A TEDx experience of my own
The journey to the red stage.
Let’s start at the beginning. For those who may not know, TED is an event dedicated to sharing ideas through short, impactful talks. Many renowned speakers have taken the stage, and their presentations are available for free on YouTube.
Now, let me tell you about my experience. Participating in a TEDx was one of the most intense and rewarding moments of my career. From the very start, I recognized that this wouldn’t be just another talk; it was an opportunity to share my perspective with an engaged audience eager for transformative ideas.
I chose to discuss the vital role of reading in forging deep connections between children and the adults in their lives—whether parents, family members, or teachers. Reading plays a crucial function in fostering emotional connections, a message that deeply resonates with me. However, I faced a challenge: the TEDx audience was primarily composed of young adults without children, prompting me to rethink how to make my message relevant and impactful for them.
After finalizing my script, I went through several revisions and began rehearsing. I dedicated weeks to practicing my speech, refining my tone and posture until I felt ready. The day before the event, I had one chance to rehearse on stage—and I panicked. My nerves got the best of me, and I blanked. I returned home filled with dread about failing, losing sleep as I replayed my talk in my mind.
On the day of the event, the heat was intense, I hadn’t eaten lunch, and the memory of my earlier struggle loomed large. Despite the pressure, I stepped onto the stage and, in front of a crowd, managed to deliver my speech. Concluding my talk on that Sunday was exhilarating, and the positive feedback I received afterward was immensely gratifying. I truly enjoyed the experience of speaking on stage.
Accept challenges, they become small when you look back
We grow significantly when we overcome our fears and move forward. I tend to take on challenges and then realize what I’ve committed to. Ashamed to back down, I choose to push ahead. In the end, seeing how far I’ve come and the new skills I’ve developed is rewarding. Now I feel more confident to face even greater challenges. And they will come!
If you haven't seen my talk yet, here’s the link. I hope you enjoy it and find it moving!(I speak in Portuguese, so just choose the subtitle with automatic translation of your choice)
