Marcey Rader's Blog

Turning 50 felt like a milestone that deserved something special, so I set a personal challenge: 50 goals before the big 5-0. Inspired by my friend Justin Jones Fosu's birthday challenges, I created my version—50 by 50. Over the past year, this journey has been eye-opening, and I’m excited to share some of the key moments.

Non-Work Related Travel

Carving out personal travel time was essential in a world where work is always a click away. My goal? Take at least five trips that had nothing to do with work. Here’s what that looked like:

New York City: I surprised my husband with a trip to visit a friend.Portland: It was a dual-purpose visit where I relaxed with a friend after recording a speaker reel.Asheville: A weekend with cousins.Myrtle Beach: I cheered on my niece at her softball game.Ghana: The highlight was commissioning a middle school in Akyremade and being part of the wedding party in a traditional Ghanaian wedding, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.Revisiting Impactful Books:

As someone who reads 40-50 books a year, I rarely reread. But I set out to revisit five impactful books:

“Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman*“Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin*“The ADHD Effect on Marriage” by Melissa Orlov*“Tools of Titans” by Tim Ferriss*“And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: A Novella” by Fredrik Backman*Creating Ideal Days:

Another goal was to craft and live out “ideal days” for my husband and myself.

Expanding Horizons: Food, Music, and MoreNew Local Restaurants: Discovering gems like Rosewater, Bida Manda, and Pure VeganLive Music and Plays: From P!nk's concert (x 2!) to “MJ.”Pushing Personal BoundariesBreak Dance Class: Despite a shoulder injury (and ongoing physical therapy), I gave it my all.Sensory Deprivation Tank: My husband and I enjoyed the experience so much that we now make it a monthly ritual.Meaningful ContributionsPersonal Letters to Service Workers: I handwrote letters to standout service employees and their managers at Pinehurst Resort, Mookie's New York Deli, Fairfield Inn, and Progressive Water Solutions.Reading Banned Books“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison“Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe“The Push” by Ashley Audrain“Crank” by Ellen Hopkins” All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto” by George M. JohnsonGiving a Gift to Family

Completing “Beyond the Estate Plan Guide: Important Details Your Family Needs When You Are Not Here to Tell Them” by Judith Guertin*.

For the rest of the challenge, check out the podcast!

Reflecting and Moving Forward

Each part of my 50-by-50 challenge was intentional. This wasn’t just about checking off 50 goals on a list—it was about creating meaningful experiences that support personal growth and productivity. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, consider setting your challenges. Small, purposeful goals can spark real transformation.

The post Marcey’s Ultimate Challenge: 50 Goals and Podcast Farewell appeared first on RaderCo.

Here's my penultimate blog post summary, explaining why I have only one post left because, for now, most blogs are dead.

Attending the National Speakers Association conferences this year, I immersed myself in artificial intelligence (AI) sessions. I repeatedly raised a pressing question: “Are blogs dead?” The consensus was affirmative. SEO has evolved—no more keyword stuffing; it's all about quality and relevance. AI content, often optimized for search engines over readers, floods the internet with shallow content. People crave depth and originality.

Zero Click Searches: A Game-Changer

Generative AI now dominates search engines. Search results provide instant answers without needing to click through to websites, a phenomenon known as “zero-click search.” This act reduces traffic to blogs. With AI making content creation easier, standing out in the crowded digital space has become more complicated.

Authenticity in an AI World

Skepticism toward AI content is growing—people can sense when content is machine-generated. My analogy is that it's like Botox when overused. It’s evident and off-putting. At RaderCo, we use AI strategically. I draft podcast episodes and refine them with tools like ChatGPT, but I never let AI fully take over.

Enhancement, Not Replacement

Tools like CastMagic and Grammarly enhance my work, not replace it. CastMagic helps with podcast summaries and titles, while Grammarly polishes my writing. I’ve learned to balance AI integration, using it to enhance my voice rather than replace it.

Time to Reflect and Redirect

AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming primary search resources but aren't always accurate. Plus, blogging takes time—time better spent elsewhere. As we approach our 100th podcast episode, I’m reflecting on priorities. Our podcast has been a valuable resource and created the library of training that I wanted to give my clients. It’s time to shift focus.

Shifting Priorities

Producing a 15-minute podcast episode and corresponding blog takes about three hours, and I’m ready to redirect that effort. They remain a resource, and we would never have guessed that teams would use them as pre-meeting work to discuss. Stay tuned for what's next in the RaderCo world.

For more, check out our episode on “Sunsetting Programs and Rebuilding from Ashes.”

