. 70
What if one short talk could launch your book, amplify your message, and land you media coverage? In this episode, we’ll explain exactly how to get selected for TEDx, how to pitch your idea, and how to use a TEDx talk to grow your visibility and book sales.
Allison Lane sits down with Anna Goldsmith, executive producer of TEDxPortsmouth, one of the largest and most successful TEDx events in the country, to reverse-engineer the path to the red circle.
If you're an author asking: “How do I get a TEDx talk?”, “Can a TEDx talk help me get a book deal?” or “What do TEDx organizers look for?”... this episode gives you clear, actionable answers.
What You’ll Learn:
- The difference between TED and TEDx (and why authors should care)
- What makes a TEDx idea stand out from the application pile
- The role of TEDx in growing your visibility, discoverability, and platform
Resources Mentioned:
- Connect with Anna Goldsmith: The Hired Pens - www.thehiredpens.com
- TEDx Portsmouth Info: TEDxPortsmouth - https://www.tedxportsmouth.com/
- Watch Scarlet Keys’ TEDx Talk: Why We Love Our Favorite Songs https://www.ted.com/talks/scarlet_keys_why_do_you_love_your_favorite_songs
- Jessica Fein’s TEDx Walden Pond Talk: Grief Literacy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClaQkyLnAaw
- Newsletter: "Tips from the TED Stage" - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annagoldsmith/recent-activity/newsletter/
- Book Recos:
- The Widow's Guide to Dead Bastards: a Memoir by Jessica Waite: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781668044858
- Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes by Jessica Fein: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781681151106
- Even Cowgirls Get the Blues - A Novel by Tom Robbins: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780553349498
- The Cancer Parent's Handbook: What Your Oncologist Doesn't Have Time To Tell You by Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree: https://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Parents-Handbook-Oncologist-Doesnt-ebook/dp/B0DHV6K8DX
Timestamps Highlights:
- [04:12] What TEDx organizers are really looking for
- [10:37] Why TED Talks are ideal for authors (even if your topic feels “done”)
- [17:55] The difference between a keynote, a Moth talk, and a TED talk
- [25:42] How a TEDx talk led to a Wall Street Journal book feature
- [38:00] How to stand out in the application pile
Rate and review The Author’s Edge on your favorite podcast platform. Your review helps us reach more authors like you. And if you know a friend who wants to speak on a TEDx stage—send them this episode. They'll thank you for it.
