TED Ed & TEDx Program

TED‑Style Talk Preparation Checklist (8‑Month Journey)

Your Mission:
Create and deliver a powerful TED‑style talk in November that shares your idea with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Use this checklist to track your progress from start to finish.

MONTH 1 — Get Inspired

Understanding what makes a great TED Talk

☐ Watch 2–3 TED or TED‑Ed talks

First
Second
Third

☐ Notice how speakers:

• Start strong
• Share one clear idea
• Use stories
• End with impact

☐ Join a group discussion

• What did you like?
• What made the talk memorable?
• What ideas inspired you?

🎯 Goal: Understand what a great TED‑style talk looks like.

MONTH 2 — Explore Your Ideas

Brainstorming topics you care about

☐ Make a list of 10 possible speech topics
☐ Topics should be:

• Important to you
• Based on experience, curiosity, or passion
• Helpful or interesting to others

☐ Share ideas in a group brainstorm
☐ Narrow your list to 3 topics
☐ Rank them:

• #1 First choice
• #2 Second choice
• #3 Third choice

🎯 Goal: Choose 3 strong, exciting ideas.

MONTH 3 — Write & Choose

Turning ideas into speeches

☐ Write 3 short draft speeches

• One draft for each topic
• Focus on the main idea and message

☐ Compare your drafts
☐ Choose ONE primary topic to move forward with

🎯 Goal: Select your final TED Talk topic.

MONTH 4 — Go Deeper with a Personal Project

Becoming an expert on your topic

☐ Complete a personal project related to your topic
Examples:

• Research
• Interview someone
• Start a small project
• Run an experiment
• Solve a real problem

☐ Reflect on what you learned
☐ Add new insights and stories to your speech

🎯 Goal: Strengthen your message with real experience.

MONTH 5 — Mentor Feedback & Revision

Sharpening your message

☐ Meet with your mentor to review your speech
☐ Get feedback on:

• Clarity
• Storytelling
• Flow
• Impact

☐ Revise your speech based on feedback

🎯 Goal: Create a clear, strong, near‑final speech.

MONTHS 6–7 — Practice & Mastery

Building confidence

☐ Deliver your speech at club meetings 5–6 times
☐ Improve after each delivery
☐ Focus on:

• Eye contact
• Voice and pacing
• Body language

☐ Memorize your speech

• Aim to speak naturally
• Minimal or no notes

🎯 Goal: Feel confident speaking without stress.

MONTH 8 — Slides, Tech, & Final Rehearsals

Getting stage‑ready

☐ Create simple slides in Canva

• Minimal text
• Strong visuals

☐ Mark in your speech where each slide changes

☐ Practice with:

• Microphone
• Slides
  ☐ Complete at least 3 full rehearsals

🎯 Goal: Be fully prepared for the TED stage.

FINAL STEP — TED EVENT (NOVEMBER)

Your moment to shine

☐ Walk on stage confidently
☐ Share your idea clearly
☐ Speak with purpose
☐ Trust your preparation

🎤 You are now a Grantsforce Fusion Speaker.