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The myth: Find your passion early, stick with it, and you'll never work a day in your life.

The reality: 70% of us don't have a single identifiable passion, especially not at a young age. Most people will have an average of seven careers in their lifetime. Feeling lost or have career anxiety? You're not alone. Here are three truths to help you find happiness and purpose in your career.

Truth #1: There is No One “Right” PathMyth: You need to discover your passion, or you'll stray off course.Reality: Any step you take offers valuable experience and new skills. Be bold, take that first step, and approach each role curiously. Every experience, even the “wrong” ones, contributes to your journey.Truth #2: Your Worst Days Make the Best StoriesStruggles and failures: These are the foundations of great stories and valuable lessons.Perspective: Next time you're having a tough day, remember this is the beginning of a great story. Obstacles are where the good stuff starts.Truth #3: Celebrate Your Winding PathNon-linear careers: Instead of apologizing for a diverse career path, celebrate it.Reframe: Use “and” and “so” to describe your journey. Highlight how your varied experiences make you uniquely valuable.Finding fulfillment in the journey

You don't need to know your passion or feel guilty about not having one. You can overcome career anxiety and move forward. Your career is a journey of gathering information, reflecting, and moving forward. Have fun, make mistakes, and keep collecting those stories. That's what a genuinely fulfilling career path is all about.

Guest post by Jennifer McCluskey, RaderCo Career Specialist, Certified ICF Career Coach, and Certified Resume Writer.

The post Overcoming Career Anxiety: Embracing Diverse Experiences for Success appeared first on RaderCo.

Imagine a journalist shadowing your day. You'd outline your top priorities—personal and professional—and they would follow you from dawn to dusk, scrutinizing your every move. Would they find you living aligned with those priorities, or would your actions tell a different story?

Reality Check: Priorities in Actions vs. Words

We've all been there. We proclaim that family comes first but miss important events due to work commitments. My TEDx talk, “The Relentless Pursuit of More,” highlighted my struggles with this issue. I told myself I valued my husband, yet my actions often didn't match up. Traveling all week for business, only to spend weekends training for triathlons, left little quality time together. I prioritized health, but not enough to stop checking emails and go to bed on time.

Marcey and Wendy at their 5th business anniversary reflections brunch.Client Stories: Learning from Misalignment

Jada believed in putting family first. Yet she missed several of her son's basketball games, including his winning free throw, due to last-minute work tasks and meetings. She felt guilty but couldn't resist the urge to answer one more email or attend one last meeting.

Brad faced prediabetes and stressed that his health was a priority. However, the journalist documenting his life never saw him exercise. His sedentary workday and frequent Chik-Fil-A stops painted a different picture.

Kai, newly married and driven to climb the corporate ladder, took up heading a new market launch right when their partner was diagnosed with cancer. Despite promises to be there for chemo appointments, work commitments took precedence. Kai later realized that while work opportunities were endless, their time with their partner was finite.

The Misalignment Problem

Common theme: Actions often don't match priorities. Do you ignore your kids for scrolling Instagram or ESPN newsfeeds or choose the latest episode instead of going for a walk? Even Netflix's CEO admits their biggest competitor is ….sleep.

© Weeno Photography 2024 One Solution: The Powered Path Program

Addressing this misalignment requires constant awareness and reevaluation. Enter the Powered Path Program— an hour-long online productivity course paired with a digital or physical playbook. This tool helps you set and continually review your top three personal and top three professional priorities, be it annually, quarterly, monthly, or even weekly.

I've followed this regimen for almost a decade.

My current quarterly priorities:

Professional: New speaker reel, website update, book chapters. Personal: Complete 50 by 50 list, daily quiet time, support my husband in his health decisions.

For accountability, I write, share, and review these with friends and colleagues.

Making It Tangible: Your Personal Accountability

Reflect on these questions: Are you writing down your priorities? Are you sharing them with others? Knowing we'll be held accountable can make a huge difference.

I hold quarterly reflections with close friends and weekly meetings with my husband to review our 90-day visions and priorities. These sessions keep me honest and help ensure my actions align with my priorities.

[image error]Marcey and Lily doing quarterly reflections.Invite the Journalist in

Live a life where your actions match your words. Let scrutiny reveal a story of proper alignment and fulfillment. Start walking your talk today, making conscious choices towards a balanced life.

Aligning your actions with your priorities goes beyond setting intentions; it requires consistent effort, accountability, and the readiness to make hard choices. Let today mark the beginning of walking your talk, making conscious decisions toward living a life true to your stated priorities.

