How to Use Your Book to Get on a TEDx Stage
As an author, you’ve already taken the bold step of putting your thoughts, ideas, and expertise into the world. But if you want to take your message to the next level, landing a spot on a **TEDx stage** is the perfect way to amplify your impact. At Book Brilliance Publishing, we know that a book is more than just a product—it’s a powerful tool that can open doors, including the prestigious red circle of a TEDx talk.
Getting on a TEDx stage might seem daunting, but your book can serve as the perfect catalyst. It’s all about strategy, leveraging your book’s message, and making the right connections. Here’s how you can use your book to get there, with actionable steps and examples from successful British authors who’ve done just that.
- Refine Your Core Message: What’s Your ‘Idea Worth Spreading’?
TEDx talks are built around one central concept: “Ideas worth spreading.” As an author, you’ve already developed expertise around a particular theme or topic. But TEDx isn’t about promoting your book—it’s about sharing a unique, thought-provoking idea.
Action Step: Go back to the core message of your book. Ask yourself, “What’s the big idea here? What concept could change people’s thinking, spark action, or start a conversation?” Once you identify that, shape it into a concise, clear idea you convey in 18 minutes or less.
For example, Matthew Syed, the British author of Bounce and Black Box Thinking, used the principles of his books to craft a TEDx talk about the power of learning from failure. His books helped him shape the message, but the core idea—how failure can be a driver of success—earned him a spot on the TEDx stage.
- Build Your Personal Brand: Leverage Your Book to Gain Visibility
To get on a TEDx stage, you need visibility. Your book is your calling card—use it to establish yourself as an expert in your field and build an audience that wants to hear what you have to say. TEDx organisers are always looking for credible speakers, and your book can prove that you know your stuff.
Action Step: Start positioning yourself as a thought leader. Use your book to land podcast interviews, contribute guest articles to industry publications, and engage with your audience on social media. You don’t need to be famous, but you do need to show that your voice matters in your field.
British author Dr Rangan Chatterjee, best known for The Four Pillar Plan, used his book as the foundation for his TEDx talk about the power of lifestyle change in medicine. Through his podcast, public appearances, and media contributions, Chatterjee built up a solid personal brand that caught the attention of TEDx organisers.
- Connect with TEDx Organisers: Build Relationships
Getting on a TEDx stage isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about connecting with the right people. Individuals in your community or network organise many TEDx events. The key is to find those organisers and start building relationships.
Action Step: Research local TEDx events in your area or regions where your book’s message resonates. TEDx events are independently organised; you can find them on the official TEDx website or social media. Once you identify events, reach out to the organisers with a concise pitch about how your idea aligns with their theme.
For example, Nic Marks, author of The Happiness Manifesto, used his research on happiness and well-being to land a TEDx talk on “The Happy Planet Index.” By targeting suitable events and showing organisers how his idea fit into their theme, Marks positioned himself as the perfect speaker for their platform.
- Craft a Pitch Around Your Idea, Not Your Book
One of the biggest mistakes authors make when applying for a TEDx talk is focusing too much on their book. TEDx isn’t about promoting your book—it’s about sharing a compelling idea that resonates with a broad audience. Your book provides the foundation, but your talk should be focused on the concept, not the product.
Action Step: Craft a concise and compelling pitch that outlines your idea in a way that grabs attention. Focus on the value your concept offers to the audience. Use your book as a way to establish your authority, but make it clear that your talk is about the idea that can spark change.
Take Sir Ken Robinson, for example. While his books on creativity and education are widely known, his TEDx talk on ‘How Schools Kill Creativity’ catapulted his message into the spotlight. The talk wasn’t about his book—it was about a fresh, bold idea that resonated with millions.
- Rehearse, Refine, and Deliver with Passion
Once you’ve secured your TEDx spot, the real work begins. TEDx talks are highly polished and rehearsed, so it’s essential that you practice until your delivery is seamless. Your book has equipped you with the knowledge, but now you need to refine your storytelling, connect emotionally with your audience, and deliver your message with impact.
Action Step: Rehearse your talk repeatedly until you can deliver it naturally and confidently. Seek peer feedback or hire a speaking coach to help you fine-tune your delivery.
British author Mel Robbins, known for ‘The 5 Second Rule’, nailed her TEDx talk through months of practice. Her compelling delivery helped her talk go viral, transforming her from a successful author into a global motivational speaker.
Final Thoughts: Turn Your Book into a TEDx Stage Ticket
At Book Brilliance Publishing, we believe that every book has the potential to go beyond the page. With the right strategy, you can turn your book into a powerful tool that lands you on a TEDx stage, amplifying your message and growing your personal brand.
Remember, focusing on your idea, building visibility, and connecting with the right people is vital. Your book is just the beginning—your TEDx talk is the next chapter in your journey to making a lasting impact. Let’s make it happen!