To check out the Powered Path Program, visit www.helloraderco.com/playbook.

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Do you have a desktop full of files and can't even see the photo on your screen? Do you repeatedly get a message that your storage is full? It might be time to declutter your digital life.

Some of this message is an excerpt from my book, Work Well. Play More! Productive, Clutter-Free, Healthy Living – One Step at a Time.

If the term “declutter” brings to mind organizing and cleaning out physical spaces, that's reasonable. But even though it may feel like we have unlimited storage, we don't, and all that clutter also wastes time and decisions. A study by McKinsey reported that employees spend an average of 1.8 hours a day searching and gathering information. A study by Interact found that 19.8% of work time is wasted in searching for information. That is egregious, considering how many people contact us for personal coaching, team training, or consulting because they are overloaded with work tasks and need more time.

A few years ago, I had a client who had a desktop background of a photo of her and her infant son at the beach. I could hardly see the picture because of all the files she had on her desktop. When I asked her about the documents, she didn't know what some of them were and had to open them.

“Don't you want to see that little baby belly?” I asked her.

Her goal was to reduce the number of files until she could see that cute little guy and feel joy instead of being overwhelmed when she opened her computer. Your child, family, or vacation photo should never be the backdrop for files that make you feel overloaded.

I have three recommendations for wallpaper on your desktop. Choose the one that speaks to you:

Make a list of your top three priorities or goals for the month or week and

make it your wallpaper (bonus productivity booster!)Choose an inspiring photo that makes you happy

Choose completely white wallpaper to

remind yourself to create more white space in your life

On my desktop, I have one folder named Quick Stuff. I check this every month because it's typically stuff I need access to effortlessly for a short time.

Photos, Videos, and Files

Digital hoarding is the accumulation of files, photos, or videos you will never look at. They take up space, could slow down your computer, and waste your time. How are they a time waster? Remember the last time you wanted to show someone a photo on your phone; it took you longer than they had the patience to find it. Or maybe YOU were waiting while they scrolled to show you that must-see photo.

Action: As soon as you take the photo or 5 or 10 photos, go back through and delete the ones that aren't great. There is no reason to keep multiple images of the same people and pose. The next time you are waiting in line for something, pull out your phone and start ruthlessly deleting pictures that aren't relevant, don't look good, or are no longer interesting to you.

For files, I schedule a monthly clean-up where I do a quick scan of files I've downloaded in the last 30 days to see if I still need them or can send them to the trash. It takes me less than five minutes among all the platforms and makes it much easier to find what I need.

Apps

How many apps are on your phone that you don't use?

According to Zippia, the average user has about 80 apps on their phone and uses 9-10 daily and about 30 monthly. Unused apps are sucking up your storage. Why make your eyeballs do the work and scan over that junk every time you look at your phone? Apps are so fast to download; many can be Just in Time (JIT), such as airline or hotel apps if you don't travel frequently or shopping apps if you only go to the store a few times a year.

Removing apps can also be helpful to curb impulse shopping (the Amazon Prime app can bankrupt you), spend less time on social media, or decrease your gaming. These three types of apps are often used out of boredom. You could do other things in those moments, like practicing a breathing technique while waiting in line or just thinking while going up in the elevator for 12 seconds. Yes, you can actually “thinkitate” sometimes and do nothing. We did it all the time before we had smartphones attached to our hands.

Here's how to offload some of those 50-ish apps you don't use:

Android devices

• Open the Google Play Store app

• Go to the menu in the top-left corner of the screen

• Sort by Last Used

• Select the apps you wish to uninstall

Apple devices

To offload apps, which take the app off your device but continue storing the data in the cloud if you want to reinstall one of them later.

• Open your Settings, scroll to App Store

• Scroll to Offload Unused Apps and toggle “On” (While you're at it, turn off Video Autoplay)

To delete apps

• Go to Settings

• Tap General, then iPhone Storage—all your apps will be listed here, with the largest at the top

• Delete the ones you don't use

Contact Purge

Take a quick scroll in your contacts. How many people do you see that you have no idea who they are?

Go through your list of contacts one letter a day, deleting all the names you have no idea who they are or who you won't need to contact again (e.g., you don't need to store the phone number of your ex-landlord from three years ago). This could be an easy waiting room task. It feels good to scroll down my list and only see people I know.

One thing I did that saved me from an unwieldy contact list was choosing NOT to sync my Gmail contacts to my phone. Sometimes, I only email people once and want to avoid that contact on my phone. I'll never call them or email them.

During the pandemic, I did something fun while purging contacts. I went through one letter at a time, and deleting people from my phone reminded me to reach out to some of the people I hadn't talked to for a while. I did it again over the last few months.

In the future, when adding someone to your phone or email contacts, quickly note how you met them or what they look like to spark a memory. Many deleted ones didn't have this info, and I wish I had thought of it sooner.

Cords

And one last thing, trash 'em if you have cords and can't figure out what they go to. If you have more extras than you know what to do with, consider donating them to a women's shelter where many women leave their houses so quickly they can't get a cord to charge their devices. Pro travel tip – if you forget your cord, always ask at the front desk. They are left so often that they may have what you need. And for the future? Label those cords every time you get one to eliminate the “what's this for” question next time!

Save time, device storage, and brain energy finding files by decluttering your digital devices and cleaning your digital laundry!

For more steps in novice, pro, and master-level behaviors, check out my book at www.workwellplaymore.com.

The post Declutter Your Digital Life appeared first on RaderCo.

The Challenge: Conference prep, attendance, and follow-up can feel overwhelming. The good news? You can streamline this process to maximize benefits and minimize burnout.

Setting Clear Goals

Why it Matters: Goals provide direction. Whether you aim to network, learn new skills, or meet potential clients, clear goals set the stage for a productive conference.

Pro Tip: Set one overarching goal or break it down with daily focuses. Early in my career, I aimed to learn more speaking skills. Now, after 11 years in business and 14 years of speaking, I focus on networking. A win for me is walking away with one or two new insights.

Strategically Plan Your Schedule

Action Step: Review the agenda and prioritize must-attend sessions. Introverts – schedule downtime to recharge.

Pro Tip: Pre-conference connections are gold. Contact potential meetups via email or LinkedIn, but leave room for spontaneous encounters. I always plan one or two meetups before the conference starts, like a dinner or early coffee.

Packing Essentials

Must-Haves:

Comfortable shoes (30,000 steps a day at one conference!)Jacket or sweater (conference rooms = Arctic zones)Snacks, gum, mints, travel mug, water bottle

Pro Tip: Take hand warmers if you are prone to freezing and keep them in your pockets.

Staying Engaged Without Burning Out

Pace Yourself: Avoid every session and schedule breaks.

Pro Tip:

Plan for nights out and early mornings.Eat light and eat meals that will avoid energy crashes. Choose one meal a day to splurge, and try not to eat too many high-sugar, high-carb meals at lunch so you don't hit a mid-afternoon slump.Stop caffeine around 2:00 p.m. for better sleep.Marcey and Wendy at the NSA Thrive ConferenceSmart Networking

Focus on Quality: Aim for meaningful conversations over a race for the most business cards.

Pro Tip: Snap photos of those business cards and send them to an assistant or someone on Fiverr to organize on a spreadsheet with links to their website, LinkedIn profile, and email address. Follow up within two days.

Efficient Note-Taking

Simplify: Distill notes into three columns or pages – quotes, actions, and stories.

Pro Tip: Reflect daily and prioritize three key actions. Post-conference, look at your three items each day and narrow them down again until you have only three actions—manageable and sustainable!

Post-Conference Organization

Action Step: Upon returning, organize notes, highlight three action items, and follow up with new contacts promptly.

Pro Tip: Schedule no meetings for your first day back to integrate key takeaways and follow-up.

NSA Carolinas group at Thrive.The Bottom Line:

With smart planning, energy management, and effective follow-ups, you can maximize your conference experience without burnout and have a solid plan to implement your actions.

The post Conference Prep and Return: Tips to Maximize Benefits appeared first on RaderCo.

Do you have anything in your life that you list out, and the list keeps growing longer and longer, and you don't even know where to start? In 2024, I limited my books to limit my decisions and call it my 50 shades of reading.

I'm an avid reader, and whenever someone asks me what I'm up to on a weekend, my answer is usually “reading a book.” I read about 40 to 50 books a year in various formats – Kindle, print, or audio. Today, I will share my secrets on how I manage this reading frenzy and why I'm limiting my book choices for 2024.

First off, I'm a fast reader. It's a natural talent that's been with me for as long as I can remember. That certainly helps when you're excited to plow through a mountain of books. Additionally, I'm not a big TV watcher. Binge-watching for me means a couple of hours, tops, and I still need a break between episodes. Instead, I choose to read. I read print books in my infrared sauna, but my go-to is the Kindle. It's portable and makes bedtime reading a breeze with its one-handed page-turning. Plus, most of my Kindle books come from the library through the Libby app – a great way to save some bucks!

Now, the Kindle's highlight feature is a game-changer. I mark quotes, passages, and points I want to reference, then export them to my email. This gives me a PDF and an Excel spreadsheet of all my notes, which I revisit after finishing the book. It reinforces what I've learned and provides me with conversation points for book discussions or chats with friends or my husband. Yes, I've returned to re-reading quotes and passages years later – it's like rediscovering buried treasure.

For audio, I rely on Libby as well. Whenever possible, I time it to have the audio and Kindle versions to switch between listening while doing chores and reading when I have quiet time. Non-fiction gets the 1.25x speed treatment, while fiction stays at 1.0.

My reading tastes are diverse, so I usually have two books going at once. During the day, it's business or personal development, and I switch to lighter or fiction reads in the evening.

My 50 shades of reading for 2024

In my line of work, where I've written three books myself and am working on my fourth, I often receive books as gifts or requests for beta reading. A group of people often does beta reading before the book comes out to give feedback or recommendations. It usually has a time limit of 2-3 weeks to meet the author's deadline. Last year was particularly overwhelming, with 7 beta reads, 14 books given to me by other authors, and countless recommendations.

At the end of December, I pruned my Goodreads ‘want to read' list down to just 50 to simplify and avoid disappointing people. Those are the books I'll be reading – no new additions until those are conquered.

Interested in seeing what I chose? My Goodreads queue.

How did I choose them? I asked my mastermind group, “Speakers With Impact,” who had books coming out in 2024 – it turns out all five of them. A few friends had their own books launching. I had also committed to reading five banned books simply because the concept of banning a book is ridiculous. I removed books lingering on my list without an apparent reason or any I couldn't recall who recommended them.

Culling my book list wasn't easy, but it was a fun exercise. In fact, it even inspired one of my friends to declutter her reading list.

I'm not a fan of endless choices, whether it's in my streaming queue or my book list. My Netflix, Apple, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime queues have never had more than 8-10 items. The endless scrolling and adding? Not my cup of tea.

So, does this resonate with you? Maybe not with books or streaming queues, but is there anything else in your life where you'd rather not have a never-ending list of options?

If you want help creating guardrails to reduce decision fatigue and prioritize what truly matters, let's continue the conversation. Send me a message.

The post 50 Shades of Reading – How I Reduced Decision Fatigue appeared first on RaderCo.

Do you dread your vacation because you have to work at breakneck speed to prepare, only to return to an overflowing inbox? You're not alone. Many Americans struggle to disconnect, creating a cycle of anticipatory stress that affects not just us but our travel companions as well. But fear not, embracing a vacation unplugged can be your new skill set, and it’s easier than you think. You don't have to be a vacation martyr!

The Statistics Don’t Lie

According to a study conducted by ELVTR on 2300 workers over 18 years old, a staggering 68% of people work on vacation across all demographics. Flip that number, and you’ll see that 32% manage to disconnect entirely.

Reasons for Working on VacationNeed for Control (15%): Some people work because they need to be in control. Does this resonate with you?Love for the Job (27%): They adore their job and don’t mind working on vacation. But does their family feel the same?No One to Delegate To (37%): These individuals don’t have people to offload their tasks to.Pre-Vacation StrategiesBlock Your Calendar

Before you set sail, block your calendar the day before you leave and your first day back. This isn't just about avoiding meetings but giving yourself VIP time to wrap up loose ends and ease back into work. Whether your vacation is six months out or next week, block those dates now. It'll guard you against last-minute scheduling chaos.

Update Your Email Signature

Around two to three weeks before your vacation, update your email signature to announce your out-of-office dates. Use a standout color—like red or purple—and make it eye-catching. For instance, “Heads up: out of the office and out of the inbox from May 15 to May 23.” This alerts colleagues and clients early on and reduces last-minute scrambles.

Set Expectations

If you've previously checked emails or texts while on vacation, setting new expectations is crucial. Inform your colleagues and clients well in advance that you’ll be entirely unplugged this time. Hold yourself and others accountable.

Assign a Gatekeeper

Choose one person to be your contact point and define what constitutes a true emergency. Email is a no-go since it exposes you to all your inbox messages. Instead, opt for a phone call. The inconvenience of making a phone call will often make people reconsider if it’s really worth interrupting your vacation.

While You’re AwayDelegate like a Pro

Fully brief your backup with the necessary information, program access, and decision-making powers. Equip them well so they can handle anything in your absence. For me, providing our concierge, Lisa, access to essential tools like Podia and ConvertKit codes is crucial for a smooth handover.

Resist the Urge to Peek

Empower your team and show them you trust them by resisting the urge to check emails. Each glance adds to your stress and detracts from your relaxation. Remember, your team is capable!

Set Phone on Driving Mode

To avoid constant pings, set your phone on driving mode with a custom message informing people that you’re on vacation and unavailable till your return. This simple trick ensures you’re not bombarded with texts and lets the sender know why you’re not responsive.

Scheduled Check-ins (For Solopreneurs)

If you must check your emails, assign one time daily—preferably early in the morning. Set a timer for 15 minutes, scan through the essentials, and then shut it down. Inform your family that this is the only time you can check in, reducing their anticipatory stress.

Post-Vacation StrategiesAvoid the Pre-Return Peak

Don’t give in to the temptation to log in and get ahead of Monday's workload. You have blocked your calendar, so trust your strategy. Also, keep your out-of-office message one day longer than your actual return date to give yourself time to catch up.

Utilize Offline Modes

If you're using Outlook, click “work offline” after downloading all your emails. This prevents new emails from flooding your inbox and lets you respond in peace. Once you’re done, toggle back to online mode to send all responses in one go, avoiding continuous back-and-forth. Similarly, Boomerang's Inbox Pause feature can keep incoming emails at bay while you catch up.

Embrace the Skill of Vacation Unplugged

Taking a vacation should be a time of rest and recharge even when you work from home. Implement these steps and wear your ability to disconnect like a badge of honor. It's more than just taking time off; it’s investing in your overall well-being and productivity. Now, go ahead and unplug!

You can download these tips and more at radergoodies.com/vacation

The post Vacation Unplugged: Mastering the Art of Taking Time Off From Work appeared first on RaderCo.

In the dynamic world of speaking, the line between a good presentation and an unforgettable one is often drawn by the speaker's ability to hold their audience's attention. The pressure to excel can be overwhelming, whether it's the high-energy TEDx stage or a crucial corporate pitch. This is where the unique expertise of Helen Moses, a Voice and Communication Strategist, TEDx Speaker Coach, and RaderCo Team Specialist, shines through and helps you master your TEDx. She certainly helped me with mine!

In a recent episode of the Health-Powered Productivity Podcast, Helen shared invaluable insights into elevating your speaking prowess. Below are the highlights of the conversation. Listen to the 20-minute podcast for more!

The Role of Preparation

Helen underscores the importance of thorough preparation, emphasizing that it's more than just memorizing lines. It's about imbuing each word with meaning and crafting a message that resonates deeply with the audience.

Crafting Content

Helen advocates for clarity and impact when structuring your talk. Speakers can ensure their audience gets a memorable takeaway by honing in on a powerful message.

The Emotional Connection

According to Helen, Shifting the focus from self-impression to audience connection is critical. Speakers can forge authentic connections that leave a lasting impression by prioritizing serving the audience.

Practical Advice

Speakers can turn potential mishaps into moments of grace by having contingency plans and maintaining composure. Helen provides practical tips on handling unexpected presentation challenges like technical glitches. Speakers can turn potential mishaps into moments of grace by having contingency plans and maintaining composure.

Day-Of Dynamics

Helen emphasizes the importance of priming oneself for peak performance on presentation day. Every aspect, from physical warm-ups to vocal exercises, contributes to a confident and compelling delivery.

Never Stop Learning

Helen emphasizes seeking feedback and coaching for continuous growth, even for seasoned speakers. She reminds us that the journey to mastery is ongoing and that there's always room for improvement.

Effective public speaking transcends mere delivery—it's about empowerment through expression. Whether you're gearing up to master your TEDx talk or a pivotal presentation, remember that your voice can inspire change. With purpose, preparation, and passion, you can unleash your full speaking potential and leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Read or listen to My Tedx Experience: From Preparation to Post-Event here.

Watch my TEDx The Relentless Pursuit of More.

The post Amplifying Your Voice: Master Your TEDx and Other Presentations appeared first on RaderCo.

Stepping onto the TEDx stage was a unique experience and a rollercoaster of emotions. Whether you're a speaker or not, this podcast and blog post will give you a glimpse into the intense process of TEDx preparation and delivering such an important talk and the invaluable lessons I earned. 

Intro to TED and TEDx

First, a quick intro to TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. TED talks are 18 minutes or less of a topic that is an ‘idea worth spreading.' No TED speaker gets paid, not even Bill Gates and they tend to be very well-known people. TEDx is under the umbrella of TED and is focused on a local geographic area like a city or a school. The event often has a theme; you must live in or near the area or have some tie to it.

I applied for TEDx NCState and was accepted due to my tie of speaking twice yearly to the Park Scholars on the topics of focus and distraction.

University TEDx events are run by students and are assigned student curators rather than a speaker coach. 

This TEDx talk differed from my usual. It was very personal and vulnerable and not what I usually speak about. I am more of a ‘how' speaker. I teach and train and give a little bit of the ‘why' and focus on the ‘how' to save you time, energy, and focus. This was 15 minutes on the why I do what I do and how I came to have my beliefs about it. I'm only on LinkedIn and tend to stick to business, so sharing personal stories about some of my epic failures felt like I was looking for attention, and that's not me. But I knew my story was many people's because so much of it was my clients' stories, too. 

Something else different is that I'm not a speaker that goes off a script. With more of a workshop/training format, I ask many audience questions and get the engagement that way. With the storytelling and short format of TEDx, I needed it to be rehearsed. Some events even ask for the script and ask you not to deviate. I've only memorized talks a couple of times for other events, and it's much more challenging for me. 

Preparation Process

The preparation process for a TEDx talk was a unique and intense experience. It involved countless hours of scripting, rehearsing, and refining every word, every pause, and every emotion to ensure a compelling and impactful delivery. 

I first hired Helen Moses, RaderCo's Vocal Communications Specialist and former TEDx Raleigh coach, to help with my script. In January, I rehearsed with my student curators, my Speakers With Impact Mastermind, and then three times with Storytelling Expert Kelly Swanson. 

Each time, I took their feedback and continued to tweak it. 

Then, I presented to the Born Toastmasters group of professional speakers. They were kind enough to allow me to test it out, and their feedback was invaluable, allowing me to shift an entire section of the talk. 

I made a point not to rehearse in front of any of my friends because I wanted the talk to surprise them when they saw it. Some of them had been with me during parts of my life I was speaking about, or they were mentioned in the talk itself. I couldn't even rehearse in front of my husband!

Rehearsals

I rehearsed for 15-30 minutes every day, seven days a week, and then an hour a day in the last month. I would spend five minutes on just one section, memorizing that section. Then, I spent another five minutes reading the sections before and after it, and then I would do the entire talk. I rehearsed all the time – in my infrared sauna, after doing a set of pull-ups or burpees so my heart rate would be up (in case of nerves), as I walked around my neighborhood (yes, I talked to myself and probably scared my neighbors) and in the car.

The most important thing I did for rehearsal was rent an Airbnb cottage for two nights, about 75 minutes from my house. It was on a farm with a back deck, perfect for pretending it was my stage. Between 45-minute rehearsal sprints, I walked their property (sometimes rehearsing then, too). I spent day two creating a workshop to accompany it.

I didn't add slides until a month before because I wasn't sure if I would use them, but enough people told me it would add to it. I only added a few, but I agree that they were necessary.

In the last week, I rehearsed an hour a day, and on the day of the event, I went through it about 4-6 times. I wasn't worried that it would seem canned because there were still some lines or words I would ad-lib a little—not too much, though. Because I reviewed my script so many times, I didn't want a single extra line that wasn't necessary or didn't add to the story. I was intentional about it being under 15 minutes.

There are also two sections in the story, one about my friend Lisa and one at the end where I am hugging my husband, where I got choked up or cried all but four times the entire time I rehearsed them. I couldn't believe I was still that emotional about it, even on the day of the event! I didn't mind getting choked up a little, but I didn't want the audience to feel like they had to take care of me. Thankfully, that night, I didn't lose it and break down.

55 Hours!

Ultimately, from the application to the event day, I had put 55 hours into it. Yes, I kept track! When I hear people comment about speakers like “They get paid WHAT to speak for an hour?” or “They could pay me half that to speak.” … According to Nancy Duarte, who coaches people on keynotes, a brand new one-hour keynote should take about 90 hours to research and develop content, create the slide deck, and practice the delivery. Plus, speakers are constantly building on it based on what's working and what's not with the audience. A seasoned speaker will know how much story to include, how to engage an audience, and how to deliver effectively. Just like your favorite band doesn't write the song onstage or write and rehearse for a few hours to do a one-hour set, neither do speakers.

24 Hours Before

The day before the event, I received flowers from Judith and Elisabeth, RaderCo Productivity Specialists; that was my first insight into how much people were rooting and excited for me. The morning of the event, Concierge Lisa (and my bestie) pulled into my driveway at 7:30am with a unicorn carrot cake and power bites as well as a beautiful card (no one makes or writes cards like Lisa…I don't even try to compete with her). My friend Lilly called and said the most beautiful prayer for me, which made me sob with gratitude. My husband left late in the morning so I could have some alone time (which included about 20 minutes of Game of Thrones to decompress).

Fashion

Let's talk hair, makeup, and clothing! Clothes at TEDx are business casual. They recommend clothes you would wear to a retreat. I started having my stylist Michelle make funky pants to make the top simple. At the last moment, we switched to the matching jacket and kept the pants plain. I added some pink iridescent shoes, and it felt incredible!

She also did my hair and makeup that day, which I'm not good at, and I wanted to feel like a rock star when I hit that stage. Needless to say, I had countless comments about my outfit, and I was so proud to say it was custom-made by my friend!

Hours Preceding

Three hours before I went onstage, I put two OraCoat Xylimelts in my mouth. After seeing three professional speakers in the previous month get dry mouth during their TEDx talk, I didn't want to take any chances. It's so wild how different TED is. I was more relaxed when speaking to 100 emirates in Dubai or in front of 3000 people. With TED, it's scripted, all about the video you receive, and you cannot go over 18 minutes. I digress…the Xylimelts go up into your gum and give you more saliva. They dissolved over about four hours, and I had no problem. I barely noticed them by the time I spoke.

The hour before, we had a speaker green room, but I opted to hang out in the hallway because there were students playing hangman, which was distracting. I also brought a root beer Olipop (my treat drink) and a small snack, which was good since the green room had no water. The snacks were potato chips and Oreos (note to anyone….do not eat Oreos before you go onstage!).

Stage time!

The event room was challenging because it was long and narrow. This means that in the video, you look like your head is on a swivel because you are looking back and forth to engage the far sides of the room. I've been unable to use video from other events because of this. I was so intent on making them feel part of it that I didn't look to the middle! Instead, because the video from TEDx is so essential, I decided to pretend I had one of those cones that dogs wear on my head, and I only looked out about that much.

The lighting was weird in that there wasn't any. There wasn't a spotlight, so it was hard to see my transition slides, and it felt like a corporate business meeting. When I went onstage, the person running the slides had left to go to the bathroom and didn't tell anyone, so I waited. Yes, folks, you can wait until you are ready to go!

The Aftermath

Overall, I'm happy with how it turned out. I had a slide delay at the end where I was one slide behind, but most people said it wasn't that noticeable. There needed to be a confidence monitor, mirror, or anything to see what slide we were on without turning and looking at the slide, and I didn't want to do that. There are other things I would critique myself on as a speaker because that's my job. Still, given the emotional content when tears threatened to spill, I'm giving it a pass. The most important part was that it connected with the audience, and it did. People laughed when they were supposed to, and some even cried.

Lessons Earned:I should have made it very clear I wanted the lights down so it didn't feel like a business meeting.I should have peeked at my slide at the end to see which one I was on or brought my own mirror to sit up against a chair in the front to see where I was.Hiring Helen Moses to help me craft it while still keeping it authentic.Going to the AirBnB to rehearse and get in the right headspace.Having a custom jacket made because I felt like a rock star.Using the Xylitol melts.

Afterward, I was overwhelmed with comments from friends, audience members, clients, and other speakers. My favorite quote was, “That was an emotional rollercoaster everyone needs to ride on!”. My husband, who hasn't seen me speak in at least five years, said I was “astounding.” I got compliments on my delivery, comedic timing, and vocal range. Most importantly, I had people message me days later, saying the impact it had on them and how they were reevaluating their lives.

The entire weekend was filled with ugly cries as I left personal voice memos, texts, or emails to every person I had seen in the audience I knew. The responses would send me right back to the waterworks. 

Using the video to market the ‘why' behind my ‘how' personality will be a great asset for business. Building the workshop to go along with the keynote will allow me to work with a group on discovering where they have unsustainable goals in their lives, determining whether they are living in alignment with what they say their priorities are, and figuring out why they are waiting to focus on certain health issues and relationships.

I'll let you watch the video when it comes out (and will link to it here when it's available) and see what I mean by the Relentless Pursuit of More. I would love for you to respond in the video comments on your ‘more,' an unsustainable goal you've been carrying, or how the talk otherwise impacted your life. 

If you would like to have this keynote and workshop delivered at your next event, please reach out via our website at helloraderco.com. Break the cycle of unsustainable goals to prioritize health, relationships, and what truly matters.

*From an efficiency standpoint, I created this podcast and blog post because I knew many people would ask me about my TEDx preparation and experience. Now, I can send the post! Stay tuned for Part 2 with my speaker coach, Helen Moses.

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